#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on Juggling Life, Writing and Other Dreams & Desires

Good Morning!

It's been a few weeks since I posted a personal Thursday Thoughts and on Dec. 30th I mentioned I was re-thinking my blogging schedule. I'm currently reading Waking Up in Winter by Cheryl Richardson and let me tell you, this personal journey of hers is so ON Topic with my life at this time!

Let me begin by saying I Love Writing. I love every aspect from conception to publication to marketing. I love helping writers become published authors and I love ministering to people in whatever capacity I can.

But for quite a while I've struggled with my writing, then, when Keri's Christmas Wish finaled in 2017 IDA's I got all excited again.

Sure, it's easy when I have a guest, but personal posts can be difficult to come by, especially when your year begins as mine has with having to put down my beautiful, beloved Cassie....

Another thing I've wrestled with over the last few years is the desire to pursue a dream that was placed in my heart years ago--that of being a Life/Writing Coach/Spiritual Mentor and focusing my writing on those areas. Even my son said I should write in the Self Help/Personal Growth genre.

Hence the question as to where my life is going and whether or not to continue thrice weekly posts.

So that leaves me with this decision for today.... I will continue posting Tuesday Treasures and Thursday Thoughts when I have a guest or when I feel led. That may be regularly. May not.

Saturday Spotlight will continue weekly.

Thank you for your continued love and support. I hope you will continue to drop by and see what's happening until I get clear direction on what to do.  Meanwhile, Mistletoe, Snow and Suspense (which includes Keri's Christmas Wish) is STILL available for the next couple of weeks and check out this new collection of Christian Suspense books, Timeless Suspense, which includes my novel, The Visionary. Both are limited editions and available for only .99 cents! 

  

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 Living an Authentic Spiritual Life

Good Morning Friends!

Today is a New Moon and that means new beginnings.

Jesus came so that He could make all things new. The Bible says when we accept Him, we are new creatures and we all know that God's mercies are new every morning.

We learn the Lord's prayer at an early age, but how often do we pray it out of obligation or just mumble the words instead of feeling the heart of them?

In fact, how often do we do that with every prayer about any situation?

While in meditation this morning I had this thought: I want to shine so bright that when people look at me they have to put their sun glasses on!

Shouldn't we all desire that?

We get so wrapped up in this physical life that we believe we're earthly beings having an occasional spiritual experience instead of the other way around.

We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience!

So how can we live an authentic spiritual life while here on earth?

The first and most important step is to decide to live, move, and act from that place of pure positive energy within you - live, love, think and breathe from your spirit or the place within you where the Holy Spirit resides.

Once you've decided to do so, ask for help. God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Angels, Spirit Guides, loved ones who've passed over, are all there to guide us! Ask for their assistance. If you're afraid of meeting up with negative or evil spirits, ask Archangel Michael to protect your prayer time.

Meditate daily (or as often as possible). Don't get wrapped up in the woo woo of this. Meditation is much more simple than we make it out to be. Get comfortable, get quiet and focus on your breathing. Long, slow, deep breaths. If you have to, mentally repeat breathe in, breathe out or something else (Peace and Love, Joy and Happiness, etc.) Do this a few times then try to focus without using words.

When a thought comes into your mind, if it's a worrisome one - mentally say to yourself, "we'll think about that later, let's just sit quiet for now" and then go back to your deep breathing. If the thought is a good one, rejoice, get excited and happy and be grateful for it, but then - let it go and return to focusing on your breath.

The purpose of meditation is to clear and quiet your mind so that God can speak to you. And you'll know when He does. 10 or 15 minutes a day is easy to do and sufficient to produce tremendous results.

Last but certainly not least, become aware of how you're feeling in any given moment/situation. Ask yourself often throughout the day "How am I feeling?" "What am I thinking?"

Your emotions are a sure-fire indicator if you're living from your spiritual being (which is pure love, joy, peace, happiness, wholeness, etc., etc.) or from your natural man (which is worry, anger, frustration, etc.)

By becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings, we can choose better ones by - well, choosing - to focus on the love and light within us and others, and to let go and let God deal with the things we can't control - which is actually everything but ourselves and our own thoughts and emotions!

Does doing these things guarantee you'll never have a bad day or experience?

