tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49459075633188085192024-03-13T15:08:29.801-07:00Love Inspired: A Story for Every ReaderLove Inspired Authors gather here to meet and mingle with writers and readers of inspirational fiction - be it contemporary, suspense, or historical.Pamela Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834270662017246137noreply@blogger.comBlogger3190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-10424452728456417632019-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:002019-09-12T00:00:03.957-07:00A Fond Farewell<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
Dear Reader,<br />
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It has been an absolute pleasure to host our beloved Craftie
Ladies of Romance blog, and it is with sadness that we bid farewell to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We have been blessed beyond measure to have enjoyed fellowship
and camaraderie through this blog. Thank you dear readers for being a part of
the journey. Over the course of eleven years our author posts have taken you to
Maine, the Big Apple, Scotland, France, the Ozarks, the hill country of Texas,
Israel, <span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Snoqualmie Pass,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span>Amish country and so many more destinations. We’ve shared so much with
you—covers, new releases, recipes, serials, projects and our hopes &
dreams.</div>
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As writers of Christian romance, it was our goal to provide
uplifting content and to connect with our cherished readers and share ourselves
with you. It was also important for us to provide a weekly devotional for your
spiritual needs. Although we will miss this opportunity to connect with you on this
forum, we’re not saying goodbye. We’re simply saying until we meet again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Please feel free to follow all of us on our social media
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Please stop
by the Love Inspired Authors and readers group on Facebook for engagement,
giveaways and information on new releases. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LIAuthorsandReaders/"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/LIAuthorsandReaders/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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As we leave you, we want you to know that this blog was
created for readers of the Love Inspired line. We are grateful for your
continued support. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We will leave the comments open for a short time for personal goodbyes </span></div>
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May the Lord be with
all of you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Forever in friendship,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Ladies of Love Inspired Romance<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Terri Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18162233044268346894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-4661226002961448532019-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:002019-09-11T00:00:02.370-07:00Never Forget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Terri Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18162233044268346894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-51198684189744104062019-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:002019-09-10T18:10:44.384-07:00First Lines of Famous Books Quiz + Giveaway By <a href="http://www.meghancarver.com/">Meghan Carver</a><br />
<br />
The first lines of books have an <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="incredibly " data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by removing this" data-pwa-id="pwa-C4B366729E9C3951C74ED7403E54D138" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_2264" data-pwa-suggestions="(omit)"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="incredibly " data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by removing this" data-pwa-id="pwa-13E6A7ADFBC0EA9ECC1DBA5DB91326E7" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_2264" data-pwa-suggestions="(omit)">incredibly </pwa></pwa>important role<pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word=" – " data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="En-dashes should never have a space on either side." data-pwa-id="pwa-A68B4D8F9D21EFDC7B4ED5113DE5ACAB" data-pwa-rule-id="EN_DASH_SPACING" data-pwa-suggestions="–~—"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word=" – " data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="En-dashes should never have a space on either side." data-pwa-id="pwa-C829FF9972D2ECEFDDFED6341BEEAFD2" data-pwa-rule-id="EN_DASH_SPACING" data-pwa-suggestions="–~—"> – </pwa></pwa>to pull the reader in and make her want to read more.<br />
<br />
If you’ve read a lot (and you probably have since you’re here, reading this), you’ve read a lot of good first lines. Want to test your knowledge?<br />
<br />
Better yet, want to win a signed copy of a new 2-in-1 that includes my Love Inspired Suspense novel Amish Country Amnesia and Leigh Bale’s Runaway Amish Bride?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOLGjG6qo34/XXcEMLrykXI/AAAAAAAB4zc/q6vzJvERvKk9MXLJXQYnMwCwKbjrstJLQCLcBGAs/s1600/two%2Bamish%2Bbooks%2B2019-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOLGjG6qo34/XXcEMLrykXI/AAAAAAAB4zc/q6vzJvERvKk9MXLJXQYnMwCwKbjrstJLQCLcBGAs/s400/two%2Bamish%2Bbooks%2B2019-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Amish-Bride-Country-Amnesia/dp/1335470158/ref=tmm_mmp_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1568081328&sr=8-9">Buy Now on Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The following are the first lines of well-known books. All you need to do is leave a comment with the titles, and the one with the most right wins a book. It’s the honor system, so no peeking at someone else’s answers! 😊 Alternatively, if <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="several have" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Possible agreement error. The noun have seems to be countable; consider using: 'several haves'." data-pwa-id="pwa-5B19BDF25DFE52865E8F5FA577994CE7" data-pwa-rule-id="MANY_NN" data-pwa-suggestions="several haves"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="several have" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Possible agreement error. The noun have seems to be countable; consider using: 'several haves'." data-pwa-id="pwa-27FC630567CE4638F8BBC2D8E03A6548" data-pwa-rule-id="MANY_NN" data-pwa-suggestions="several haves">several have</pwa></pwa> the right answers, I’ll randomly choose a name. (U.S. winners only. <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Post will be updated" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-DA8AAA9F881DB3B5EB34F4721A0A4AA8" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I will update post~We will update post~It will update post~They will update post"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Post will be updated" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-5945D18C62167B5AF2F4A17709183E6B" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I will update post~We will update post~It will update post~They will update post">Post will be updated</pwa></pwa> at 8:00 tonight with the answers and the winner.)<br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="want" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Possible missing determiner" data-pwa-id="pwa-D062BB424B953BD872AFD9046338BA6B" data-pwa-rule-id="DET_CG_2" data-pwa-suggestions="a want~the want"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="want" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Possible missing determiner" data-pwa-id="pwa-65D4A17335023016CE963DAB58D8AFEA" data-pwa-rule-id="DET_CG_2" data-pwa-suggestions="a want~the want">want</pwa></pwa> of a wife.</li>
<li>Once upon a time, sixty years ago, a little girl lived in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, in a little gray house made of logs.</li>
<li>Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.</li>
<li>“Where's Papa going with that axe?” said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.</li>
<li>Once there were four children <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="whose names were" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: named" data-pwa-id="pwa-64205DF4F39BC4B13AA08ED2A4771E53" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_778" data-pwa-suggestions="named"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="whose names were" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: named" data-pwa-id="pwa-7D647FE9447A379677E2AC177E097C2F" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_778" data-pwa-suggestions="named">whose names were</pwa></pwa> Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="were sent" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-2C3338411B2C0266CBF4E651650BA44D" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions=""><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="were sent" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-04A39B529148E94E8F3A4F7D1F610E65" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="">were sent</pwa></pwa> away from London during the war because of the air-raids.</li>
<li>“Christmas won’t be Christmas <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="without any" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: with no" data-pwa-id="pwa-2DE78DF3F81E58A4BBD65E8127986F2D" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_957" data-pwa-suggestions="with no"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="without any" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: with no" data-pwa-id="pwa-0938377B04096DF6F1AECE7D7ED31045" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_957" data-pwa-suggestions="with no">without any</pwa></pwa> presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.</li>
<li>Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with alders and ladies' eardrops and traversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cuthbert place; <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="it was reputed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-9EBFBF992B9C92FA79248A7937CE6A8D" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="they reputed it~someone reputed it~I reputed it~we reputed it"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="it was reputed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-E3255C63CDDF9A7BD77B23E9290E15F1" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="they reputed it~someone reputed it~I reputed it~we reputed it">it was reputed</pwa></pwa> to be an intricate, headlong brook in its earlier course through those woods, with dark secrets of pool and cascade; but by the time it reached Lynde's Hollow it was a quiet, well-conducted little stream, for not even a brook could run past Mrs. Rachel Lynde's door without due regard for decency and decorum; it probably <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="was conscious" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: knew" data-pwa-id="pwa-4C11F740A1F886617A72C1E7E7761FCF" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1655" data-pwa-suggestions="knew"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="was conscious" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: knew" data-pwa-id="pwa-C8216CD55D77EA5B2030BA9263FDCD01" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1655" data-pwa-suggestions="knew">was conscious</pwa></pwa> that Mrs. Rachel was sitting at her window, keeping a sharp eye on everything that passed, from brooks and children up, and that if she noticed anything odd or out of <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="place" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Missing comma after subordinate clause" data-pwa-id="pwa-5C27E7F02780E8D79E139E98DEBC862D" data-pwa-rule-id="SUB_CLAUSE_2" data-pwa-suggestions="place,"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="place" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Missing comma after subordinate clause" data-pwa-id="pwa-C97B792F1247353D289BC7CC22261956" data-pwa-rule-id="SUB_CLAUSE_2" data-pwa-suggestions="place,">place</pwa></pwa> she would never rest until she had ferreted out the whys and wherefores thereof.</li>
<li>"Tom!" No answer. "Tom!" No answer. "What's gone with that boy, I wonder? <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="You" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Missing comma after introductory phrase" data-pwa-id="pwa-40CE84C7B70B2496734AA94B672D898D" data-pwa-rule-id="INTRO_CAE8D14EDD025E72C59DBAB6F378C95A" data-pwa-suggestions="You,"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="You" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Missing comma after introductory phrase" data-pwa-id="pwa-B7E696C273CBD4CE2713672955B7C7C2" data-pwa-rule-id="INTRO_CAE8D14EDD025E72C59DBAB6F378C95A" data-pwa-suggestions="You,">You</pwa></pwa> Tom!" No answer.</li>
<li>Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay out <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="scene" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Possible missing determiner" data-pwa-id="pwa-448EF0B729C6424D0585F380B91258F3" data-pwa-rule-id="DET_CG_2" data-pwa-suggestions="a scene~the scene"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="scene" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Possible missing determiner" data-pwa-id="pwa-7A323758511C7A779BB671CF8B864AAA" data-pwa-rule-id="DET_CG_2" data-pwa-suggestions="a scene~the scene">scene</pwa></pwa>, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.</li>
