Bring Out the Good China

by Eizabeth Goddard

Over the last fifteen years, we’ve moved several times due to my husband’s job in ministry.  At some point I stopped unpacking the china and my collectibles because it seemed that once I finally unpacked things, then we would move again. I’d have to rewrap every individual piece in bubble wrap and newspaper. Grueling work, this.

Add to that, with four kids, two dogs, an African Gray parrot, and two gerbils, there never seemed to be enough room for me to display china. And. . .well. . . I’ve never owned a china cabinet. The dishes, if they came out of the boxes, would usually get stuffed away in the kitchen cabinets wherever there was space. The collectible stayed in the boxes.

Of course, since I haven’t displayed the good china or had it stored where it was easily accessible, then I couldn’t use it for special occasions.

Then a couple of years ago I inherited my grandmother’s china—and let me tell you, she owned every piece in the set. Her china went into the boxes and I lugged them with us on our next move along with my own set of china I received as a wedding gift.

Recently I looked at the boxes of china and the carousel horses my husband bought me years ago and wondered why I continue to haul boxes around everywhere? After all, the fine china and the collectibles are just things. Stuff. Maybe I should just let go of the stuff and be free.

Somewhere you will find a devotional or encouragement telling you to do just that. Let go of the past—don’t carry it around with you like so much baggage. Good advice.

But that’s not my story today. I’ve been hoping to have some shelves built so I could unpack the boxes. With three strapping boys to feed, there really wasn’t any chance I’d have the funds to splurge and buy a china cabinet for myself.

But God surprised me, which He often does. Someone donating a sofa to the church fellowship hall also had a china cabinet. Do we want it? My ears perked up at that news-Yes! Tell them Yes!

After the china cabinet was delivered, I unpacked those boxes and loaded everything in the display case. I never thought I'd see the day when I would display not only my wedding china, but my grandmother's, as well, along with the carousel horses and other collectibles.

So let me just say that God is good. He does care about the small things. He knows what's in our hearts--the little things, those longings that we hide inside boxed up where nobody can see. And it's the small things that He does for us, answering those cries of our hearts, that let's us know only He could have answered that cry because only He knew it was there.

  

. . .who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Palm 103: 4-5

Blessings!

Beth

--

Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. She currently makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and children.

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or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard

From the Shelves of MaryLu Tyndall - Book Recommendation

Hi Everyone! 

Looking for a great Historical Romance that is also adventurous and suspenseful? Look no further than Shattered Memories by Debbie Lynne Costello!  Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorite cities in the country. Five of my novels are either set there or have some scenes set there.  For my daughter's college graduation, I treated us both to a week's vacation in historic Charleston, right down by the water's edge. Fun, fun times! 

Anyway, when I saw that my friend and fabulous author, Debbie Lynne Costello had placed her recent historical romance in my favorite city, I had to read it! And I was not disappointed. Most people don't realize that Charleston suffered a massive earthquake in 1886 in which over 60 people died and property damage was in the millions.  This is the backdrop for Shattered Memories.

Olivia Macqueen wakes in a makeshift hospital, recovering from a head injury. With amnesia stealing a year of her memories, she has trouble discerning between lies and truth. When her memories start returning in bits and pieces, she must keep up the charade of amnesia until she can find out the truth behind the embezzlement of her family’s business while evading the danger lurking around her.

Doctor Drew Warwick frantically searches through the rubble left by the Charleston earthquake for the lady who owns his heart. He finds her injured and lifeless. When she regains consciousness, the doctor’s hopes are dashed as he realizes she doesn’t remember him. But things only get worse after he discovers she believes she’s still engaged to the abusive scoundrel, Lloyd Pratt. Now Drew is on a race with the wedding clock to either help her remember or win her heart again before she marries the wrong man.



 
Sound good? Yea... I thought so too. Believe me, it is quite the romantic adventure.  You won't want to miss this one.  Right now, it's only $3.99 on Amazon Kindle or $11.50 for the Paperback.

Buy from Amazon    You won't be sorry.

Have a wonderful day!

What Camy's reading: A COUSINLY CONNEXION by Sheila Simonson

Sheila Simonson didn’t write a lot of books, but the ones I’ve read from her have been absolutely wonderful. There’s something about her characters and writing style that just really appeals to me.

This Regency romance is one of my favorites from her, and it’s now available as an ebook on Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook. You can read the blurb from the ebook version online, but here’s the back cover blurb from the hardcover version that I own:

"HE IS NOT...ROMANTICAL."

Miss Jane Ash ran her fingers through her lovely brown ringlets, and pondered her situation. She had come to the country to help her recently widowed aunt, only to find the hen-wilted woman and her boisterous brood in utter turmoil over the arrival of the new Lord Meriden. Aunt Louisa was certain that her handsome stepson, now sole heir to the estate, was an ogre; Maria and Drusilla complained that he was not "romantical." No one counted on his being gallant and knowing--or that he would capture Jane's heart. Poor Jane assumed that any man who addressed her as "cousin" needed help from Cupid, but never dreamed that Cupid's mischievous helpers were all about... and drawing bows!

