#SaturdaySpotlight is on Barbara M Britton & Defending David!

 

Good Morning and Welcome to the first Saturday Spotlight of July 2025!

Hope your Independence Day celebrations are safe and happy.

Today we bring Barbara Britton back with her book, Defending David, part of her "Tribes of Israel" series.

Thanks for visiting us again, Barbara. Tell us what makes Defending David so special...

Thank you for having me back on the blog, Pam.

King David is a popular Bible hero and recently people have taken a renewed interest in David’s life with the drama “House of David.” Amazon Prime takes a few licenses with Scripture, but viewers tune in to see how a shepherd boy rose to power and became king over Israel.

In my novel “Defending David,” I capture David’s life when it is in turmoil. David is older and his son Absalom is determined to kill his father and claim the throne. David flees Jerusalem like a criminal. David is not fighting with armies or even a sling. David retreats in weakness.

David is still the man after God’s own heart as we read in I Samuel 13:14, and God provides a helper for David. God has a sense of humor because He sends a Philistine exile to assist David. This enemy exile has hundreds of fighting men and is sold out to the One True God. Who is this unlikely hero to David? A man with a fun name—Ittai the Gittite.

I enjoyed shining a light on Ittai and showing how David trusted him during a tumultuous time. Ittai is front and center as the buff warrior who saves an aging king, and he also finds love along the way.

“Defending David” covers a chunk of Scripture in II Samuel, chapters 15-19:8. 

Wonderful! Give us more please...

Sure here's the cover, blurb and an excerpt...

When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors.

 

Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman's niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land. Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir's betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son?

Excerpt:

Stifling a laugh, Ittai surveyed the approach of the closest stranger. Why was anyone traipsing over rock and crevices in the dark when sunlight wasn’t far off? Some men had no sense. How many fools had he encountered in battle? Too many and they were dead. Crouching near a tower of rocks and a spindly sapling, Ittai unsheathed his blade. He breathed in cool air untainted with kicked-up camel dust. His eyes overcame the darkness to rest on a form breeching the top of the hill. 

Sandal slaps. Wheezing. One fool had made it to the crest. Hamuran would cut off the others. 

Nearer and nearer the climber came. Ittai swallowed. The sour taste of bile pulled his jaw tight. 

Lord, give me victory. 

The man stumbled over a rock and whimpered. 

Ittai lunged. 

He grabbed the stranger and pulled the thin frame taut to his chest. His knife rested against the flesh of the prowler’s neck. 

“Stay silent, or I will send your head thumping to the dirt.” 

His captive turned to stone. Trembling stone. 

A swell of breast rose and fell beneath Ittai’s arm. No stench of sweat or body odor offended his nose. This quivering climber smelled of scented soap even after a trek up a hill. An abundance of soft curls tickled his chin. 

He’d caught a woman. 

What was a woman doing out at night? In the wilderness? In his arms? 

He eased his blade from her neck. “I mean you no harm. I am not a foe. I will release you if you keep your voice low.” 

She nodded ever so slightly. A tiny whine escaped from her lips as if she were agreeing to his demand in earnest. 

He loosened his hold but kept her upright with a commanding grasp of her arm. A crazed or enraged woman could do harm. He had learned that in the most difficult of ways. He gave her enough slack to turn and face him in the shadows. 

“Help me,” the woman rasped. “Men are chasing me.” 

Securing his weapon, he kept his gaze centered on the gleam in her dark eyes. 

“They mean to cut out my tongue.” Her chest rose and sunk like the sea. “And sell me as a slave. My father is not a thief.” 

The woman’s eyes blinked without rest. He had only seen someone so undone under two circumstances—when he told his mother he was going off to war, or in war, when a man was pleading for his life. His mind became a fog of memories. His calm, tranquil night had been set ablaze.

AMAZING! I remember how much I enjoyed reading Defending David. Get your copy on Amazon (FREE in KU), you won't regret it!

Barbara M. Britton writes Christian Fiction from Bible Times to present day. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. She also authored a WWI Historical set in Alaska and created Christian romances set in Tennessee. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb’s books on her website, barbarambritton.com, or follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Hope you enjoyed Barbara's visit today folks and that you'll check back every week for another Saturday Spotlight. See Barbara's other spotlights HERE.