Of course not. After all, we live in a world where chaos has become the order of the day. What it does mean though, is by living from your spirit, you'll be able to navigate this life so much better and be a shining light for others to help them along their paths as well.

This picture says it all.....

Thank You, Alvar Astulez, creator of this lovely graphic!

Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge!"™

Hope you enjoyed today's 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

#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

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on the Weather....

Good Morning!

I pray you all survived the storms that have passed through lately. We had a cold front come through on Sat/Sun and another yesterday. With that, lots and lots of rain...thunder, lightning, the works.

Now I'm not a fan of cold weather at all, especially in May for crying out loud!

However, we haven't had enough 'winter' to cool the Gulf waters which means hurricane season could be a doozy.

So as much as we may not like freezing in May, (okay not freezing by normal standards but anything below 70 is freezing to me LOL!) I'm hoping/praying/believing this is God's way of putting a hedge of protection around us to prevent a terrible hurricane season.

But what do I know?

I'm not even sure this front is enough to cool the Gulf waters!

Isn't that what faith is all about though? Believing in something you don't know and evidence of things unseen?

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

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

Until next time, take care, God Bless and here's a couple of bright sunny pics to warm your soul....

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings

Good Morning Friends,

It's been so long since I've share thoughts or treasures with you I have no idea what to even talk about, so today is going to be one of those random rambling days and hopefully we'll discover something meaningful together.

Ever feel as though you're so off track with your faith, life, purpose you doubt you'll ever get back on?

Yeah, that's been me for quite a while now.

March was wrought with deaths in all branches of my family. From young to old, no age group was spared. Between that and traveling and Lent and Easter, well....I'm so out of sorts.

On top of that, seems my writing has come to a halt - Again.

Oh, I've penned a few stories that have yet to find a home.

But I find, I, just plain don't have the drive, ambition or even concern.

Part of me wants to work on something.

The other part just doesn't give a damn anymore.

UGH, not a good place to be.

Alas, the last couple of days the excitement is returning so maybe my drought will soon be over.

This feature was intended to be an uplifting one. Every time a guest asks what they should talk about I say - anything - as long as it is uplifting. So how can I turn this rant into something positive for YOU to take away?

I guess by saying that no matter what life throws at you or how low you feel, learn to go with the flow. Keep an open mind and grateful heart and your world will right itself in time.

Depression is a sneaky bastard so if you find your efforts to rest and recharge don't have the proper effect - see a doctor!

I don't advocate drugs for the sake of them, but sometimes anti-depressants are necessary, but try natural means first. Rest, Relaxation, Meditation, Prayer, change up your routine or toss it completely for a while. And remember (make it a mantra if you have to) .... This too shall pass.

Meanwhile here's a pretty picture that bring me peace. Take a few deep breaths while gazing upon it and have a wonderful, blessed day!

Hope you enjoyed today's random ramblings and you'll stop by weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time.....Take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings & an Experiment on Abundance

Good Morning!

Last night I listened to The Abundance Factor movie while coloring...something I haven't done in a LONG while but have heard so much about the meditative benefits thought I'd try.... Anyway, while listening to The Abundance Factor movie, one idea that stuck with me was 3 things you can do on a daily basis to be/feel more abundant.

#1: Write 3 (or more) things you're grateful for.

#2: Send love to 3 people with whom you're not on the best of terms with (someone you need to forgive or someone who gets on your nerves, etc)

#3: Sit in silence for 5 minutes then ask for direction for your day.

Now as a Christian, we're called to invite Jesus and/or Holy Spirit into our morning meditations and to include bible reading, but the principle is basically the same.

I've gone through various stages of doing this or something similar for years and although my life isn't as "abundant" or "rich" as others' or some may think, it's pretty darn good.

One thing that resonates with me about the spiritual / mental aspects of abundance is to focus on something that represents abundance to you and to really get into the feeling of being abundant.

For some that may be money, others find abundance in nature (a waterfall symbolizes wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui), but the whole concept is really cool.

So here's an experiment..... Pick one (or all 3) of these pictures sit in silence for a few minutes and really let your imagination go while you visualize your life filled with abundance as vast and as plentiful as the picture suggests. Create a mantra around it if you have to....


Money flows into my life plentiful and with ease.

