Review- The Captured Bride

             This series of the Mayflower Brides is so fun. I love the history and the family tree. The Captured Bride is a great story.

                This story captured my interest! It was a story set in an historical period I wasn't entirely familiar with so I learned from it, too. The main character, Mercy, is a strong woman with an unusual gift that makes her the perfect person to do a job not usually offered to women. She ends up in in some dangerous situations, having to trust people she normally wouldn’t. Her story has depth and involves other layered characters you get to know. There's suspense, intrigue, and romance. The different characters lead you into a deeper story. The Native American angle to it was very interesting and led me to more understanding of their role in our early history.  I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

Mother's Day Gifts

Mother’s Day Gifts

                I raised 6 children and loved a few extra, too. I have 17 grandchildren. Two daughters still live at home with us. That’s a lot of people to mother and love. And on Mother’s Day, I always weigh my worth, my value, my success in life by them. My life centered around them as I raised them, homeschooled them, prayed for them, and tried to support them. I cannot look at how I spent my time without thinking of them. But God calls me His child and my worth comes from that, not what I did or did not do.

                While my head knows this, my heart gets caught up in their responses. I wait for greetings from them. I look for their calls or visits. I thrill at their gifts, not because I want gifts, but because then I know they remembered me.

                Not all of my children have a relationship with me. Not all of them want to come home and spend time with me. That hurts, especially on Mother’s Day. My dreams of a big, loving family didn’t come true. We don’t always get what we want.

                But sometimes we get infinitely more than we hoped for. I have 2 daughters I never expected to have, born late to me at age 35 and 44! They are gifts to us, proof of God’s love, grace, and mercy. They bring me joy every day. Also, my husband loves me well. He strives to show me love in so many ways. Mother’s Day always means breakfast in my corncrib gazebo that he built for me. He has a fire in my chiminea, tea made, fruit cut up, and a gift for me. Every single Mother’s Day! We go to church together and are blessed to sit with 3 of my grandchildren. Sunday school provided flowers for the students to give to their mothers, so my youngest daughter brought me one. But then my granddaughter brought me hers. I was so blessed. After church, we had planned on lunch out and had a wonderful buffet. We stopped to buy some gardening supplies, too.

                But before we went in to eat, my husband and daughters gave me an envelope. It had a bow on it and they said, “This gift is given to you because we all believe in you. We have faith in you.” I was almost afraid to open it. When I did, I saw that they had registered me for a writer’s retreat. I am not a writer, maybe a wannabe writer. I never found the time to finish anything. Only once did I have a magazine article published. But they wanted to give me back my dream, a dream I had given up on. They wanted me to pursue my passion if I wanted to. I was stunned. I was overwhelmed. I was intimidated. So I cried. I was so touched. Yet it scared me. Now I feel like I should be writing again. But I am not sure I can. Yet the gift of their belief in me is invaluable to me.

                I received greetings from a few of my kids, a donation in my name to a pro-life organization, and a hanging basket of flowers. We had friends over for a relaxing bonfire and food and fellowship.  It was a good day. I missed my mom and my mother-in-law. I mourned the relationships that are not good. But the gifts of Mother’s Day that I will cherish are love, hope, faith, fellowship, grace, forgiveness, and each person who expresses those things to me. These are the gifts we cherish every day, but were shown to me again in new ways on Mother’s Day.

Review of The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Review of The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This is the second in the series of The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each story in the series gives us a different slice of history through the eyes of one young woman as she becomes the bride in the book. You get a piece of history mixed with romance and adventure. One of my daughters will tell you she retains more history from a story than from a boring history book. She needs characters, setting, and story to make it memorable. This series makes history real and fun!