Until next time take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on The Visionary

Good Morning,

My scheduled guest was not able to be here today so, since I spoke with my narrator yesterday and went over some of those Cajun names she'll need to know to record The Visionary for audio book, I thought I'd do a spotlight on the novel.

Will the ugly secret haunting the twins keep them from finding true love?

While most visionaries see into the future, Taylor sees the past. but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disturbingly prevalent in today’s society. 

Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Fans of Redeeming Love will appreciate this contemporary story of the awesome power of God to heal the most wounded of souls.

Excerpt: Pam giggled. “And how are things with you and Alex?” she asked her eyebrow arched with interest.

Taylor chuckled. “He’s very sweet and very good with kids.”

“And sexy?”

Taylor flushed. “Not exactly the tall, dark, and handsome type is he? When you consider he’s not more than five foot eight or nine inches tall and a little generous around the middle.”

“Maybe not,” Pam remarked. “But there’s a lot to be said for short and sexy.”

Taylor smiled at the analogy. Her mind returned to the man in question. He wasn’t really overweight or sloppy, but neither did he sport washboard abs. Probably due to his profession and the fact he preferred rice and gravy to lettuce and tomatoes, she thought with another smile.

“There is something about him,” she ventured. “Those bright hazel eyes that laugh and mock and never miss a thing. Have you noticed they alternate between golden brown or light green?”

Pam shook her head. “Not really. What else have you noticed about him?”

Taylor flushed with a tiny laugh. “Everything. The trim, neat mustache; the curve of lips that smile easily and often; that meticulously groomed, sandy-colored hair makes my fingers itch to run through it. He possesses oodles and oodles of charm and charisma by the case. And his voice, soft and husky and...” She shivered at the thought of the throaty lilt. “He always sounds as though he’s just rolled out of bed.”

Pam laughed. “Yeah, but he always seems so together. Even yesterday, when everyone else dressed in baggy sweats, ragged jeans, and tattered T’s, his casual slacks were well pressed, and his shoes polished to a spit shine.”

Taylor sighed, her lips curved. “I know. I’m not sure exactly what it is about him that’s so attractive, but when I figure it out, I’ll let you know. 

The Visionary can be purchased in Ebook and Print from your favorite online retailer HERE and will be available in Audio late October/early November.

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and another Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on The Visionary

Hello There Friends,

My scheduled guest could not be here today and I don't have a substitute author so I'm going to share with you the new cover and blurb for The Visionary.

Let's start with current cover and blurb....

A visionary is someone who sees into the future Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disturbingly prevalent in today’s society.  Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?  Find out in…The Visionary ~ Where the power of God's love heals the most wounded of souls.

Here's the new....

Will the ugly secret haunting the twins keep them from finding true love?

While most visionaries see into the future, Taylor sees the past. but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disturbingly prevalent in today’s society. 

Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Don't you just love it?!?

I do too.

Hope to see you again soon for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight. Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends ~ A note from Yours Truly....

Good Morning Friends!

If you read my introduction to the Saturday Spotlight post on July 10th OR received my newsletter, you know that my beloved Silver Spur Guest Ranch is closed until a new owner is found. I went to Bandera and the Spur on July 9th for a "Farewell Silver Spur" party on the 10th. Bittersweet visit but good in that I was able to visit with friends I hadn't seen in years. Here is a pic of most of the people I worked with on the Spur. A few couldn't make it but we felt their spirits all around us.

I'm not sure what's going to happen to the Spur once a new owner is in charge. I can only hope and pray it once more becomes a place of healing and hope as it was for me when I worked there between 2010 and 2014. 

Friday I leave for Sterlington, LA for the Dixie Majors World Series baseball tournament and next month I'm going to Alaska but never fear, Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight will go on!

I have some good news to share with you....

I've contracted a narrator and Tempered Truth & Lori's Redemption will both be available in audio later this year. I'll keep you informed on that as production begins and moves along.

I know you're seeing a lot of "Christmas in July" specials, movies, sales, etc. I understand the marketing concept behind these things but sometimes I feel like the heroine in Keri's Christmas Wish.... Bah Humbug! Heck, as it is, Christmas decorations are up alongside Halloween costumes! Just can't get away from the hype and personally, I feel the more hype, the less we focus on the real reason for the season.

Speaking of Jesus, have you seen The Chosen?

