Friday Pondering

Happy Friday friends!

I hope you have had a grand week.  I have been spending a lot of time at school... at least it feels like it.  This is a busy time of year, with three major holidays back to back.  It is all good and a lot fun, though I am happy to have the afternoon off today.

Recently while catching up with my favorite blogs I happened upon a couple of writers addressing thoughts of closing down.  At least one mentioned  needing fresh inspiration.  It hit home.  I've posted a few times of my own struggles with my writing.  Needing "fresh inspiration"  put a face on my own endeavor to put something of substance worth sharing here on my pages.

Do you ever go back and read your past posts?  I think I've ask this question before.  Last night while searching for something I thought I had posted, I found myself reading back through  several months of posts.   As I read, I remembered the joy I found in writing, and hearing back from you.   As I revisited many of your comments I realized how much I learned through your kind and wise words.  Sometimes one must go back to go forward.

Though I continue to seek  that "fresh inspiration", I still feel this is a very happy place to be.   And, you are the ones who make it so. 

Sending you wishes for the best week-end ever!

Wednesday's Book Talk

"Don't quit, and don't give up.  The reward is just around the corner.  And in times of doubt or times of joy, listen for that still, small voice.  Know that God has been there from the beginning -- and he will be there until the end."

Are you a fan of HGTV's Fixer Upper? 

I am not a big fan of TV,  but I am hooked on watching Joanna and Chip Gaines find homes needing some love and watching them breathe new life into them.    I'm pretty sure I didn't find "Fixer Upper" until the end of their second season, so while everyone else was eagerly awaiting a new season, I was catching up.  I couldn't get enough of this charming couple.   I even convinced my husband to watch an episode... now, he is the one turning on the television Tuesday evenings to watch reruns.

If you are a fan of the show,  you are going to want to pick-up of copy of their book, The Magnolia Story.   When you open the cover you step into their love story and journey from its beginning to where they are now.  When you read the last page I believe you will have a greater appreciation for their success.  

 I love the way this book is written.  The language is simple, it is easy to follow, and the voices are honest.  I think my favorite thing about this book is they joyfully acknowledge their faith and God's presence in their life, relationship, family and success.  I find this refreshing.

If I had not been a fan before I read this book, I would be now.

Tonight I'm settling in to finish The Light Between Oceans.  It is November's selection 
for both of my book groups.  What are you reading?

Happy reading friends!

" 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' "

                                                                                                           Jeremiah 29:11