The Pirate Bride is historical fiction, but also adventure and risk. If you love a pirate tale filled with battles and skirmishes, intrigue and romance, interesting characters, and unique settings, this book is for you. The tale takes you on a journey, not just by ship, but also the journey the characters take as they figure out who they are and what they will do with their futures. Each character has its own story and they are woven together in a way that will sometimes surprise you. The heroine is fun, and you will wish you could meet her in real life. The pirate is much more than just a pirate. Can pirates be good guys? This book is an enjoyable read and has an ending that ties up everything so you feel satisfied like after a good meal.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

Review of The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

After reading The Heart Between Us, I felt like I had been on a journey. I felt as though I had traveled with the characters to places I had never been to before. The descriptions and experiences were so real that I felt like I had done it, too. Besides the travel, the story is a story of healing. Twin sisters who were estranged find their way back to each other in the journey. While the relationship eventually is renewed, it takes more than each has to give. They must learn to trust and hope. Romance is woven into the story as well as forgiveness and letting go of fears. Each person has to come to terms with who they are and accept the others in their lives as they are, too. Trusting in God and trusting the people they love does not come easily, but helps them heal in the ways they need to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is one I will share with others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review.

Review of The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

When you read this Regency era book, you get romance and some suspense. Anytime you have a spy, you will see intrigues develop. This story gives you insight into a slice of history and makes it real to you. The characters face struggles we can’t imagine and rise above them with their faith holding them together. There are some unsavory characters that you will not like. The lines are clearly drawn between the bad guys and good guys, although there are some surprises along the way. The characters are well developed and interesting each in their own way.  The descriptions of the settings make you imagine you are there. It is well-written and will be enjoyed by anyone who likes historical fiction, especially in the Regency era.

                You will also come away feeling like persistence pays off. The main character does not give up. She holds onto her faith through all her trials. We can learn from her dependence on God and her strength in doing all she can no matter how hard.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

The Mayflower Bride Review

The Mayflower Bride takes a slice of our history and makes it real. We often see a date or fact and just gloss over it just as a fact, not real lives lived in the midst of struggles and difficulties. In this book, you live through those things with the characters. You feel their pain and face their uncertainties with them. You see lives lost and lives changed because of their trials. Even though life was hard, faith in God remains constant for many and makes a difference in how they face each obstacle before them.

                Besides the excellent historical content, you follow a young woman through the journey and watch as she begins to fall in love. Her story will touch your heart as she faces so many new things and overcomes her fears and grief.

                I enjoyed this book immensely as I got caught up in it and became a part of it as I read it. The story kept your attention and the history in it became reality. It was an interesting read and I look forward to more in this series.

                “I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

Review: Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors

This is a story of incredible hope. It is a book that will touch your heart and move your spirit. It is not only a story, but it is a real life lived and shared. This book continues to chronicle Katie’s story of moving to Uganda, her ministry, and her family. It tells the story of a life lived in hope despite the trials of living in a different culture without all the resources to meet all the needs. Katie openly and honestly shares the struggles she faces in times of tragedies and difficulties. She tells of her doubts and her sadness when things don’t go as she hoped and prayed. Yet even in the midst of her darkest hours, she continues to meet God and He continues to meet her needs. He is there for her in all of it. He draws her closer and she leans deeper into His care. This is a story of hope that doesn’t despair, of hope that dares to give life to dreams. It is also a love story. She meets her future husband and God gives her a gift of a family with a husband when she no longer hoped for that. But the bigger love story is how God loves her, provides for her, and gives her hope and joy even in the trials.

This story encourages all who dare to hope that it isn’t misplaced if it is hope in God. When we trust Him, we can dare to hope even in the impossible. Even if we don’t get what we prayed for, we can trust God that He has a bigger purpose, that He has a plan, that He loves us and will be with us. Katie’s life will touch people I never will, but in reading this I realize that all our lives can count for something when surrendered to His will. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, can matter as we dare to hope in a God who can do anything, anywhere.

Review: Walk It Out by Tricia Goyer

This book is a challenge to walk out in your life what God’s Word says. Yet it is not a treatise just telling you what to do, but rather an honestly told story of what that looks like in the author’s life. Tricia Goyer shows how it played out in her life as she has done this. She doesn’t pretend that it is all easy or fun, but it is an adventure lived out with God providing what you need as you step out in faith. Her story is real and genuine, expressing her trials and how she overcame them. She speaks truth and love, and you know God is there with her in it all. Tricia’s story touches my heart as there are so many relatable things in her life that are like mine. I felt what she was saying. It made me pause to evaluate and think and pray. Tricia challenges the reader to find out what God is saying to them and then to obey for a most fulfilling life. Not only will your life be changed, but you may touch others’ lives as you walk out God’s calling in your life. This book is a foundation to knowing how to step out and follow God’s plans.