<li>As I walk’d through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="I dreamed a Dream" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Incorrect named entity spelling: I dreamed a Dream" data-pwa-id="pwa-CEBA559F4AF08C272941842D9A897AC6" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="I Dreamed a Dream"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="I dreamed a Dream" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Incorrect named entity spelling: I dreamed a Dream" data-pwa-id="pwa-C5E8600D90ED5C32BF5FC88E1057A0A4" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="I Dreamed a Dream">I dreamed a Dream</pwa></pwa>. I dreamed, and behold I saw a Man <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="cloathed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Unknown word: cloathed" data-pwa-id="pwa-A86FFC7F3649596D0DDE3A0B2A32F5A7" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="clothed"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="cloathed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Unknown word: cloathed" data-pwa-id="pwa-F5D415AAB4BE86F7C77F547CF3DC60D7" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="clothed">cloathed</pwa></pwa> with Rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a Book in his hand, and a great Burden upon his back.</li>
</ol>
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<div>
<div>
This is the honor system. No google! 😊</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Have fun, and I'll post a winner at 8:00 tonight!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">***UPDATED WITH ANSWERS***</span><br />
Are you ready for answers?<br />
<br />
1. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen<br />
2. Little House in the Big Woods, Laura Ingalls Wilder<br />
3. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens<br />
4. Charlotte's Web, <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="E.B. White" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Incorrect named entity spelling: E.B. White" data-pwa-id="pwa-5F6822A53F58405B9A990F7709F48F27" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="E. B. White">E.B. White</pwa><br />
5. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="C.S. Lewis" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Incorrect named entity spelling: C.S. Lewis" data-pwa-id="pwa-0E35B197A74D95FE14FA2F25F4D3649A" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="C. S. Lewis">C.S. Lewis</pwa><br />
6. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott<br />
7. Anne of Green Gables, <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Lucy Maude Montgomery" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Incorrect named entity spelling: Lucy Maude Montgomery" data-pwa-id="pwa-0EA33CEE0A903874FAFB1BB2688D28D3" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="Lucy Maud Montgomery">Lucy Maude Montgomery</pwa><br />
8. Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain (aka Samuel Clemens)<br />
9. Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare<br />
10. Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan<br />
<br />
{An interesting side note: <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="spelling" data-pwa-dictionary-word="E.B. White" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Incorrect named entity spelling: E.B. White" data-pwa-id="pwa-4B42D6AE5A55E1DF0414EEC407C2101F" data-pwa-rule-id="SIMPLE_SPELLING" data-pwa-suggestions="E. B. White">E.B. White</pwa> was an English professor who wrote what writers just call “Strunk & White,” a brilliant little book <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="actually " data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by removing this" data-pwa-id="pwa-8F426C92127C6EDBC748CB25DF86337D" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1820" data-pwa-suggestions="(omit)">actually </pwa>titled The Elements of Style.}<br />
<br />
And the winner is….<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">~~ Debbi ~~</span><br />
<br />
Congratulations! <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Send an email" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Consider using 'email'." data-pwa-id="pwa-3611CE8B3E99D856636244245F0C7F09" data-pwa-rule-id="SEND_AN_EMAIL" data-pwa-suggestions="email">Send an email</pwa> to MeghanCCarver@gmail.com with your mailing address, and I’ll get the book out to you. 😊<br />
<br />
Thanks for taking part!</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
~ Meghan</div>
<div>
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<div>
Sign up for Meghan’s author newsletter <a href="http://eepurl.com/cxcrL5">HERE</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-57305430039050321682019-09-09T05:31:00.000-07:002019-09-09T05:31:33.118-07:00Allie Pleiter's new writing partner!
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7Xx3F_r2LY/Tk0ogoFe1UI/AAAAAAAAG00/XlUcaM-R1FY6ew3aKzcDUWSK4866z9YgQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Allie%2BColor%2B11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7Xx3F_r2LY/Tk0ogoFe1UI/AAAAAAAAG00/XlUcaM-R1FY6ew3aKzcDUWSK4866z9YgQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Allie%2BColor%2B11.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I have a new writing partner!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">No, she’s not a collaborating author on some new series. She’s not a wise editor, either.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">She’s a dog.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">For fourteen years, my “writing partner” was a sweet Havanese named Bella. For an extrovert like me, the long hours alone in my house can feel lonesome. And any writer will tell you someone that reminds you “it’s time to get up out of that chair” is a great resource. So while Bella was a sweet and loving pet, I really did think of her as my writing partner. Her talent for cleaning crumbs off the kitchen floor was just a happy bonus.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">When we lost Bella last November, I was heartbroken. The house felt so empty. While I adore working from home and being self-employed, I was lonely. Still, we knew better than to get another dog right away. I tried to wait patiently until the timing was right.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Three weeks ago, Bailey came into our lives. We’re still getting to know each other. She is seven—we prefer to adopt retired breeding dogs rather than go the puppy route—so there is a great deal of adjusting on everyone’s part.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Already she has taught me about patience and starting where someone is “at” rather than where you “want them to be.” She is slowly learning what it means to be part of our family, and we are slowly learning what it means to be her friend and caretaker.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Most of all, I am delighted to have a new writing partner while I sit in my office and craft new stories for you to love.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Chaz Walker adopts a dog—completely on impulse—in <a href="https://books.harlequin.com/search?w=wander+canyon+courtship">Wander Canyon Courtship</a>. As Bailey has already done for us, Chaz learns new lessons about himself and love from his new dog Cecil. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Tell me—what lessons has the pet in your life taught you?</span></div>
<br />Allie Pleiterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057452503146875056noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-89682984637095250182019-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:002019-09-08T00:00:01.502-07:00Sunday Scripture<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head of Christ, Enrique Simonet, 1890-1891.<br />[PD-US]</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Great crowds were traveling with Jesus,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">and he turned and addressed them,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother,</span></div>
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wife and children, brothers and sisters,</div>
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and even his own life,</div>
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he cannot be my disciple.</div>
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Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me</div>
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cannot be my disciple.</div>
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Which of you wishing to construct a tower</div>
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does not first sit down and calculate the cost</div>
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to see if there is enough for its completion? </div>
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Otherwise, after laying the foundation</div>
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and finding himself unable to finish the work</div>
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the onlookers should laugh at him and say,</div>
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‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’</div>
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Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down</div>
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and decide whether with ten thousand troops</div>
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he can successfully oppose another king</div>
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advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? </div>
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But if not, while he is still far away,</div>
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he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. </div>
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In the same way,</div>
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anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions</div>
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cannot be my disciple.”</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Luke 14:25-33</i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have any prayer needs,
please mention them in the comments section so we can join you in prayer. You
do not need to include specific names or situations of a private nature, just
say that you have a prayer request. The Lord knows your heart and the needs you
have. It is a privilege and honor to pray with you and for you.</span></span></i></div>
<br />Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-55644129351296610412019-09-06T07:37:00.000-07:002019-09-06T07:40:11.713-07:00As summer comes to an end—Lenora WorthSummer is over but fall is coming!—-Lenora Worth<br />
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I’m late on posting today. For some strange reason, I cannot keep up with my posting dates. Could it be too much to do and getting older by the minute. I thought I’d share some of my latest covers and some of the pictures I’ve taken this summer. I wrote two different books over the summer and now I’m working on a novella and my next Amish book, both due before Christmas. But I love my job and I love our readers. That is the fuel that keeps me motivated! The first picture is Marta Perry and me at the Harlequin signing at NY RWA! The second photo is of my roommates and me as we found the townhouse that was featured in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I’m with Nancy Robard Thompson, who took us on this quest, Julia Justiss, Eve Gaddy, Kathy Gabera and Denise Daniels. We all write in different genres but our friendships are strong and I’ve know most of these ladies for close to thirty years. Also, I love being in reissues with friends and I write for LIS and Tule Publishing. See, told you I’m spinning plates and going in circles!<br />
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Happy Friday and I wish everyone health and happiness as we go into fall. Thanks to everyone for the prayers for Florida as we survived Dorian. I’m in the Panhandle, so we are okay. Prayers for the Bahamas, too.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18201614257423264316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-20969082337693512542019-09-05T00:00:00.000-07:002019-09-05T00:00:14.638-07:00Vacation Time SlippingWe often talk of combining research trips and writing inspiration, so today I want to share a trip with you that was a very cool experience for me. But I also have a question. They're connected. Bear with me and you'll see how.<br />
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Do you read time slip/dual timeline or time travel stories?<br />
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I'm assuming if you do, you enjoy them, but I wonder, do you feel like a story needs to have a deeper moral question or lesson if it's going to extend across multiple eras?<br />
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I've been dabbling in timeslip/dual timeline stories since way before they became a thing. I fell in love with the subgenre when reading two of Barbara Michael's books - Ammie, Come Home and Patriot Dreams.<br />
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I have several of them I have worked on over the years, but when I sold to LIS, I tried to keep my focus on suspense.<br />
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But sometimes those voices from the past beckon.<br />
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I had that happen this summer. We thought it would be too painful to go back to the place we had vacationed when my husband was alive, so my daughters, cats, dog and I vacationed in York, ME. We rented a pet-friendly home within walking distance of 2 beaches.<br />
It was gorgeous.<br />
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The pets all got along!<br />
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As lovely as it was...<br />
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I confess, I had an ulterior motive for choosing York Beach. Last winter, I read this article about a Revolutionary War ship being unearthed during a storm.<br />
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The ship was first uncovered during a storm in 1958. Enough sand was washed away to reveal the skeleton of the sloop. A spring nor'easter uncovered it again in 1980, and it has resurfaced in major storms since in 2007, and most recently in 2018.<br />
