The Berenstain Bears and a Job Well Done by Jan and Mike Berenstain The Berenstain Bears have been around a long time. My daughter used to love these books when she was little, and now I’m delighted to be able to read them to the next generation of my family. The stories are as delightful as ever, full of terrific …
Welcoming a New Member of my Family
If my Journal is looking a little neglected lately, that’s only because it has been. I’ve become completely absorbed in a different pastime — staring adoringly at the newest member of my family, my new grandson. I have become one of those insane grandmothers who fills her purse with snapshots and accosts strangers at the post office. Or the grocery …
Book Review – In the Big Inning
In the Big InningBible Riddles from the Back Pew written by Mike Thalerillustrated by Jared Lee Do you know a child who likes jokes? If so, this is the book for them! Full of riddles with a Bible theme, each riddle is colorfully illustrated and designed to tickle young funny bones. My favorite: “How do you know they rode motorcycles …
Praying Psalm 58 – Really?
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I’ve been praying the Psalms in my morning Bible study and prayer time. I’m absolutely loving it. It’s amazing how God’s Word comes alive, how I find relevance and truth for my life today in words penned thousands of years ago. This morning’s Psalm was… uh… interesting. It was written by David, …
Olive Trees in Psalm 52
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. (Psalm 52:8, NIV) Trees don’t flourish in my house. Even simple house plants dehydrate and die from lack of care. I’m a lousy plant caretaker. I’m so glad God is much more attentive than I. A flourishing …
Alaska and Then Some
Have you ever known someone who did something really cool? I met two guys last night who fall into that category. Peter and Sebastian, father and son, left New York in May for a 13,000-mile motorcycle ride to Alaska. These guys weren’t just riding to Alaska, though. They embarked on the journey of a lifetime that would take them through …
Fifty is the New Eighty-Five
For the past week, I’ve talked about my dread of turning fifty to everyone I know. I’ve shuddered whenever the topic of my birthday came up. I’ve lamented the passing of my forties, a decade I’ve loved. I told my husband, “Half a century! How did his happen? Just yesterday I was thirty.” So when I awoke the morning of …
Replace the Good with the Best!
My friend, author and speaker Susie Larson, puts out a monthly ezine, and this month her opening words really resonated with me. I asked permission to repost it here. Enjoy! Replace the Good with the Best!by Susie Larson Summer is a great time to pause and reflect, to wonder and to wait, to ponder and to pray. God has some …
Finalists for the Carol Awards
I got a WONDERFUL call the other day, and wasn’t allowed to tell anyone until the official announcement was made. Well, the word is out. American Christian Fiction Writers just announced the finalists for this year’s Carol Awards (formerly the Book of the Year Award.) Guess what? I’m a double finalist with Murder at Eagle Summit and Scent of Murder. …
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
I’m in the final phase of writing my latest book, so my pleasure reading time is nonexistent. I haven’t had a chance to do more than skim Ronie Kendig’s new book, Nightshade, but it looks fabulous. It starts out with a guy screaming down the road on a motorcycle! This book is at the top of my “To Read” pile. …