While the above paragraph is my published review, I want to say more about this book. This book speaks to my heart as Tricia is an adoptive mother and so am I. She homeschools. Me, too! She is a writer and I am a wanna-be writer...She has her grandma living with her and I had my grandpa live with us for a time. She speaks in words I understand with emotions I have felt. She has felt despair and wondered if she was on the right track. I know  those feelings, too. She has risen above her trials and has moved forward as God has continued to use her. I want that victory too. I do not want to get stuck in Satan's lies that tell me if I failed, I am no longer able to serve God or walk out His Word. I do not want to be deceived into believing I can not do anything for Him.

God is using this book to challenge me right where I am to look for where He wants me to serve Him next. If you read this book, let me know if you are challenged to see where God will lead you next.

Waiting

Waiting is hard! And everyday we wait on something or someone. I am not always the most patient person. I don't like to wait. Sometimes I try hard to wait patiently. I stand in line and can even let someone go in front of me. I can wait at stoplights without honking or yelling. I can wait for a friend to call or text or answer me. But some things are harder to wait for.

 I hate to wait for test results after a medical procedure. I don't like waiting to hear news that my grandson has arrived! I want to know now!

I don't like waiting for problems to be resolved or relationships restored. I don't want to wait to see if my son will do what is right or my daughter will return to her faith. I want to fix things. I want to jump in and try to make things better. I want my sister to care about me again, instead of hate me. I want to heal rifts and make everything better. Yet it is not within my power to do so. I must wait for them to want a change, too. I must wait for God to work in their hearts.

Everyday we wait. We wait for meals, for water to boil... We wait for the mail. We wait for someone to come home. We wait to take medicine. We wait for the phone to ring. We wait for a favorite program. We wait for what is next in our day, our week, our life.

Some of our waiting is done in anticipation of something good. I love to plan trips and then wait and plan for when we can go. I am waiting to see how God will work in my 2 youngest daughters' lives as they live for Him. I look forward to seeing how God will want us to serve Him next. I eagerly wait to spend time with my husband because I love him. Some waiting is a joy, an expectation of good to come.

Yet most waiting requires something of us. God tells us to wait patiently. He says to be strong and to let your heart take courage. God tells us when we wait on him we shall renew our strength.

What are you waiting for? Are you waiting patiently? Are you anticipating God with you in the waiting? I do best in my waiting if I am trusting Him and casting all my cares on Him. My patience grows as I trust, as I hope in Him. God will give you the strength you need in the times of waiting. Let Him be there for you. 

Giving Up on My Adult Children

Why I Gave Up on my Adult Children

1.       They have their own lives to live and so do I!  When your children are little, they go where you go and do what you do. You take them with to the store and buy the food. You cook it; they eat it. You buy the clothes they wear. You teach them what is right and wrong and shape their will to obey you. But then they grow up and make their own choices. They choose where to live, with whom, and how they will live. You can get stuck being in the midst of their lives, but you still have a life, too. There are things you will want to do and people you will want to be with that doesn’t include your children. Their growing up means you can do some of the things you did not have time or money to do when you had children living at home with you. So give it up! They are going to live their own lives!

2.       They don’t always listen to me anyway. And if they do, it doesn’t often affect how they live. Sometimes they listen. But I cannot make them behave in a certain way. Sometimes I have to just be quiet and let go. It is hard. I want to tell them what I have learned, what I know of the world and people. If they ask, I am here to speak what I know. But sometimes I just have to give it up. Sometimes, though, I have to say it regardless of how they hear it. I still try to do my best even if that it isn’t good enough. And then I have to let it go.

3.       They have to face the consequences of their choices, not me. (most of the time) When my children did not honor their marriage vows, there were broken marriages and divorce. Their children have suffered. While I have to deal with the after effects of divorce and the children’s pain, I am not the one answerable to God for it. They will always have to live with their choices and how it affected others. As much as it has hurt me and others, I can’t do anything to change it. I have to give it up.

