Thank you, Margaret, for guest posting on my blog. I’d be delighted for readers to share their thoughts below as well.
About the Author
Margaret Bennett
At a young age, Margaret began reading Regency romances by Barbara Cartland before discovering Georgette Heyer, who provided humor with her historical details and engaging characters. Margaret began writing Regency romance novels as a hobby and enjoyed writing about strong, resourceful women in an age when it was thought that women were incapable of taking care of themselves and couldn’t own property.
Born in Fall River, MA, Margaret lived most of her life in Norfolk, VA. After earning a B. S. in Education from Old Dominion University, a Master of Education from the University of Virginia, and certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Adolescents and Young Adulthood / English Language Arts, she taught middle and high school students for over twenty years, with nine years in alternative education for at-risk students.
Margaret Bennett lives retired with her husband in beautiful Beaufort, SC, and remains busy plotting her next novel.
Miss Finley Kidnaps an Earl
How hard can it be to kidnap an Earl? Clarissa faces losing her home because of her younger brother’s financial ruin due to gambling debts. So what better way to help him than to kidnap the Earl who holds the vowels and force him to hand them over to her. Easy, right?
Noah, the Earl of Daubeney, finds his vanity wounded when a sprite of a girl bests him, locking him in a root cellar. But though he soon gets the upper hand, it’s no longer his vanity at stake, but his heart.
A sweet, humorous, Regency romance with witty dialogue, mischief, and happily ever after.
Have you heard the saying about marriage being 50/50? Did you agree? So did I until I read today’s guest post. It might change your mind too.
Sara Turnquist is a writer and an accomplished speaker on everyday struggles in the twenty-first century, but her novels showcase love and hardship throughout the ages. Today, she shares her nuggets of wisdom about marriage.
Sara Turnquist, Author: Marriage is Not 50/50
This last weekend, my husband and I attended the wedding of my sweet younger cousin. She was beautiful…everything was. But as the officiant was sharing about the adventure (and journey) that is marriage, I started thinking about some of the nuggets I’ve learned in my fourteen years of wedded bliss.
My husband is the most patient, servant-hearted, supportive person I know. And while that certainly makes for an easier marriage, no relationship is perfect. We fight, we have disagreements…but we also continue to get asked if we are newlyweds even after so long together. While I want to say that our relationship is special, unique even…and to some extent that may be true, it is this way because we have a firm foundation in God and have made some wise choices.
Something that we learned early on…and carried with us to this day…is that the whole “marriage is 50/50” idea is wrong. While well-meaning, this advice does not hold up. My husband and I have come to believe that marriage is 100/100. And while that math doesn’t work out, the concept is sound. If you’re only giving 50% to your marriage and waiting for the other person to put in their 50% for things to work, you will be one frustrated spouse.
There will be times when your other half needs you to carry the load…and vice versa. Apart from that, it’s just not how God has designed marriage. The Bible tells us that the union between a husband and wife is a picture of Christ and the church, of God and His people. And He shows us repeatedly in Scripture that He pursues us regardless of what we (or His people Israel) do or do not do. God was true to His word and His covenant with Israel despite the fact that they became idolators over and over.
Keeping that in mind, a marriage works best when my decision to love my spouse (and vice versa) happens because I have made that commitment…no matter how the other person responds. Now, I’m not advocating for anyone to stay in a relationship in which the other person is abusive or mean or neglectful. I have found, however, that when my husband and I strive to love each other and give everything to the commitment we made so many years ago, empowered by God with the ability to do so, we have something solid. In the end, marriage is not just about being happy, it’s also about becoming more Christlike.
So I encourage you to think about this and lean into that commitment even when it feels as if you are the only one. Try it and see if you aren’t more at peace in the relationship.
Thank you, Sara. I wholeheartedly agree!. Please let Sara know what you think by commenting below.
AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:
Sara is a coffee lovin’, word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That’s what inspires her. Well, that and a good love story.
But of all the love stories she knows, hers is her favorite. She lives happily with her own Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.
Sara also enjoys reading clean Historical Romance when she’s not traveling. Her books range from the Czech lands to the American Wild West and from ancient Egypt to the early 1900s. Some of her titles include The Lady Bornekova, Hope in Cripple Creek, The General’s Wife, Trail of Fears, and the Convenient Risk Series.