Abundance fills my life in a never-ending flow as lush and beautiful as this waterfall.
                 My life overflows with richness and beauty.


Do you feel more abundant or at least calmer?

I'd love to know so leave a comment.

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

Until next time, take care and God bless.

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Well Folks today is another of those random rambling days but today I DO have something to ramble about.....

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

We all know the song..."Find out what it means to me."

Personally I believe respect for others begins with SELF respect.

What am I rambling about, you ask.....

How can you respect anyone if you don't respect yourself?

If you have no pride in what you do or where you live or how you dress or conduct business?

Even if you DON'T respect yourself, it's not hard to respect others.

Here's a few ideas....

#1: Pick up after yourself (especially important living in a someone else's house!). Also important if you knock down something in a store, or a piece of clothing falls off the hanger as you put it back. Been trying on clothes? It may be OK to leave them in the dressing room, but PLEASE, not in a pile on the floor! Fold them neatly and leave them on the bench or chair or put them back on the hanger and the hanger on the hook!

I know people get paid to do this, but seriously folks....do you treat YOUR clothing that way?

#2: Turn off lights and make sure the doors are closed when you leave a room or house. This one is a given...right? Not necessarily, you'd be surprised at how many people 'forget' these simple basic manners.

#3: Respect your (and other people's) Time! Be on time or early but not late. Now I know things happen that are unavoidable and those instances are OK, but being habitually late is NOT Ok. It is rude and disrespectful of everyone else involved. If possible you should call or text the person who is waiting on you to let them know you're going to be late.

#4: Respect the silence. Turn your radio (or telephone, or alarm) down! Not everyone wants to hear the loud, banging noise or feel their car vibrate to YOUR music or hear your TV blaring all night or your alarm going off for 5 or 10 minutes and you not rousing enough to turn it off (and no, don't just hit the snooze button a million times - turn the darn thing off!) Why set it for 2 hours before you plan on getting out of bed anyway? UGH

#5: Be nice.... it's REALLY that simple. Just. Be. Nice. And. POLITE in your thoughts and in your words.

Not always easy I know, sometimes we bite our tongue but as our mamas and grandmothers used to say.... "If you can't say something nice, keep your mouth shut."

CONFESSION: I have to remind myself of this often.

#6: Be gracious, grateful and forgiving. Say please and Thank you. Show kindness and compassion wherever you go and to whomever you meet. No one is perfect and you don't know what someone may be going through.

#7: Respect boundaries. I'm not talking fences. Privacy, personal space, things told to you in confidence, and decisions of others are all forms of boundaries we should do our best not to cross.

If you've known me long or followed my blog you know I write with the aim of encouraging and uplifting. Today's post may not seem that way, but truly, if you think about it, should everyone practice these simple steps or keep in mind one word: Kindness, this world (over populated, crowded world) would be a much nicer and safer place.

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

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

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

PS: Today is the LAST Day to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win Keri's Christmas Wish! Details HERE.

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on Procrastination

Good Morning!

Well, it's official....this year's Annual Open Enrollment period for Medicare is over and if these last few days have taught me anything, it's that I'm not the only person who procrastinates!

Although I try not to :-)

Anyway, I worked 33 hours in the last 3 days.

Piece of cake, some of you say....

Not exactly. I've been working freelance from home, very flexible hours (doesn't matter when I do the work as long as it gets done) for 7 years!

I started my new employment with Curtis Insurance in July but most of the time I only worked 4 or 5 hours a day and most of that was studying for licenses!

These last 3 days was driving all over the Lake area (Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Westlake and Sulphur), meeting people and presenting plans and talking until my brain is tired and jaw aches LOL!

But it brings to mind the subject of procrastination.

Why do we "put off until tomorrow what can be done today" despite the wise advice by Benjamin Franklin not to do this?!

Over the years serving as a Wife, Mother, Employee while Writing, Editing and Promoting, I've learned it's better to be organized and to do things ASAHP and try my best to do things right the first time. It's a waste of time and energy to half-ass something (excuse the language). I even wrote an article about this very same subject.

Anyway, if you're like one of millions of people everywhere who procrastinate, maybe a resolution for 2017 is to work on improving that bad habit....one small victory at a time.

Something to think about.
Inspirational with an Edge! ™

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

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on Life, Work & Happiness

Good Morning Friends!

