Christian stories of broken souls finding God and romance Jesus never promised a life of sweetness and nice; He promises hope. The weakest flame is stronger than the dark.
Monday, June 29, 2026
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Saturday Links
Jesus Luvs All shared this adorable reminder to keep focused on Jesus:
https://jesusluvsall.org/2026/05/23/lessons-from-a-dog/
Grant Ferguson, over at Writing For Eternity. shared an inspiring post on personalizing scripture:
https://writingforeternity.com/2026/05/27/personalize-scripture/
God bless.
Friday, June 26, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Heirs of Falcon Point (Falcon Point series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, A. L. Sowards suspense romance. Rereading the series, again, in preparation for the newest book in the series. Page turner
The Danger with Diamonds (Falcon Point series Book 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. Nonstop heart pounding don't forget to breathe.
From an Unknown(Falcon Point series Book 3) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. Still a page turner, despite having read it a couple of times before.
When Fashion Turns Deadly (Falcon Point series Book 4) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. The behind the scenes look of a fashion show is intriguing. The return of beloved characters. A joy to watch them grow as people and as couples.
Treasures of Falcon Point (Falcon Point series Book 5) by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey suspense romance. It was a fun surprise when a brief scene took you to Finsbury Park; the summer I lived in London, Finsbury Park was the closest tube station. Heartwarming. Page-turning. A satisfying end to the series. I'll be rereading this series, again.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Unexpected thunderstorm
Thanks for watering my outside plants, God.
A/C, fans, ice
Favorite authors
A good exterminator
Helpful family and friends
God's mercy
God's grace
Life in 3D - Desperado
https://youtu.be/6I3WDMEEmhs?si=7Mos_iDeuD5tVmDU
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Monday, June 22, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Saturday Links
Tales from a Mid-Lifer shared answers to prayers and be careful/intentional about what you pray for:
https://family5power.com/2026/05/12/i-prayed-for-the-opportunities/
And breathtaking photos for flower lovers:
https://family5power.com/2026/05/20/pretty-petals/
God bless.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Spring at Tribbley Hall (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Sian Ann Bessey historical romance. So sweet and heartwarming! Loved the characters, including puppies and lambs and of course, for me, horses. Keeper.
Love of My Heart (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Sarah M. Eden historical romance. Sweet little lamb, Shadow, is adorable. I want to live in Scotland now.
Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Rebecca Connolly historical romance. More sheep! I wonder if the authors agreed to include sheep in this collection. Fun. I like the heroine and the hero and the delightful country community. Loved this collection.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Blogging friend inviting bloggers to join him in prayer for others
A/C, fans, ice
Reliable electricity
Podcasts that inform and inspire
Peppermint, tea tree oil, rosemary, cedar - bug repellent
Fun Christmas movies - SparkTV on YouTube
Blogs that make me laugh
Humor and encouragement from dear friends.
God's grace
Josh Groban ~ Moon River featuring Jack Groban
https://youtu.be/lhup782KOqo?si=mWZ_sj9gBxJEo0c_
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Monday, June 15, 2026
Monday Quote
Coral Green, in the Godly Women group on social media, posted this:
They said,
“You’re not enough.”
Neither were
five loaves and two fishes –
until Jesus touched them.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Saturday Links
Laura Lindblom, over at Song Dog Journal, shared "Ranch Wife Musings/Bearing Burdens":
https://songdogjournal.com/2026/05/24/ranch-wife-musings-bearing-burdens/
And the lovely "Pasques and Pines":
https://songdogjournal.com/2026/05/14/pasques-and-pines/
God bless.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey historical romance. King Alfred rules Wessex. Fascinating look at England in late 800s. Learned several new things, the battle with the Vikings and King Alfred's intriguing solution. At the end of the book, I loved discovering all the details that were facts. A keeper.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Thankful Thursday
A/C, fans, ice
Friends and family who offer hope and help
Church - on YouTube when I can't make it in person
Words of encouragement from other bloggers
Learning to DuckDuckGo information better
God's grace
Neil Diamond ~ Shine On
https://youtu.be/_r_KaenUFLY?si=BtLjJzNkDF3T2ejs
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Monday, June 8, 2026
Monday Quote
"Science is just the human study of what God has already done."