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful portrayal of Jesus! I'm loving this series so much I've watched seasons 1 & 2 twice AND bought the novel based on season one! Click on the pic to find out more about this wonderful series portraying the life of Jesus and His disciples.

Well friends, not much else to share with you today. I THANK YOU for dropping by and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings in your life.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends ~ All Christmas till Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today marks the beginning of the Christmas season so what better way to celebrate than with Christmas books?

Beginning with my very own, Keri's Christmas Wish, we will host only Christmas titles through Jan. 2, 2021.

I talked with a friend who is knowledgeable in numerology and she said 2020 (based on the number 0) was a time of endings and 2021 (based on the #1) will be a time of new beginnings.

Let's hope so!

But for now, here's praying Each and Every One of YOU, dear friends have a Blessed and Happy Holiday Season.

Blurb:

For as long as she can remember, Keri Jackson has despised the hype and commercialism around Christmas so much she seldom enjoys the holiday. Will she get her wish and be free of the angst to truly enjoy Christmas this year?

A devout Christian at heart, Jeremy Hinton, a Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Spiritual Mentor and Energy Medicine Practitioner has studied all of the world’s religions and homeopathic healing modalities. But when a rare bacterial infection threatens the life of the woman he loves, will all of his faith and training be for naught?

Find out in Keri’s Christmas Wish

Synopsis: In Keri's Christmas Wish we get a glimpse into the life and spiritual practice of an ordinary woman who goes through an extraordinary experience.

Keri Jackson is an accountant who, although she loves Christ, abhors the hype, commercialism and controversy of His birth. As she embarks on a spiritual quest to determine why she feels this way, a rare bacterial infection threatens to take her life before she can find answers.

Jeremy Hinton, a Psychotherapist whose practice is a bit unorthodox as far as the medical community is concerned, has been enthralled by Keri from the moment the two meet. He feels she is a highly intelligent, deeply emotional, intensely complex human being. He has studied the human psyche and spiritual evolution for as long as he can remember. Keri's attitude toward Christmas baffles him, but Jeremy is sure together they can get to the bottom of it. Until she is beset by a rare infection that she may not recover from.

But what Jeremy and the doctors don't know is that while her body is under attack, Keri's soul is alive and well in another realm.

We travel this journey with Keri as she discovers a spiritual truth that is sure to set many people free from preconceived notions about heaven, angels, Christ, Christmas and the value of a relationship with Jesus.

Excerpt: She awoke in another dimension. Keri had no idea if she was in Heaven, but neither did she fear Hell. Her surroundings were reminiscent of a dense forest at dusk. Shadows danced against a sunset where brilliant colors bled from the sky. A light shone in the distance but as she moved toward it, Keri felt as though she plowed through molasses. Unease pricked her skin. The sound of water drew her deeper into the woods until she stood at the base of a vast waterfall and rapids so swift she dared not attempt to cross the river.

The light grew stronger, brighter. Beckoning.

I need to get to the light.

Q&A:

What inspired you to write your newest release Keri’s Christmas Wish?

When I look back on the beginning I can honestly say Keri’s Christmas Wish was totally inspired by God. I’d finished a short story and sent the collection off to my editor when a vision of a young woman scrolling through her newsfeed came to mind with the words: Bah Humbug…. The entire story evolved from that one image and I completed the manuscript within a very short time. Since this was the first, original fiction story I’ve written in its entirety since 2009 I’m very excited to see it come to fruition.

Why should people buy this book and who is your potential audience? 

Keri's Christmas Wish will give readers an enjoyable fiction story that shares the miracles and magic of the books and movies made over the last several years based on a true account of someone's visit to heaven. Those who love reading, hearing about and watching a true account of someone's visit to heaven as well as those who wonder if heaven is for real and what it is like, will enjoy Keri's Christmas Wish. 

Is there anything else you feel is relevant to this story?

True accounts of heaven, angels, miracles as well as Energy Medicine, and meditation/self-help techniques are huge topics of interest in the world today. This story combines all of the above in a manner sure to entertain as well as enlighten.

 What is the message you hope to get across in this story?

That regardless of where you are in your faith journey God and His angels are always there to guide and guard and that He loves you in spite of your doubt and fears.

 What is the one question you wish an interviewer would ask you?

 Q: To what or whom do you credit your success?

