Happiness

by RachsRamblings

Many of us learned the song above when quite young. I did. In thinking about life and where it has taken me, the Lord brought this to mind. Amazingly, I remembered the words which isn’t always possible these days. I have noticed, though, that the verses and songs I learned when young…are much more easily remembered! ( Big thanks to my parents that we memorized so much scripture and spiritual songs.)

HAPPINESS IS THE LORD! It truly is. Finding happiness in our circumstances is sometimes impossible, and if we do…those circumstances change. For the Christian, happiness isn’t based on emotions, feelings, or what difficulties we face today. True Happiness is found in Christ. In this world, it’s so easy to lose sight of that.

I’m NOT saying you won’t experience sadness or sorrow. We are all human, and we all experience a wide range of emotions. Jesus did as well when he walked the earth. I’m not saying your life as a Christian will be sunshine and roses because, it won’t!

WHAT AM I SAYING??

Read some verses on joy and happiness.

We can be truly happy and content if we follow Godly counsel and meet and befriend Godly people.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

These verses wrap some things up nicely. It puts rejoicing, prayer, and thankfulness all in one thought. A person will never be happy if they can’t be thankful for EVERYTHING! It doesn’t say to just be thankful for good things. Be thankful for everything because for those in Christ, he can work anything for good. Prayer brings a thankful heart. This is something that I’m learning as I seek to do as Christ would wish. More than anything, prayer has changed ME! With a prayerful mind, be thankful for everything…and rejoice always in Christ Jesus!

It isn’t an easy thing to do because our fleshly nature seeks happiness in things of this world, but that is fleeting. It is a daily thing to put our heart and mind on thankfulness and happiness. It is a choice we must make.

Reading his word and spending time in prayer is the best way for me to find myself in a state of happiness…counting my blessings is definitely another way God has helped me as I daily seek happiness and contentment. Click on the image below to read some good verses on happiness!

No matter what storms God may send our way, He is faithful to carry us through each one! We can rejoice in Him if Christ has a place in our heart.

THOUGHTS

Any of you have a verse that helps you? A song that brings joy? A story to share of how God helped you find happiness in a difficult situation? I’d welcome any comments.

Always

by Jody Hedlund

What a wonderful novella to introduce a new YA series by Jody Hedlund! It remains true to what she always puts in her YA reads. The importance of inner beauty and strength, the truth that we can’t live all on our own, and the truth that love grows and happiness can be a choice.

I eagerly wait for the series to begin! This was a fantastic start, and I’m not a big fan of novellas. This one was very well done. I don’t usually review a novella that introduces a series, but I felt this one was vital to the series as a whole.

“…happiness is a choice we make no matter what life brings us, is it not?”

“God, I whispered as I stared unseeingly at the glowing coals. I haven’t wanted to rely upon anyone, have only leaned on my own strength and determination. But I have nothing left. I can do no more.”

I knew now as I’d known then that my father depended upon God for strength and guidance in a way I never had.”

Evermore

by Jody Hedlund

Terrific YA fairytale read by Jody Hedlund. Though I’m no YA, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters, terrific story, suspense, and a fantastic backdrop with knights, kings, and queens the reader is drawn into an exciting tale of a Princess who needs to regain her kingdom and become queen.

Some surprising twists and turns make this an even better read. I love the important morals and choices that are made, and the message that is given to young readers through this story. 

I definitely am looking forward to the rest of the series, and I do recommend the novella that sets up the story. I rarely say they are necessary, but to get a complete picture I highly recommend reading the novella “Always” before reading this one.

I bought the paperbacks, and they are gorgeous! Go get your ebook or paperback and be enchanted into another time and place!

The book Evermore and the novella that begins the series Always.

Spice King

by Elizabeth Camden

“God led us here,” Annabelle whispered. “ He planted a hope in your heart that was strong enough to send us a thousand miles across the country. There is a reason, and we’ll keep going until we find it. We can’t falter now.”

There is so much fascinating history in this read which is why I really enjoy this author’s novels. I never really considered that at one time salt and pepper was spicing up a dish-because it’s what they had. In this book, I really could feel the joy Annabelle experienced as she tried so many new spices and fruits that were incredibly rare in the early 1900’s.

The historical information about foods, Department of Agriculture, Smithsonian Institute, and so many other things made for a terrific and unique book setting. The Department of Agriculture played a huge role in our food supply-a much larger one than i ever knew.The characters are incredibly well done. I’m hoping for more from these characters in the future. This book combines so many good elements: It’s historical information and backdrop, information about the blind, incredibly well written and developed characters, and a forgiveness faith theme. All of the intertwined to make for a superb and enjoyable read.

In this case you can judge the book by its cover, and the cover is magnificent!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I never wanted to be blind, but if it’s the price I must pay to have found Walter Talbot…then I’m glad it happened.”

Diamond in the Rough

by Jen Turano

Another just plain fun book from this author. I could sympathize with the main character. I’m a klutz…have been all my life. She gets involved in so many “catastrophes” that her grandmother is seeking help. Poppy is such a great main character, and I love the things that come into play from previous books…especially the mention of someone getting stuck because of an interesting bustle! This author is always sure to get giggles and outright laughter from her books. Reginald is wonderful opposite Poppy. The story, characters, and faith theme all combine for another winner of a read from Ms. Turano. No one in Christian Fiction produces a novel like hers. Go buy any of her reads…and have fun! This is one of her best yet.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Finding Lady Enderly

by Joanna Davidson Politano

BOOK BLURB

“Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden. “

MY REVIEW

It’s another terrific read from Ms. Politano! Her books are terrific stories with vivid settings and wonderful characters. However, they are much more than that! The story the reader reads is a shadow of sorts of the true meaning of the words on paper. A type of allegory to get your mind thinking…what if this is me? Is this what I portray? 

