Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

Thank you, Donna Keevers Driver, for creating this for me:

 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

 

Saturday Links

Song Dog Journal is one of my favorite blogs: 

https://songdogjournal.com/2026/01/02/ranch-wife-musings-whats-in-your-cup/ 

https://songdogjournal.com/2026/01/30/ranch-wife-musings-no-one-warned-me/ 

Gorgeous "Storm Clearing" photos from Tales from a Mid-Lifer:

https://family5power.com/2026/02/18/storm-clearing/ 

God bless.

 

Favorite Book Friday

Easter is coming. 

Celebrate with a story.

The Blessing Basket

The thirteenth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Cici, Candy Crothers, lies to everyone, except her Holiday Diner boss, only because he informed her if she lied to him he'd fire her. She ran away from an ugly past and still worries it might catch up to her. Sharing her nightmares is nowhere on her list of things to do, ever.

Trace Brown left the Army honorably but not unscathed. Anger controls his life, holding him back from pretty much everything, including becoming a chef at Holiday Diner. The diner's head hostess intrigues him, but not enough to risk sharing his day-to-day battle with PTSD.

Nothing can drive God away. His hand is stretched out still. He is always there, waiting...

http://a.co/8o1meMa 

 

 

Thankful Thursday

Air conditioning

Visit with my sister

Church 

 Seeing and hearing the neighborhood quail

 Watering my palms before the bees come for the bottle brush blossoms

Celebrating a 50th Wedding Anniversary for friends 

God's grace

The Piano Guys - Claire de Lune

https://youtu.be/o-mK22OESx4?si=3D2CmP42gLzT6mMJ 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Monday Quote

Tolkien Fact, from The Lord of the Rings: Mushrooms and toadstools always bring to mind the fact that Frodo Baggins loved mushrooms. Quotes from the movie:

"Frodo Baggins, the bravest of hobbits." ~ Samwise Gamgee. 

"Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam." ~ Frodo Baggins

 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:25-26 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 

Saturday Links

Nancy Ruegg, over at From the Inside Out, shared great negative thought corrections:

https://nancyaruegg.com/2026/02/05/hey-self-listen-up/ 

For His Purpose shared "A Break on the Bench," a reminder I needed: 

https://forhispurpose.blog/2026/02/06/a-break-on-the-bench/ 

God bless. 

 

Favorite Book Friday

Sackett's Land (Sackett series Book 1) by Louis L'Amour western. While it's listed has a western, it takes place in 1600. An unexpected enjoyment to recognize the mention of the battle of Lepanto, as I've listened to the narration of that bit of history by Buck Sexton a few times. L'Amour did his homework. The book is written in first person, a point of view I'm not particularly fond of reading. However, L'Amour writes not in an effort to reveal the character's inner thoughts and feelings but instead in the mode of storytelling, an autobiography. 

To the Far Blue Mountains (The  series Book 2) by Louis L'Amour western. While it's listed has a western but takes place in 1600. This is a continuation of the previous characters. The first time I read the Sackett series I didn't know much about my family history. The story delved into Wales, the Welsh, Celts, and Ireland. I also knew nothing about St. John's, Newfoundland, until recently when I discovered the police series "Hudson and Rex." L'Amour's writing is sometimes poetic, painting stunning pictures. 

The Warrior Path (The  series Book 3) by Louis L'Amour western set in 1620s. I enjoy all the bits of actual history thrown into the story. The visit to Jamaica and private haven of Port Royal was fascinating. Page turner.

Jubal Sackett (The  series Book 4) by Louis L'Amour western set in 1620s. Unlike Dan Brown who includes facts that aren't really facts but more fiction disguised as facts - yes, I looked them up - L'Amour uses facts and explains when they are simply theories based in facts, though some might dismiss the facts as fiction. 

 

Thankful Thursday

Midweek Gospel study 

Opportunities to serve others 

Opportunities to share 

Church

Sunday School

Good books 

Visiting a dear friend 

God's grace

Seph Schlueter - Life With You

https://youtu.be/3dqaEmb5wMY?si=h3lkRbbzOCO0J9Ek

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

 Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this for me:

Sunday Scripture

John 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

 

Saturday Links

Daryl Madden shares personal poetry; I liked this one "Grow Your Faith":

https://darylmadden.wordpress.com/2026/01/30/grow-your-faith/ 

My God, My Music, My Life shared "The Relationship That Changed Everything":

https://mygodmymusicmylife.com/2026/02/04/the-relationship-that-changed-everything/ 

God bless.  

