“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Yes, it is, and for me, a big part of the delight is the music! When else do I get to put on a CD and listen to it over and over and over? If I try to do that throughout the year, my husband gets snippy and makes me turn it …
Christmas Greetings from Virginia Smith
I’d like to with you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Watch this short video for a special Christmas greeting from me to you. (And notice my sweatshirt. It quotes my favorite line in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. – “The Grinch’s small heart grew 3 sizes that day!!”)
Book Review – Essie in Progress
Essie in ProgressBy Marjorie Presten Meet Essie Wells: working mother of two and a half kids; wife of a wonderful man who just happens to be going through a midlife crisis; daughter of a self-styled martyr who doesn’t approve of anything Essie does; daughter-in-law of a wealthy widowed father-in-law who’s been estranged from Essie’s husband for most of his life; …
Book Review – One Simple Act
One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity Debbie Macomber Debbie Macomber is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many beloved novels, but I’ve never read any nonfiction she’s written. I’ve had the privilege of hearing Ms. Macomber speak in person a couple of times, and I’ve found her to be engaging, encouraging, and most of all, genuine. …
Abundance
I learned something the other day I think is interesting. In the Bible, the book of John describes Jesus’ first recorded miracle — turning water into wine. The apostle tells us that Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone jars with water, and goes on to describe the jars. They were the kind used for ceremonial washing, and each …
Changed in an Instant
This morning I woke up early. I got out of bed, poured myself a cup of coffee, and sat in my prayer chair in the living room. The landscape grew gradually lighter as I watched through the front window. It snowed yesterday, so the ground outside was covered in a pristine blanket of white fluff. In the center of the …
Warm Chocolate Melting Cake Recipe
Oh no. I’m in trouble now. If you read my review of our recent cruise, you know I enjoyed a certain dessert waaaaayyyyy too much. It was called Warm Chocolate Melting Cake, and it was yummy. I’m talking really delicious. Sinful, even. One of those taste sensations that people could write songs about. Well, guess what? I found the receipe …
Book Review – Try Darkness
Try Darkness By James Scott Bell Formerly a high-powered attorney, Ty Buchanan now lives in a convent. Actually, he lives in a trailer on the grounds, where he spends his time playing basketball with a pretty young nun, Sister Mary, who has a competitive streak that surfaces whenever she steps onto the court. Ty is recovering from the loss of …
Book Review – Catching Fire
Catching Fire By Suzanne Collins I have been looking forward to this book since I read the first in the series, Hunger Games. That book set some pretty high expectations in my mind, and usually I find the second book in a series disappointing. Catching Fire absolutely blew me away. If possible, it was even better than the first. In …
Book Review – Shade
Shade By John B. Olson Ah, is there anything more relaxing than laying on the deck of a cruise ship, sipping fruity drinks with umbrellas in them, and getting lost in the pages of a good book? That’s how I spent several enjoyable hours on my recent cruise. (Ignore the hair. I was on VACATION!!!) I love stories that expose …