 A: Many people have a love/hate relationship with their muse. My muse is the Holy Spirit and I accredit every ounce of success to the grace of God because without HIM I seriously doubt I could write a single word, much less stories that bring hope and healing to so many.

Hope you enjoy the post today friends and that you'll check back each week for another Christmas story! Get your copy of Keri's Christmas Wish HERE.

Find/Follow me on Social Media!

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends News & Updates from Me!

Good Morning Friends,

It's a beautiful day in this beautiful world!

The Corona virus is causing world wide panic.... Yes, I know it's serious and Yes I think EVERYONE should take precautions but the panic is a bit much in MHO.

With all the not-so-good news, I'd like to share something Wonderful....

An audio book tour is scheduled for Tempered Hearts and Tempered Dreams between March 17th - 30th. Follow the tour and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Details HERE. For a FREE audio copy of either or both books, go to: Audio Books Unleashed. Along with mine, you'll find lot's of audio books to choose from.

Great news! Tempered Fire is available NOW in Audio! Get your copy HERE OR get a FREE code HERE for All 3 books!

But recording an audio book isn't always easy or glamorous. Check out these Bloopers!

A Tempered Trivia contest is up on my website. One or two lucky people will win a special prize. Who knows, perhaps everyone who participates in the contest will win! 

I've written a little over 7K words so far on Tempered Truth and the story seems to be coming together. I think you'll be surprised and pleased with the results. I'm still undecided whether I'll serialize the story for you all first, or on my blog, or what, but I promise to keep you posted as the book evolves.

And, last but not least..... My Heart Weeps Ebook is up for PreOrder at Amazon! The Print version will be available for PreOrder soon too, I'm waiting on the full cover to upload. I'll let you know about that ASAHP.

  

Well, that's about it for now, friends. I love and appreciate you ALL and wish you a rich increase of God's almighty good!

Be sure and leave a comment every Wednesday and on Saturday Spotlights to be entered into my gift card giveaway!

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Tempered Dreams

Good Morning!

My scheduled guest could not be here today so I'm improvising. Guess it doesn't hurt to share my books with new followers so here goes.....

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

Excerpt:“Spend the day with me,” he urged. “We’ll go to my place. I’ll take a short nap after which we’ll do whatever your little heart desires.” 

“Anything?” she teased.

Her voice was as enticing as silk and just as alluring. Her excitement set fire to his blood. “Anything.” he assured in a thick voice.

His smoldering gaze, as tender as a caress and just as potent, lowered to her lips, lingered, then raked over her in a hungry gesture before returning to capture hers in a heated embrace. Trina felt as though he was touching her in the most intimate of ways. Her cheeks grew hot, her breath lodged in her throat. Desire washed over her in angry waves. She swallowed hard and tucked trembling hands in her lap, desperately trying to form a coherent sentence. “Please, Scott, don’t look at me like that.”  

He could actually feel her trembling response across the table. His voice lowered another notch. “Like what?”

Trina shook her head. “Like you’re starving to death and could eat me up. Didn’t you have enough food?”

Pushing his plate away, Scott stood and held his hand out to her. Trina placed a trembling one in his firm grip. Pulling her gently to her feet, Scott raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Food is not what I’m hungry for,” he informed her in a husky whisper.

Trina waited as he paid for their meal then followed him to the parking lot as gracefully as possible on legs that wobbled. He paused and in a silent gesture, signaled for her to give him her car keys. His fingers brushed sensuously over her wrist and palm, grasping hers gently when she placed them in his hand. 
Locking his heated gaze with hers, Scott raised their clasped hands to his lips, this time lingering over the kiss. He nibbled on her knuckles, teasing the back of her hand with his mouth, then, in one swift movement, turned his attention to the sensitive flesh of her palm and wrist, relieving her of her keys and her senses.

Trina felt the caress to the very core of her being. She moaned, leaning against his hard frame when he pulled her closer. His heat enveloped her until she burned with him, for him. And his lips had never even touched hers.

Purchase Links:

Kindle http://amzn.to/1vJEqjk

Amazon Print:http://amzn.to/1q4Q8hV

Nook http://bit.ly/1QjniHY

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1PYECpI

Smashwordshttp://bit.ly/173ypSN

Audio: http://bit.ly/TemperedDreamsAudio

I am offering a FREE audio copy to ANYONE who wants one so leave a comment and let me know!

You will also be put in the monthly drawing for a gift card.