Today's going to be one of those random rambling days but hopefully something uplifting and encouraging for you will come out of my scrambled thoughts.

It's been a busy month and is not going to slow down. Last Saturday (the 5th) I attended the "Authors on the Bayou" event at Calcasieu Parish Library and had a blast! This coming Sat. (12th) is Bayou Writers annual Bridge to Publication conference and next weekend, I'll be getting ready to go to Bandera for Thanksgiving week! Can't wait to see all my Bandera peeps and Silver Spur friends.

The election is over (finally thank God!) and although many are thrilled with the results, just as many aren't. No matter your view on our new President, I pray we'll all gather in heart and mind and send positive thoughts and prayers to Mr. Trump and that he'll answer the call of the people and unite us once more. May seem like an impossible task, but if we all do our part, good things CAN happen!

Remember, with God ALL things are possible and nothing is impossible to them that believe. I saw something on Facebook the other day that said, "nothing is impossible, the word itself says Im-possible."

Definitely something to think about. And that's all I'm going to say about the election.

Recently I returned to the working world. Not that I didn't work from home. Trust me I put many hours into my self-employment ventures. However, many things conspired (finances being the main factor) that convinced me it was time to get a 'real' job. One reason I put that decision off for so long is because I love to travel and relish the freedom to do so. Tommy Curtis understands that very well and offered the perfect solution. For that, I'm forever grateful and want to share with you my excitement of working for Curtis Insurance / Curtis Associates in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Although Curtis is well known for auto insurance, I am very excited to announce that I am mainly working in the Life Insurance division. I sold life insurance several years ago and it always made me happy to help people in this way. Many folks don't like to think of life or burial insurance, but as we all know and have experienced in some form or another, it is imperative to  have some kind of policy or funds to take care of final expenses. If you're a resident of SW Louisiana (I'll be licensed in TX soon, too) and you've been thinking you need to get those details in place so your family doesn't have to worry, please contact me at: pamthib@suddenlinkmail.com. To find out more about Curtis Insurance, please visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter  We're also on LinkedIn.

                      

 


Another thing I'm still doing is representing Harvard Risk products, Legal Shield and ID Shield so if you're needing legal advice or representation OR are wanting to protect yourself and family from identity theft, contact me at: psthib.hrmc@gmail.com and we'll get those things taken care of for you too.

And last but certainly not least, I'm still working as the Marketing Associate for Pelican Book Group AND open to freelance editing/promotion projects as well as writing. Speaking of which, Keri's Christmas Wish is well on it's way to publication!

What, you may ask, does all this work have to do with life and happiness?

It's all about doing what you love and what I love is Helping People. All of these "jobs" I have center around others and that makes me happy.

Hope you enjoyed today's random ramblings and that you'll visit each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings on Addiction & Judgement

Good Morning Friends,

It's been a while since I shared thoughts with you but these two situations have come up in my life and in the lives of those I love so I thought I's speak with you about them.

Many times we are quick to judge someone's actions and/or addictions based on what we think their life should be. True, many addictions are unhealthy and lead to pain and destruction.

But what about those 'lesser' addictions?

Gossip, or shopping, or exercise, or any number of things we consider to be less devastating, even something a simple as negativity or exploring different aspects of spirituality. Granted some of these seemingly 'lesser' things can lead to, at the very least, worse behavior and at most, danger.

But not always.

Addiction like everything is a heart issue. A mindset.

I'll be the first to admit my addiction is Reading.

Some of you may laugh, many will relate, but in reality, anything that causes a person to forfeit sleep or food or camaraderie with the people with whom we have a relationship is unhealthy for all involved.

I, like many, feed my addiction in binges....I'll go for days or weeks without reading then something will spark in me and I'll read several novels in as many days, sometimes foregoing things like meals or exercise. Even sleep.

Wouldn't it be healthier for me to read daily?

Maybe.

I've always been an avid reader and no matter how long I go between binges, my love affair with the written word is real, sometimes consuming.

Now please don't think I'm making light of other, 'real' addictions.....Drugs, Alcohol, Obsessive Behavior.

And here's where the judgement part comes in. Unless we are REALLY hurting someone, we tend to think in boxes labeled Right, Wrong, Not so Bad, Insane....

