God's Creation Never Ceases to Amaze Me

One of my daughter's past county fair pictures.

I love the beauty of all kind of flowers and plants.  I particularly like perennials, because it’s like a “surprise” every year when they make their appearance and bloom.  Sure you know they’re there, because you planted them. But you’re waiting. You’re waiting. Then shazam! There it is!  A sight to behold. And even though you know, year after year what they look like, their beauty never ceases to amaze and delight you.


If you plant annuals among the perennials, you’ll always have something blooming throughout the summer and into the fall.    Much of what you plant depends on where you live, of course.  I've always wanted a lemon tree in my yard, but living in Kansas sort of nipped that in the bud.  (I know. Pathetic pun. I  couldn’t help myself.)

I would have to say that one of my very favorite perennial plants is the mum.  It’s green throughout the summer, but then blooms in all its glory in the autumn.  Each individual little bloom is nice, but it’s the massive blooms all over the entire plant  that make it so beautiful to me.  It’s like a huge bouquet in every plant.  There’s a certain kind of mum — available in a variety of colors — that I see most often here in Kansas. I don’t even know the official name for it.  But while searching the internet for pictures,  I learned there’s a lot more varieties than I was aware of.  I love mums. Who knew there were so many kinds? Hmmm, I guess mum’s the word, eh?

God is most assuredly the  Master Gardener and Creator of the heavens and earth.  No matter what your favorite flower is, gaze upon all of His handiwork. Let the beauty fill your heart. Inhale the perfume from His flowers. And praise Him.  I love hearing the birds sing His praises every morning.  Let us not forget to do the same.
 
Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with seed in them, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.”  Genesis 1:11-12 NASB



May you never cease to be amazed at the miracle and beauty in God’s creation.

Susan Hollaway

This post was simultaneously posted on the group blog, Pages From Stages.

Lexi's Heart, A Romance for Mothers

LEXI’S HEART

by Delia Latham

COTT’s Image Creator, Delia Latham, is excited to announce a new e-Novella in the ongoing Heart’s Haven collection she co-writes with three other Pelican Book Group authors: Tanya Stowe, Marianne Evans and Mary Manners.

First in a collection of four Heart’s Haven Holiday romances, LEXI’S HEART is the Mother’s Day feature. Follow-up holiday stories will include Independence Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Here’s a blurb:

Forty-three-year-old Lexi Carlisle’s abusive marriage ended three years ago. Deeply scarred by the experience, and helplessly watching her beloved mother succumb to Alzheimers, Lexi is devastated. After selling her fancy home, she rents a cottage in Heart’s Haven, a special place unlike any other. Slowly learning to live again, she despairs of ever delivering the message of love that burns within her heart for her ever-worsening mother. But Mitch Gaynor, a handsome Christian author, reminds Lexi that with God all things are possible, planting within her battered and distrustful heart the seed of hope for a miracle. But can she open her fortressed heart to God? And is Mitch a part of His plans for her future?

Her Heart. His faith. Love Reborn.

The Heart’s Haven Collection started last October with Delia’s book, Jewels for the Kingdom, followed by Evans’ Operation Breathless, Stowe’s Leap of Faith, and Manners’ Dance with Me. Each Heart’s Haven e-Book is set in Angel Falls—a lovely but fictional small town in East Texas. More specifically, all stories focus on the tenants of Heart’s Haven, a one-of-a kind cottage-rental complex owned by a crotchety old guy named Andrew Hart. Folks ‘round those parts believe old Hart actually sees and speaks with angels, and that Heart’s Haven is a favorite hangout for the heavenly creatures. The taciturn gentleman has never come right out and corroborated that rumor. ‘Course, he hasn’t come right out and denied it either.

But then, lots of things are said about Heart’s Haven. Some folks think the place makes folks fall in love. And to add grist to that rumor mill, each little cottage on the property sports a sign hanging over the gate, carved with the sweet blessing: May love find all who enter here.

Thing is, it usually does.

You’re invited to hang out with the Heart’s Haven gang any time. Come on over and find out who’s falling in love with whom, and what the angels are up to around Angel Falls, Texas. We’re not hard to find—Angel Falls isn’t big enough to get lost in. If you don’t find us kicking back in the rec room at Heart’s Haven, we’re probably having a barbecue…or wedding…or something else we came up with so we could all get together at one of the following places:

Heart’s Haven Blog

Heart’s Haven Facebook Page

We love company, so don’t bother to knock—just come on in!

Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, DELIA LATHAM enjoys multiple roles as a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. She’s got a “thing” for Dr. Pepper and absolutely loves hearing from her readers. Delia writes inspirational romance, and is currently contracted through White Rose Publishing and Vinspire Publishing.

You can contact her at an of the following locations:

Her website

Her blog

Facebook

Twitter

His Mistletoe Family by Ruth Logan Herne

His Mistletoe Family

by Ruth Logan Herne 

Men of Allegany County

In small-town New York, these bachelors find their soul mates.