BOOK BLURB:
He never imagined her heart would be so hard to reach.
Forced into a marriage of convenience after her husband dies, Amanda Haynes is determined she will never love again. Not that it bothers Brandon Miller. He needs her husband’s cattle. She needs financial stability and long-term support for her son and herself. But she never expected to care so much about the running of the ranch.
Butting heads over the decisions of the ranch adds frustration and grief to her loss. Her wellbeing is soon threatened as their lives become entangled with Billy the Kid and his gang.
What has she gotten herself into? What kind of man has she married? Is there any way out?
I love the title of this blog–No Greater Love. It reminds me of a Bible verse, John 15:13, that by the way, shows us the greatest love of all time–the depth of Jesus’ love for us. But no greater love also has implications for everyday romance. Do you have no greater love, except for God, for your fiance or spouse?
I’m thrilled, today, to introduce my new friend and prolific romance writer, JoAnn Durgin, a USA Today best-selling author. JoAnn has graciously written this post for us. Please enjoy the story of how her love for Jim sparked Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, her 2012 novella.
Jim and JoAnn Durgin
JoAnn Durgin:
After the release of my 2010 debut novel, Awakening, I had dinner one night with a work friend who observed, “You must have experienced great love in your life to be able to write like you do.” I’d never thought about it that way, but her comment resonated with me. She was right. As an author, I’ve always heard to “write what you know.” The core characters in Awakening are loosely based on my husband, Jim, and me (he’s tall, dark-haired Sam Lewis to my petite, blonde Lexa Clarke). Their love story became the first book in my long-running Lewis Legacy Series. To read more about how the Lord worked in my life for that book to be published, please visit my website at https://joanndurgin.com and see “And the Man Said…“Peaches!” (under the Writing Journey tab).
Jim and JoAnn Durgin Wedding Picture
Only one other book I’ve written is so closely patterned on our life together—my first novella in 2012, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. Jim and I met on a blind date when he was a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. I later discovered he’d gone on a blind date with the first runner-up to Miss Texas the week before (gulp!). Although reluctant to go on another blind date, Jim agreed to meet me in a group date situation. We formed a solid friendship, and then our relationship blossomed into romance a year later. Early on, Jim told me something rather shocking, especially from a handsome guy who had, admittedly, dated a lot—he’d never kissed a woman romantically. As Jim explained, “I’ve always known that when I kiss a woman, she’s the one I’m going to marry.” Sounds like a fairy tale, doesn’t it? Our road to true love had a few roadblocks along the way, but we persevered.
The Durgin Children
We’ll celebrate 35 years of marriage on Jim’s birthday in September (he hasn’t forgotten his anniversary yet!). We’ve been blessed with three children, one granddaughter, and we’re excited to welcome our second grandbaby by Christmas! As my friend commented more than a decade ago, the Lord has indeed blessed us with love. When God sent His Son to die for my sins, and your sins, that is the greatest love story of all. It’s the reason I write—all for His glory. Blessings to each of you as you look forward to what He has in store for the next chapter in your life.
JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
Best-selling author, JoAnn Durgin
JOANN DURGIN AUTHOR BIO
JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty books and was named one of the “35 Essential Christian Romance Authors” in 2018 by Family Fiction Magazine. A former estate administration paralegal, she writes contemporary Christian romance full-time. Her popular series include the bestselling Lewis Legacy Series, the Starlight Christmas Series, and several standalone novels. JoAnn also writes a line of Christian romances under the pen name, Julianna Desmond. She loves nothing more than sharing the hope, grace, and mercy to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. After living in various states across the country, JoAnn lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. Check out her website: joanndurgin.com
Jacob Marston, Starlight, Iowa’s hometown hero made a long-ago promise to the Lord: he won’t kiss a woman until he knows she’s “the one.” Now at age twenty-eight, the rugged firefighter questions if it’ll ever happen. Then, he meets his best friend’s sister, and Jake believes he’s found the woman of his dreams. But what will she think when she discovers his vow?
When Julia makes an unexpected confession on Christmas Day, Jake shares his secret with her, and it looks as though happily-ever-after will make a holiday appearance. But somehow, everyone in the tiny town of Starlight learns Jake’s secret, and he’s instantly transformed from town hero to laughingstock. Did Julia reveal his secret? Can Jake forget the humiliation and find his way under the mistletoe to share a forever kiss with Julia?
