Summertime is heating up in more ways than one. Natalie, guardian of her younger siblings and head of her family’s ranch is facing more than she can handle. But she has to do it alone, doesn't she?
When handsome Jared Logan meets her he is struck by her beauty. But she isn’t interested in talking to him about her brother, her ranch or church. In fact she isn’t sure having him around is a good thing at all even when he saves her from an ex-ranch hand.
Jared enjoys his new job but isn’t sure this is exactly where God wants him. When life gets more complicated he begins to question his career choice. Did he choose it for the right reasons? Is God really using him or is he reading his wishes into his work in the church and with Natalie. It’s obvious she needs him as much as she needs God, but how can he convince her?
Ms. Vogts has written an irresistible story filled with emotion. Her characters are believably flawed. You will find yourself rooting for them, hoping for them and looking for the changes as their story unfolds. Seeds Of Summer is a great read. I look forward to the next in the Seasons of the Tallgrass Series.
Seeds Of Summer
by: Deborah Vogts
Zondervan Publishing
ISBN 978-0-310-29276-0
$10.99
Friday, June 18, 2010
Always Watching by: Brandilyn Collins & Amberly Collins
Life is far from boring for young Shaley O’Connor, traveling with her mother’s tour. The Rayne Tour is going strong, the excitement of the fans lending energy to the beautiful Rayne. But life is going to get busy with danger lurking in the wings.
Who is watching? Why are they watching? And who exactly are they watching, Rayne or Shaley? Can the tour continue? Will Brittany be frightened away by the upheaval? Will Brittany’s mom let her continue the tour with Shaley?
Action fills the pages of Brandilyn & Amberly’s newest book. You’ll anxiously hold your breath as you read scenes filled with suspense. Questions arise that must find an answer before you can move on. I couldn’t put this book down for wanting to know who caused the danger that surrounded the members of the Rayne Tour. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Always Watching
Zondervan Publishing
ISBN 978-0-310-71539-9
$9.99
Who is watching? Why are they watching? And who exactly are they watching, Rayne or Shaley? Can the tour continue? Will Brittany be frightened away by the upheaval? Will Brittany’s mom let her continue the tour with Shaley?
Action fills the pages of Brandilyn & Amberly’s newest book. You’ll anxiously hold your breath as you read scenes filled with suspense. Questions arise that must find an answer before you can move on. I couldn’t put this book down for wanting to know who caused the danger that surrounded the members of the Rayne Tour. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Always Watching
Zondervan Publishing
ISBN 978-0-310-71539-9
$9.99
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
To Follow or Not; Choice
Getting back to work brings a great feeling of relief and responsibility. Having been off for a year I felt the frustration of being away from the keyboard and realized there is much more I need to do daily. That realization brought with it the knowledge that I should begin with formulating a schedule and a list of things I need to do around the house. My sabbatical meant that I had to focus on other things. There were days when all I could accomplish was; get out of bed, check email, eat breakfast and escape into a book or movie.
Now that I am almost back to normal I realize what we went through was nothing compared to what it would have been if I had not listened to God. There were times though when I thought I had been mistaken in hearing God tell me to take time off.
I’ve always trusted that voice, well, almost always. There have been times when I didn’t listen and I suffered for it. I guess those times have taught me to listen closely and pray hard when I believe He is instructing me to do something.
Feeling the stress of my dear husband’s depression and withdrawal from life. I was really ready for a break. So at times I thought maybe I just wanted a break and had convinced myself that God had told me to do this. I prayed whenever those doubts came and every time God gave me His peace that it was His instruction I was following.
After obeying, then going through some of the hardest months in my life so far, I realized, had I not obeyed I could have lost my marriage, my health and my faith. God is faithful. He will always tell me when I need to do something and His Spirit will always quicken mine when He speaks. It is my choice to follow, prayerfully.
Thank you, Father, for being faithful to call me, for your instruction, protection and direction in my life. I pray that I will always be faithful to You and that all I do will bring You glory, in Jesus name, amen.
Now that I am almost back to normal I realize what we went through was nothing compared to what it would have been if I had not listened to God. There were times though when I thought I had been mistaken in hearing God tell me to take time off.
I’ve always trusted that voice, well, almost always. There have been times when I didn’t listen and I suffered for it. I guess those times have taught me to listen closely and pray hard when I believe He is instructing me to do something.