THANKS for visiting.

Until next time take care and God bless.
PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Tempered Dreams in Audio!

Good Morning Friends,

We've been having some beautiful weather here in SW Louisiana....cool nights and days in the 70's...PERFECT if you ask me! I'd love it if we had this year around.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way.

My scheduled guest could not be here today so I thought I'd take this time to share some exciting news with you....

Tempered Dreams is now in audio!

For those of you who are new to me and our blog, here is the blurb and an excerpt.....

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

Excerpt: “Spend the day with me,” he urged. “We’ll go to my place. I’ll take a short nap after which we’ll do whatever your little heart desires.” 

“Anything?” she teased.

Her voice was as enticing as silk and just as alluring. Her excitement set fire to his blood. “Anything.” he assured in a thick voice.

His smoldering gaze, as tender as a caress and just as potent, lowered to her lips, lingered, then raked over her in a hungry gesture before returning to capture hers in a heated embrace. Trina felt as though he was touching her in the most intimate of ways. Her cheeks grew hot, her breath lodged in her throat. Desire washed over her in angry waves. She swallowed hard and tucked trembling hands in her lap, desperately trying to form a coherent sentence. “Please, Scott, don’t look at me like that.”  

He could actually feel her trembling response across the table. His voice lowered another notch. “Like what?”

Trina shook her head. “Like you’re starving to death and could eat me up. Didn’t you have enough food?”

Pushing his plate away, Scott stood and held his hand out to her. Trina placed a trembling one in his firm grip. Pulling her gently to her feet, Scott raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Food is not what I’m hungry for,” he informed her in a husky whisper.

Trina waited as he paid for their meal then followed him to the parking lot as gracefully as possible on legs that wobbled. He paused and in a silent gesture, signaled for her to give him her car keys. His fingers brushed sensuously over her wrist and palm, grasping hers gently when she placed them in his hand.

Locking his heated gaze with hers, Scott raised their clasped hands to his lips, this time lingering over the kiss. He nibbled on her knuckles, teasing the back of her hand with his mouth, then, in one swift movement, turned his attention to the sensitive flesh of her palm and wrist, relieving her of her keys and her senses.

Trina felt the caress to the very core of her being. She moaned, leaning against his hard frame when he pulled her closer. His heat enveloped her until she burned with him, for him. And his lips had never even touched hers.

Part of me feels guilty for not coming up with a smart, witty post for today but to tell you the truth, I'm plain wore out. Medicare AEP is 1/2 over (ends Dec. 7th) and it's been B...U....S....Y! So busy in that I had to schedule brake maintenance on my car at 7:30 this morning. I'm even working on Saturday!

Never fear though, our Saturday Spotlight will be up before I head into the office.

After it's over though, I hope to get back to posting each month and promise to do my best to share meaningful words with you - Friends.

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

Happy New Year!

Well we made it to LOL!

2018 is history and 2019 filled with promise. This is a time when most people reflect on the past twelve months, reevaluate their lives and plan for the future.

If you're doing that today, I'd like to offer you a bit of encouragement.

Dream Big - because all of heaven is dreaming with you!

Believe in Yourself and Your Dreams.

Imagine the life you'd love to live, seek God's wisdom and direction then take the actions inspired during your time with Him.

Most of all, remember to infuse every thought, word, action, deed and dream with LOVE because of all of the emotions we feel, LOVE is the greatest. Even God said so in 1 Corinthians 13:13 ....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Here's wishing you and yours a most Blessed and Prosperous 2019.

PamT

PS: Don't forget, all of my independently published titles are on sale through Jan 15th and can be purchased at Amazon for Kindle, B&N for Nook, and Smashwords for other E-readers. They are also available at Kobo and I have published another FREE read for newsletter subscribers (a Christmas romance) so, if you haven't already, please sign up HERE.

#TuesdayTreasures with Me!

Good Morning Friends,

It's been a while since I've shared something I treasure but this past weekend we had SNOW!

Some of you may think I'm nuts for treasuring snow but, it's a real rarity in SW Louisiana. Only comes around about every 10 years or so. Therefore, we treasure it when we can (although I REALLY would NOT want to have it every year...well, maybe that would be OK as long as it's only a day or two and not weeks or months at a time LOL!).

Anyway....here are a couple of photos for you to enjoy....