 

Favorite Book Friday

Tuesday is St. Patrick's Day. 

Celebrate with a story. 

Tough Luck

The fourth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Holiday's playboy, Brent Kelly, returns home a changed man, if only everyone would believe him. The First Annual Tough Luck Run offers him the opportunity to prove he turned over a new leaf.

Cindy Garvey has worked hard her whole life, and now she is preparing to move from employee to business owner with her best friend. The last thing she needs is one more surprise in her life.

God provides the way to Happily Ever After, no matter how far astray His children wander...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYXDFQ4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d9_i4

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014.

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6

Thankful Thursday

Midweek Gospel Study with sisters in Christ

Cooler weather

Leaving the door open 

Bird song

Bees collecting future honey

Blessed rain 

God's grace.

The Piano Guys - Easy On Me

 https://youtu.be/Tv-_Px5FDDw?si=_9vfjx7urxEHfivU

 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:22-23 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

 

Saturday Links

Tales from a Mid-Lifer shared a collection of lovely photos: Through the Window

https://family5power.com/2026/01/28/seasons-through-the-city-window/ 

Emotionalpeace shared a wonderful visual "Grow Where You Are":

https://emotionalpeace.wordpress.com/2026/01/29/grow-where-you-are/ 

God bless.

 

Favorite Book Friday

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen Mysteries Book 1) by Joanne Fluke cozy mystery. My favorite part of the book was the chocolate chip cookie recipe included. Sixteen years since I bought the book, and I just made a batch of her cookies last month. They freeze nicely, by the way. My favorite recipe included oatmeal, and I was crushed when I realized how highly allergic to bran I am. More than 10 years later, I found the answer to my problem: cornflakes. I've also tried rice chex-type cereal, and it works too. I prefer the cornflakes. There are 30 books in the series, and they all include recipes. Have fun!

Celebrate chocolate chip cookie week!

 

Thankful Thursday

Lunch and laughter with dear friends

God helping me see a bunny in the suburban wild

Favorite books by favorite authors

Good memories

From toasty back to pleasant 

God's grace 

Lifein3D ~ Life Will Go On

fun fact - filmed by Tempe Town Lake

https://youtu.be/r1ing1sAhkM?si=G6q47nFgCikfEQiy 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

"Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on you." 

~ Deiter F. Uchtdorf

 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 

Saturday Links

Into the Light Adventures shared Dog Agility Events:

https://intothelightadventures.com/dog-agility-events/ 

Julie Sheppard aka Reiko Chinen, over at emotionalpeace, shared inspirational insights:

https://emotionalpeace.wordpress.com/2026/01/09/the-moon/ 

God bless.

 

Alas, No Leap Day

Celebrate with a story anyway.

Leap of Faith Day 

The ninth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Her life a mess, EMT Belle Carlisle wants a fresh start. She's lived in Holiday a few years and likes it well enough. She's happy, mostly. 'Be Bold' is her personal aphorism, but it was never intended to include asking a man on a date.

Born and raised in Holiday, Vince Timmons is certain the prettiest EMT on the planet could never be interested in a younger man. Besides, his life is a mess. Not to mention the woman he pursued for over a year humiliated him in public. The last thing he needs is to fall for another woman who doesn't want him.

Man looks on the outward appearance and judges accordingly. God looks on the heart...

http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Faith-Day-Holiday-Book-ebook/dp/B01EX4Y2IO

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

 

Thankful Thursday

Fresh baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving and helping others

Sunday church worship

Time with family

Yummy waffles

Favorite books 

God bless. 

The Piano Guys - Music Box Dancer

https://youtu.be/uM4-cA3Dfdo?si=KcVucPWysQOfPT_V 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Leap of Faith Day quote

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this for me:

 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

 

Saturday Links

Debbie Kay, Founder of Hope for the Broken Hearted Ministries, shares an inspiring daily note to self: 

https://notetoselfdailyremindersforthebrokenhearted.wordpress.com/2026/01/16/note-to-self-jan-16th-7/ 

Robert Hansen, over at My God My Music My Life, shared Enough?

https://mygodmymusicmylife.com/2026/01/16/enough/ 

God bless.