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is Book 1 of 4 in the beloved Starlight Christmas Series.
Please visit JoAnn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
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Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet had a remarkable courtship. They enjoyed dancing at balls, attending piano concerts, picnics, and partaking in coquettish splashing in the rain at his country house, but after they married, Elizabeth seemed to enjoy her embroidery a little too much. She sat in the parlor brandishing her needle and thread while Mr. Darcy worked tirelessly on the piles of paperwork at his desk . . . day . . . after . . . day. Finally, Fitz could take it no longer. “Something is missing from our marriage. Darest I ponder what it might be?”
Dressed in the fancy, upper-crust manner Elizabeth had become accustomed to, she exercised her propensity for a strong opinion. “Might it be that you’re forever working, Mr. Darcy?”
To which the stately and ever prim and proper Fitz replied, “I only work because you provide me the time while you feverishly stitch those confounded pillowcases. When have you ever finished one?”
Elizabeth, happy to get to the crux of their tedium, replied, “You vex me, Mr. Darcy. When was the last time you called me dearest or darling?”
“If we’re splitting hairs, my dearest, then when was the last time you removed your rump from that chair?”
“I believe it’s best we partake in a cuppa tea, Mr. Darcy. It is our only pleasure, after all. And I must avoid this conversation entirely.” Elizabeth stood and moved to the sofa while Fitz studied the dent left behind in her sagging chair.
Okay, that was all a figment of my imagination. I love Pride and Prejudice because of the feisty Elizabeth Bennett and the brooding Mr. Darcy. But sadly, I imagine their marriage in dire straits after Jane Austen no longer directed their steps. Could this have happened to the fun-loving, flirty couple?
Sadly, it happens to many couples after they say “I do.” They settle into a boringexistence instead of continuing the fun and flirty romance pattern of dating and winning their mates.
Would you like to know my secret to a lasting relationship? I write this to brides at many weddings: Treat Your mate like a boyfriend or girlfriendforever–
Never stop. Ever.
The moment the boyfriend/girlfriend magic fizzles, it’s easy to begin coexisting in parallel worlds. And slowly the continental drift begins until . . . the doldrums . . . settle . . . in . . . and staleness . . . takes hold . . . and no one knows how to recapture the love and the magic.
Once the magic is lost, how can a couple regain that boyfriend/girlfriend excitement?
1. Plan dates. Dating is refreshing. It’s a time when people try to charm one another and win affection. It involves concentrated efforts to please. Married life should retain those elements. Choose dates that are unusual and fun, such as a picnic at the end of a hiking trail; a romantic dinner at the beach; bonfire S’mores; a music concert; a moonlit walk in the wild or on the wild side. Attending a comedy club or a play; enjoy fondue with another couple; play board games. Be fun and frivolous to rekindle the love, the laughter, and the fun.
2. Continue love talk. You know, those nicknames and sweet words like schmoopy woopie, and dimple buns. Don’t allow a phone call to go to waste. Sweet talk your mate. “Is this the man of my dreams?” “Hello, handsome man of my heart.” My hubby and I have continued this talk throughout our entire marriage. I love to see his name show up on my phone. When I answer his call, I know he’ll say something so sweet. “Hi, beautiful,” or “Is this the most beautiful girl I married?”
Try to squeeze in this kind of affection every single day. Who doesn’t like to be called handsome or beautiful–maybe not dimple buns, though–that’s not so cute after age forty. Don’t we all like to feel loved and cherished? Why should it ever stop? Reel your spouse back to your heart and keep him there. Make him so deliriously happy, he only has eyes for you.
Keep your spouse so happy, he has no need to look for attention and affection elsewhere.
Getting back to basics–the first date
Once you find that spark, rekindle it every single day.