  

If you followed my West Coast Vacation this past summer, you would have seen a lot of photos and memories from that wonderful trip. Well, while getting items together for my grandson in WA's Christmas gift, I finally bought a dry erase board and put magnets from the places I've been over the last couple of years.

Once I hung this up, I realized I'm missing one from Cherokee, NC but as soon as I find it, I will add it to my collection. 

Oh and one more thing I treasure....CHRISTMAS...and this year I decided to decorate my room....

Notice the "It ain't over till the last cowboy leaves" plaque - that was a gift from the sweet 99 year old lady I lived with at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch. Below is the last picture I took with her....

There are so many ways for us to remember and treasure the people, places and things in our lives. 

Let's take some extra time this holiday season and remember to do so. In fact, that might be a good New Year's resolution....To take time and reflect on the things we treasure.

Something to think about.

Inspirational with an Edge! ™

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll drop by each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings

Good Morning!

Well...here we are on the last day of November. I pray your Thanksgiving was blessed and I Thank You for your loyal support by visiting and sharing my blog and guests.

Today is a day for me and frankly I have no clue what to talk with you about. Well, had no clue would be a better thing to say.

Until I discovered The Edge Books.

In their About Us information, The Edge Books says, "THE EDGE is about relationship, not religion. It’s God’s power being stronger and God’s love running deeper than anything people face."

I've been saying and writing this for years!

If you enjoy my books, I encourage you to check out books by these authors.

The Rafflecopter giveaway for Kindle Fire I participated in ended yesterday, but there is always another going on! Check the latest one out HERE.

Mistletoe, Snow and Suspense is still available for only 99cents so get your copy today.

Hope you enjoyed this short random rambling post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on Spiritual Growth

Good Morning Friends!

I pray your week is going exceptionally well and that you are blessed in every area of your life. I've been pondering lately about faith vs fear, surrender vs struggle, and trusting vs trying.

Regardless of our religious orientation, upbringing or belief, we all deal with issues that cause us to doubt our faith. We say we believe, we say we trust, and there's no doubt we do, but...

What are we believing and in what or whom do we trust?

We say we trust God, yet we worry over every little thing instead of surrendering it all to Him and trusting His divine wisdom, divine love and divine timing.

We say we believe in His promises, yet, because of the voices around and in us, we constantly switch from belief to doubt.

We say we have faith, yet we fear so many things.... death, poverty, illness.

Is it any wonder out lives are a mess?!?

I came across this meme and thought it fit perfectly with today's message...

But how do we do this? How do we tap into the power within us and rise above our situations and struggles?

Transformation on any level begins in the mind. The bible says we should not conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) Of course this means we should meditate on God's promises outlined in the Bible, yet so many of us focus on just the opposite!

I've said this before and I'll say it until it resonates strongly within me and with everyone who reads my blog: As a man thinks in his heart, therefore he IS. (Prov. 23:7)

We should strive to turn every negative, fearful, doubtful thought into its exact opposite.

Instead of focusing on our sickness, ponder His promise of healing. Instead of ruminating on our lack, meditate on His promises of provision and prosperity.

If you know me, you know I love learning new spiritual practices that enable me to do just this. One of the things I've found that truly resonates with me is the book, The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen and many other books by spiritual teachers: Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, and Louise Hay are just a few.

Another is the teachings of Abraham through Esther Hicks. She/they talk about releasing resistance to our good.

Isn't that what faith is all about? Surrendering, releasing, trusting?

Surrender our thoughts for God's. Release all fears and doubts to the Holy Spirit and the Angels for healing and purifying. Let go of our ideas of how and when He should answer our prayers and let Him guide us, every moment of every day in each situation!

Trust that He always has our best interests and highest good in mind.

Always.

After all, Jesus said He came so that we would have life and have it in abundance.

Why do we insist on thinking the opposite of His word?

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

I hope you gained even a tiny bit of spiritual growth from my random ramblings and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Tempered Joy

Hi There!

I'm a bit late posting today, but my scheduled guest could not make it so I'm improvising.

Author friends, have you ever read your own book? If so, what were your thoughts?

Last night I pulled out a copy of Tempered Joy (book 4 in my Tempered series) and said, what the heck, laid down and started reading.

As an editor I saw a few things that could be fixed...mostly punctuation or removing an extraneous word or two from a sentence, but nothing that threw me out of the story.

