Thursday Thoughts: Smiling

Good Morning...it promises to be a warmer day out there here in Bandera and I pray you have a great day wherever you are too!

The other night someone commented to me about my lack of a smile. This made me think....

Why is it we don't smile?

Is it merely that we're unhappy? Are we worried, stressed or harried?

Those are some reasons not to smile but none were the case for me the other night. I mean...what is there NOT to smile about when you're on the dance floor. For me, it was simply that my mind was elsewhere and not in the moment.

Not exactly fair to my dance partner.

We've all heard that a simple smile can change someone's day and sometimes their entire life!

So I've decided to smile more regardless what's going on inside my head.

Here's a couple of smiles for you!

I hope you'll join me and smile more too!

Until later...take care, God Bless and remember...Happiness is only a thought away!
 

Tuesday Treasure: The Book of the Shepherd

I  received this book as a gift and must tell you how much I loved it. So much I read it in ONE sitting!

From the Back Cover

Stone the builder who erects a house that falls on its occupants. Sever the hands of the criminal who pilfers livestock or grain or another's garment. Whip the child who defies an elder. For such is the law and the law must be obeyed.
For generations, these ironclad rules had governed the people. Nobody questioned whether it was right to humiliate a child or execute a murderer. An eye for an eye was the way of the world.
But was there another way?

When an antiquarian book is discovered in the disheveled study of an old Vermont farmhouse, the house's new owner has the volume translated. The result is The Book of the Shepherd, a timeless story full of life lessons for us all.

Set in a mythical time, in an unnamed land, The Book of the Shepherd tells the tale of a shepherd, Joshua, who is troubled by the harsh code of "an eye for an eye" that governs his world. Called by a dream, the shepherd sets off on a journey to find "the new way."
Accompanied by Elizabeth, a former slave who is kind and generous, and David, a boy who must learn to walk in new shoes, the shepherd knows that "an age of miracles" will come when the new way is found.

But the journey is not without incident. En route to a cave near the Great Inland Sea, the travelers meet a cast of extraordinary characters, including the Storyteller, the Apothecary, the Blind Man, and the Stranger. Each imparts an important lesson that pushes the travelers toward their destiny. At the cave, Joshua must see if he can bring forth secrets long buried. But he, Elizabeth, and David will also discover that sometimes what we have been searching for has been inside us all along.


What amazed me so much about this book is that the "new way" is what Jesus taught us, it is what St Francis of Assisi practiced and is laid out in such a unique and unforgettable way in this book! As Jesus taught in parables, so this book teaches.


This Book of the Shepherd is available from Amazon in audio, hardcover, paperback and for Kindle. It is also available from Barnes and Noble in paperback, audio and for Nook.

If you love spiritual fiction, pick up a copy today!

Saturday Spotlight: Betrayed by Lillian Duncan

Good Morning and a Cold one it is!

Welcome to this week's edition of Saturday Spotlight in which I am pleased to bring to you a fellow Pelican Book Group author with her latest release!

Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published writer who writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net.  She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com  as well as her personal blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules--every rule. She's given up everything--her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she's wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one...and that's her first mistake.

Excerpt: Prologue

No way off. No way to escape. No way to get to her daughter. Why had she ever thought a yacht was a good idea for a benefit? Maria Hammond pushed her way through the throng of partygoers towards the exit. She had to get off this yacht and get to Layla before Raymond did.

“Maria.”

She jerked around at her husband’s voice, not believing her eyes. Raymond’s arm was snaked around Patti’s neck. Even from that distance, Maria recognized the panic in Patti’s eyes.

Maria wanted to help, but there was nothing she could do. She had to get to her daughter. It was her only chance to keep Layla safe, to keep her away from her father. Otherwise, she would never see her child again.

Maria kept moving towards the exit ramp of the yacht.

Who was this stranger she’d slept with for so many years? She’d believed he loved her when they married, but she’d been so wrong. The events of the past month proved that—and more.

"Don’t do it, Maria."  Raymond’s voice was low and guttural, in spite of the noise from the crowd surrounding them. She turned back as he moved the gun to Patti’s head. His eyes turned black with rage. The face of evil. Why hadn’t Maria seen it before? How could she have married a monster and not even known? Her heart broken, she turned and pushed through the crowd.

No one noticed the drama happening in their midst.

Maybe, they needed to notice.