A few more suggestions :
3. Find the same interests.
My hubby and I share many of the same loves. We listen to programs and then discuss what we’ve learned. One channel we watch together is HGTV—you know—the home improvement shows. There are so many to choose from these days. Some of our favorite ones are Love it or List it, Vacation House Rules (although we’re not so sure about the wallpaper Deborah selects), Flip or Flop, and Fixer to Fabulous. Now, we have a mutual hobby of renovating our home. Some of our ideas turn out great, but others—well, not so much—so, we do them over, but we have fun working together. Another thing we enjoy is watching Jeopardy. We call out the answers and congratulate each other when we guess correctly. I’ll bet that many of you have other favorite game shows you watch together. Even though Hubby and I share several interests, we do have a couple of areas where we part the Red Sea—movies are one of them. He enjoys blow ‘em up action movies, while I enjoy love stories. So we take turns choosing. Another area we don’t have in common is sports. While Hubby enjoys watching football and basketball, I usually read or write and listen to his hoots and hollers from afar. But because I love my hubby so much, I often discuss details about the games with him. I’ve learned a lot about football over the years
There are plenty of other areas that we both enjoy. When the weather is nice, we like to head out for walks and picnics. There are many hiking trails in our area of the country. We also enjoy finding new restaurants with out-of-the-ordinary food. The point I’m trying to make is this-—know your mate. Be interested in him. Spend time with him so that you don’t grow apart.
Then instead of lapsing into parallel universes where two people coexist in the same home but are separate entities–intersect!
Find ways to intersect. Let your interests grow naturally because of your love for one another.
4. Share human touch.
Pets crave physical contact. We stroke them, hug them, kiss them, and baby talk them. And humans are no different from our needy pets. We crave touch and cooing words. When physical contact stops, parallel relationships begin—in other words, cohabitating side by side without intersecting. The minute you notice this happening, latch onto your mate and deliver a huge hug and kiss. Let him know you love him and care about him. Do you remember the Smokey the Bear saying: “Only you can prevent forest fires?” Every day, examine your marriage. Is it one rotten log short of a disastrous bonfire? I’m just saying—#a marriage without daily touch is like a decaying log sitting on a smoldering fire ready to burst into flames. To keep your marriage healthy and happy consider ways to show love through touch: Neck, forehead, and scalp massages, hand and foot massages, and the ever-popular back massage. And of course, keep up the hugs and kisses.
3. Encourage your spouse daily. Build him up. Make him feel good about himself.
Here’s another saying—if you tear your mate down instead of building him up, not only will he look elsewhere for positive strokes, but there will always be someone around the corner who will make him feel special and needed. #Don’t ever let the sun go down until you’ve told your mate how wonderful he is. Some might say, but my mate isn’t worthy of hearing something good about himself. Hoo boy. That’s a huge problem because everyone on the face of the earth has something good about them in the midst of their flaws. Try brainstorming a little. There must be something special about your mate, otherwise, would you have married him? Here’s another trustworthy saying, #Catch a person doing good and enthusiastically praise him for it, and he will keep doing good for continued praise.
4. And lastly, but most importantly, pray with your spouse.
There’s nothing more comforting than to hear your mate asking God to help you with your troubles and to keep you safe. And vice versa. #Mates that pray together stay together.
Let’s make this fun! Share some things you do or did to create happiness in your marriage in the comments below. We’re all looking for new ideas. I’ll place each commenter’s name in a drawing and send the winner a $10 gift card.The more you comment the more your name goes into the drawing.
May God bless your relationships. May He heal them, rekindle them, and create never-ending unconditional love that flows through them every day for the rest of your lives.
Has God ever answered one of your prayers in an amazing way? I mean, in a truly a-m-a-z-i-n-g way?
The first sun-shiny day we had in the midst of a long stretch of miserable rain and cold, my hubby invited me to go shopping with him. As we headed out of town on the stoplight-riddled state road, he decided to turn into the “Golden Arches” for coffee. But a man in a behemoth ebony truck swerved in front of us as we pulled into line. We thought it was probably an accident or the man hadn’t been thinking clearly when he cut us off. Hubby backed up and let the guy in. When the man glanced back at us in his rearview mirror, my hubby gave him a thumb’s up—as in, “It’s okay, accidents happen,” but as we reached the cashier window, the lady handed Hubby his coffee and added, “No charge. The guy in the truck paid for your coffee.”
I can’t express what that tiny act of kindness meant to my hubby. It was unexpected; it only cost pennies because Hubby had ordered a small cup, but that kind act made him smile for a good part of the day. Later, I said a prayer—“Dear Lord, help us to pay that kindness forward. Show us how we can brighten another person’s day.”