 

Favorite Book Friday

Reflections on Life II: Notes from the Journey by Staci Stallings nonfiction. 81 short, 1-5 pages, essays/stories on finding God's path for your life and following it. I bought it in paperback, as I do every book I'm able by Staci Stallings. Her books are keepers, and I find passages I underline or star. I will always read her books again as I find insights and deepen my understanding. While we don't agree on everything, she inspires me to strengthen my own faith. 

 

Thankful Thursday

After several weeks of spring, winterish weather returned for a visit

Warm and cozy fireplace

Fun romantic movies

Favorite books

Lunch with a dear friend 

 Blessed rain

Thanks God for watering my plants 

Visit with a dear friend 

God's grace 

Visual Melodies shared Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go? Scotland Folk Ballad Tune

https://youtu.be/rYZv7pUxuHU?si=4vDcjl3B__lE3Kuq   

 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

The story of becoming beautiful 

isn't about the ugly duckling 

becoming a swan; 

it is about the ugly duckling 

realizing 

it was a swan all along. 

~ Leta Greene

 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

 

Valentine's Day

Valentine Delivery

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Celebrate with a story.

The third novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Lance Nelson delivers flowers every Valentine's Day. This year, he decides to show the woman he's secretly loved all his life exactly how he feels, creating a unique bouquet especially for her.

This Valentine's Day, Sharon Kelly decides to stop waiting for someone to send her what she wants and orders a bouquet of flowers for herself. She might as well arrange for her secret crush to deliver them.

God works in mysterious ways to provide the way to Happily Ever After, even when His children stand in their own way...

http://www.amazon.com/Valentine-Delivery-Holiday-Laurel-Hawkes-ebook/dp/B00IGVA8SY/ref=sr_1_3 

 

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6
 

Thankful Thursday

Visit with my sister 

Church worship with fellow believers

Opportunities to serve others

Lovely lunch with a church sister

Luau with community friends

Lovely weather for walking 

God's grace

for King + Country - Ever and Ever Before

https://youtu.be/L0LisSmS3Ew?si=yQ5Ya2bcT00dkPMo 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Monday Quote

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this for me. 

Sunday Scripture

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

 

Saturday Links

Christians Read shared Learning to Rest, so simple to understand:

https://christians-read.com/2026/01/15/learning-to-rest/ 

Gary Fultz - Photographs To Make Us Better

https://garyfultz.com/2026/01/15/photography-made-better/ 

God bless.

 

Favorite Book Friday

Fidelity's Love Song (Hobby Run series Book 5) by Arlene James Christian romance. Unfaithful Matt is quite a change from honorable Charlie. Arlene doesn't sanitize the sin but creates stories that reflect the variations people spin on sin and how Jesus covers it all if we give ourselves to Him. 

A Courageous Love Song (Hobby Run series Book 6) by Arlene James Christian romance. More of the wonder and power of repentance. 

A Love Song in Quarantine (Hobby Run series Book 7) by Arlene James Christian romance. Most of the romance novels avoided the quarantine of 2020. I thought Arlene managed to depict the situations without diving into politics. 

The Liar's Love Song (Hobby Run series Book 8) by Arlene James Christian romance. Includes a brief description of an assault, for those who are sensitive to those topics. Again, I love how the Christians are imperfect and trying their best, and the precious journey of unbeliever to believer. 

A Forbidden Love Song (Hobby Run series Book 9) by Arlene James Christian romance. Delves into the world of seeking guidance from anyone or anything but God. If it isn't God, it's the adversary, and the adversary will gladly pretend to be God and send minions to deceive any unwilling to look only to God. 

The Sinner's Love Song (Hobby Run series Book 10) by Arlene James Christian romance. The adversary has convinced the world that chastity is old fashioned, silly, nothing. However, it's one of the Ten Commandments, Commandments created by God to help us find the deepest, richest joy in life. We break ourselves against the Commandments. Blessedly, Jesus came to take upon Himself our sins. Sad to see the end of the series.

 

Thankful Thursday

 Worship with fellow believers

Service opportunities

Leaving the door open in the afternoons

Favorite books 

Butterflies visiting my lantana bush

Doing the things you don't want to do because they need to be done. 

God's grace

Gentri - All Is Well featuring American Boys Chorus

https://youtu.be/2K0eU1Jj3uQ?si=PbQUc5NoZooc8Z0A