4.       They don’t see things the same way I do, even though I raised them. The culture, friends, job, higher education, spouses, and the media shape our children as much or more than we, as parents, did. I have a more black and white view of things. They are more tolerant. They are not as firm on things that I would be, whether it’s how they raise their children or what causes they support. My standards are tougher. They tend to be more flexible, even to a fault. We think differently about things and I cannot change that.

5.       Their spouses, significant others, friends, have more influence than I do. I learned this rather quickly. When I saw my children give up their churches and faith, I knew I was losing my influence. I grew up always going to church. I took my children, too. It wasn’t an option to not go; it was a privilege. But somehow my children missed it. One changed to another church, a few don’t go. It’s just one example of other’s influences.

6.       They don’t have the same values I do. (even though I taught them) The world is a changing place and the values I taught them are less significant to them. They may view our traditions and morals as dated and old-fashioned. Though I cannot force my values on them, I still cherish them and pray that my children will remember them. But I cannot agonize over them anymore. I daily try to give it up and pray about it more often.

7.       They have different hopes and dreams than I do. I just want to live in God’s will and do whatever He calls me to. I don’t need the world’s success to be fulfilled. I am not even sure what my children dream of. Maybe they just want to be happy and to live lives that are fun. I am not sure what their deepest dreams are. I cannot help them fulfill undefined goals.

8.       Their children are their children, not mine. Oh, but there are times when I wish I was raising them! When I see them not doing a good job, I wish I could take over. When I see their children hurting over things they have done or not done, I wish I could tell them or help them. But the children are not mine. God gave them to my children. I will support them in any way I can and be the best grandparent I can, but I have to remind myself they are not my children. They are not my responsibility. This is one of the hardest things for me because I want to go into rescue mode and make everything better. But I can’t. I have to resign myself to the fact that my children have to parent their children. They are answerable to God for how they raise them, not me.

9.       They have to make their own mistakes. Sometimes we can only learn from our mistakes. Sometimes what others tell us means nothing. We have to experience it. We have to live with what we have done and learn from it. Sometimes that is where we find Jesus or our faith and dependence on Him. It is never easy to see someone make a mistake that could have been prevented if only they had listened to wise counsel, but some people only learn the hard way. So many times I have wanted to confront and teach, but I have had to take a step back and be there to pick up the pieces instead. It hurts, but for the sake of peace, I have been quieter than I wanted to be. My children probably wish I was quiet always…

10.   They are not what makes me happy, content, or satisfied. My children are gifts from God. They are blessings from Him. I have enjoyed raising them. I homeschooled them so I was there with them all the time. We did a lot together. But I cannot find my fulfillment in them. I am not only a mother. I cannot depend on them to be there for me, to make me happy. I must find my joy in my faith, in my Lord, in what He has done for me. I must live my life as He wants me to.  I can’t get stuck in parenting mode and expect my life to be only that. I am a wife, a friend, an aunt, and so much more. I have to see my identity in Christ as His chosen, created for a purpose that even now is changing and being revealed. I love my children with all that I am and would sacrifice almost anything for them. But I will not put the burden on them of trying to make me happy or fulfilled. I give that up for their sake and mine!      

So I say I give up on my adult children, but only in so much that I can’t change. I will never really give up on them personally, but I do give up on what I cannot control.  I give up what can only potentially come between us. I give up what could destroy who I am if I hold too tightly. I give up what could hurt our relationship. I give up what I cannot hold onto anyway.

Yet I will never really give up on my children completely. I have to let them grow up into who they are, who they can become.  I will never stop loving them. I will never stop praying for them. I will always support and encourage them the best that I can. I will be there for them when they need me and ask me to be. I will be proud of their accomplishments. I will forgive their errors and sins. I will always hope for the best. I will always think of them. None of these things are dependent on how they act; it is because they are my children. I am their mother. Nothing can change that. They can change their name or location or phone number, but I am still their mom. That is for forever. I will never give that up.