You'd think I wouldn't be moved by my own words, but, surprisingly enough, I was!

If I had to review it, I'd give Tempered Joy 4 stars .... and this is what I'd say...

This story lived up to its name as I found myself in tears nearly as much as I laughed out loud at the antics of the characters.

For those of you who are new to visiting my blog here is the blurb and an excerpt for you....

Blurb: All around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love.  He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.  A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief?  

Excerpt: Her eyes narrowed when he took a step closer. “Ace,” she warned and wielded the brush like a lethal weapon.

Raising his hands where she could see them, he watched her try to brush some semblance of order to the thick mass of unruly auburn hair. The simple chore made him want to sink both fists in the silken locks and gave him a whole new insight to the word erotic.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkled vivid green and spewed wrath. She glared at him as though the tangled tresses were his fault alone. Her chest quivered with each breath she took. He took another step closer and could feel her tremble. Locking his gaze with hers in the mirror, he reached around her and picked up a bandanna off the dresser. He ran it through his fingers in what could have been a caress then slid the cloth beneath her hair and left it trailing over her shoulders.

With hands that shook, Lexie pulled the ends together and tied her hair back into a ponytail. Those bright gray eyes had gone soft and warm, like liquid metal. Mouth dry as dust, she swallowed hard.

Purchase Links:

Kindle http://amzn.to/1uto0eH

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1xwIx12

Nook http://bit.ly/1mF4Lhp

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1R62HtU

Smashwords http://bit.ly/14KH0bX

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll drop by each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT

#TuesdayTreasures Freedom

Good Morning Friends,

My scheduled guest couldn't be here so I'm winging it today.

Yesterday marked the 16th anniversary of 9/11 and I'm sure you've seen posts all over encouraging us to never forget and to honor those lives lost in the attacks.

All good advice.

However, I'm going to encourage you to remember the outpouring of love and the way most of our country turned back to God. The same kind of generosity of spirit that has poured out in the last few weeks due to hurricanes and fires and earthquakes.

As a spiritual seeker, I am continually amazed at the books and songs and reminders which assure us As we THINK, we ARE.

If we keep focusing on the bad, we'll perpetuate more and more bad.

However if we focus on the inherent good in mankind, the greatness of our country, the beauty of our planet, the abundance of our universe, the absolute love and benevolence of God....you get my drift... we will see more and more evidence of those things in our lives (goodness, greatness, beauty, abundance, benevolence).

What's all this have to do with freedom, you ask.

Because in this one thing, we have more freedom and more power than we imagine: the freedom to choose what we think about!

So remember and honor, say a prayer, then turn your focus to what's * true *honest *pure *lovely *of good report *virtuous and *praise worthy knowing this is what will help heal America.

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

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless!
PamT

*Philippians 4:8

#ThursdayThoughts on Harvey

As I sit here wondering what to write about, my thoughts are a jumbled mess. Last week I talked about Higher Love and mentioned a "storm" in the Gulf.

Well that 'storm' turned out to be a real bitch of a storm. A monster who has stolen life and property from millions...yes, MILLIONS!

In case you don't know, I LOVE the water....lakes, beaches, creeks, bayous, waterfalls.
While on my West Coast Vacation, I saw rivers so furious it would take a truly foolish person to try and navigate them.

(Kings River - Kings Canyon National Park)

Of course there were some who tried and they cause not only injury to themselves but put others in danger.

I saw placid lakes and pure beauty in waterfalls.

Narada Falls Mt. Rainier Ntl. Park

                                                                     Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park

But we have to remember to respect what we love and not turn our back on the power of water. The power of nature.

A friend of mine lived in Rockport, TX. She has nothing to go back to.

Other friends and family have lost everything but their lives. I'm eternally grateful.

We hear so many horror stories and yet see so much beauty in neighbors helping neighbors regardless of race, color or creed.

But, what can we do?

We must be wise as serpents yet gentle as doves. We must pray and research the "relief" organizations. Be smart about going to help out and protect ourselves from illness and injury.

Do what you can with what you've got and expect God's blessings on your efforts.

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

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll drop by each week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts on Higher Love

Good Morning!

Well, August is winding down...only 1 week to go before we get into September. Fall is quickly approaching and there's a tropical storm (Harvey) in the Gulf so everyone is on high alert. But that's not what I want to talk about....