Two days later, I experienced a major “God moment.”
That’s the only way I can explain it. We had gone to Grand Rapids again—to Macy’s—it’s one of my favorite places to shop. I found a collared shirt I wanted to purchase, and then, I searched for a check-out counter. They were all empty–no cashiers in any direction. I stumbled upon a hard-to-find saleslady, who was buried behind a stack of clothes, and I inquired where I could purchase my item. She pointed around the corner. To my surprise, the line was several customers deep. I stepped behind a gal, maybe in her early thirties, who had an outfit in her dark hands. Dreadlocks cascaded down her back.
The young gal seemed excited and filled with joy while she held up her outfit several times to inspect it as she slowly inched toward the coveted spot of “next in line.” Unable to stand still, she walked to the check-out counter while the cashier finished waiting on the lady before her. Instead of getting directly behind the customer at the counter, the young gal moved to the side and began trying on the extra-large black top and matching pair of pants she’d been carrying. She donned them over her clothes. I didn’t bat an eye. She didn’t appear to be trying to steal them. To me it was obvious she wanted to make sure they fit. Satisfied that they were the right size, she did a happy dance, shooting her leg out to the side. Her excitement made me chuckle under my breath. But she lost her balance during the awkward leg maneuver, and she and her dreadlocks fell to the side.
Likety-split, she made a quick recovery and made it appear that she had planned that little blooper all along. I could see the sparkle in her eyes when she glanced around to see if anyone noticed her blunder.
Her turn to pay finally arrived. She hurried up to the one and only cashier, and she said, “I found these on the sixty-percent-off sales rack, so they shouldn’t cost too much.”
The expressionless cashier scanned the two items. “That will be $35,” she said matter-of-factly.
“There has to be a mistake,” the young lady said. “It’s supposed to be sixty percent off.”
“It costs $35 with the discount,” the stoic cashier said.
The young lady stood there with her mouth open for what seemed like a full minute, as though she couldn’t believe what she’d heard. “I really need this badly,” she blubbered. “I just had a baby, and I’m starting a new job. I really need this job, and I don’t have any nice clothes.” Tears began filling her eyes. I could see them as she glanced back at the line, obviously worried about holding up the rest of us.
The young girl’s shock and her intense sadness caused tears to overflow from my eyes as well. I had to wipe them away. The cashier tossed the girl’s clothes to the far side of the counter and shouted, “Next!” The young lady started walking away with her head down. All the joy I’d seen while she tried on the clothes had been sucked out of her. She looked one last time at the clothes that were now out of her reach.
She’d barely walked ten feet from the cashier when I heard someone holler: “I’ll pay for it! I’ll buy it for her!” I looked around. It was me. I had said it. I hadn’t even thought about it or contemplated it. God had pushed me. The words came bursting out of my mouth. Have you ever had that happen—where you felt an overwhelming push to do something? So you did it and you scratched your head.
The young lady came rushing back to the counter. “Are you sure?” she said to me. “Why would you do that for me?”
“Because I’m a Christian and because someone did a kind deed for my hubby.”
The girl hugged me multiple times. “I hope it’s okay if I hug you,” she said about three hugs too late. “I just had a baby and I need clothes so badly. I have a new job. I start on Monday. I really need it to work out for me.”
I hugged her back. “God bless you,” I said. “Just be nice to someone in return. Pay it forward.”
The girl was overjoyed with excitement. She gave me two more hugs before she left the cashier. I must say that by then, I was crying tears of joy, and so were the cashier and the people in line behind me. And the young girl wiped her face and carried off her prize while sporting the biggest grin I’d seen on a young person in a long time.
“I just can’t believe you did that for a stranger,” the cashier said.
“I’m a Christian,” I replied. “I’m glad I could help someone in need.”
Such a simple act of kindness could put a spark in our marriages, our mates, and in strangers around the world.
We all need little acts of kindness in our lives. There are plenty of things we can do to show God’s amazing love. Simple things like offering forgiveness when someone doesn’t deserve it; extending a huge hug–just because; letting our mates choose the movie to see or select what’s for dinner. The list could go on and on. Simple unexpected acts of kindness can make huge differences in the lives of people who are having a bad day, or who are so poor they need one kind act as the catalyst to move them out of poverty, or to prevent them from contemplating suicide because no one cares. We never know what kind of domino effect our simple act of kindness might trigger.