Feeling the stress of my dear husband’s depression and withdrawal from life. I was really ready for a break. So at times I thought maybe I just wanted a break and had convinced myself that God had told me to do this. I prayed whenever those doubts came and every time God gave me His peace that it was His instruction I was following.
After obeying, then going through some of the hardest months in my life so far, I realized, had I not obeyed I could have lost my marriage, my health and my faith. God is faithful. He will always tell me when I need to do something and His Spirit will always quicken mine when He speaks. It is my choice to follow, prayerfully.
Thank you, Father, for being faithful to call me, for your instruction, protection and direction in my life. I pray that I will always be faithful to You and that all I do will bring You glory, in Jesus name, amen.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Scattered Petals by: Amanda Cabot
Priscilla is ready for adventure. On her way to Texas with her parents she can’t wait to see the ranch her sister wrote about. She is enchanted by the countryside, what she can see of it through the stagecoach window. But Priscilla has yet to see the barren land Patience talked about. Who would suspect that evil lurks along the beautiful rolling hills?
Zach is comfortable with life. He’s settled in; to his job as ranch manager and his role as a member of the small town of Ladreville. Though far from perfect the towns-people are a good group and Zach enjoys his frequent visits to town.
When tragedy strikes the Morton family a chain of events unfolds that will change lives, challenge faith and bring a hidden past to light. Facing what they must Zach and Priscilla will need more strength than they believe they have. They’ve always known that with God all things are possible. Now they will find out if that is true.
Amanda Cabot has written another fast moving story. The characters lives will grip your heart and have you turning pages quickly to find out if they can make it. With Ms. Cabot’s gifted use of descriptive prose beautiful Texas hill country unfolds. She’s given us a community of characters who challenge us to look at the way we view others. Many thanks, Amanda Cabot, for this compelling story of God’s sustaining grace.
Scattered Petals
By: Amanda Cabot
Published by Revell
ISBN 978-0-8007-3325-4
$14.99
Zach is comfortable with life. He’s settled in; to his job as ranch manager and his role as a member of the small town of Ladreville. Though far from perfect the towns-people are a good group and Zach enjoys his frequent visits to town.
When tragedy strikes the Morton family a chain of events unfolds that will change lives, challenge faith and bring a hidden past to light. Facing what they must Zach and Priscilla will need more strength than they believe they have. They’ve always known that with God all things are possible. Now they will find out if that is true.
Amanda Cabot has written another fast moving story. The characters lives will grip your heart and have you turning pages quickly to find out if they can make it. With Ms. Cabot’s gifted use of descriptive prose beautiful Texas hill country unfolds. She’s given us a community of characters who challenge us to look at the way we view others. Many thanks, Amanda Cabot, for this compelling story of God’s sustaining grace.
Scattered Petals
By: Amanda Cabot
Published by Revell
ISBN 978-0-8007-3325-4
$14.99
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"Be Still and Know That I am God"
What in the world has been wrong with life lately? I’m busy, being used by God, happy in my marriage and with my sweet wonderful children, all of them, yes you too sweet daughter-in-love. And as for Grandchildren well no one could have better, more beautiful & handsome, more talented and intelligent grandchildren than I.
So why this listlessness, why this uncertainty, why the strange rush to keep busy?
It has been weeks since I was able to draw aside from life and be still. Waiting on the Lord has a wonderful way of deepening your relationship with Him. It strengthens and prepares you for the day, week or month ahead. It encourages and blesses in a way only those who’ve taken the time to “be still” would know.
That is what is missing. I have neglected my time with the Lord, again. This happens periodically. Life closes in, it becomes busy even hectic and I try to cope by snatching moments of prayer and then running on to the next task. But that is not enough to sustain. I need the deep nourishing that comes through sitting with God, waiting to be filled, waiting for His voice.
I feel a need to stop everything and spend time with Him.
Thank You, Lord, for calling me to your throne. Thank you for always calling me back to You. Come, Lord. Fill me with Your holy presence. Come, that I may be prepared for the days ahead. Come, that you may be glorified. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
So why this listlessness, why this uncertainty, why the strange rush to keep busy?
It has been weeks since I was able to draw aside from life and be still. Waiting on the Lord has a wonderful way of deepening your relationship with Him. It strengthens and prepares you for the day, week or month ahead. It encourages and blesses in a way only those who’ve taken the time to “be still” would know.
That is what is missing. I have neglected my time with the Lord, again. This happens periodically. Life closes in, it becomes busy even hectic and I try to cope by snatching moments of prayer and then running on to the next task. But that is not enough to sustain. I need the deep nourishing that comes through sitting with God, waiting to be filled, waiting for His voice.