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<a href="https://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20130313/NEWS/303130401">https://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20130313/NEWS/303130401</a><br />
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CNN did a story on it too, with a video.<br />
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/06/us/maine-shipwreck-revealed-trnd/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/06/us/maine-shipwreck-revealed-trnd/index.html</a><br />
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This is what the beach looks like on a lovely summer day.<br />
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But this was what the storm unearthed.<br />
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This story totally captured my imagination, and since no one knows the origin of the ship, I want to write a timeslip book about it. I want to imagine the people who sailed it, and maybe the families who were waiting for them to come home. My imagination is having fun with all the "what if" questions.<br />
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Which brings me back to my original question - if you're a fan of timeslip/dual timeline books, do you want them to have a deeper meaning, carry more of a message, or just be entertaining.<br />
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Here are some lovely ocean waves to watch while you contemplate the question.<br />
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Of course, while you're looking at these photos, I'll be back in school. Today is our first dull day with the students, so I'll only be able to check in at lunch and then after school.Cate Nolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424872139114718902noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-52322291179123996232019-09-03T06:51:00.000-07:002019-09-03T06:53:54.934-07:00EXCUSE #47<h2>
EXCUSE #47 by Valerie Hansen</h2>
I was tempted to title this by "the late Valerie Hansen" but I was afraid that made it sound as if I had gone to meet Jesus face-to-face and I'm still right here at my computer!<br />
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Excuse me for being a tad late posting. That's where this title and subject came from. I mean well. I really do. But life has a way of getting in the way of the most well meant plans and I suspect many believers are like me. The minute they realize they haven't done something they'd promised, they begin thinking up excuses.<br />
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How about this one? I got a new floor in my living room and had to move everything out and back in. Yes, I did. And, no, it's not the reason this post is late but it gives me a great chance to post pics. My house is tiny. And I love it. But with carpet and 3 dogs keeping me company it was really hard to keep clean. So, a hard floor. The rug was added so the old, arthritic dog had a nice place to lie down. Yes, I'm a softie.<br />
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But he's worth it. And now that the carpet is gone I'm not sneezing all the time. No matter how much I vacuumed I always had allergy problems. This rug, by the way, comes in two layers. The fancy top pulls off like Velcro and can be washed in the washer! Yes, I have. Yes, it came out fine. <br />
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Then there is the electronic stuff. I made up my mind I was not asking for help if there was any way I could avoid it. I photographed the back of the TV, etc. and managed to not only put it all back together, IT WORKS! <br />
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While I was planning this, in my mind I came up with all kinds of excuses. Until I began writing this I didn't really realize how much and how often I did that. What a silly way to be! God is in the details as well as the big events and I should just trust Him and do my best. Right? Well, I do do my best. That's how I'm made. But when things don't go exactly according to my plans I make excuse after excuse. <br />
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I even start thinking of them BEFORE I need them! <br />
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So I am making a vow. From now on, whenever I catch myself making excuses for anything I'm going to stop and praise the Lord for all the successes and all the blessings.<br />
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Speaking of blessings, I learned recently that some of my books will be issued as audio books! I'm delighted and awed. So far I know it will be MARKED FOR REVENGE, an August release, and TRAIL OF DANGER, for September. <br />
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That's it for me for new titles this year but I do have some Love Inspired Classics reissues in Nov. and Dec. so keep your eyes on the shelves of your fave store. No excuses. :)<br />
<br />Valerie Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03915924902222644458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-14548238858201637102019-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:002019-09-01T00:00:02.440-07:00Sunday Scripture<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parable of the Great Banquet by Brunswick Monogrammist (circa 1525), <br />National Museum, Warsaw. [PD-US]</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">On a sabbath Jesus went to dine</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and the people there were observing him carefully.</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">He told a parable to those who had been invited,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">"When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">do not recline at table in the place of honor. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">'Give your place to this man,'</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and then you would proceed with embarrassment</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">to take the lowest place. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Rather, when you are invited,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">go and take the lowest place</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">so that when the host comes to you he may say,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">'My friend, move up to a higher position.'</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Then he said to the host who invited him,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">"When you hold a lunch or a dinner,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">do not invite your friends or your brothers</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Rather, when you hold a banquet,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Luke 14:1, 7-14</i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If you have any prayer needs,
please mention them in the comments section so we can join you in prayer. You
do not need to include specific names or situations of a private nature, just
say that you have a prayer request. The Lord knows your heart and the needs you
have. It is a privilege and honor to pray with you and for you.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-13584569036364908642019-08-28T03:00:00.000-07:002019-08-28T03:00:06.949-07:00From Sea to Shining Sea, by Carol J. Post<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am currently plotting a new series. One of the things I
love about starting a new book or series is visiting and researching the setting. There are so many intriguing and beautiful places across the US. I live in Florida but also spend a lot of time at my sister’s place in North
Carolina, so until now, all of my stories have taken place in one of those
two states.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last April, my sister and I flew out to North Bend,
Washington and visited friends. On our way back to the Seattle airport, I got a
call from my agent who said that Love Inspired wanted me to write a story for
the Baby Protectors series. When she finished telling me all the requirements,
she said, “They also want the story set in a western state…kind
of like where you are right now!” I said if I could use North Bend, Washington
for my setting, I would do it. Of course, that was going to involve another trip
out west since we were already en route home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I got back to Florida, I set to work with Google and the zillions of pictures I had taken. One place that just had to make it into my story was the summit at Snoqualmie Pass.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgQqvb63xLk/XWMAuPgn80I/AAAAAAAAI2E/c6FYUnJyWDcwemOmmmhgIBcHuDoDIYvDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Selfie%2Bwith%2Bsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgQqvb63xLk/XWMAuPgn80I/AAAAAAAAI2E/c6FYUnJyWDcwemOmmmhgIBcHuDoDIYvDQCEwYBhgL/s320/Selfie%2Bwith%2Bsnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Selfie against a background of snow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Me, my friend Nicole and my sister Kim</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even though it was April, our friend Nicole was keeping an eye on the weather and telling us how dangerous Snoqualmie Pass gets when snow comes in, which happens even that late in the year. After determining it was safe, we made the trip up to the west summit where we drove through a resort area with street names like Ober Strasse and Unterstrasse, and Swiss-style homes jutting up through a deep blanket of snow. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home partially hidden by six-foot tall snow banks</td></tr>
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Fortunately, the plow had come through, making the streets drivable. Besides being breathtakingly beautiful, it was the perfect location to have my hero and heroine and little niece snowed in and trapped when the bad guys come to get them!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTkls1d_KqI/XWMFGQruVDI/AAAAAAAAI2k/QhZpQkBAr1omQzWB7mkQZnkVacUGmtFfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Gazebo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTkls1d_KqI/XWMFGQruVDI/AAAAAAAAI2k/QhZpQkBAr1omQzWB7mkQZnkVacUGmtFfwCEwYBhgL/s320/Gazebo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazebo at Railroad Community Park, Snoqualmie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another site I wanted to use was the Railroad Community Park in downtown Snoqualmie, which is one of the stops on the scenic train ride. The gazebo there seemed like a romantic place for a marriage proposal. Although I loved the park, we didn’t have time for the train ride on the first trip, so that was going to be a must-do for our follow-up trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the time my sister and I returned in September, I had </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dangerous Relations</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> mostly written. Then it was time to revisit places I’d been in April to make sure I had all the details right, besides deciding on other things, like the perfect location for my heroine’s diner, the path the hero takes when trying to chase down the villain, and the hero’s housing accommodations near Naval Base Kitsap, where he’s stationed. (My sister’s military ID got us onto the base.)</span><br />
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When we stopped at Vanity Fair, where the hero and heroine stop to pick up some things on their way out of town, we had to hit the clearance racks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During our September trip, we made time for the North Bend/Snoqualmie train excursion, which stopped at an interesting railway museum with exhibits and dozens of old railroad cars. The route made a loop, starting and ending at the Railroad Community Park we had visited in April. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down over Snoqualmie River Valley from the train</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The series I’m working on now is set near Pensacola,
Florida. I don’t have mountains, waterfalls and snow to work with, but beaches,
rivers and bayous have their own beauty. And danger, especially if I throw in a
hurricane, gators and a couple of bad guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are some places you think would make a good setting for
a Love Inspired Suspense novel or series? Any places you've been that you've fallen in love with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Dangerous Relations</i> is releasing September 1. You can check it out here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Relations-Baby-Protectors-Carol-ebook/dp/B07N46XP9B/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerous-relations-carol-j-post/1130367109?ean=9781335232328" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> <a href="https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488040641_dangerous-relations.html" target="_blank">Harlequin</a></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">He’ll do anything to save his niece…</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In this The Baby Protectors novel</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When her sister’s murdered, navy man Ryan McConnell insists on protecting Shelby Adair and their niece—especially after someone tries to kidnap little Chloe. But can Shelby trust the child’s uncle? After all, she’s convinced </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">his</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> family’s behind the attacks. But the longer Ryan shields them, the more Shelby wonders if becoming a forever family is their only shot at survival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Carol J. Post splits
her time between sunshiny Central Florida and beautiful Murphy, North Carolina.
She writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Her
books have won two Royal Palm Literary Awards and been nominated for two RITA®
awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. Besides writing, she works
alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She also
enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown
daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all
that nurturing into taking care of two sassy black cats.</span></div>
<br />Carol J. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612742935912182631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-60666072377230679962019-08-27T03:40:00.000-07:002019-08-27T03:40:01.342-07:00Empty Nester by Laura Scott<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Good morning! My post today is about finally being an empty nester! Last year about this time, my daughter married a wonderful man (no grandkids yet) and I was so happy for them. This year, my big news is that my son has finally moved out of our home.</div>
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I happen to be one of those parents who is more than ready for this change. My son (bless his heart) was my problem child. He had a very long path to getting his act together with first finding a stable job, then attending college part time, then full time in order to obtain his nursing degree. Mind you, I’m extremely proud of what he’s accomplished (even if it did take him a very long time) and am thrilled he took after me in going into nursing. In fact, he is an awesome nurse and often receives accolades from his patients and coworkers. Here's a picture of me putting his RN pin on!</div>
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Yet what is it with young people these days? When I was his age, I was already married and living on my own. Not that I think he’s ready for marriage, sigh. But still, I moved out the moment I graduated from nursing school, even before I was married. Lived on my own for several years before I met and married my husband. Always strove to be independent from my parents.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not so much with my son, and I from what I’m hearing I’m not alone. For the past year my son has been living with us and working full time, helping out on occasion but not very driven to get a place of his own. I mean, come on. He’s twenty-eight years old! Frankly I had to give him an ultimatum earlier this year, move out by fall or get kicked out. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? I love him, but how is he ever going to be independent, meet a nice girl and live his own life if he continues staying with us? <o:p></o:p></div>
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The shocker in all of this is that once he found a small house ideal for him, he grew very excited about the whole process. He learned all about buying a house and owning a home. He managed his own mortgage process, insurance, and utilities. He closed on his new place August 16<sup>th</sup>and is now officially all moved in. Here's Jon standing outside his new house.<br />
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The house is quieter now with less dirty dishes lying around, and I miss hearing about how his work shifts are going. But I don’t’ miss having him here. Does that make me a bad parent? I hope not. I hope this is my way of setting him up for success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what do you think? Happy Empty Nester? Or would you prefer to live with your young adults? I’m interested to hear what others have gone through. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, and if you are interested in a sweet romance story, <i>To Believe</i>, the fifth book in my McNally series is available for preorder now, on sale as of Sept. 1<sup>st</sup>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px;">Yours in faith, Laura Scott</span>Laura Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14694857095398241303noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-4143720192303506132019-08-26T00:30:00.000-07:002019-08-26T06:55:47.410-07:00Back to the Beach and an early release giveaway. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Hola! Jolene Navarro here, checking in from my back porch in the Texas Hill Country. This morning I had to stop as I rushed through the kitchen on my way out the door. The sun threw unreal colors across the sky. The oranges and purples had me in awe of the world God created for us. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I wanted to settle in and write, but it's the first week of school and I had to get to work. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I did take a picture so I could try and capture it with watercolors in the studio. If you didn't know I teach art in San Antonio. I have the best of both worlds.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I try and do the same thing in my writing. Take the images from the real world that inspire me and share them with the reader. I want them to see the world that I see as I write. For us to share the dream.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The Texan's Surprise Return, the second book in the series of The Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch will be out Oct 15. It's available for pre-order now. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The series takes place around a ranch on the Texas Coast. One of my favorite places to visit.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Last time we were there the weather was moody, with dark skies. We had the beach to ourselves as we walked. We even found a sealed bottle with a message inside. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It was from the Cayman Islands but they had not included a date or their names.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">That had me thinking of all sorts of story ideas. </span></span><br />
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There is so much inspiration for art and writing on the beach.</div>
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This is a mix of manmade items tangles with nature. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">His greatest Christmas gifts…<br /><br />“Is that you? You’re…you’re </strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><em>alive</em></strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.”An unforgettable family reunion for the holidays.</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For three years, Xavier De La Rosa’s family thought he was dead. Now Xavier is back home in Texas for Christmas, and finds a wife he can’t remember and adorable triplets he never knew existed. Can Xavier reclaim his memories and the love he left behind…before he returns to the job that nearly killed him?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> This is my first amnesia story and my first story with triplets. They were so fun to research. I have several sets of twins in my life but I only know one couple that had triplets. These boys stole my heart. Especially the youngest, Oliver. (he is also named after one of my students. :) )</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The Texan's Promise <span style="font-weight: normal;">next in the series.</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This is Belle De La Rosa's story. She has been the one that stayed on the ranch to hold it together. She's raising two daughters on her own, like she has done everything else in life. Quinn, the single father of twin girls and a young son, moves to the ranch and shakes up her world. </span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It's available for preorder and will be in stores Feb 18. 2020. Cover coming soon. </span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sometimes finding common ground is easier said than done…</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">He’s in town on a mission…Will she change his mind?</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When a lightning storm lands Quinn Sinclair on single mom Belle De La Rosa’s ranch, she finds herself drawn to the handsome conservationist and his children. Belle isn’t looking for love—not while she’s trying to sell part of her ranch to developers to stay afloat. But when she discovers that Quinn’s purpose in town is to stop the sale, can she trust him…with her heart?</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch</strong><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This story was inspired by the work that is being done to protect the coastal lands that run 400 miles along Texas.</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Texas is home to many endangered marine species. There are four types of turtles that call it home at least one time out of the year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">So The Texan's Surprise Return is an amnesia story with triplets and The Texan's Promise is an enemy to lover's theme with a blended family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Is there a story type you get excited about as soon as you see the blurb? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Tell me your favorite theme and you could win a copy of The Texan's Secret Daughter or an early copy of The Texan's Surprise Return...your choice. </span></div>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></strong>Jolene Navarrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502609685267154607noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-19768028800002040402019-08-25T00:00:00.000-07:002019-08-27T11:56:06.492-07:00Sunday Scripture<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-lNmmu69BM/XVhk02ydhhI/AAAAAAAAGZo/4gnJPFWieQctWjdHKmGBrr1UOpVKewrdgCLcBGAs/s1600/800px-Stefan_Lochner_-_Last_Judgement_-_circa_1435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="800" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-lNmmu69BM/XVhk02ydhhI/AAAAAAAAGZo/4gnJPFWieQctWjdHKmGBrr1UOpVKewrdgCLcBGAs/s400/800px-Stefan_Lochner_-_Last_Judgement_-_circa_1435.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stefan Lochner, Last Judgment, c. 1435, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne,<br />
Germany. [PD-US]</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Jesus passed through towns and villages,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Someone asked him,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">"Lord, will only a few people be saved?" </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">He answered them,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">but will not be strong enough. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">then will you stand outside knocking and saying,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">'Lord, open the door for us.'</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">He will say to you in reply,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">'I do not know where you are from.</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">And you will say,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Then he will say to you,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">'I do not know where you are from. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Depart from me, all you evildoers!'</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and all the prophets in the kingdom of God</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and you yourselves cast out.</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">And people will come from the east and the west</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and from the north and the south</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">For behold, some are last who will be first,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and some are first who will be last."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Luke 13:22-30</i></span></span></div>
Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-82529606664899844662019-08-23T05:55:00.000-07:002019-08-23T05:55:26.622-07:00Strong and of Good Courage by Katy Lee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arabic word for COURAGE</td></tr>
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My bags are packed. My itinerary is printed. My passport says I'm good to go. In just two days, I will embark on the trip of a lifetime. When my plane lands, I will be in Israel. I will walk where my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ put down his footsteps and changed the course of this world by teaching on the amazing Kingdom of God.<br />
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The message was radical. The message was life-changing. The message brought hope to a fallen and dark world. What we see is not all there is. Not for those who love God with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their mind. It was a message of victory over evil.<br />
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But wait! There's more! With Jesus, God of abundance, there is always more. Jesus spoke on and said...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"This [loving God] is the first and great commandment. And the second is, you shall </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">love</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"> your neighbor as yourself."</span></span><br />
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Jesus wants us to share his message of hope for more. But that message starts with love.<br />
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Which brings me to the reason for leaving my home to go so very far away. On the other side of the world there is a group of Arabic Christian women awaiting our arrival. These women live in a land where they face the darkness of this world daily. Atrocities, persecution, and injustices just to name a few. The messages of hope and love are for them too. But my group and I are also bringing them messages of empowerment and leadership skills. Tools to assist them in their circumstances.<br />
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And with all this comes the message of courage. I am putting my feet down first and answering the call to go. God's word tells us to be strong and courageous. That He goes with us wherever we go. It is my prayer, these women will see my decision to believe God and take Him at His word . . . and find what they need to believe Jesus's message is for them as well.<br />
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Peace and Blessings,<br />
Katy Lee<br />
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Katy Lee has published eighteen novels, including her
Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense books. She calls her thrilling mysteries and romances
“Higher purpose stories at high speed suspense.” Two of her books have been
nominated for both the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® Award and the Daphne
du Maurier Award for excellence in mystery. Katy has won an Inspirational
Reader’s Choice Award and Selah Award for her 2016 Romantic Suspense <i>Blindsided</i>. A native New Englander, Katy
loves to knit warm wooly things while she plots her next suspense story. You can connect with Katy at her website: KatyLeeBooks.com and Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Katyleebooks">Katyleebooks</a> and Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katyleeauthor">katyleeauthor</a><br />
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<br />Katy Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695502207902033580noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-50992541210955333862019-08-22T05:03:00.000-07:002019-08-22T05:03:53.529-07:00Heroes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Major Richard "Dick" Winters, Easy Company, 101st Airborne Division</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always been interested in World War Two. I had three uncles who as members of this "greatest generation" island-hopped and fought their way to victory in the Pacific. And I hold these American heroes with the highest regard. Although, my uncles would have been quick to say that the real heroes were their friends who made the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my previous Love Inspired novels in the Eastern Shore of Virginia series, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bachelors-Unexpected-Family-Love-Inspired/dp/0373623003/" target="_blank">The Bachelor's Unexpected Family,</a><b> </b>had a poignant World War Two connection.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Earlier this summer, my family and I traveled to Normandy. June 6, 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings that culminated in the eventual capitulation of the Third Reich.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utah Beach</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Standing on the beach listening to the pounding waves upon the sand and the sound of seabirds cawing overhead, I reflected on that pivotal day seventy-five years ago. At the top of the dunes, derelict German bunkers and gun placements still overlook this now peaceful strand that was once the scene of near unimaginable carnage.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We visited many of the sites featured in Steven Spielberg's iconic <i>Band of Brothers</i> mini-series, including the church at Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated by Allied forces from Nazi occupation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it was at the American Cemetery, with all of those white crosses and Stars of David, that the terrible price of war truly hit me. Most of the young men who died on Omaha and Utah beaches were between the ages of 18 and 23—the same as my two daughters. If my daughters had been alive in 1944, potentially these brave young men would have been classmates and friends. It was a sobering realization for them when I pointed how how young these heroes were who'd died to preserve our freedom. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beyond the sea of white crosses lies the brilliant blue of the English Channel. And I was struck by the peaceful, serene beauty of the setting. There is something of the sacred here. It is hallowed ground.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am thankful today for all those who have served and continue to serve our country. These men and women are my heroes, including law enforcement, firefighters and first responders, too. Their example of self-sacrifice inspire me to daily choose to love others better than myself. And to leave my little corner of the world a better place because God planted me here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Who are your heroes? Do you have a friend or family member currently in service that you would like to give a shout out to? And as for fictional heroes, what kind of hero do you most like to read about?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope you are enjoying these last days of summer.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy reading,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lisa </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>As a Southern romance writer, Lisa has definite opinions on
serious issues like barbecue, ACC basketball and the whole Pepsi vs.
Coke controversy. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to
romantic locales and researching her next romantic adventure. <a href="http://www.lisacarterauthor.com/" target="_blank">www.lisacarterauthor.com</a><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Join her mailing list for info on
book happenings at <a class="linkified" href="https://us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8b9585ca24118f342f37f5947&id=f48408ea8f" target="_blank">Newsletter</a>. Follow her on <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lisa-carter" target="_blank">BookBub</a> to receive notices about new releases. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Welcome
to Truelove, North Carolina—Where True Love Awaits. This fun, new
romantic series is set in the breathtakingly lovely Blue Ridge Mountains
of North Carolina. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Though
the course of true love doesn’t always run smooth, never fear. The
Truelove Matchmakers are there to make sure everyone finds their true
happily-ever-after.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><b>A mutually beneficial </b><b><i>temporary</i></b><b> arrangement…<br />But can they keep it strictly professional?</b><br /><br />Nursing
student Amber Fleming couldn’t be more stunned when ex-marine Ethan
Green makes an offer: he’ll babysit her twin girls if she cares for his
injured grandmother. Amber knows it’s temporary. Ethan isn’t one for
roots—or their hometown. But his steadfast caring has her wanting more
than friendship. And with help from Amber’s mischievous twins, can they
risk becoming a forever family? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Pre-order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Bargain-Love-Inspired/dp/1335479481/" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span></span></div>
Lisa Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03426653469993455350noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-25629724071206323282019-08-21T03:00:00.000-07:002019-08-21T03:00:08.771-07:00Back to school giveaway!!When I was at RWA, the annual conference for romance writers, last month, a bunch of us had some leftover books from our signing, so I collected a few extras with the intention of putting together a giveaway for all of you! I've been hanging on to them since then, and I'm so glad to finally clear some of the stuff out of my office! <br /><br />Being in NYC was definitely a highlight of my summer. So many fun things to see and do. I was especially excited to see the Statue of Liberty, which I hadn't been to see since I was a child. While so many things have changed since then, it was nice to see it again.<br />
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I had enough items to make three different prizes. I'll draw a winner from each of them. To enter, simply leave a comment telling me the best part of your summer. And, for a bonus entry, share this post with your friends. I'll give you an entry for every place you share it. Just tag me when you share so I know you shared.<br /><br />The prizes:<br />
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<br /><br />Lots of fun things in each prize pack, so hopefully, it will give you lots of great reading for back to school!<br /><br /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"><b>About Danica Favorite:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;"></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;">A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. </span>She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado. <span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Danica </span>loves
to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey
to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps
are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created
them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories.
