"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Friday, September 23, 2011

Footsteps

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9

I read this verse in my devotions yesterday and it has stuck with me ever since then. I particularly was interested that Noah was a just man and that he walked with God. Wow! What a role model to his generation and to ours too. Dictionary.com defines just as 'guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness.' What a compliment was paid to Noah.


I like the fact that it says he walked with God. That reminds me of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden - walking and talking with God each day. We each have this ability for communion with God too, as long as we choose to access that line of communication. The line is always open and available, never busy.


As I think about Noah, it also causes me to pause and wonder what footsteps am I leaving behind for my children and others I relate to to follow. I pray I can walk like Noah - to be a just woman who walks with God and others know it by my life. My heart's desire is to follow my Lord and Savior.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Prayer and Praises

I can't believe September is almost 3/4 over already. My days seem to be a whirl lately. The first half of the month was spent finalizing my manuscript. Whew! I breathed a sigh of relief when I officially called it completed....at least for now and mailed it off. The past week or so has been a flurry of trying to get caught up with everything else that has been on hold the past few months - definitely not something accomplished in a short period of time.

Last week I had a laser procedure on my right eye, trying to reduce the pressure. Tomorrow I'll be having the same procedure on my left eye. Hopefully it will help. I found it much more painful this time. I had the same thing performed last year too. I also have experienced a bit more blurriness too. So I pray it will make a difference.

I praise God for His strength and help even when we are weary and burdened. I admit to being nervous at times, especially if they can't come up with a way to reduce my eye pressure, it could very well lead to glaucoma. But through it all, I'm learning more about relying upon God. He's always there for us. I'm so thankful....I'd be lost without him.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

It's been a long time since I've read a historical fiction book describing the life of white hostages in an Indian camp. I found Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis to be a delightful read. It tells the story of Taabe Waipu who was taken captive as a young child. She lived in a Comanche village for over twelve years, but had never fully forgotten her former life. When the opportunity arises, Taabe escapes, trying to find her family. A fall from her horse causes grave injuries. Her life begins a whirlwind of changes when stagecoach driver Ned Bright discovers her, along with nuns from the Ursuline Mission. They work together to for clues to her families whereabouts - only problem is Taabe doesn't remember English.

This was a wonderful book in the Texas Trails series about the Morgan Family. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to reading the others in this series.

This book was provided free for review by Moody Publishers.

*** Don't forget, if you are interested in reading this book I have an extra copy to give away. Just leave a comment on any post in September and you'll be entered into the drawing. Winner will be announced on October 1st.

Jewel of Persia by Roseanna M. White

I had the distinct pleasure of reading Jewel of Persia by Roseanna M. White. This author is an expert story-weaver. Her novel is set during the time of Esther in the Bible, and a little before Esther becomes queen. It follows Esther and her dear friend Kasia.

I love the way Roseanna wove fictional and historical characters in her tale, telling what it would have been like to be married to a king. I highly recommend this book.

This book was provided free for review by White Fire Publishing.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Chance to Win a Free Book

I'm half way through reading Susan Page Davis' new book entitled Captive Trail. It's set in Texas in 1857. I'll be writing a book review once I've finished it. Would you like to win a copy? I've been given an extra book as a giveaway.

Leave a comment on any blog post in between now and September 30th for your chance to win a copy. I'll announce the winner on October 1st. The more you comment, the more opportunities to win. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you. :)

Blessing Upon Blessing

"Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence." Psalm 21:6


It's been a week of blessings in so many ways. Last Saturday we had a wonderful time visiting with my husband's family. It had been almost fourteen years since I had the opportunity to visit with his aunts. We had a great time catching up with each other. We also were able to spend time with my in-laws and my husband's grandmother. I was reminded of the blessing of family. We came home from our visit with our hearts full.

Monday evening I had a great time out with my Bible study ladies. We ate dinner together and had fun sharing our hearts. They always cause me to laugh and come away feeling blessed. These women are precious to me.

Tuesday was a harder day for me, with having a laser procedure on my right eye. I had the same thing a year ago, but it was much more painful this time. I have several risk factors for glaucoma - high pressure in my eyes, am extremely near sighted, have thin corneas and also a high amount of pigment in my eyes. The one positive thing from this day was my dear friend drove my to the appointment and kept me company as we waited in the waiting room. She's such a blessing to me.

Wednesday I was able to finalize my submission for a writing contest. What a blessing to see my year of writing and researching come to full culmination. God blessed me in so many ways through lots of different people in this long process.

Today I spent most of the time with my dear friend who took me to the eye doctor earlier this week. We went to a local food discount store and then returned to her house for lunch and a time of visiting together. She is such a special woman to me.

This evening I prepared a special candlelit dinner for me and my husband. Then we sat down to enjoy popcorn and a movie in our living room. He is my very best friend.

I can't help but reflect on the many blessings God bestows upon us each day, even in the midst of difficult times. If you look hard enough, you'll find those blessings.