I feel a need to stop everything and spend time with Him.
Thank You, Lord, for calling me to your throne. Thank you for always calling me back to You. Come, Lord. Fill me with Your holy presence. Come, that I may be prepared for the days ahead. Come, that you may be glorified. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Being Thankful
Life is full and stressful, but I feel God’s presence. That I am not working right now is frustrating, but life happens and this is no surprise to our Lord. I know now why God told me months ago to let go of some things that I was involved in and enjoying thoroughly. It wasn’t easy to give them up. Nor is it easy to give up my work schedule, but I know that this time is set aside for God. To be used by Him and for Him, to bless someone else.
I wonder, is it selfish to think of our own family even as we pray for others? I don’t think so. I believe that God understands. In face I think He knows exactly how we feel. When others ridicule His Son He feels it as deeply as we do when our children are under attack. And just think, we, who are His have that closeness too. We are His. He loves us and wants the best for us and when we are attacked or ridiculed by others He feels it as surely as we do for our children.
Have you thanked God today for taking you into His family? Have you thanked Him for life, breath and all the other blessings He provides daily without us ever even having to ask? What a wonderful Father we have. Say a prayer of thanks today. Thank Him for everything you can think of. And may our Father give you a blessed day!
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to the Lord. And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
I wonder, is it selfish to think of our own family even as we pray for others? I don’t think so. I believe that God understands. In face I think He knows exactly how we feel. When others ridicule His Son He feels it as deeply as we do when our children are under attack. And just think, we, who are His have that closeness too. We are His. He loves us and wants the best for us and when we are attacked or ridiculed by others He feels it as surely as we do for our children.
Have you thanked God today for taking you into His family? Have you thanked Him for life, breath and all the other blessings He provides daily without us ever even having to ask? What a wonderful Father we have. Say a prayer of thanks today. Thank Him for everything you can think of. And may our Father give you a blessed day!
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to the Lord. And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Interrupted Living
How many of you have had your life and expectations interrupted with something difficult? Something that grew you in ways you never dreamed?
The past nine weeks have been difficult. That my brother-in-law came to live with us is a good thing in many ways. Our hopes that he would be able to get a good job and get on his feet have been postponed by his health problems. Life has veered onto a path strewn with traffic, waiting rooms, exam rooms, strangers and experiences.
This will be a very hard journey. One that is already challenging us, stretching us, making us give up pre-conceived ideas and give ourselves to God’s will. Giving up what we want, what we expect, for His will is a good thing though it is hard to do sometimes.
Life has changed in a way I would never have dreamed. It isn’t easy, in the best of circumstances, having someone living with you indefinitely. But to have to let go of schedules, habits and hopes hurts.
I can see where God is growing me and making me more what He wants. Having to give up things I like is no fun but it is more important that I am in God’s will. That I continue to grow in Him and I can see that this season of my life will be one I look back on with fondness and gratitude to our Lord.
For, He is faithful in all things! Praise God that He is faithful, that He knows what is ahead and has already prepared the pathway. And that He is walking with us through it all.
I would enjoy reading some of your experiences, if you care to share. May our Lord, our Faithful Father be glorified in all things and may each of you feel His blessing today.
The past nine weeks have been difficult. That my brother-in-law came to live with us is a good thing in many ways. Our hopes that he would be able to get a good job and get on his feet have been postponed by his health problems. Life has veered onto a path strewn with traffic, waiting rooms, exam rooms, strangers and experiences.
This will be a very hard journey. One that is already challenging us, stretching us, making us give up pre-conceived ideas and give ourselves to God’s will. Giving up what we want, what we expect, for His will is a good thing though it is hard to do sometimes.
Life has changed in a way I would never have dreamed. It isn’t easy, in the best of circumstances, having someone living with you indefinitely. But to have to let go of schedules, habits and hopes hurts.
I can see where God is growing me and making me more what He wants. Having to give up things I like is no fun but it is more important that I am in God’s will. That I continue to grow in Him and I can see that this season of my life will be one I look back on with fondness and gratitude to our Lord.
For, He is faithful in all things! Praise God that He is faithful, that He knows what is ahead and has already prepared the pathway. And that He is walking with us through it all.
I would enjoy reading some of your experiences, if you care to share. May our Lord, our Faithful Father be glorified in all things and may each of you feel His blessing today.
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