We tend to judge on so many levels.... She can't be a Christian if she writes erotica.

She writes edgy...God can't be happy--after all that kind of writing doesn't really glorify Him.

They were friends the whole time each was married to someone else...now they're together...wonder how long that was going on?

He smokes, drinks, gambles....SIN...Judgement...

If you've known me long you know I don't write to condemn but to encourage and edify and that's all I'm trying to do here.

Jesus said to us, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

In what area(s) are you/we holding up the light of judgement when really we should be loving unconditionally and praying for those whom we judge? After all, the Bible does state, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

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

In my story, Review of Love Kylie Ericson and Jason Stockwell deal with the issue of judging......

Jason Stockwell has been commissioned to interview Kylie Erickson and to review her books. Only problem is, she won’t give the time of day much less an interview to someone whose type of writing she deems not worthy of respect. Can they suspend their judgmental attitudes and find true love? Find out in Review of Love....

Enjoy this short, FREE read from Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing then tell me what you think....

I hope you enjoyed today's random ramblings and that you'll return each week for  Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts, Saturday Spotlight.

Another great book (which I finished reading this morning...yes during a binge...the 2nd novel I've completed since Monday night) is A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury and it is a great example of what I'm talking about here AND I haven't read Forgiveness by Marianne Evans yet but from what I understand, this book is a shining example of today's topics.  Check 'em out!

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings

Good Morning Friends!

Well it's another random rambling day, but hopefully you'll benefit from my craziness LOL!

Whether by writing articles for my website or magazines, etc., I'm forever researching and signing up for newsletters, etc. to find avenues through which I can expand my reach and grow my knowledge and experience.

One such resource is Freedom With Writing.com

This email comes a couple of times each week and is loaded with paid writing opportunities! And, as someone who would really LOVE to make a living by writing, these emails are some I welcome (in lieu of the "spam" I often get).

In fact, I've submitted to at least 1 publication who came through one of FWW's emails.

I'm sure there are numerous newsletters and E-zines you can subscribe to to receive information about writing opportunities and I'd love to hear if you've found some really good ones so PLEASE leave the info in comments.

Meanwhile, check out Freedom With Writing.

Hope you enjoyed today's thoughts and that you'll check with me weekly for Thursday Thoughts, Tuesday Treasures and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless!
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings

Good Morning Friends!

Well today's another of those Random Rambling days. So much going on, so much to do, thoughts are swirling, disjointed and unconnected. Sometimes good things come out of that, LOL.

Sometimes they don't.

If you haven't heard, one bit of news is I wrote and submitted a short story to a popular women's magazine. It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time, but I'm glad to be writing again.

I'm looking into other writing opportunities -- short stories, non fiction pieces, etc - too so your prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated.

Okay enough rambling... here are a few important things for you to know.....

#1: If you love Christian Fiction and want to receive #FREE books for 2017 sign up with Christian Reader Service. This is a new entity and the #FREE option is for a limited time! Even if you miss out on that, the price is only $48 per year and you get 48 books!! Yeah, sounds too good to be true, I know but check it out! http://christianreaderservice.com 

#2: Do you  ever wish you could just pick up the phone and call a lawyer or have one on retainer? Well with a Legal Shield plan you can! Get details here: http://www.hrmcplans.com/272857

#3: Worried about Identity Theft? For as low as $9.95 per month (Individual) or $19.95 (Family) you'll never have to worry again! Email me for details! psthib.hmrc@gmail.com 

Well friends, that's about all for today. Be sure and check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!

Oh and one more thought....Only 2 Days Left to vote in my poll (right sidebar of blog beneath Bookbub icon) on how you -as a newsletter subscriber - want to receive the FREE short story. Be sure and subscribe for the newsletter too (also in right sidebar just below the poll *join Pam's email list*)

Thanks for visiting! Hope you have a Blessed and Happy day.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings

Good Morning!

Today is going to be one of those random ramblings days as I really have no idea what to talk about but here goes....

One thing that's been on my mind is why we tend to revert to old ways of thinking, living or comfortable things?

For instance, reading old, favorite books or wearing old, comfortable pajamas or t-shirts and jeans.

Is it because those items remind us of better days?

Do we find comfort in the past?

Both?