When Maria hazarded a glance back, Raymond trailed with one arm around Patti’s neck. The other hand still held a gun, now pressed against Patti’s temple.

Patti motioned with her hand. “Go, Maria. Just go. Don’t worry about me.”

Maria pointed. “Gun. He’s got a gun!” Maria screamed, and then pointed at Raymond.

Heads turned.

A buzz travelled through the growing crowd.

Maria kept yelling. She couldn’t do much, but she could draw attention to Raymond.

Murmuring grew louder—more partygoers panicked. People shoved and pushed as they tried to get away from the madman with the gun—her husband. Others stared and pointed.

Hatred glittered in Raymond’s eyes.

It was time to go. She’d managed to turn attention to Patti and Raymond. Surely, someone would intervene. Someone would help Patti.

Gunfire exploded.

Screams erupted.

More shots.

Then a burning stab of pain. Her back. She turned.

Raymond’s gaze met hers. He smiled.

Another hot burst of pain. This time in her stomach. 

Betrayed is available through Pelican Book Group in Softcover and Ebook.

CONTEST!

To celebrate the release of BETRAYED, Lillian is giving away a virtual gift basket at Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com. The virtual gift basket includes a copy of her books, SERENITY SPRINGS, OHIO; DARK ALLEYS; and GEESE MATE FOR LIFE.  

Along with the books, a $25 Amazon gift card is included plus a few books from some writer friends. 

To enter the contest, simply hop on over to Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com, leave a comment on the post titled CELEBRATION! Winner will be chosen and announced on February 14.

Well Friends, I certainly hope you enjoyed this spotlight and entered that contest! Stay tuned for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course, Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time...take care, God Bless and remember....What we perceive as a disappointment may actually be a Divine Delay.

Something to think about...
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Thursday Thoughts: Walls

I had a dream the other night, well morning actually. In it we were building a new house. Up on piers, the area below was an enclosed garage with high walls and a staircase leading up and into the house.

Terry was there and we had written all over the walls sentiments to show our love and appreciation of him.

One statement said.... "When you saw what was reflected in my eyes, you showed me my true heart."

That statement has stuck with me.

Although I'm not sure exactly why and a psychiatrist would probably have a field day with it, I believe it is because he did show me my true heart.

The heart of a woman. 

The heart of a wife.

It also made me think of the scripture that says "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." AND "Your law is written on my heart."

image found on Google Search

We all have walls in our heart. Built to 'protect' us, these only serve to block us and keep us bound in prisons of shame, guilt, resentment, anger.

When God looks at your heart, what walls will He see? 

Better yet, what will He see written on those walls?

Something to think about....

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Tuesday Treasure: Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts

Yep, you got that subject line correct!

I read this book last week and was blown away so much I bought a copy for myself and my daughter!

This lady has a way of making self-love, self-confidence and self-esteem fun yet is very effective in getting her point across.

Ladies, be warned though, some parts may seem a bit shocking but overall the book is wonderful (IMHO of course).

Here's the blurb: The irrepressible founder of a hugely popular "school for goddesses" shows you how celebrating your sensuality can help you achieve your dreams. 

You've heard the saying "Do what you love, and the money will follow." Mama Gena takes that sentiment one step further, and exhorts women to do what they love because everything will follow -- success, romance, wealth, fulfillment. Profiled everywhere from The New York Times to The Conan O'Brien Show,relationship expert Regena Thomashauer (a.k.a. Mama Gena) urges women to learn this simple principle: self-indulgence is the key to self-empowerment. 

But in order to pursue pleasure, one must know pleasure. Believe it or not, most women can't pinpoint what really makes them happy. After all, are women ever taught to celebrate their appetites, whether it's for chocolate ice cream or a more entertaining sex life? In her "School of Womanly Arts," Mama Gena transforms ordinary women into glowing Sister Goddesses -- women fully in tune with the mystical, creative power of their sensuality -- and teaches them how to use their creative power to build the life they want. She explains the lost art of giving in to desires (even if it's just for a new lipstick), seeking fun and plea-sure at home and at work, and navigating the world using feminine power instead of patriarchal rules. This is pleasure boot camp, and be forewarned, the exercises are tough: assignments include flirting for fun, flexing your intuition, buying yourself presents, bragging about your accomplishments, and much more. Sister Goddesses report magical results: they get job offers, fall in love, find new possibilities and passions. 

Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts will help readers across the country recognize and unleash their full feminine potential -- and have a great time doing it.
Get your copy from Amazon (Kindle) or Barnes and Noble (Nook)!

Saturday Spotlight: Cami Checketts & The Colony

Hello!

Today's Saturday Spotlight is on Cami Checketts with her new book, The Colony. This post is part of a blog tour for Cami hosted by I am a Reader, not a Writer.

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

The Colony by Cami Checketts

To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.

Lance, Brinlee’s attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.

While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.

Praise

“Cami Checketts is a genius! She writes about topics that aren’t widely discussed, in and out of books, and she does such a brilliant job of crafting these things into wonderful stories that touch your heart and remain with you for days afterwards.”  ~Myra, Reviewer, Pieces of Whimsy

Grab your copy for just $2.99!

This blog tour offers YOU a chance to win an Amazon Gift card or Pay Pal cash prize! 

Enter HERE!

Thursday Thoughts: Home

Hello Friends,

We've all heard that home is where the heart is and with family and loved one's in the same location that sentiment is so easy to understand. But one thing I'm beginning to realize is that home is more than where the heart is...home is where the soul longs to be. Where the soul finds peace and joy and room for expansion.

Some may not understand why folks leave their native area and feel at home in foreign lands or another state or even town for that matter. But over the last few years I've truly began to see the reality of how "home" can mean something totally different than what you're used to.

Photo borrowed from "The Wild Country Woman" on FaceBook

Something to think about...

"Inspirational with an Edge!"  ™

Tuesday Treasure: Enchanted Love by Marianne Williamson

Hello Friends,

Tuesday Treasure is a bit late getting posted today. But here it is....

You all know I'm an avid reader of spiritual material and Marianne Williamson is one of my favorite authors so when I received a B&N gift card for Christmas, I went shopping and picked up her book, Enchanted Love.

If you are married or single, looking or not, this book is a wealth of information! I highly recommend it and think EVERY couple should read it together!

Three of Marianne Williamson's previous bestsellers -- A Return to Love, A Woman's Worth, and Illuminata -- explored the issue of relationships. Now, in this deeply personal collection of essays, prayers, and self-reflection, she turns to romantic love. 

In Illuminata, Williamson wrote that "we experience God to the extent to which we love, forgive, and focus on the good in others and ourselves." Now, in Enchanted Love, she writes that "enchanted partnership begins with the conscious understanding, on the part of two people, that the purpose of their relationship is not so much material as spiritual, and the internal skills demanded by it are prodigious." High romance, she says, "is not about past or future. It is not about practicality. It is not about society or worldly routines. It is an audacious ride to the center of what is, at the heart of every person. It is a bold and masterful inquiry into what two people really are and how we might become, while still on earth, the angels who reside within us."

This book is available @ Amazon and Barnes&Noble!

Get it, read it alone and with your mate...you'll not regret doing so!

Until later take care, God bless & remember... Until you are clear about what you want in a mate, you'll keep getting bits and pieces in different packages.

Something to think about....

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Saturday Spotlight: Jessica Ferguson & The Last Daughter

Good Morning Friends!

Today I'm pleased to welcome back to the blog my dear friend and fellow Bayou Writers Group author, Jessica Ferguson with her book, The Last Daughter, part of The Wild Rose Press's "Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll" series.

Jessica Ferguson is the author of The Last Daughter, a romantic suspense published by The Wild Rose Press. Her short story If You Believe is a part of Kathi Macias’ Twelve Days of Christmas series. A Child Was Born was published in Hearts, Hearths and Holidays, Seasons of Love Volume I anthology. Jess is co-editor of Swamp Lily Review, A Journal of Louisiana Literature & Arts and a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine. 

She is the author of one Silhouette Romance, The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes, writing as Jessica Travis. Jess worked as assistant editor/writer/photographer for The Times of Southwest Louisiana,and her work has appeared in magazines and newspapers in Louisiana and Texas. Find out more about Jessica by visiting her blog, connecting with her on FaceBook, Pinterest, Google+, Amazon, GoodReads, Tribr & Twitter @jessyferguson

Given away as a child, Rayna Guilbeau grew up with questions--questions about her real family and questions about how she ended up in Louisiana with a disfiguring heart branded on her chest. When she sees a sale ad for a house in Oklahoma City called Wounded Heart, she feels an instant connection. Somehow, the house holds the key to her mysterious past.