Then again, getting there is all the fun.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, quot; font-size: 15.46px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 23.19px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" />
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<b>You can connect with Danica at the following places:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, quot; font-size: 15.46px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 23.19px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 16.2288px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" />
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Newsletter: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/7HCXj" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;">http://eepurl.com/7HCXj</a></span><br />Website: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.danicafavorite.com/" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.danicafavorite.com/</a></span><br />Twitter: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/danicafavorite" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;">https://twitter.com/danicafavorite</a></span><br />Instagram: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://instagram.com/danicafavorite/" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;">https://instagram.com/danicafavorite/</a></span><br />Facebook: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DanicaFavoriteAuthor" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DanicaFavoriteAuthor </a><span style="margin: 0px;"><u><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></u> </span></span><br />Amazon: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Danica-Favorite/e/B00KRP0IFU" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.amazon.com/Danica-Favorite/e/B00KRP0IFU</a></span><br />BookBub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danica-favorite" style="color: #ff9900; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danica-favorite</span></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;">Danica's most recent release:</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWROPP5DYLw/XNxUIW0eusI/AAAAAAAABMA/44VmQccIUF87dmQ4JBUlzxZ14EPTK-pPQCLcBGAs/s1600/y404.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #ff9900; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWROPP5DYLw/XNxUIW0eusI/AAAAAAAABMA/44VmQccIUF87dmQ4JBUlzxZ14EPTK-pPQCLcBGAs/s320/y404.jpg" style="background: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: relative;" width="201" /></a></div>
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit;">His secret past. His second chance.</strong><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: poppins, arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Three Sisters Ranch</span><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: inherit;"> could be his way home…</strong><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.456px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: poppins, arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">When
inexperienced rancher Nicole Bell starts training her troubled mare,
Fernando Montoya has just the expertise she needs. But helping Nicole
brings Fernando dangerously close to revealing the secret he’d rather
keep hidden: he learned the skill in prison. While the horse draws them
together, can Fernando find a way to tell her the truth…and keep it from
pulling them apart? </span><br />
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<br />Danica Favoritehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922540628183027043noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-79199795962821438752019-08-20T04:00:00.000-07:002019-08-20T04:00:02.733-07:00An Old Take on Going to Church Camp by Jo Ann BrownToday, we send our kids to camp in the summer, either day camp or sleepover camp. In the 19th century, the whole family attended camp meeting together. The first camp meetings, as they were called, were held on land purchased by a church or a generous donor. Families either rented or bought small plots of land, just big enough to erect a generous sized tent where everyone could live—along with the mosquitos and other bugs—for the duration of camp meeting. Eventually, those families sought permission to build a more permanent structure on their tent site, and camp meeting communities evolved into what today are still highly sought after vacation communities.<br>
My first visit to a camp community was when I was invited to teach for a week at Craigville Conference Center on Cape Cod. I immediately fell in love with the collection of homes and other buildings. A grand open-sided structure, called the Tabernacle, sits on a hill overlooking the village green where once a post office was the gathering place for residents and visitors. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rGGKHg9HiU/XUw_WdLOc-I/AAAAAAAAAPs/XQD5vBopkSI85MAOsVe-dtqju_fCAUsLwCLcBGAs/s1600/tabernacle%2B94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rGGKHg9HiU/XUw_WdLOc-I/AAAAAAAAAPs/XQD5vBopkSI85MAOsVe-dtqju_fCAUsLwCLcBGAs/s320/tabernacle%2B94.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div>That post office now is a gift shop, but still provides a bulletin board with member information. The once simple tents have become adorable Gothic-style cottages or large vacation homes, where the original footprint of the tent-sized house has been augmented by expansive construction.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQmnnbquvR4/XUxAXfp8laI/AAAAAAAAAP4/O-DhWH4A_W4g7yyp1wxFFrPL9s8QWd5kgCLcBGAs/s1600/house%2B2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQmnnbquvR4/XUxAXfp8laI/AAAAAAAAAP4/O-DhWH4A_W4g7yyp1wxFFrPL9s8QWd5kgCLcBGAs/s320/house%2B2071.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FH45Gb5QL8Q/XUxBBSyWxMI/AAAAAAAAAQA/6Nb9O0Q5L94CzSGvLxnp559oEBMyTCUigCLcBGAs/s1600/houses%2B251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FH45Gb5QL8Q/XUxBBSyWxMI/AAAAAAAAAQA/6Nb9O0Q5L94CzSGvLxnp559oEBMyTCUigCLcBGAs/s320/houses%2B251.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div> Craigville was built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the views remain glorious as the sun sets over the marshes surrounding it.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjWgn-tvd8M/XUw-UoC-N7I/AAAAAAAAAPc/FcxnHG_C4p4V6xMwKWRwxbgDQkec-dJlQCLcBGAs/s1600/beach%2B33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjWgn-tvd8M/XUw-UoC-N7I/AAAAAAAAAPc/FcxnHG_C4p4V6xMwKWRwxbgDQkec-dJlQCLcBGAs/s320/beach%2B33.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWISYyCfun8/XUw_J7Abs2I/AAAAAAAAAPo/BYDTUk5PXlUyisK4_4YIrDedRNaa7B-XwCLcBGAs/s1600/marsh%2B32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWISYyCfun8/XUw_J7Abs2I/AAAAAAAAAPo/BYDTUk5PXlUyisK4_4YIrDedRNaa7B-XwCLcBGAs/s320/marsh%2B32.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div>
There are several other camp meeting communities in Massachusetts, including another Cape Cod one that was built in Yarmouth (near Hyannis) and one on Martha’s Vineyard. My husband and I chanced upon another community last fall, this one named Rustic Ridge in western Massachusetts. Again, I fell in love with the architecture and the sense of community, though the place was nearly deserted as the summer people had already moved back to their permanent homes around the country.<br>
Rustic Ridge is in the town of Northfield, MA,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1AxBQ7pfgw/XUxG9AjBfMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/nWh2XLeZBfgeQQmKLjf8W09TJdgNmF3DQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1AxBQ7pfgw/XUxG9AjBfMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/nWh2XLeZBfgeQQmKLjf8W09TJdgNmF3DQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4310.JPG" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div> the only town that abuts both Vermont and New Hampshire as it straddles the Connecticut River. Northfield is the birthplace of Dwight L. Moody, the evangelist and publisher who drew hundreds to his lectures in the late 19th century. He considered education an important part of his work, and he founded schools for both boys and girls in his home town. He also invited ministers to attend a summer gathering where they could learn from one another, starting in 1880. The small town and the schools couldn’t provide all the housing necessary, so families camped on the steep sides of the hill overlooking the girls’ school. By 1901, the first house was built on what became known as Rustic Ridge. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu3iPLTnubQ/XUxHJzqBfII/AAAAAAAAAQQ/_TAbMpW0DxMTK5UVJT0FSw-XufKODoqGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu3iPLTnubQ/XUxHJzqBfII/AAAAAAAAAQQ/_TAbMpW0DxMTK5UVJT0FSw-XufKODoqGwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4316.JPG" width="214" height="320" data-original-width="1068" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>Others quickly followed, all of them purchased by visiting ministers and business people looking for a quiet place for the summer for recreation and reflection. The descendants of some of those original purchasers still live on the Ridge (as it’s affectionately known). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGxWRZgJ2ZU/XUxHVE4jDgI/AAAAAAAAAQU/A4fjH8IAECArVoX4ipfeMx-MOuBjxtNqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGxWRZgJ2ZU/XUxHVE4jDgI/AAAAAAAAAQU/A4fjH8IAECArVoX4ipfeMx-MOuBjxtNqACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4313.JPG" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZRq_8mcWP4/XUxHVbSStBI/AAAAAAAAAQY/bwfMtx15N0sa3rx1x22P83qCwRrFhJ6WwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZRq_8mcWP4/XUxHVbSStBI/AAAAAAAAAQY/bwfMtx15N0sa3rx1x22P83qCwRrFhJ6WwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4315.JPG" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div><br>
In the future, I hope to be able to visit Rehoboth Beach in Delaware where there was also a camp meeting association as well as Ocean Grove, NJ. I’m sure there are plenty of others I’ve never heard of, so if you know of one, share please! Each place has its own unique history and wonderful architecture. In the northeast, some are near the beach, others in the mountains, but all are testaments to families who came together to worship and enjoy the summer together...along with all those pesky mosquitos!<br>Jo Ann Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491778477905043300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-85270065880413086032019-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:002019-08-19T06:00:06.635-07:00Put on your own mask first<style type="text/css">
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Growing up is hard.</div>
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Watching someone grow old can be harder.</div>
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The normal order of things is for a parent to raise their child. </div>
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They take care of you. </div>
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What do you do when the situation in reversed and you have to take care of them?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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My mother has been blessed with good health for most of her very long life—to the extent of being able to drive around town even when she was in her nineties.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But time takes its toll on a body, no matter how well you treat it. Eventually my mother got to the point where she was too frail to live alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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At about the same time, my employer decided to close down the site where I was working. They kindly offered to move me to the company’s main site on the east coast. To give them points for honesty, I should mention that they made this offer in January, when the average high temperature at their location was 5 degrees Fahrenheit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I thanked them for the offer. But I decided these two events—my site closing down and my mother growing frail—could not be described as coincidence. Seemed more like Providence.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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I began submitting my resume to companies near where my mother lived. Usually, this is a long process. It can take weeks or even months before you hear back from a company. But within a day of sending my resume, I found a company that was eager to hire me. They flew me down for an interview within the week, offered me a job the week after, and then paid for my multi-state move.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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At this point, I figured everything was set. I’d be around in the evenings in case my mother needed help, and I’d save up the money I would otherwise have spent in rent. Easy peasy!</div>
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Um… no. I hadn’t counted on the physical toll it would take on an elderly lady to have to clear out a room so I could live there. Apparently, in the years since I’d moved out, my room had become the ideal location for things that no one wanted to use (but at the same time no one wanted to throw away). </div>
