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.

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_ 

 

Wordless Wednesday

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 Scripture

Flag Day 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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 

 

Wordless Wednesday

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 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 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. 

https://kathythepicturelady.wordpress.com/2026/05/08/the-horses-that-inspired-hoofprints-of-hope-devotional/ 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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 

 

Wordless Wednesday

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 Scripture

Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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 

Wordless Wednesday

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 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 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.  

 

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. 

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 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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 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 Links

Nuggets of Gold shares short stories, quotes, and fun facts: 

https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2026/04/12/the-snuggly-lion-a-different-spiderman-alien-ravioli-and-other-facts/ 

https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2026/04/14/tuesdays-thoughts-541/ 

God bless. 

 

Favorite Book Friday

Take a Chance (Prosperity Ranch series Book 5) by Heather B. Moore romance. Fun. Likable hero and heroine. Interesting concept. Keeper. 

 

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 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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 

Wordless Wednesday

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 Scripture

Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

“I know you have the faith to be healed, 

but do you have the faith not to be healed?” 

~ David A. Bednar

 

Sunday Scripture

Matthew 18:1-3 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Saturday Links

Into the Light Adventures shares a bit of the editing of photos process: 

https://intothelightadventures.com/editing-process/ 

And more dog photos: https://intothelightadventures.com/this-is-why/ 

God bless.

 

Favorite Book Friday

High Lonesome by Louis L'Amour western. Page turner. Didn't expect to find myself cheering for outlaws. Ultimately a redemption story. 

 

Thankful Thursday

Serving/helping others

Church

Waffle brunch with family

A/C, fans, ice

Cool enough, every day, to leave the door open for a little while

Re-reading favorite books 

Visit with my sister

Grill Night with the neighbors  

God's grace

MercyMe - Make It Well 

https://youtu.be/3wnzzOpqzdk?si=0BY75luL6-MzFzIX 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Quote

Don't give up because you had a bad day, 

forgive yourself 

and do better tomorrow. 

~ Lauren Gleisberg