Quoted in Staci Stallings' book True Power and Real Peace
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:12-13 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Saturday Links
Kathy O'Neill shared bits of her new book "Hoofprints of Hope Devotional." Though it's stated to be for ages 8-12, I've added it to my Wish List. It comes out 8 September.
Pray for rain that blesses not floods: Laura Lindblom shares "Ranch Wife Musings/Hard Times":
https://songdogjournal.com/2026/04/26/ranch-wife-musings-hard-times/
God bless.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
The Tower and the Ruin - J.R.R. Tolkien's Creation by Michael D.C. Drout nonfiction. My oldest brother and Sister-in-Law gave it to me for Christmas because I asked for it. I asked because I've had the privilege of attending workshops given at a Lord of the Rings gathering by Professor Drout. He kept us mesmerized and delighted by stories of his research into our favorite English Professor. The book could be used for a college class with a great deal of technical information. Titles of chapter include: Origins, Frame, Texts, Patterns, Emotions, Threads, Tapestry, and Conclusion: Fathers and Sons. As another reviewer said, "It isn't a light read." It is a fascinating read. It helps if you've read The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. This is literary criticism enriches one's appreciation for Tolkien's work. Blessedly, one of my friends read it before I did and suggested keeping a marker in the notes so you can flip back and forth between the chapter and the notes. Drout's sense of humor flashes in a couple of places, in the notes. Glad I didn't miss them. The book is reminiscent of Tolkien's work, a lot of detail, delving into difficult subjects, and though sad also somehow hopeful.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Sister visit
Serving/helping others
Church
Visits and treats with friends
A/C, fans, ice
Ice cream
God's tender mercies
God's grace.
Geoff Castelluci ~ Further On Up the Road
https://youtu.be/40YF7Q8giH4?si=n4aIDS0PT9gkWxqP
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Monday, June 1, 2026
Monday Quote
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song
above hoarded gold,
it would be a merrier world."
~ Thorin
The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Saturday Links
Gorgeous "Spring Blooms" shared by Tales from a Mid-Lifer:
https://family5power.com/2026/05/06/spring-blooms/
Riverside Peace shared "It's Autumn Planting Time" in Australia:
https://riversidepeace.com/2026/05/07/its-autumn-planting-time/
God bless.
Friday, May 29, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Healing Hearts (Savage Wells series Book 2) by Sarah M. Eden historical western romance. A very different twist. Loved it. Now I want to read the other books in the series.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Opportunities to serve and help others
Church with family
Memorial Day, remembering those in the service of our country who gave all.
Lovely delicious Memorial Day Luncheon with friends in my neighborhood
A/C, fans, ice
Needed rain at higher elevations, the scent filled the air here
Favorite authors
New books
Pretty new kitchen rug with poppies, less than $8 at Walmart.
God's grace
The Piano Guys ~ Goodnight, My Angel
https://youtu.be/AR_0eDoxfNQ?si=Enf62VAnMetwl5-r
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
Remembering Memorial Day
Among those who serve their country in the military, all gave some. On this day, we remember those who gave all. We pray for their families and loved ones who have an empty place at the table. As long as there are those who choose power above life, evil over goodness, we need those who value freedom above power, goodness over evil. God bless those, now and forever, willing to fight and die for life and liberty. I'm grateful for those who gave their today for our tomorrows.
Mid-Life Mama shared one of my favorite blog tributes:
https://family5power.com/2025/05/26/memorial-day/
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Saturday Links
Into the Light Adventures shares some adorable animal portraits:
https://intothelightadventures.com/millie/
Seeking Divine Perspective post the delightful "Running to Win":
https://seekingdivineperspective.com/2026/05/03/running-to-win-copy/
God bless.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Narnia Chronicles Book 1) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's been decades since I last read the books. Still a wonderful story.
Prince Caspian (Narnia Chronicles Book 2) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. I'd forgotten this tale. A joy to revisit Narnia.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Narnia Chronicles Book 3) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Better than the movie and always makes me cry.
The Silver Chair (Narnia Chronicles Book 4) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. My least favorite of the first four. The children don't have the growth arc the earlier stories portray. I do find myself rather liking Puddleglum.
The Horse and His Boy (Narnia Chronicles Book 5) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Occurs during "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." I will be moving it in my own collection.