Be the light in the world
Be the light that will lead someone out of their darkness or that will flip a relationship from sorrow to joy— be that light of Jesusin a hurting world.
Today, we have author Lindsey Bell who is sharing a universal topic. Please enjoy her post.
Lindsey and Keith on their wedding day.
My husband, Keith, and I met in high school and dated for four years before we got married. I remind him often that I drove us to our first date since he wasn’t old enough to drive. We also married young. He was 19, and I had just turned 20. We weren’t even old enough to rent a car on our honeymoon!
Some might say we were too young to tie the knot. In fact, right before our wedding day, someone approached me with these words: “So many people who marry young get divorced within the first five years. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I’m still not entirely sure why the person felt the need to say something like this to me days before our wedding. Regardless, I’m happy to share that we are still happily married—17 years and counting.
Getting married young doesn’t guarantee a divorce. Neither does getting married older guarantee a couple won’t divorce.
What matters is how the couple works through challenges.
Do they grow together instead of allowing the world to pull them apart?
Do they listen (really listen) and trust that the other person has their best interests in mind, even when it might not feel that way?
Do both partners want the best for the other person?
If a couple has these things, I’ve learned that no matter how young or old they are, they can have a healthy marriage.
Lindsey, Keith Bell and their family
Life hasn’t turned out exactly as my husband and I imagined in our early years. Back then, I had no idea we would battle secondary infertility. And I was clueless what the loss of four babies would do to my heart, or what the challenges of grief would bring to our marriage. When the person told me before our wedding that he hoped I knew what I was doing marrying so young, I can say for sure, now, that I really didn’t know what I was doing. But I did know my husband had a good heart. I knew he was a good, faithful man. And I knew that no matter what challenges we faced, we would face them together.
Marrying Young is not a predictor of marriage longevity
Deb Allard: I’ve known many many people who have married young. Brian was twenty and I was still nineteen. Many of my friends married young as well. I agree with Lindsey Bell wholeheartedly– it isn’t age that predicts marriage longevity, rather, it’s the love we have that enables us to face challenges together. Thank you Lindsey for sharing from your heart.
Bio:
Lindsey Bell is the author of Unbeaten and Searching for Sanity. She’s passionate about her two boys, her husband Keith, books of all kinds, and delicious dark chocolate. Her desire is to inspire and encourage other believers through honest dialogue about faith, family, and learning to love the life she’s been given. As a woman who has lost four babies to miscarriage, Lindsey loves helping others find God in the midst of heartache. Find Lindsey online atwww.lindseymbell.com.
About Unbeaten:
Difficult times often leave Christians searching the Bible for answers to the most difficult questions — Does God hear me when I pray? Why isn’t He doing anything? Does He even care? In Unbeaten, author Lindsey Bell shares the stories of biblical figures who went through tough times. Through this 10-week Bible study and devotional, she reminds readers that while life brings trials, faith brings victory.
Lindsey Bell’s book: Unbeaten
A Day to Rejoice by Deb Allard
This Sunday has been set aside to remember the most wonderful day of the year–the day that Jesus rose from the grave.
Rejoice!
April 17th is Resurrection Day: A day of expectation and newness of life; a day to remember the most profound miracle the world has ever seen, and a day to rejoice. A man who claimed He was God, who endured torture for His beliefs died on a Friday and rose to life on Sunday. The enormous stone sealing His tomb had been rolled away despite Roman soldiers guarding the entrance, and Jesus’s burial cloths lay in the empty tomb, indicating he was no longer there. Then as proof of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to hundreds of people. The doubting apostle Thomas touched the holes in his hands.
Mary Magdelene was the first to see him, then Mary, the mother of James, and also Salome, and Joanna. Then He appeared to Peter, his disciple. Later, he appeared to all of the disciples as well as to five hundred others. Their eyewitness accounts proved that Jesus, who had died on the cross, had returned to life. And to solidify the eyewitness claims beyond a shadow of a doubt, they refused to deny that they had seen Him again–they maintained their testimonies even while martyred for their beliefs. Would you die for a lie? Five hundred people didn’t waver from the truth. They knew what they had seen.
But why did Jesus endure torture and death on the cross?