Trent Jones, an easy-going picker who's always looking to make a few bucks, is the new owner of Wounded Heart, a three-story house filled with antiques and mystery. When an intriguing young woman shows up on his property 
at midnight, claiming she was born there, he knows his life is about to change.

On an emotional journey into danger, Trent and Rayna seek answers. But can Rayna put the past behind her and accept Trent’s unwavering love?

EXCERPT:

"Rayna, I need to talk with you. Rayna?"

Rayna entered from the living area just as Trent reached the bottom of the stairs. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Are you okay?"

He rubbed his forehead. "I need to talk to you about that doll."

Rayna glanced toward a chair where she'd propped her old toy. "What about her?"

He motioned. "I did some research. She's pretty old. Actually, she's probably quite valuable."

"I'm not selling her if that's what you're getting at. Honestly, Trent." She turned from him and entered the room where the doll sat.

"No, let me finish." He followed. "From what I can tell she's been sold numerous times, landed in and out of pawn shops and doll stores. There's been some very questionable happenings surrounding her."

"What do you mean? How do you know?"

"Things happen. According to several collectors on the Internet...it's almost like she causes things to happen to people that don't like her. Or maybe don't like you--or whoever owns her at the time."

"That's absurd. She's a doll."

He rubbed his head again. "Maybe a cursed doll."

"She's not cursed. Nothing has ever happened to me."

He dropped his eyes to her chest.

She clasped her hand across her blouse and stared at him. "She didn't cause that. How could she?"

"How do you know she didn't? You have no idea how it happened or why."

"I just know," she yelled. "She was--" She stopped and squinted at him. "Trent, Trent, what's wrong?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh wow! sounds intriguing to me! The Last Daughter is available now at Amazon!

Find more books in the series @ The Wild Rose Press!

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this spotlight. Stay tuned next week for more Tuesday Treasure, Thursday Thoughts and of course, Saturday Spotlights!

Until  later...take care & God Bless.
PamT

Thursday Thoughts: Joy

Good Morning Friends,

It's amazing how the mind works. Earlier I had no idea what to write about. Seriously, I've been in a "funk" the last couple of days. Can't pinpoint the reason. Could be a combination of fatigue, weather and the activity of the last month or so finally just catching up but Sunday and yesterday I was just plain dragged out exhausted.

Those 'feeling's followed me into the morning despite my usual prayer time. Then I scrolled through Face Book and in an instant everything within me shifted.

Joy welled up so strong, so powerful I knew what I had to write about!

Was it the funny things I saw, the cute video of a dad making his quadruplets laugh, the fact that the sun is actually shining today and it's a bit warmer, or something deeper?

The Bible teaches us that "Joy in the Lord is our strength."

The law of attraction states what you focus on you'll attract.

Abraham Hicks and other spiritual messengers exhort us to follow our bliss and to allow joy to lead the way.

I believe ALL of these are true and that joy is a powerful emotion that can not only lift you mentally but spiritually and physically.

So whatever it takes to shift your thoughts and feel joy to it's fullest, do it!

Something to think about....

Speaking of joy, Tempered Joy (along with the entire series) is on sale for $0.99 cents on Kindle, Nook & @ Smashwords thru Jan 15th!

Have a Blessed & Joyous day!

Tuesday Treasure: Games

Good Morning and Welcome to the FIRST edition of Tuesday Treasure for 2014!

Since I arrived back at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch and took up residence with Mrs. Mae Belle, I've gotten into the habit of playing Yatzee with her and let me tell you, this lady is a champ! It's not often she can be beat, but it's always fun.

One thing that I remember as a child were the times we'd sit around and play games. While my husband was still here, we played rummy and dominoes. Always accompanied by lots of laughter and teasing.

Memories I'll cherish forever.

When I look at family dynamics today it saddens me to see so many that hardly share dinner much less any real quality time together.

If your family seem to scatter and do their own thing, now, at the beginning of a new year, it the perfect time to start a new tradition. Get a few board games (there are even some appropriate for young children), order in (or pick up) pizza or some other indulgence, and try implementing family night (movies and popcorn work well too).

Take time to bond with each other because all too fast the kids are grown and gone off to build their own lives, or someone passes away, and all you have are memories. So create some good ones to cherish!