Love Inspired

Copyright 2012

Purchase online:

Harlequin - Love Inspired

Amazon.com

I just finished reading His Mistletoe Family by Ruth Logan Herne.  Loved this book!  The hero? Three words ... Oh. My. Goodness!  Ruthy can sure write a military hero. Just sayin'.  But no spoilers here.  I enjoyed every morsel of this book and I want you to as well. You're just going to have to read it for yourself.  But I'll take pity on you and give you the back cover blurb...to whet your appetite.  =)

Back Cover Copy:

A Family For The Holidays

When two orphaned boys and their aunt arrive for Thanksgiving supper at church, retired army colonel Brett Stanton feels his heart tugged. Despite having her hands full, young businesswoman Haley Jennings handles her nephews with a smile.  

Still, Brett can't get too close to the needy trio. He lost his son and brother to the uniform, and isn't about to set himself up for loss again. Soon sweet Haley and the boys remind him of old dreams--and teach him that new dreams provide the greatest hope for a perfect family Christmas. 

----------

I told you. Sounds good, doesn't it?  The weekend is coming up and in my part of the country, rain is in our forecast. A perfect time to curl up with a good book. Ruthy's story with its sweet heroine and take-charge military hero will make your heart go pitter-patter.  That counts as cardio, right?  And don't forget...reading exercises the mind. It's a win-win! 

About the Author: 

Born into poverty, Ruth puts great stock in one of her favorite Ben Franklinisms: "having been poor is no shame. Being ashamed of it is." With God-given appreciation for the amazing opportunities abounding in our land, Ruth find simple gifts in the everyday blessings of smudge-faced small children, bright flowers, freshly baked goods, good friends, family, puppies, and higher education.  She believes a good woman should never fear dirt, snakes or spiders, all of which like to infest her aged farmhouse, necessitating a good pair of tongs for extracting the snakes, a flat-bottomed shoe for the spiders, and for the dirt...

Simply put, she's learned that some things aren't worth fretting about! If you laugh in the face of dust and love to talk about God, men, romance, great shoes, and wonderful food, feel feel to contact Ruthy through her website at www.ruthloganherne.com.  

You can also find her in these places: 

Seekerville Blog

Men of Allegany County Blog

Facebook 

Happy Reading!  

Susan 

Fruit-Infused Water

Image from following website where I found recipe:
http://www.inhabitots.com/how-to-make-fruit-and-vegetable-infused-water-in-mason-jars/

What a great idea!  With summer weather upon us, I thought these looked delish!  No artificial sweeteners or high sugar drinks.  I’m going to give it a try!

What you will need:

• Fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs
• Water
• Mason Jars
• Reusable Straws

Fruits and vegetables to use:

You can choose any fruit or veggie you and your family likes to infuse your water.

• orange
• lemon
• lime
• grapefruit
• cucumber
• mint
• blueberries
• strawberries
• blackberries

Cucumber and mint go good together.   You may use your favorites and make your own combinations.
Put a few slices of fruit or veggie of choice in jar. Fill with water. Put in fridge.  Viola!  In a few hours, you’ve got a healthy, yummy drink!

Visit the above site for more complete instructions and recipes.

If you try it, let me know how you liked it. We can share combinations!

Cheers!
Susan Hollaway

Featuring the Latest in Christian Historical Fiction

CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT

Prisoners to their own broken dreams...

After a daring rescue goes awry, the parched north of India grows too hot for nurse Laine Harkness and her friend Eshana. The women flee to the tropical south…and run headlong into their respective pasts.

Laine takes a new nursing position at a plantation in the jungle, only to discover that her former fiancé is the owner…and that Adam has no more to say to her now than he did when he crushed her years ago.

Eshana, captured by her traditional uncle and forced once more into the harsh Hindu customs of mourning, doubts whether freedom will ever again be in her future, much less the forbidden love that had begun to whisper to her. Is faith enough to live on? Or is her Savior calling her home?

Amid cyclones and epidemics, clashing faiths and consequences of the war, will the love of the True Master give hope to these searching hearts?

PURCHASE ON:

AMAZON

B&N

KOBO

* Review by Top Amazon Reviewer, Diana Flowers--"I have ten authors who are my favs...with Shadowed in Silk--Book One and Captured by Moonlight--Book Two, Christine Lindsay has made it into my top five!"
* Award-winning author Catherine West—"Christine Lindsay's attention to detail, witty prose and moving story line all blend together to create a treat for the senses, leaving the reader satisfied and completely satiated by the end."
* Award-winning, multi-published Author Jeanette Windle—"A worthy sequel to acclaimed debut novel Shadowed in Silk."

About the Author:
Irish-born Christine Lindsay writes award-winning historical novels. In Shadowed in Silk and Captured by Moonlight, Christine delights in weaving the endless theme of God’s redemptive love throughout stories of danger, suspense, adventure, and romance. The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home.