I don't know but last night I pulled an old, favored book off my shelf and although I know it intimately, read halfway through then and finished it this morning and was still as touched, as moved as the first time I read it. Tears and smiles as the story unfolded with each turn of the page.

Perhaps I found comfort in knowing the happy ending would still be in place. Or, in the timeless treasure of words woven together to create a story so compelling I read it over and over. And the prayer that my writing does the same for people.

Alas, who knows the real reasons we do these things....reflection, appreciation, love...all good reasons to wander back through our memories. Whether with photos, music or a good book it's important, though we may not want to stay stuck in the past, to occasionally linger there and perhaps, gain a new appreciation for the lessons learned throughout our journey of life.

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

If you enjoyed today's random ramblings, please visit here each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights.

#ThursdayThoughts: Random Ramblings on Promotion

Good Morning!

Whew been B-U-S-Y gearing up for this year's Egg-Cerpt Exchange* with fellow authors. All the work and organization has got me wondering....

Is Promotion really worth the time and effort?

As writers we dream of writing...that's it...write. Of course writing isn't all that simple either...there are rewrites and revisions then submission, acceptance (or rejection) possibly more rewrites/revisions...once contracted there are edits (sometimes several rounds) So...writing isn't just sitting at the computer and cranking out stories.

After so many books, you'd think we'd get it right the first time out....not necessarily true though.

But then comes the promotion part and let me tell you, as an independent/small press published author AND Marketing Associate for Pelican Book Group, promotion is a huge time sucker!

But the question remains....Is it worth it?

I've yet to know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether or not it is. I do know this much though, after being totally trashed by some then mildly insulted by others, I've just about given up on reviews! 

Yeah back in October I shared with you that I'd received some very disappointing reviews. Well, more recently I received notice of another reviewer who, although not as vicious as the other, said about The Visionary, "Portraying religion is a cure-all for abuse victims is inaccurate and potentially harmful, in my opinion."....

 

To begin with I did no such thing! The twins had been through counseling, etc from early on but that just didn't work for Trevor....it took a major life incident for him to seek another means of counseling...with a Pastor for him to get past the anger and hatred and be healed.

UGGHHH ... whatever though.

Anyway, (told you it was a random rambling day LOL!)....back to the question, is all the promotion worth the time, energy and effort involved?

I don't know for sure but it can be fun! Besides, God has a way of using the most unusual means to get our books into the hands of those who need them most.

JMHO of course but something to think about...
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™


*Note* the Egg-Cerpt Exchange blog hop will begin on Feb 1st and last through March 31st so watch for the hashtag #Egg-CerptExchange for a chance to catch some great authors and books!

#ThursdayThoughts: Random Ramblings

Good Morning!

Today is one of those random ramblings days...cause I just have no idea what to talk about. This feature is normally about something to think about so....

How about reading a good book?

I recently read two: Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky and Being in Balance by Dr. Wayne Dyer.

  

Yeah two different ends of the reading spectrum I know...one fiction the other non...but that's me.

I love to read and variety is the spice of life.

What are your reading preferences?

I'd love to hear from you!

Leave a comment and at least one lucky person will win a copy of their choice of my books!

PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Random Ramblings

Good Morning from Bandera, Texas,

Today is one of those random rambling days. I don't have a guest post and for once in a long while, I've nothing to talk about.

I've been in Bandera at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch since Monday and enjoying my visit with the friends I've made over the last several years while living and working here off and on since 2010.
There's just something about this area of the Texas Hill Country that speaks to my soul....

Always has.

Even as a young child, I felt a connection with Bandera that is hard to explain.

As we grow and mature, it's important to listen to our soul, the deepest part of who we really are at our core. Though what we hear and feel may not make sense to our natural mind or to friends and family, we need to be aware and to honor that inner nudging.

For it is when we do, we find our deepest peace.

Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

#ThursdayThoughts: #RandomRamblings

Hello,

Would say "good morning" but it's almost noon LOL! Been busy and as usual, lots going on, so today is going to be one of those random rambling days.

When I left this morning to go to the gym and swim (hey! I'm a poet and didn't know it) ;-) ... See, my mind is in a million places today... Anyway the fog was so thick it was like driving through pea soup..or maybe cream of mushroom soup...okay some kind of heavy broth... whatever, but it got me to thinking about how much of our life we spend in a fog.