Camy here: I thought this book had very elegant writing and likable characters. I tend to like characters who are sensible and have a good sense of humor. I’ve read and re-read this book and always enjoy it.

Silence in the Dark Release Party Day 3

by Patricia Bradley

Hello again! Thanks for coming back for the last day of the Silence in the Dark Release party!

Bailey struggles with turning her problems over to God. Here's an excerpt with her mother:

“I was running away, Mother. The danger in Mexico was better than staying here and hurting Danny, or…”

Kate squared her shoulders and turned Bailey to face her. “I’m going to say something you won’t like.”

“What’s new?” A wry smile pulled at her lips. It didn’t matter what her mother said, it wouldn’t change anything.

“You’ve given this fear control and power over you. Shh…” she held her finger up when Bailey started to protest. “Hear me out. You’re holding on to it so tightly you can’t see anything else.”

“Mom—”

“I’m not through. God saved you that day, but all you can see is your fear. Over and over he tells us to fear not, that he is with us. The way I see it, you can keep holding on to it and nothing changes. Or you can turn it over to him, trusting he will give you peace. It’s your choice.”

“But why did he let it happen in the first place? Why didn’t he save the twins?”

“Two hard questions I don’t have answers for.” Conflicting emotions crossed her mom’s face. “I wish I did. But for those times I don’t understand, I trust who he is. I look at what he’s done in the past—the blessings he’s poured out on us, and all the troubles he’s brought us through.”

I think we all struggle with fear, at least I know I do.But one thing that has helped me has been Jesus Calling, the one-year devotion journal. So, I've decided to give away a copy of the devotion to someone who leaves a comment. This is separate from the Rafflecopter!

All you have to do is leave a comment, giving your favorite scripture verse. Then click here to enter the Rafflecopter for a copy of Silence in the Dark and a $15 Amazon gift certificate.

Places to connect with Patricia:

www.patriciabradleyauthor.com
www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
https://twitter.com/PTBradley1
Pinterest

Goodreads

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Places to purchase Silence in the Dark

Amazon

B&N

CBD

Silence in the Dark Release Party Day 2

by Patricia Bradley

Welcome back to my release party for Silence in the Dark! Today I'm sharing the prologue to the story. It's an event that happened when Bailey was ten-years-old, and it affected her the rest of her life.

It is based on something that happened to me when I was twelve. After reading the prologue, I'll tell you a little more about the true story.

Prologue

1993

Ten-year-old Bailey Adams huddled with the Carver twins on Cassie’s bed. They’d given up pretending Cassie and Jem’s parents weren’t arguing or that their dad wasn’t drunk. She avoided their eyes, knowing how embarrassed they were. “Maybe I should just go home.”

Jem shook her head. “No, stay. He’ll go to sleep soon, and tomorrow it’ll be like nothing ever happened.”

Cassie threw back the blanket. “I’m going to tell them to stop!”

Jem grabbed at her arm and missed. “You’ll just make it worse.”

“I don’t care. I can’t stand it any longer.”

She wasn’t gone five minutes when it sounded like firecrackers exploding in the living room.  And screams.

“No! Don’t shoot!”

Another boom.

Silence.

“Cassie! I have to go help her!” Jem jumped from the bed.

“No. He might shoot you.”

“My daddy wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Wait, we’ll call the police.” Bailey snatched the phone from its cradle. “Its dead.”

“I have to find Cassie. You climb out the window and go next door to Mr. Arnold’s house and call the police.” Jem ran out of the room.

Bailey’s thumping heart jerked in her chest as she turned and stared at the open window.

Another gunshot bolted her into action as footsteps stomped down the hallway. She climbed through the window and ran for all she was worth to the neighbors.

A week later at the funeral home, Bailey slipped away from the stateroom where three caskets lined the wall. Every time she heard someone say how lucky she was, her insides cringed at how she’d run away. Why did she live and Cassie and Jem  and their mother have to die? What if she’d stayed and tried to talk to Mr. Carver? He’d been like a dad to her, and maybe he would have listened and the twins would still be alive. She should have stayed…but sweat ran down her back just thinking about it.

She found the washroom and hunkered down in one of the stalls. She didn’t think she could face one more person. The restroom door opened, and Agnes Baker’s nasally voice filled the room.

“Such a pity.

Just her luck to be caught in the same room with the worst busy body in Logan Point.

“Yes. I heard he lost his company and started drinking,”

“Really? I hadn’t heard that.”

“They say he was gambling, too. Christine Carver was a saint. And those two beautiful girls. Only ten years old and so sweet and innocent.”