The Magician's Nephew (Narnia Chronicles Book 6) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. While this comes in at number six in the series, it's actually the story of the beginning. I'm re-arranging my books for the next time I read them.
The Last Battle (Narnia Chronicles Book 7) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's never easy to say goodbye at the end of the series. Until my next read through.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Watching a family of quails, two adults and two littles that aren't little anymore, traverse the neighbor's roof and flying to another neighbor's roof.
Temperatures out of the 100s and back in the 90s
Air conditioning/fans/ice
Serving those who can do nothing for you
Serving with others
Day of rest in the Lord
An unexpected cool day. Thanks God.
Visiting friends and family
God's grace
The Piano Guys - Someone Like You
https://youtu.be/MxTHusPs2zo?si=Amt8nuQpe0LbaaSx
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
Monday Quote
I heard this story/parable years and years ago. I looked for an original but found nothing. I think it more and more relevant every day.
A king went to visit a faraway country. On the journey, he met Death along the way.
Death told him, "I'm on my way to your kingdom with a plague."
The king accepted the proclamation and asked, "How many will you take?"
"Five hundred."
"So be it." The king sorrowed as he went on his way but knew he could change nothing. However, when he returned to his kingdom 5,000 were dead. He confronted Death and demanded, "You said you would only take 500."
"I did as I said," replied Death. "Fear took the rest."
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Saturday Links
Nuggets of Gold shares short stories, quotes, and fun facts:
https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2026/04/14/tuesdays-thoughts-541/
God bless.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Take a Chance (Prosperity Ranch series Book 5) by Heather B. Moore romance. Fun. Likable hero and heroine. Interesting concept. Keeper.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Support in difficult moments
Opportunities to serve
Air conditioning, fans, and ice
Kindness
Bird song
God's grace
The Piano Guys - Thank God I Do/Be Still My Soul
https://youtu.be/lXwuZhjtq3U?si=6NDq5G8Wgw0Ghc5d
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Saturday Links
April 4th, Davids Daily Dose shared Easter wisdom:
https://davidsdailydose.org/2026/04/04/the-unspoken-promise-navigating-the-messy-middle/
Tales from a Mid-Lifer shared lovely "Blooms Along the Path":
https://family5power.com/2026/04/08/blooms-along-the-path/
God bless.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Son of a Wanted Man by Louis L'Amour western. Tyrel Sackett made an appearance in the story, along with Borden Chantry. Now I want to read the story in which they first met. I also enjoyed the main character's story, Mike Bastian, seeing his journey to becoming his own man.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Midweek Gospel Study
Farewell potluck until fall restart of MGS
Friday morning, woke to the smell of rain
Air Conditioning and Fans
Still cools off at night
The wonder of help others who can do nothing for you.
Church
Bird song
Visit with a dear friend
God's grace
Mac Sinise - Angel's Theme
https://youtu.be/v1k1hwutQK0?si=qZUCiIjks__EXQze
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026
Monday Quote
Lucy asks Mr. Beaver, "Then he (Aslan) isn't safe?"
Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe? ... Who said anything about safe?
'Course he isn't safe. But he's good...."
~ C. S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Saturday Links
Grant Ferguson, over at Wrting for Eternity, shares a 4-part series "The Work of Our Hands":
https://writingforeternity.com/2026/03/25/the-work-of-our-hands-part-1/
More Song Dog Journal posts:
https://songdogjournal.com/2026/03/30/ranch-wife-musings-the-cute-factor/
https://songdogjournal.com/2026/03/04/waiting-3/
God bless.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
The Man from the Broken Hills (Not listed as a Sackett novel but it's Milo Talon, a Sacket on his mother's side) by Louis L'Amour western. I want to read the other Talon books. So many books, so little time.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Midweek Gospel study at church
Cool enough to leave the door open more often than not.
A/C and fans for when it's a bit toasty
Opportunities to serve/help others
Church
New book by a favorite author
Favorite ebooks finally available in paperback
God's grace
Mat and Savanna Shaw - Be Moved
https://youtu.be/hNWhZlpbAPw?si=f8wdDLHyzPAYAzjy

















































