First, the Pumpkin and Spice:
My husband and I have discovered the British Baking Show. It’s one of our favorite “stay-at-home dates.” However, it normally provides great inspiration for Mark to jump off the couch and make something fattening—last week, pumpkin bread. Our recipe makes two loaves, and we tend to squabble about my tendency to ” overseason” every food group with chocolate. As a compromise, I allowed “His and Her loaves”—one with nuts, one with chocolate. Thankfully, I also found some willing mouths to save me from turning orange.
And here’s “the Nice”: Melissa Alyse
A new friend of mine and a grace-soaked Christian Author
Melissa grew up in church, but the summer after seventh grade is when she truly met Jesus for herself. She was filled with a joy she still can’t quite describe—and it’s never left her. That joy has carried her through every season, including 26 sweet years of marriage to the love of her life, raising two precious kiddos and, most recently, the start of her empty nest chapter.
When her kids left home, she and her husband asked God, “What’s next?”
His answer: Alaska.
You can find out the rest here.
Melissa never imagined herself as a writer, but years ago, God put a story in her heart to write.
“A Place to Belong”
That story? “A Place to Belong.” Sammy’s perfectly-planned life fell to pieces in a single moment. But her story was far from over. After all, with a delightful grandmother named Glory, a small town in need, and a quiet Texas cowboy, life wouldn’t stay broken. Treat yourself to some front porch swinging, and watch how God puts all the pieces of Sammy’s life back together—and better than she could ever have dreamed.
(God has a way of doing that.)
You can also learn more about “A Place to Belong” here.
Melissa has more books coming in the Willow Creek Series, including a Christmas story. (This gal is busy!) Find out more on her website where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
And in other news:
- Congratulations to Kim C! She won the “Name the Story” game with her entry: “I Picked the Right One.” Jocelyn is very happy to have a title now.
- On any given moment, at least one of my grandkids has green snot. (Tis the season!) But I won’t show you that! Instead, here are their wiggly toes. (and YES! A new pair is coming!)
- I’ve been kinking up my neck as I type away on my next novel (working title—Falling for Eden), praying I can finish the first draft by December 31st at midnight!
- Words to chew on: When you try to be someone else, who will be YOU? According to Psalm 139:14, YOU are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God only makes originals. So go be WONDERFUL YOU!
Until next time . . .
