Hello? Anybody out there?

I feel more than guilty that I have allowed this blog to fall by the wayside. My faithful followers (both of you) have never complained, or questioned. It's life, and age, and menopause.

I listened to an interview I did with Carol Graham from Never Give Up Hope, and realized that if anyone tried to find my blog that they would see that it has been two and a half years since I wrote anything on here. I have started a few, but never finished. I'm sorry.

So, life... Whew it's been a whirlwind the past three years.

Jordan and Brittany August 30, 2015

Micah and Rebecca August 23, 2015

Christopher and Stephanie September 3, 2016

Christopher and Stephanie's wedding in September of 2016. In between the wedding we have lost Jeff's mother, Jeff's step father, and my mother. This year, has been extra special with the addition of two grandsons! Jude Alexander in March, Jordan and Brittany's son, and August Lee arrived in June is the son of Micah and Rebecca.

Jude Alexander, March 2017

August Lee, June 2017

Jude Alexander

 Oh how my heart has been stolen by these two little guys!

August Lee

So yes, I am making excuses for not blogging much.

Life has a tendency to over take us and it certainly has. I am delighted with my sons and my beautiful daughter's in love, and over the moon in love with my grandsons!

Season changes and whirlwinds

I can scarce believe that it is October 3. My last post was 4 months ago. Which in some ways feels like a lifetime.

Of course so much has happened.

Planted my garden in May, and I am still harvesting! We are just now eating watermelon. I had no idea how long it took, and absolutely clueless about how to know when they are ripe. After several YouTube videos I now know.

I have mowed our grass darn near a thousand times (perhaps I exaggerate, or not) I used a push mower all summer long. We have nearly an acre, and that calculates out to about 3 hours of pushing and 4 miles of walking. So that helped tremendously on the exercise front. Since last January, I have lost 30 pounds in preparation for Jordan and Brittany's wedding on August 30. What a spectacular wedding it was!

Jordan and our beautiful daughter-in-love, Brittany!

Collage from friend Linda W. shown in photo

Mother and son dance. Danced to Phil Collins' song  You'll Be In My Heart.

My side of the family. Haven't gotten any other photos from photographer yet.

Had a lovely visit 2 weeks ago with our son, Micah and his beautiful girlfriend, Rebecca. We went to Leesburg/DC to celebrate Micah's 30th birthday. I am still astonished that my children are as old as they are. .

 We had a busy day first going to Great Falls. Here are the 4 of us. What a beautiful spot that I had no idea existed.

         
Here are the 4 of us at Mt. Vernon relaxing on the back patio. We waited for the lemonade, but no one brought any out. We had a lovely day, and the weather was incredible. Our visit was perfectly timed and completely enjoyed.


Since arriving back in Ohio I have gone back to work, part time subbing in the Dover schools offices. After a 9 year absence, I have picked up where I left off. It's been great seeing so many of the people I once worked with, that I count as friends! I have been at the high school and the middle school so far.

In between subbing I have a number of speaking engagements. This Monday, October 6, I will be speaking to the Rotary, the 14th, I am scheduled to speak at the Gnadenhutten Women's Club, the 23rd I am scheduled for the GriefShare group at Dennison Christian Church, and the 26th Jeff and I are scheduled to speak at a church in Frazeysburg. So there you have it.

I have canned garden goodies, and have more to do, but seem to be lacking in the energy department. Is it time for a nap yet?

Feelings

Today is June 3. For me that date has no real significance. I know for others  there may be great memories on this day, or perhaps some not so great memories.

Today is the 18th birthday of a very special young woman, Jillian Blair--you are a beautiful, talented, energetic woman. You love the Lord, your family and you have an amazing future ahead of you. I have no claim to you, other than I have known you for many years, and have loved you for the sweet young woman you are. You are the daughter of my dear friend, Lisa.  Thank you for all of the warm wonderful hugs you have shared with me each and every time we see each other. They have a special place in my heart.

Today,  for some reason I am feeling tears very close to the surface. As I said before there is no reason that I can think of for this. Perhaps I am overwhelmed with all that God has given me. My heart is full and so is my mind. I have so many things that need to be done. I need to continue to take a step forward even though I am not quite sure where I am headed. God has seen fit to bring "old" friends back into my life. All I can think of is the scripture in Esther 4:14 where it talks about "for such a time as this."

Possibly I am feeling blessed. For old friendships, for new friendships (Bonnie and Roger, Debbie, Marlene, Janette, AWSA friends) for new opportunities with hopeful connections.

So why am I feeling so close to tears? I am not real sure. So maybe I will do what needs done and simply be grateful for all that God has and is doing. If I shed a tear, God will keep it. Psalm 56:8 God has a special plan for it.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and perhaps for saying a prayer or two.

Everyone has a story!

Yes, everyone has a story.
What is yours? I am looking for stories of tragedy to triumph. Here is what I am looking for:

Volume 1

Those suffering through the tragic loss of a child (Since this is a situation I share in) and how God has used your story. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.

Volume 2

Those suffering through the loss of a loved one or friend through cancer/illness. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.


Volume 3

Those that have suffered through a situation of loss of job or home. Those dealing with addictions, and how God has rescued you. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.


If you, or someone you know falls into one of the categories listed, please contact me ASAP.

Writing takes time, and for this book to be available in 2015 it MUST be written.

Just a God thing!

I arrived home yesterday from the Colorado Christian Writers Conference with a renewed vision. God used so many people to speak into my life and my writing career. I had a good response to my book Through My Tears, and found lots of support in the new book that I am beginning titled: God Still Has a Voice.

I am beginning to do interviews with people for this next book. The book will have more than one volume, because there are so many stories to include. I am looking for stories, so if you happen to be reading this and if you, or someone you know has a story please let me know.

What I am looking for:

Volume 1

Those suffering through the tragic loss of a child (Since this is a situation I share in) and how God has used your story. The scriptures God spoke to you, and then possible devotions you/I will write to go along with your story.

Volume 2

Those suffering through the loss of a loved one or friend through cancer/illness.

Volume 3

Those that have suffered through a situation of loss of job or home. Those dealing with addictions, and how God has rescued you.

I will also be revamping my blog a bit, so I ask that you bear with me as I change a few things. I promise you that included in this revamp will be more posts from me.

I want to thank all of you that have been reading and praying for me as I have been on a wild ride these last couple of months. My book is selling well, and I am receiving speaking engagements and book signing invitations. Continue praying as I am stretched into the shape God is moving me into.

Thanks for following my posts!

Colorado Christian Writers Conference

I want to brag about the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. I have attended four of Marlene's events, two conferences and two seminars. I look forward to attending the conference again this year.

This is an awesome opportunity to learn how to refine and define your writing. Marlene Bagnull and her staff host one of the very best Christian Writers Conferences around. Be sure to check it out and if you are interested in attending send in your reservations ASAP. This is one that you don't want to miss! http://colorado.writehisanswer.com

Today!

Today is the day we will be at Dayspring Christian Bookstore, in downtown New Philadelphia!

Be sure to stop in the store and get a book and have it signed. Or, if you already have your book feel free to stop in and we will sign it for you.

Take an opportunity to peruse the rest of the  books and gifts that Mary has in stock. Perhaps get something to put into those Easter baskets.

Looking forward to seeing YOU there.