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It is hard to get rid of decades of Stuff. Even with my brothers helping out, my mother still ended up in the hospital as a result of the physical exertion of lifting boxes and carrying them downstairs. (<i>What is that, you say? Ask my sons to do that for me? Nonsense! I'm perfectly capable of picking up a box snd carrying it down the stairs</i>.... until the point where it hurts too much for her to sit stand or walk.)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Even once I’d moved in and my mother was able to come back home, things weren’t easy. While it made sense from my point of view that I do the heavy lifting when it came to household chores, to my mother this was incomprehensible. For my mother, taking care of other people what was <i>she</i> was supposed to do. No matter what how much her body complained, this was her job and she did not want to give it up.</div>
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So in the past few months I have learned a lot:</div>
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<li>I’ve learned that as we get older, while our bodies might age our minds still insist that we can do everything we used to do, thankyouverymuch.</li>
<li>I’ve learned what I see as helping can very easily be seen as taking away the last vestige of a senior citizen's independence and self respect. It’s a tricky tightrope to walk.</li>
<li>I've learned that caring for other people does not mean giving up what you need for your own survival.</li>
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If you’ve ever flown in a plane, you’ve had to sit through the lecture about how you should take care of your own oxygen mask before making sure anyone else is getting air to breathe. It feels selfish to take care of yourself, but in a crisis it’s practical to make sure that you’re still there to take care of other people. I’m starting to take time for myself to write and read and pray. These are things that help me renew my strength for the next day’s tasks.</div>
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Ultimately, we are all caretakers of each other. And we all need to find time to put on our own oxygen mask to survive. </div>
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What do you do to make sure you have time to breathe?</div>
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Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Image%20by%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1987212%22%3EGerd%20Altmann%3C/a%3E%20from%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1987212%22%3EPixabay%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Gerd Altmann</a>Evelyn M. Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14427861437774125046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-18623253533667916842019-08-18T00:00:00.000-07:002019-08-18T00:00:09.053-07:00Sunday Scripture<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeTnUTZY0y8/XVhhs3g_WDI/AAAAAAAAGZc/haFZFKbIX2gpuD0-_EG1qUqwnJlM7deJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Cefal%25C3%25B9_Pantocrator_retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeTnUTZY0y8/XVhhs3g_WDI/AAAAAAAAGZc/haFZFKbIX2gpuD0-_EG1qUqwnJlM7deJwCLcBGAs/s320/Cefal%25C3%25B9_Pantocrator_retouched.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christus Pantocrator, Cathedral of Cefalù, c. 1130.<br /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">[GNU Free Documentation License]</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Jesus said to his disciples:</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">"I have come to set the earth on fire,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and how I wish it were already blazing! </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">No, I tell you, but rather division. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">From now on a household of five will be divided,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">three against two and two against three;</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">a father will be divided against his son</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and a son against his father,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">a mother against her daughter</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and a daughter against her mother,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 12:49-53</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If you have any prayer needs,
please mention them in the comments section so we can join you in prayer. You
do not need to include specific names or situations of a private nature, just
say that you have a prayer request. The Lord knows your heart and the needs you
have. It is a privilege and honor to pray with you and for you.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-43148265598609547852019-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:002019-08-15T00:00:09.507-07:00Dog Days of Summer, by Myra Johnson
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Apparently, the summer heat has been on the minds of several Love Inspired bloggers this month. It’s been brutally hot in Central Texas the past few weeks, with several days in a row topping the 100-degree mark. Texans aren’t the only ones sweltering, however. I recently read an <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/08/02/july-was-earths-hottest-month-record-beating-or-tying-july/">article</a> stating July 2019 may well go down in history as the hottest month on Earth ever recorded!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' underground with the fam on a hot summer day!</td></tr>
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Crazy, but our dogs actually seem to enjoy finding a sunny spot in the grass to stretch out and soak up some rays. Watching them made me curious, though—where exactly did the phrase “dog days of summer” originate?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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A little Googling and I came up with an answer. Come to find out, the phrase has nothing to do with panting dogs lolling in the summer heat. The term began way back with the Greeks and Romans, when the hottest days of the summer often coincided with Sirius, the Dog Star, rising and setting along with the sun. The Greeks and Romans believed Sirius combined its heat with the sun’s, making the days even hotter (a false assumption, of course). Depending on the tilt of the earth and where you happen to be living, the so-called dog days of summer typically occur between July 3 and August 11.</div>
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So now I’m pondering the origin of any number of idioms we hear so often in daily conversation:</div>
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<li>Raining cats and dogs. (Sure could use a good rain right about now!)</li>
<li>Facing the music. (Are they playing your song?)</li>
<li>Once in a blue moon. (Ever seen one of those?)</li>
<li>Having a bee in your bonnet. (Scary thought!)</li>
<li>Getting up on the wrong side of the bed. (I always get up on the same side, but some days definitely turn out more “wrong” than others.)</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNoQd7ywTtY/XU240WUUAdI/AAAAAAAADx8/NUu-0Q1aR18E9ryEw8Yom1PhZX-WIfl4gCLcBGAs/s1600/wrong%2Bside%2Bof%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="640" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNoQd7ywTtY/XU240WUUAdI/AAAAAAAADx8/NUu-0Q1aR18E9ryEw8Yom1PhZX-WIfl4gCLcBGAs/s320/wrong%2Bside%2Bof%2Bbed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops! Yep, that's me, waking up on the wrong side of the bed!</td></tr>
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If you’re curious about these or innumerable other turns of phrase, many of which I’ve never even heard of, I found an interesting website, <a href="https://www.idioms.online/">Idioms Online</a>. Share some of your favorites in the comments, and enlighten us about the origin if you can!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;">~~~~~~~</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K8xD6ouemQ/XU251LIi51I/AAAAAAAADyM/WJD97e4PYUswZD5SWXERdrtMENmSkmg9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Their%2BChristmas%2BPrayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K8xD6ouemQ/XU251LIi51I/AAAAAAAADyM/WJD97e4PYUswZD5SWXERdrtMENmSkmg9gCLcBGAs/s320/Their%2BChristmas%2BPrayer.jpg" width="201" /></a><span style="color: #073763;">Native Texan <a href="http://myrajohnson.com/">Myra Johnson</a> writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. She’s wrapping up a Love Inspired mini-series with returning characters from <a href="http://bit.ly/HerHillCountryCowboy"><i>Her Hill Country Cowboy</i></a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/HillCountry2"><i>Hill Country Reunion</i></a>, and <a href="http://bit.ly/TRRedemption"><i>The Rancher’s Redemption</i></a>. The next book in the series, <a href="http://bit.ly/TheirChristmasPrayer"><i>Their Christmas Prayer</i>,</a> is due out in October.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Also look for the updated editions of Myra’s earlier romances:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/AutumnRns"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Autumn Rains</span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/RBTB2018"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Romance by the Book</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://bit.ly/Dogwoods"><i>Where the Dogwoods Bloom</i></a><i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://bit.ly/HorsemenComplete"><i>The Horsemen of Cross Roads Farm</i></a> (3-book collection)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with two very pampered rescue dogs who don’t always understand the meaning of “Mom’s trying to write.” They’ve also inherited the cute little cat (complete with attitude) their daughter and family had to leave behind when they moved overseas.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://myrajohnson.com/"><span style="color: #073763;">Website</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyraJohnsonAuthor"><span style="color: #073763;">Facebook</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/MyraJohnson">@MyraJohnson</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGrammarQueen">@TheGrammarQueen</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1391761.Myra_Johnson"><span style="color: #073763;">Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mjwrites/"><span style="color: #073763;">Instagram</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mjwrites/"><span style="color: #073763;">Pinterest</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Sign up to receive Myra’s e-news updates <a href="http://myrajohnson.com/newsletter-signup/">here</a>!</span></div>
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Myra Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765951683632426856noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-83073996883176339182019-08-14T08:00:00.000-07:002019-08-14T08:54:13.422-07:00Small towns and summertime parades Roxanne Rustand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just returned home from ten days in rural Wisconsin with three of our grandkids, while their parents were in Hungary and Austria. I had been wondering if I could come up with enough activities to keep everyone entertained, but between the list their mom wrote and a few ideas of my own, the days flew. At least for me! Now I'm back home, and miss being with the grandkids more than ever!<br />
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I love small towns and rural life--the wide-open spaces, the feeling of community. The celebrations--the county fairs and parades.<br />
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My husband and I live on an acreage with our three horses, rescue dogs and a flock of friendly barn cats (all neutered), and all of my books for Love Inspired have been set in small towns or ranch country, where I feel right at home.<br />
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Hmmm..."flock" didn't sound quite right for describing our cats so I got sidetracked here and had to look up the correct term.<br />
I had NO idea that a group of cats is called a "clowder of cats," a "glaring of cats," a "pounce of cats," or a "destruction of cats." A clowder?! A glaring, pounce, or destruction of cats made me giggle!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zujKwA-B2T0/XVQeoYAp26I/AAAAAAABGxE/O8RxgAR15lM5wJQ9mLmBQTKDu87i3_T7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190814_082911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zujKwA-B2T0/XVQeoYAp26I/AAAAAAABGxE/O8RxgAR15lM5wJQ9mLmBQTKDu87i3_T7QCEwYBhgL/s320/20190814_082911.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
At any rate, it was fun being in beautiful, rural Wisconsin, with the rolling hills and trees, beautiful parks, and lovely lakes. It was also fun to go to the local parade, where the two oldest grandkids were on a 4H float.<br />
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The parade was amazing. It's a very small, one-stoplight town, but all of the communities in the region send their floats, bedecked with princesses, to each other's town celebrations. I lost count at ninety-six units going by!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeX1cp_rtlQ/XVQeo-9huFI/AAAAAAABGxI/nyBVHSNZroEiBRjECL-IVpIOecl9X4voQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190814_083946%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeX1cp_rtlQ/XVQeo-9huFI/AAAAAAABGxI/nyBVHSNZroEiBRjECL-IVpIOecl9X4voQCEwYBhgL/s320/20190814_083946%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>Marching bands. Horses. Float after float after float, all topped with the beaming princesses and royal courts from their town.<br />
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The Shriners, whizzing by on their little go-karts. A polka band atop an antique green<br />