Something to think about....
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

*Image borrowed from entertainment.howstuffworks.com *

Saturday Spotlight: Paula Mowery & Brave New Century

Good Morning and welcome to the first Saturday Spotlight of 2014!

Today's guest, Paula Mowery is a pastor's wife and former home school mom. She is a Christian writer whose articles have appeared in Woman's World and her ongoing column on The Christian Online Magazine. Paula also debuted into Christian fiction with her novella, The Blessing Seer, and it's sequel, Be the Blessing, both through Pelican Book Group.   Today, we are spotlighting her story, Forgiven, in the anthology Brave New Century.

BRAVE NEW CENTURY

Four young women each brave challenges at the dawn of the 20th century. Will they overcome their hardships and find love? Three Rings for Alice Love and respect in 1899 Milwaukee is as close as a phone call. Forgiven When Henry and Jessie meet, it seems to be love at first sight until a shocking revelation tears them apart. The Pocket Watch Looking for the past, an orphan and a young doctor find love and hope for the future. Flames of Hope Love ignites in the midst of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Excerpt for Forgiven:
Father’s brow wrinkled in apparent confusion. “Whatever is the trouble, Jarnigan?” His father joined the man near the saloon entrance, gesturing to his three sons to stay put. Words were exchanged, but Henry couldn’t understand any until Jarnigan’s voice raised. He swore. “… liar and a rascal.” He shook a pointed finger in Father’s face.

John Smith would never stand for a person questioning his honesty. Father reared his fist back and punched Jarnigan square in the nose. Jarnigan stumbled backwards but quickly righted himself. He rubbed his nose and then studied it. Henry supposed he was checking for blood. In a flash he pulled a Derringer pistol and shot. Henry had no chance to warn his father in time. Father winced and grabbed his shoulder. Jarnigan spun around and ran toward the hotel.

Father sprinted to the car, threw open the driver-side door, and ducked out of sight for a split second. He reappeared handing a gun to Taylor and one to Jake. He waved for them to follow with his own weapon. The foursome jogged toward hotel, Father leading and Henry bringing up the rear.

Henry’s heart pounded not from their sprint but from fear of how this would play out. Before he could raise his voice in protest; His father, Jake, and Taylor had disappeared through the hotel’s entrance.

Henry had barely slid through the entrance behind them when bullets began to fly. He ducked low to the floor and slipped behind a chair. He peeked out in time to see Jarnigan peer over the tall wooden check-in counter across the room. As the man aimed his Derringer toward a set of stairs on the other side of the lobby, Henry spotted Taylor racing his way, gun waving in his hand. Taylor’s eyes were wide, filled with fear, and trained on the hotel doors when Henry stood and caught his brother’s shoulder. “Taylor.” His brother glanced at him for a split second. The weapon trembled in his grasp. Henry snatched the weapon from him. Taylor burst through the front doors and outside.

Henry followed, standing on the sidewalk watching Taylor’s retreating form head toward their motorcar. Out of nowhere, he saw a man wearing a light brown uniform chased after Taylor. The man screamed, but Henry couldn’t make out his words. Taylor continued to run and threw his arms above his head.

A gun fired and Taylor fell face-down to the ground. Henry’s legs wouldn’t budge.

His breath came in gasps. A bystander rushed to his brother’s side and slowly flipped him over. “He’s dead.”

Brave New Century is available now through Amazon in Paperback & on Kindle!

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this spotlight. Stay tuned for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights!

Thursday Thoughts: Ring out the Old, Ring in the New

Happy New Year!

I've heard that this is the first time in many years we've had a New Moon on New Year's day. We've all associated New Years with new beginnings. But a new moon also influences new beginnings. So this year we are doubly blessed.

How about we take advantage of that and ring out the old with a flourish....

Instead of making resolutions which tend to have negative connotations, how about deciding this day how you will live, act and respond by replacing old patterns of thought with new.

The Bible exhorts us to call those things that be not as though they are and tells the poor to say they are rich, the sick - they're well, the weak - they're strong.

Why don't we take God at His word and replace thoughts of anger with forgiveness, chaos with peace, sickness with health, poverty with wealth, frustration with compassion, etc.

Find or create positive affirmations (words or statements) that speak of your life the way you want it to be instead of harping on the way it is now and make 2014 a year of new beginnings for the rest of your life!

Something to think about....

"Inspirational with an Edge!"™

(photo provided FREE by 123greetings.com)