He died on the cross to cleanse us of our sins when we believe in Him and ask for forgiveness, and he also gives us eternal life. Because of Jesus’s resurrection, we are guaranteed heaven if we accept Him as Savior and Lord. Imagine the most wonderful utopia where beauty and fullness of life are everywhere. Foods, flowers, colors, and scents exist that we’ve never imagined. No sickness, sadness, strife, or death. A place of peace, security, and joy forever. And while we’re still on earth, He answers our prayers and helps us whenever we pray.
If you’re interested in how to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, please fill out the contact form on the first page of this website, and I’ll get back with you.
Welcome friends. I’m happy to announce the winner of last week’s contest.The lucky receipient of “Dust” by Eva Marie Everson is–Ruth McGlothlin! Your book is in the mail. A huge thank you to everyone who commented on my blog post.
Ready to remove that boulder?
Covid with its resulting job losses, restructuring, and isolations left many of us wondering, “What’s the new normal?” Twenty-first century lives are often plagued with hardships no one saw coming.
But if we’re Christians, God is always ready to help us–unless we’re determined to lift the boulder alone. That reminds me of the big bad wolf who huffed and puffed with all of his might and couldn’t blow down the house. Likewise, we might struggle and waste valuable time and energy, but still not move our burden one inch.
Sometimes our problems pile so high we can’t see the light on the other side. Other times, we break down and ask Him for help, but we lack the faith or patience to allow God to complete the task. Some problems require extra time for Him to handle wisely.
No matter what kind of relationship problems you’re facing–dating, marriage, friendships, family, or work–they’re never too big or too small for the Lord. This week, let’s remember to ask God to handle our problems first instead of waiting until we’re crushed by them. Claim the saying–“Let go and let God.”
I’m living proof that if you give every one of your burdens to God, and He takes the reins, He’ll handle them in His perfect way, and you can sit back and rest, worry free.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 ESV
And now, let’s learn about author Susan M. Baganz’s happily ever after. Her story is sure to confirm that God directs our paths.
My Happily Ever After Really Happened
I met Ben through eharmony a day after I tried to cancel my subscription to the service. We had a three-hour first date at Q’doba. He lived 42 minutes away and his nine kids were grown. He wasn’t going to move, and neither was I, as my three kids were still in school. We decided to be friends—friends who talked almost daily on the phone and had several more “friend-dates” because we enjoyed each other’s company. It was five dates before we kissed, and it was worth waiting for! I never realized a kiss could be that amazing!
Due to an abusive first marriage, I had fear about getting closer to Ben.
I sought wise counsel and prayed a lot. I had rotator-cuff surgery, and Ben, having endured three such surgeries on each shoulder, showed up every day at eight a.m. to walk my dog and watch over me, taking me to appointments, and making sure I didn’t do anything stupid to hinder my healing. He’d leave twelve hours later. We talked—a lot—about everything. I would stumble in a conversation and start speaking gibberish, and he would respond in gibberish, except he sounded like an angry German! Often, we would say a word the other was thinking and we’re not talking common words either. It was freaky! When he proposed, I was ready and said yes.
But we weren't taking any chances.
Before taking the leap, we went through two rigorous pre-marital tests and intensive counseling to make sure we were going into our marriage with eyes wide open, which is not easy to do when you’re deliriously in love. We committed to abstinence before our whirlwind wedding while remodeling a home he purchased for us. (Yes, he moved and is glad he did!) We wed six months after that first connection and have no regrets. We work hard on our marriage, talking, praying, and reading Scripture together at the end of the day. Sometimes we lapse into gibberish, although some of those words have acquired actual meanings to us—and only us.
We are in awe of all God has done, healing us and growing us together through the challenges we’ve faced, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier.
Whitney’s Vow was written in response to an author friend posting a photo online that she’d come across, saying, “This would be a great cover to a romance novel.” I decided to write a story based on that photo. We couldn’t use that picture for the cover of the book, but I like the cover my publisher designed.
THIS IS NOT THE WEDDING DAY WHITNEY EXPECTED
Whitney Anderson is stunned by the news that her dashing husband is dead. She doesn’t understand what’s happened except that their ranch in the hills of Montana is at risk. On the verge of a marriage of convenience to save their home—Whitney’s world tilts on its axis.