hearse. :) That's quite a group. Click on the photo to see them better!<br />
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Have you seen or done anything fun and memorable this summer? Maybe had some nice visits with family or friends? Read any good books?<br />
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Anyone leaving a comment here will be in a drawing for my newest book High Country Homecoming (Love Inspired, June, 2019.)<br />
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All the best to you!<br />
Roxanne Rustand<br />
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<br />RoxanneRustandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03443712316288965799noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-88788481975036644622019-08-13T02:00:00.000-07:002019-08-13T02:00:04.699-07:00In with the New<br />
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How is everyone’s summer going? It’s hot, hot, hot here in
Colorado, although it does occasionally rain in the evenings. We’re trying to
keep our energy bill from skyrocketing by using fans most of the time, but the
air conditioning still goes on in the afternoon when we’re all sweltering.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My oldest daughter and her family (including my granddaughter)
moved to the Seattle area to be near my son-in-law’s mother, and they’re having
quite an adventure trying to get settled. I really miss them, even though we
Facetime. It’s just not the same. I want to reach out and touch them and can’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My middle daughter is now the General Manager of not one, but
TWO Metrolux movie theaters in Utah. It’s a super exciting job because Sundance
uses these theaters come January—I think that would be a GREAT time for us to
visit, even though we’d probably see little of my daughter. But…a movie star or
two, perhaps? <o:p></o:p></div>
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What’s truly amazing about Middle is she got a job in concessions
when she turned 16. Yes, working at the movie theater was her first and
basically only job. She’s worked her way up in the company. Look out, District
Manager under the age of 30!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Youngest is likewise experiencing change. She is an Assistant
Manager at Sam’s Club working her way up to General Manager. She’s the one they
call when they need someone to step in as General Manager for a week, so I don’t
think it will be long now. In the meantime, she just moved into her first solo
apartment (she’s always shared living expenses with friends.) Boo even has his
own room!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for Joe and me, our family has grown. We’ve welcomed a
bonded pair of Tuxedo kittens into our home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dab and Hype (thanks to
Boo for providing us with really cool contemporary dance move names) are super
fun and such a blessing.<br />
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Things are changing in my writing world, as well. My very
last book located in fictional Serendipity, Texas,<a href="https://amzn.to/2KuFYMv" target="_blank"> Her Forgotten Cowboy,</a> will
be out this week. It’s really hard for me to break away from this town after
writing sixteen books set there, but it’s time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">She can’t remember the past<br />He can’t imagine a future without her in </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cowboy Country</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Suffering amnesia after a car accident, Rebecca Hamilton arrives back in Serendipity, Texas, pregnant and seeking the baby’s father—her estranged husband, Tanner. Returning to the ranch house they once shared is her best chance at regaining her memories. But will recalling the tragic reason they separated only drive a bigger wedge between Rebecca and the man she’s falling for all over again?</span></div>
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I am excited to announce I've signed for six more books for Love Inspired!!! I'm moving on to my new series set on a
Christmas tree farm in fictional Whispering Pines, Colorado. I’ve been wanting
to write some books set in my home state for a while now so I’m super excited
about that. Plus, the six book series involves the six-sibling Winslows training service dogs--and there will be lots
of cowboys and kids, of course. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Change is scary, but I’m super excited about what the future
holds. We’re safe in God’s hands, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope your summer was filled with blessings!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Deb Kastnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027911682220625645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-47567622280239679952019-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:002019-08-12T00:01:10.660-07:00Summer Critters (Warning--Pictures!)by <a href="https://jillkemerer.com/" target="_blank">Jill Kemerer</a><br />
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All summer I've been taking walks whenever possible, and I've encountered a LOT of critters! Now, I'll be the first to admit I'm a big baby when it comes to the creepy-crawlies. Spiders make me scream; snakes give me heart attacks. And since I'm a drama queen, I took lots of pictures to prove I had reasons to be afraid.<br />
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First up, I was just walking along, minding my own business when I almost stepped on this little guy. Yes, it took ten minutes for my pulse to return to normal!<br />
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This spider? HUGE. And in the bathroom at the park I was visiting. Yikes! In my mind, this is one step away from a tarantula.<br />
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In June, my girlfriend joined me on a research trip to the nearby Lake Erie islands, and we were both shocked at how late the Mayflies appeared this year. Here they are on my leg and covering a pole (they are harmless but icky!).<br />
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Also on this trip, we got to see what was under the black mats on one of the islands--it wasn't a pleasant surprise! To be fair, scientists research these snakes, so there's that.<br />
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I came across this adorable toad sunning himself while I was walking the other day. I don't mind frogs and toads. I like his pose.<br />
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Finally, in July we spent a week in Florida. We saw all three of these on the same night. The tiny crab was my favorite!<br />
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Not pictured? The raccoon that climbed the tree right outside the deck! The little guy was too fast for me...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What critters have you encountered recently? Which ones do you like more than others?</span><br />
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Enjoy your Monday!<br />
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*</div>
<br />
Jill
Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance
novels for Harlequin Love Inspired. She loves coffee, M&Ms, a stack of
books, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two
almost-grown children. Please visit her website, <a href="http://www.jillkemerer.com/">jillkemerer.com</a>, and sign up for her <a href="https://jillkemerer.com/newsletter/">newsletter</a>.<br />
<br />
Released May 2019:<br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">She’s pregnant on his doorstep…</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-weight: bold;">Saddle up for this </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Wyoming Cowboys</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-weight: bold;"> novel</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
When his childhood
friend Kit McAllistor shows up, widowed and pregnant, rancher Wade Croft offers
her a place to stay…but he can’t offer her his heart. As old feelings begin to
surface, past tragedies force Wade to ignore them. But on the brink of losing
his ranch, will he also risk losing the woman he’s beginning to love…or can he
cowboy up in time?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://jillkemerer.com/books/his-wyoming-baby-blessing/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">FOR PURCHASE LINKS CLICK HERE!</span></a></div>
<br />Jill Kemererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-10742078000892695572019-08-11T00:00:00.000-07:002019-08-11T00:00:05.076-07:00Sunday Scripture<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSUKDZYE-Yk/XU8UV2f655I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/cr09CaYy65g-_Xxwq6OqRpMKwwDH8K9wQCLcBGAs/s1600/Teachings_of_Jesus_32_of_40._the_faithful_and_wise_steward._Jan_Luyken_etching._Bowyer_Bible.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="707" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSUKDZYE-Yk/XU8UV2f655I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/cr09CaYy65g-_Xxwq6OqRpMKwwDH8K9wQCLcBGAs/s320/Teachings_of_Jesus_32_of_40._the_faithful_and_wise_steward._Jan_Luyken_etching._Bowyer_Bible.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etching, Jan Luyken illustrating the parable, Bowyer Bible,<br />
Bolton, England. [Free Art License]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Jesus said to his disciples:</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">“Gird your loins and light your lamps</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Blessed are those servants</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">have the servants recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">And should he come in the second or third watch</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">and find them prepared in this way,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">blessed are those servants. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Be sure of this:</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">if the master of the house had known the hour</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">when the thief was coming,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">he would not have let his house be broken into. </span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,</span><br style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">the Son of Man will come.”</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Luke 12:35-40</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have any prayer needs,
please mention them in the comments section so we can join you in prayer. You
do not need to include specific names or situations of a private nature, just
say that you have a prayer request. The Lord knows your heart and the needs you
have. It is a privilege and honor to pray with you and for you.</span></span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;" />Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945907563318808519.post-1336044807292502322019-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:002019-08-09T08:41:26.610-07:00Shipshewana Visit by Vannetta ChapmanHappy Friday!<br />
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Today I thought I'd share some pictures with you from my recent visit to Shipshewana, Indiana. Shipshewana is one of the largest and most affluent Amish communities. I've been there many times and all of my Love Inspired books are set in that area.<br />
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A few things I noticed this time that I hadn't seen before include:<br />
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<ul>
<li>solar panels on the barn</li>
<li>open buggies</li>
<li>a buggy race (on a county road--that was a hoot)</li>
<li>dinner in an Amish home where that part of the house had been built or modified specifically to hold dinners for <i>Englischers</i></li>
<li>Amish families attending an antique tractor show</li>
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But most things in Amish country remain the same:</div>
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<ul>
<li>large families enjoying ice cream at Howe's on a Friday night</li>
<li>an Amish home to buy a quilt (the Amish woman had over 100 quilts that she and her friends had completed)</li>
<li>schools and phone booths and so many beautiful gardens</li>
<li>Amish working side-by-side with the <i>Englisch</i> in restaurants, quilt shops, etc.</li>
<li>Visited a cheese store and yes I brought some home.</li>
</ul>
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It's always fun to visit an area that you write or read about and compare the reality to the fiction. Have you been to Amish country? I'd love to know what you saw that left a lasting impression on you. My book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Matchmaker-Indiana-Brides-ebook/dp/B07PJ732RC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1B8CTDLF8LECI&keywords=amish+christmas+matchmaker&qid=1565365225&s=gateway&sprefix=amish+christmas+matchma%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Amish Christmas Matchmaker </a>releases next month, and we'll once again be visiting northern Indiana. I hope it's a story that touches your heart.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Vannetta</div>
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Vannetta Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182541900235310500noreply@blogger.com12