Correction. Maude Arnold was the worst busybody. She just hoped they didn’t want the stall she was in.

“Well, I’ve heard that God only takes the best,” Agnes said.

“Explains why the Adams girl survived without a scratch.”

“Maude, you shouldn’t say things like that. And you certainly don’t joke about it.”

Bailey’s cheeks burned as she stared down at her Mary Jane shoes.

“Well, it’s true,” Maude snapped. “Don’t you remember when she hid my keys in Vacation Bible School? And wouldn’t tell where they were until I threatened to paddle her? That girl gets into more trouble—”

Bailey flung the stall door open. “Excuse me.”

“Bailey! I didn’t mean—”

She glared up at Maude. “Yes, you did. You don’t think I’m good enough to go to heaven. Well, I think you’re just mean.”

She walked out of the washroom, her head held high. But what if Maude was right?

What if she wasn’t good enough?

~

Can you see how something like that could change Bailey's life?

It did mine. When I was in the sixth grade, one of my best friends was killed by her father the weekend I was supposed to spend with her. 

For months, I feared my own father would do the same thing. While in my heart, I knew he would never ever do such a thing, my head didn't always believe my heart. We didn't have counselors back then to talk us through such tragedies, and I'm really glad we do now.

However, because of what happened to the twins and their mother, Bailey becomes a missionary, but did she do it for the right reasons?

Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance at a copy of Silence in the Dark and a $15 Amazon gift certificate. Click here to enter. Just scroll down to the Rafflecopter.

And come back tomorrow for the last day of the party and a surprise. 

Places to connect with Patricia:

www.patriciabradleyauthor.com
www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
https://twitter.com/PTBradley1
Pinterest

Goodreads

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Places to purchase Silence in the Dark

Amazon

B&N

CBD

Silence in the Dark Release Party Day 1

By Patricia Bradley

In Silence in the Dark that released April 19, Bailey Adams has been running from things all her life, but this time, she doesn't know who or what she's running from...here's the back cover copy:

In one of the most dangerous states in Mexico, Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago for the mission field of Chihuahua, Mexico, she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan—neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what’s coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

Readers of my Logan Point series met Danny in the second book of the series, A Promise to Protect. And Bailey is Robyn's sister from Gone Without a Trace. But you don't have to read the other books first...unless you want to. :-)

To celebrate the release of Silence in the Dark, I'm giving away a print copy of Silence in the Dark (or digital copy for addresses outside the Continental US and Canada), and a $15 Amazon gift card. Just enter through the Rafflecopter that will run through May 17!

And come back tomorrow for the opening paragraphs of Silence in the Dark.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are your eyes getting a little dim?

For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection of reality as in a riddle or enigma, but then we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part, imperfectly, but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood by God. 1 Corinthians 13:12

Back when tall ships were at sea, the vision the captain saw through his telescope was upside down! In fact, many telescopes are still that way, particularly if they are used for astronomy.  But can you imagine being on one of those ships plunging up and down through waves and you're trying to see the location of an oncoming enemy and the scene is inverted? Not to mention the sea spray and salty film  that showered the glass  No wonder they relied more on the sailor's eyes in the crow's nest!

Yet the Bible says that is how we see things in this world. Blurry and upside down and dim.  Until recently, I've been blessed with great eyesight but as I've gotten older, things have become blurry. Especially when I read or work on the computer!  If I don't have my glasses on, I miss letters, sometimes words.. and details that I need to know. It's frustrating! God says we see life that way. I don't think He means the physical world.. houses, trees, people. I believe He means things beyond our limited senses.

For instance, can you see faith, hope, love? You can see the consequences of them but you can't actually see them. You can't look into a person's heart and see his or her character.  You can't see angels or demons or God Himself or Heaven or Hell. Why? Because they exist in another dimension outside our physical world.

Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting  2 Corinthians 4:18

Wherever that other dimension is, God wants us to know that it is the REAL world and that it will last forever, while the world we live in now is a blurry reflection that will not last forever. Why do I tell you this? To give you Hope. Let's face it, life here is a bit blurry. It is a riddle or an enigma like the Scripture above says. It isn't pretty. It isn't clean. It isn't always happy and good and fun. Sometimes it's downright messy and painful. Most of the time it hurts. And you may be wondering what God is thinking? Does He care? Where is He?

He is right beside you, holding your hand. He has a plan. He's plotting a course to get you through this temporary world into the eternal one. Just hold on and trust Him.


God is our captain. He has a special telescope through which He sees everything. He sees the Big picture of everyone's life and all of eternity. He sees your life from beginning to end. He sees all the enemies on the horizon. He knows every storm, every attack, every shortage that will ever happen.

 
And He has it all worked out for your good, along with the good of everyone else on board...all their lives intertwined and criss-crossing and affecting each other to one glorious conclusion! It may not seem that way to you now, but you'll see clearly one day!