I'm reading A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson and the song Higher Love by Steve Winwood is one of the tunes in the current Centergy workout I stretch, bend, strengthen and sweat to at Dynamic Demensions in Moss Bluff.

As a word person, the lyrics to this song really caught my attention. Steve talks about finding a higher love "down in the heart or in the stars above" and how without this higher love, life is "a wasted time."

As a spiritual seeker, it amazes me how, where some folks hear a tune that gets their feet moving (it does that for me too LOL!) I hear words that reflect the longing in my soul.

In fact, I'm pretty sure it's the longing of everyone's soul.

How often do we run from job to job or relationship to relationship or even move from one location to another in search of something better? Something higher. Something that fulfills the ache in our heart and longing in our soul.

In reality what we're seeking is already within us....in our relationship with God.

And that's where Marianne's book comes into play.

A Return to Love is filled with thoughts and prayers about returning our hearts and minds to God, to reconnect with His love by power of the Holy Spirit within us and in others - which we pray to recognize, see and call forth in those whom we love and come into contact with. This leads to the healing of our soul, the perfection of our inner being, and is reflected in our outer life circumstances.

Now I know there's a lot of controversy around A Course in Miracles and this book is based on the author's understanding and reflections on the Course, but for me, it has opened a whole new outlook on Jesus' commandment to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).

Here's the rub though....do we really love ourselves?

And, how can we truly love anyone if we don't first love God and love our self?

How often do we put ourselves down in a way we'd never put down a friend or even a stranger for that matter!

So instead of thinking about all that's wrong in your life or the world at large, take a moment today and meditate on the blessings in your life and the good within yourself. Reflect on the love you've given others, the help you've extended when possible, the knowledge and experience you've shared just because you love what you do, and spend a few moments thanking and praising yourself for your generosity and God for the gifts and talents He's given you.

I promise doing this on a regular basis will lead to a realization of how full and beautiful your life really is!

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

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll drop by each week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts on Change....

Good Morning from Santa Fe, New Mexico!

If you've visited often you know I've embarked on a 2 month trek across the US to make a loop up the West Coast, around the Midwest and back down to Louisiana. Saturday I'll be spotlighting some highlights from our trip so be sure and drop by.

Meanwhile, let's talk a little about change.....

Some people thrive on change. Others hate it. Many, like me understand change is a part of life and just learn to go with the flow.

Not all change is -or appears - good: death of loved ones or loss of job or health. Though these are some of the worst types of changes we can go through, life goes on and so must we.

Other changes are good! New job, new relationship, new home, new (fill in the blank). We love these types of changes although many begin with a not-so-good one.

Then there are changes that surprise and please and hopefully open new doors for us. These are the types of changes I absolutely LOVE. One such change is with my novel The Inheritance (published 2007 from The Wild Rose Press). We all know the story of how TWRP evolved to White Rose Publishing and then Pelican Book Group - these were all good changes. Now there's one even better!

PBG is re-issuing The Inheritance sometime later this year. The book has been edited, updated, revised and has a brand new cover! Don't 'cha just LOVE it? I do! It's still the same story, only better and hopefully this change will turn out to be good for everyone involved and will garner new readers.

On the heels of this news and my receiving the galley which I'm currently working to get back to the editor so we can get an actual release date....anyway, my lovely cover artist and friend, Delia Latham of Heaven's Touch Designs surprised me with a brand new cover for my Tempered Series bundle (boxed set)..... I can't wait to replace the current one with this!

These two changes started me thinking....Even though we're told not to, many people judge a book by it's cover therefore, a not-so-good cover can make or break a book. My novel, Circles of Fate has gotten great reviews yet the sales reflect poorly. So, Delia and I put our heads together and came up with a brand new cover for it too!

I love how Delia depicted the main characters in this romantic saga so well! Hopefully, this fresh, new and exciting cover will be more attractive to readers. It is certainly eye-catching.

These are all good changes, but even good changes have drawbacks....in these instances, lot's of work replacing the old covers with new in all publishing venues AND in all marketing materials. Hopefully our hard work will pay off and readers will reap the benefits as well, by being entertained, their faith strengthened by the triumph of these characters.

Moral of this post: Whether expected, unexpected, good or not....life continually changes and evolves. So must we.

Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time, take care and God Bless!

PamT