I started my blog two years ago with this post, and last year, I wrote this post as the new year began. Reading those back now gives me a very warm and fuzzy feeling. 2018 was, indeed, a sequel to 2017, just as I'd hoped and prayed for it to be. And for everything I set out to accomplish last year (and even the year before), I can see looking back where and when God stepped in to help me along the way and guide me in directions I didn't even know I wanted to go. I'm grateful for 2018, and I ...
Are There Angels Among Us?
During the Christmas season, we sing songs about angels (hearing them on high), we watch movies about angels (bells ringing, angels getting wings), and we become just a bit more attentive to the subject of angels. I even read a book recently (titled Mr. Miracle) about an angel who comes to earth to help a young lady named Addie get her life straightened out. But are there really angels here? According to the Psalms, yes. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all ...
Christmas Reading List
Merry Christmas! I’m always surprised by how fast Christmas comes. And that’s coming from the gal who puts her Christmas decorations up the second weekend in November! As much as I love Hallmark Christmas movies, I love Christmas books even more. Of course, the ultimate Christmas novel is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. But some modern day authors are putting out a healthy serving of Christmas themed novels themselves. I’ve listed some of the ones I’ve read below. Christmas books by ...
12 More Hallmark Christmas Movies You Should Be Watching
There’s nothing more heartwarming than a Hallmark Christmas movie. The music is merry with a perfect touch of jolly, the sets display scenery of a snowy white backdrop and twinkle lights in greenery, and the story line is predictable in that they will always end happily with a perfect Christmas conclusion. Most importantly, my granny always loved them, and that makes me love them even more. About this time last year, I wrote “12 Hallmark Movies You Need to Watch This Holiday Season” for ...
Could You Be Overlooking Rudolph?
Rudolph had it hard. His story ends well, but his journey to happiness was rough. He wasn’t always the “most famous reindeer of all.” We smile as we sing his song, but do you ever think about what the song actually says about Rudolph’s narrative? Let’s take a moment to do just that. Observe: at the beginning of his story, he caught some flack. “All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.” Ouch. Rudolph had something that made him unique—his nose—but he got made fun of for ...
Seven Ways to Express That You’re Thankful
It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do. —Jane Austen We should make it a habit to tell people we are thankful for them, for the things they do for us, and for the ways they show that they care about us. But more than that, our actions should proclaim just how thankful we are. We should show our thanks. After all, actions always speak louder than words. To give you a few ideas on how to let others see what’s in your heart, here are seven ways to show you’re ...
Seven Things to Do in Atlanta
Atlanta. The ATL. HOTlanta, if you will. Home to John Mayer, Emily GIffin, T.I., and a whole slew of other people since its population is close to 500k. The city’s huge, so when you vaca there, it can be overwhelming to choose what’s worth seeing and doing—and what’s not. Here’s a list of seven solid to-dos that could easily fill your getaway weekend. Eat at Ponce City Market. Ponce City Market is located in the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building. The market has ...
The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber
I happened upon this book via my Overdrive app. I read the summary and was intrigued for two reasons. One, this book is set in 1830, an era I love. And two, it’s a mystery! When two of the things you love are combined in one, you know you’ve really lucked up. The Anatomist’s Wife takes place in Scotland and opens with a startling discovery. Right off the bat, a lady is found murdered in the garden area of a home where many guests are staying. This of course sends the ...
Answers to Questions About Suffering
Suffering is a difficult topic. But the Bible has a lot to say about it. When you read Scripture, when you really read it, you find that Scripture doesn’t tell us we won’t suffer; in fact, it tells us to expect it. John 16:33 blatantly says, “In this world, you will have trouble.” But why? Well... We live in a fallen world. When sin entered the world, so did trials, tribulations, and suffering. Sometimes we deal with the sin of others that causes us to suffer. Other times we must ...