Rain Rain Go Away! Giveaway Blog Hop

Spring is a time of renewal, when everything is bright and fresh. Trees begin to bud, perennials push their colorful heads out of the ground, and the grass turns from a dry, course yellow to a soft, vibrant green. Spring is the rainy season in many parts of the world, and we are no exception here in Oklahoma. Our rainy season often consists of storms, with mighty strikes of lightening, rolling thunder, and the occasional tornado. But without rain, none of the growth of spring would happen.

To celebrate the advent of spring, I’m joining The Kids Did It blog and The Mommy Island blog to participate in the 3rd Annual Rain Rain Go Away! Giveaway Event, which runs from April 10, 2018, to April 24, 2018. The winner of this giveaway will receive a $15 Amazon gift card.  Continue reading “Rain Rain Go Away! Giveaway Blog Hop”

Battling the Winter Blues

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Th 5:11)

The long, cold winter and gray skies were bringing me down. It seemed winter would never end, and this year my seasonal affective disorder (SAD-an apt acronym if ever there was one) has been triggered more often than in many recent years. The older I get, the more I hate cold weather, which is common of many of us who have SAD. The combination of cold, gray skies, and short days is enough to send me into a spiral of irritability and sadness. I try to keep those feelings to myself so that I won’t damage my relationships, but my friends and family who know me best are aware of how I feel and try to encourage me and talk me through it. Continue reading “Battling the Winter Blues”

The Benefits of Reading

 

 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn…” (Rom 12:15)

The cold months of winter were made for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book and of course, Lilly. When I read, Lilly likes to curl up in my lap (on top of a blanket, of course), or right next to my feet on the end of the recliner. She is always curious about what I’m reading – she will give the book a good sniff or two and then lick it a couple of times before giving her approval and settling in next to me. When my mom reads the newspaper, she jumps right in the middle of my mom’s lap and steps on the paper before turning around as if she’s reading, too. Continue reading “The Benefits of Reading”

Is Stubbornness Ever a Virtue?

 

“Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed…” (Is 46:12-13)

We walked along the side of the road, Lilly trotting on the raised curb beside me. One of my many podcasts droned in my ears as I took advantage of the nice weather to get outside but still learn something new about the craft of writing. I wrapped Lilly’s leash around my hand and wrist to ensure that she couldn’t suddenly break free and take off for parts unknown. Continue reading “Is Stubbornness Ever a Virtue?”

Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway Blog Hop

And the winner is…

Cynthia Rawling

from Chapel Hill, NC

Welcome to the Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway Blog Hop hosted by Stuck in Books! This giveaway event runs from December 12, 2017, to December 24, 2017. The winner of my second giveaway this Christmas season will receive $15 in PayPal cash. Continue reading “Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway Blog Hop”