True Freedom

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

These very profound words hold such an impact. One Sunday as our Pastor was preaching from this text, he began to cry. He said as he studied this passage, the realization of his mortality grabbed him. He wrestled with the fact that he really wanted to see his children grow up. He wanted to be here with his family.

And yet, the scripture teaches that to die is gain.

Day by day, as we each walk the pathway we are to go, life just seems to keep going. Until we are stopped in our tracks with the loss of a loved one or friend. It's then that we start thinking of the "other side".

18 years ago, on a Sunday morning, during the middle of a raging hurricane, my BFF lost her battle with cancer and walked into the arms of Jesus. I have missed my sweet friend all these years, but on that Sunday, the Pastor's message brought a sense of peace to my heart. Diana was such a special friend. We were friends for almost 20 years. She always encouraged me, with unconditional love and always with a smile. It is selfish of me to want her to be here, when she has gained so much more. As she reached out her hand that Sunday morning, she left behind her tired body to walk with Jesus. I can almost picture her, in my minds eye, looking back at all of us and saying, "It's all right, I'm whole now."


Mark 8:35 states: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's, will save it” (ESV).

Jesus Christ offers you the true freedom - in learning how to die, we learn how to live.

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Love you Diana.  Your Fragrance still lingers.

Something Old, Something New

 

Something Old, Something New is a sweet, clean contemporary story.

Christine Sawyer owns an antique mall, where she also restores used furniture. Her fraternal twin sister Britany was the outgoing sister. She once dated Brent Nicholson and felt that he had cheated on her. Christine finds herself helping Brent's aunt clean out her house of antiques, and before long, she and Brent find themselves attracted to each other. Much to Britany's dismay.

An interesting twist to a romance novel. Showing Christine and Brent's insecurities was insightful, as they are both generous and loving people. Could they be more than friends. Especially when their chemistry draws them together. Brent's feeling he isn't good enough. And Christine's sister not able to let go of the past.  There are truths that are revealed and forgiveness and reconciliations occur in the families. Amy Clipston has written a delightful and heartwarming story.  

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Landscape

 Adding a little bit of fall around the house.

                                              Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

Rest in Peace

 

HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Falling asleep in the arms of Jesus, to wake up in her eternal home. 

                                               May you rest in peace. 

                                             1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Ryan's Case for Smiles

Here is what I have been doing.

When I can't drum up inspiration, I make pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles. At least I know they will be used and maybe bring a smile to a sick child's face.

Are you making any pillow cases to donate?

Sew and Tell

Five & Dime Christmas

 

Charming, charming, charming. Loved this novella of a Five & Dime Christmas.

1881, Scranton Pennsylvania is the center of these four novellas. Four young ladies are each working in Woolworths department store. Each has their own story to tell. And each one finds love along the way.

A Merry Little Christmas finds Hattie working to help her family. When a handsome Englishman keeps coming into the store, she is intrigued. When she takes on a secretarial job, she finds her boss to be Timothy Branson, the very same Englishman who frequents her store. But when she finds out her brothers job may be on the line because of Timothy's work, can they reconcile their differences. And make a difference? 

In A Home for Christmas socialite Essie Banfield takes a job at Woolworths to give her life purpose. When she meets Pastor Max Warner, who has taken in six homeless boys, she finds her heart full of compassion and wants to help. Will Max turn her down when he finds out she is not who he thinks she is.

The Light of Christmas finds Henry catching the eye of independent Lizzie. This is a delightful story of a slow love bloom. 

Lunch with Maggie. Poor Maggie Larson, left at the altar, and turned off to marriage. A  charming widower and his daughter lunch at the counter every Friday.  Will Seth's slow attention bring Maggie's heart back to God and love?

This clean Christmas collection by Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, and Christina Lorenzen can be read anytime of the year. But it certainly put me in the Christmas mood with it's faith based elements. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

May we never forget

God Bless America

May we never forget