I love how this author can write the most fascinating tales with double meanings. This is another book by this author not to be missed. Don’t miss the deeper meaning either

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own .

Clear Confusion By Kathy M. Howard

MY REVIEW

Clear Confusion has some great character development and a good plot. The story has a good flow to it except for the few times the point-of-view quickly changes. I was use to that further on in the story.

“…the simple fact that she also knew Jesus was a huge encouragement. She felt strangely strong and confident in that memory alone.”

This is a read for those who enjoy romantic suspense or who enjoy a strong faith theme in their reads. The faith part and the references to forgiveness, mercy, grace and more was well done and definitely puts this book into the Christian genre. I enjoyed the faith aspect of the story very much.

I had much of it figured out, but the ending was a surprise. That’s quite an accomplishment since I read a lot of suspense books. Of course, the book gets its happily ever after for the main characters. However, the secondary characters story is left open. I wouldn’t mind reading that story.( hint 😊)

If you like romantic suspense, them I recommend this read. It was a good, enjoyable read with a lot of faith elements that makes the reader feel good once the story concludes.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

EXCERPT

1:40 p.m. 

“Did you find the girl yet?” he asked, fearful of the answer. 

“No! Last time I saw her was when she disappeared into that crowd at the bus terminal. Man! I almost had her, too. Ya think it’s poss’ble she got on a bus instead of drivin’ off in a car?” 

“I doubt it. She didn’t look like the type to take a bus.” He shifted the phone to the other ear. 

“Well, keep your ears low to the ground. No one’s lookin’ for us at the moment. She’ll pro’bly talk, if she ain’t already. Don’t know what she’d say, though, other than what she saw us do. You’re convinced she didn’t see our faces; and if that’s true, she won’t be able to identify us. Kinda hard to pin something on us without an ID.” 

“It was an accident. Maybe she’ll just forget about it and let it go.” He tried sounding hopeful. 

“Accident or no accident, Roland don’t like it when we get sloppy. And he definitely don’t like it when there are witnesses.” 

“Did you tell him about her yet?” 

“Nope. Was hoping to take care of her on our own without lettin’ him know we messed it up. Just keep an eye out, will ya? Let’s don’t worry about Roland right now,” he nervously suggested. “I’ll fill him in soon enough.”

ABOUT THE BOOK CLEAR CONFUSION AND A GIVEAWAY

Click on this Image to read more about
CLEAR CONFUSION
BY
KATHY M. HOWARD
and enter the giveaway

Underestimating Miss Cecilia

by Carolyn Miller

“Perhaps this trial was yet another way God was trying to gain her attention,so she would focus more on Him, and not let the distractions of this world steal her thoughts and emotions.”

I enjoyed this read and the fun characters that really drive the plot. Cecilia and Ned are both flawed characters as Carolyn Miller’s usually are. If you are fond of the girl falling in love with the boy next door or the prodigal son returns home in a wonderful historical setting this book is for you.

I really like how well this author natural weaves a strong faith message into her books. This one is no different. It truly belongs in the genre of “Christian Fiction.” Throughout the book the reader sees how the faith of the characters affects their everyday decisions as well as those decisions that are going to affect their entire life.

It’s a lovely story with the characters learning as they grow giving the reader a chance to ponder if perhaps he could do a better job at putting the focus on God in our lives as well.

“Understand that God’s plans are for good, not to be a weighty burden. Remember that He is with us, in both good times and challenges, empowering us for His work.”

I received this book through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Express Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

“…at twenty eight, he had nothing to show for himself except wealth. That thought in light of eternity didn’t make him feel like he’d accomplished much of anything.”

This is another terrific novel in the Mayflower Bride series! The characters are so well done and set in a fascinating historical setting. It had mystery, suspense, and a terrific faith theme. All the elements combine to make a book that I just wish had been longer.

I don’t want to say it’s my favorite in the series, but if it isn’t-it’s close! The authors notes on The Pony Express are interesting and not widely known so don’t miss those. Definitely do not miss this next book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series! 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Why God had chosen to spare him when he’d been such an atrocious human being was beyond his comprehension. But he was grateful.”

“ Thank you, God. For forgiveness. For grace. For a wonderful mom and dad.”

DON’T FORGET THE CAREGIVER by Rachel Farnsworth

PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE TO GO TO MY BROTHER’S BLOG AND READ HIS WIFE’S POST

This is so incredibly true…and the questions can be frustrating when the caregiver is constantly asked if the dystonia patient is better, when we have a progressive disorder that doesn’t get better…not in the many years we have had it. I quoted the last part of the last line before my daughter finished reading it to me because I know what I wish people would ask. My hubby was totally honest once, and just mentioned I had a seizure…and things weren’t good. That’s pretty much always the answer. He can’t always truthfully sugar coat the realities with which we live. Abby, my daughter, is a huge part of the care giving process in this home. It’s why she is considering being a nurse. She comments on this post…it’s sweet, but heartbreaking to this mommy’s heart. Please read! Josh Farnsworth’s wife,Rachel Farnsworth, writes the piece. Just click on the image above this paragraph. Or here…. https://www.mydystonialife.blog/2019/07/forgetting-caregiver.html