Mental.
Emotional.
Spiritual.

Or all of the above. 

How often do we go through our days and nights on automatic pilot, not asleep but not really awake, and definitely not aware.

In the spiritual world, teachers such as Dr. Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle talk a lot about staying in the now; being focused and aware of what's going on in and around you in any given moment.

I know, I know, easier said than done...I mean we've all got so much going on, busy from daylight to dark thirty.We get caught up in the drama of our daily lives....jobs, death, divorce, health, kids, parents, grandchildren....You get my drift. We're all going a hundred miles a minute and getting nowhere fast. And we miss out on the present-moment miracles happening all around us.

But seriously, is there some way we can accomplish all of this and still remain alert and aware of our inner man, our life's purpose?

I think one way is to stop often during the day and just ask yourself, "What am I thinking and what is going on around me, inside me?" 

Then take a moment and just listen...to your heart, to the deepest whispers of your soul.

Try it and you may find that.....

Something to think about....

Inspirational with an Edge! 

Thursday Thoughts: Random Ramblings on Life & People

Well it's that time of the week again and at the risk of losing the few followers I have, I'm just going to ramble on about the first thing that comes to my mind and hopefully something will emerge that will benefit us all.

Life is a never ending theme park....yeah, you heard that right. You may wonder at the analogy but think about it....

Often we go around the same mountain (faith wise) time after time after time...getting no where but dizzy and disoriented. What mountains do you face....debt, doubt, fear? Whatever it is, write (and speak!) a positive statement about it, get off that Merry-Go-Round, and watch your life change.

Your emotions are a constant Roller Coaster based on circumstances...up high when everything is right in your world, down in the pits when things are not so good. Even in the worst situation you can find something to be grateful for so, speak words of Praise and Thanksgiving anyway...heck if all that does is life YOUR mood, what can it hurt?

People come and go...some for a season, some for a lifetime, and yeah, many resemble Characters in a Disney movie or villains in a horror film, but unless you buy yourself a deserted island, people will always be a part of life. So what do you do?

Take the advise of Mother Theresa....

Oh and another thing she said that resonates with me is .... "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Kinda goes along with the words of Jesus....“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

Although life may very well emulate a theme park, remember it is a gift so make it your intention to enjoy the ride!

Something to think about...

Inspirational with an Edge! (tm)

Find more inspirational quotes from Mother Theresa HERE.

Thursday Thoughts: Random Ramblings on Being Single & Finding a Mate

Nearly 4 years ago I was thrust into life as a single woman, the future I'd planned aborted by the death of my husband. Let me tell you the journey from wife to widow to individual has not been and is not easy! Especially for someone like me, someone who from the moment she could articulate, wanted to be a wife and mother.

Of course I'm grateful for the years I spent as a wife, mother & step-mother and I'm eternally grateful for my children and grandchildren but I miss my husband and I do not like being single....There I said it!!

I don't know how to be single and am too tired to figure out the games men and women play with each other. I prefer being open and honest and true to myself.

What you see is what you get...You like it? Good!
You don't? Hit the road it's your loss!

That might sound harsh but to be even more blunt, life is TOO SHORT for pettiness, bullshit and drama.

Why is it that these men my age and older are so into young, petite, compact bodies, big boobs and long hair instead of being concerned with the HEART of a woman. A real woman who knows how to love and appreciate a man?

UGH!

When I questioned God about this the advice He gave me was.... "Do not look for a mate in the flesh. Look for a mate in the spirit and that mate will come to you in the flesh."

Last evening I spoke with a lovely young woman who laughingly said she had a list of qualities she desired in a husband. Earlier in the day I visited with a friend whose brothers wife had made such a list (before they met) and was blessed with her perfect mate.

So, taking the advice of my Father I described my soul mate.... A spiritual man, loving, kind, healthy, energetic, attractive, financially secure, emotionally available, loves to laugh, love, play, grow, help others, travel and DANCE!

Not sure how long it will be until this man enters my life but until he does, I am not up to playing games with the rest of you guys.

Love you ALL but not happening.

I pray you single ladies and gents take courage and recognize what you truly desire in a life partner then work on healing your soul and life so that you will be ready when he/she comes to you!

Something to think about... "Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)