Visit Christine’s website

Subscribe to Christine’s blog for inspiration 3 times a week

Drop by and ‘like’ Christine’s Author Facebook Page

Follow Christine on Twitter

Swap pictures with Christine on Pinterest

A Mother's Love

It fills you up! Something happens when you become a mother. A kind of love like no other comes and washes over you expanding your heart. Here is this little creature that is totally dependent upon you and you pray you’re up to the task.

You teach  your child so many things. And she teaches you.  So many things you thought you’d outgrown long ago, suddenly become uber important to do. Were they this fun when you were little?  Laying on a blanket in the yard talking, watching the clouds, and being silly. Crouching down on your hands and knees watching ants.  Chasing butterflies with a net and oohing and aahing over the beauty you catch . Flying a kite and running across the park with wild abandon, with not a care of who might be watching. And the most beautiful bouquet you’ve ever received comes arranged in a grass-stained fist clutching dandelions and clover.

Next year, my daughter will be a senior in high school. Where did the time go?  She posted the following post on facebook this week. “My life is like a musical. All I have to do is break out into song, even at the weirdest times, and my mom joins in even when she doesn’t know why.”  Awww. That warmed my heart.

It’s true. There’s been many a hairbrush and wooden spoon break-out concerts in our living room and kitchen over the years. When her dad and I break out into song or dance, however, we do get the occasional eye roll. But secretly, I think my daughter likes it.

 It may not be sidewalk chalk and catching butterflies anymore, but we still have loads of fun. It’s been such an honor to be a mom. The fact that God gave me this child to nurture, teach, and raise up to further His Kingdom takes my breath away.  

Copyright 2013 This post was simultaneously posted on my group blog, Pages from Stages. 

Susan Hollaway

COTT's March 2013 Winner

The winner of Clash of the Titles' latest Clash is:

Forsaken Dreams

by

MaryLu Tyndall

Congratulations, MaryLu, two-time clash winner!

Special thanks to her competitors for their participation:

Sadie and Sophie Cuffe

Gina Holmes

Christine Lindsey

Noelle Marchand

About Forsaken Dreams: 

They Left Everything Behind to Build a New Southern Utopia

Colonel Blake Wallace has seen enough death to last a lifetime. Weary and disillusioned, he slumps beneath the weight of defeat and loss. With his entire family murdered by the North and his name appearing on a list of officers wanted for war crimes, Blake organizes a shipload of southerners who, like him, long to escape the horrors of war and start a new life in a verdant land called Brazil.

Eliza Crawford can barely remember the days of her youth spent in opulence and comfort at her Georgian home. She can't help but wonder how different her life would be had she not met her late husband, Stanton Watts, a general in the Northern army. Now a war widow, Eliza is rejected by both North and South. Desperate to keep her marriage a secret and escape her past and pain, she longs to start over again in Brazil.

But once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea  and enemies from within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they long for.

PURCHASE:

AMAZON

B&N

CBD

Just when I think MaryLu Tyndall cannot write a more passionate, page-turning romance...she does! Forsaken Dreams is a worthy addition to your keeper shelf, melding adventure, love, and spiritual truths in soul-enriching ways. A blessed start to a new series! 

- Laura Frantz, author of The Colonel's Lady and Love's Reckoning

BACKSTAGE WITH MARYLU:

Several things inspired me to write my new Escape to Paradise series. First the history is so fascinating. I never knew that so many (tens of thousands) Southerners fled the South after the Civil War for greener pastures. Many went to Mexico, some out west, but several thousand went to Brazil. Their descendants still celebrate there today! Secondly I'm a big fan of the TV show LOST, in particular the jungle setting and the spiritual themes that ran through the show.

I love the supernatural and I saw an opportunity to write a story about a group of settlers who are in a sense, running away from their problems and from God, but who end up being part of an eternal plan that involves a battle between good and evil.   Forsaken Dreams is the account of their voyage to Brazil, during which the reader meets all the characters and discovers their individual reasons for running away.

Themes of forgiveness, bitterness, hatred, guilt, rebellion and even Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome are addressed as the colonists face several disasters that threaten their mission and their lives. During the trip, hints are given here and there that something much larger is at stake waiting for them in Brazil, something that originated behind the curtain of the natural world.

MORE ABOUT MARYLU:
A Christy Award finalist and best-selling author, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling pirates during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. With over a dozen novels published, she continues to pen her romantic tales while managing a home, husband, six adult kids, and three cats who have decided that her keyboard is the best place to sleep!  She believes that without popcorn and chocolate, life would not be worth living, and her sole motivation in life is to bring others closer to God.

For more information on MaryLu and her books, please visit her website at http://www.marylutyndall.com or her blog at http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/ or you can find her on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MaryLu-Tyndall-Swashbuckling-Romance/175344859169475