Blake Anderson returns home from service to his country to find his wife about to wed another. Uncovering the layers of lies and deceit that brought them to this place reveals a conspiracy to gain access to their land under which a vast reserve of oil is untapped.
Blake’s not selling, and his return comes at a cost for them all as they fight family, former friends, and foreign enemies. Blake’s out to save his land, his wife and his marriage.
Whitney was once content to remain in the dark when it came to the running of the ranch and Blake’s military operations, but now she’s vowed and determined to discover the truth and prove her devotion to her husband…Or die trying.
BIO: Susan M. Baganz
Susan M. Baganz is happily married to Ben, has raised Hobbits, one still a teenager, and is a native of Wisconsin. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical worldview.
She speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her master’s degree in counseling psychology from a seminary, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness.
Her favorite pastimes are lazy…snuggling with her dogs while reading a good book or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte, or more recently, running the skid-loader to help with outdoor projects at home.
You can learn more by following her blog at susanbaganz.com, her Twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, facebook.com/susanmbaganz.
Sometimes love finds us in unexpected places, and we have no clue that God orchestrated the entire plan. I wonder if He smiles when He looks down on us? For God says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
This week I have a very special guest author. My friend Eva Marie. She has accomplished more than I can imagine in one lifetime. Please read her bio below. For all of her fame, she’s so humble. If you search for Eva Marie Everson books, you’ll find a long list. This week, I’m offering a drawing for one of her books, Dust. You’ll love it. To enter, make a comment in the comment section and your name will be included. I’ll announce the winner next week. Please enjoy Eva’s story of how she met her hubby:
The Man I Would Marry, Eva Marie Everson
I became a nurse when you could swing a bat and hit about a hundred at once, so we weren’t paid a lot. For a while this was fine, but then I found myself living on my own, struggling to make it alone. I took a part-time job at the Dougherty County Police Department in Albany, Georgia, working in Investigations. My boss had a friend, a businessman, who came by one afternoon so the two men could go to lunch. He noticed me working at my desk and asked if I wanted a job. What he offered me financially to work at his company was much more than I could make nursing and working part-time, so I took it. Day One, I met a young man who managed the receiving department of this ginormous shipping and receiving company. Over the course of the next year, whenever my work went to him or his to me, we’d chat a bit. But I never really thought of him as anything other than a co-worker . . .
until one day . . .
I had to take the day off because I’d had outpatient surgery. He called to check on me then offered to bring something to eat (because my roommate had to work late that day–she cooked, I cleaned). After that, we started hanging out but never really dated (we went to Sunday school parties and antiquing). Suddenly, I couldn’t remember him not being in my life. It seemed to me that our being together was the most natural thing in the world.
He never said, "Will you marry me?"
Young Eva and hubby
But we both knew when the time was right about a year later. I called my pastor and asked if he could marry us privately. A week later, he did so in his living room. His wife served cookies and punch (so sweet!). That was 43 years ago, and here we are, an older married couple who still adore each other, our children, their spouses, and our better-than-the-best grandchildren. It hasn’t always been easy, but he is still the one who makes me laugh, the face I look for in a crowd.
(Notice the writing on the right side of the picture. One of their friends wrote that about Eva Marie).
Eva Marie Everson
Bio: Eva Marie Everson is the bestselling, multiple award-winning author of both fiction & nonfiction. She is the president of Word Weavers International and a frequent speaker at writer’s conferences and women’s groups. She and her husband make their home in Central Florida.
DUST: Can an ordinary life leave an extraordinary legacy? In 1977, when nineteen-year-old Allison Middleton receives a proposal of marriage from Westley Houser, she eagerly accepts, having no idea the secret Westley carries—a secret that will change Allison’s life forever. But Allison rises to the challenge of raising Westley’s toddling daughter as though she were her own. Throughout their lifetime together, Allison, Westley, and Michelle form a strong family bond. As Allison struggles with infertility and finding her way during a time of great change for women, others—some she knows and others whom she never meets—brush and weave against the fabric of her life, leaving her with more questions than answers. From teen bride to grandmother, Allison’s life chronicles the ups and downs of an ordinary woman’s life to examine the value of what we all leave behind.
I love the title my guest author chose for her post today. How will I know? If you’ve met someone who might fulfill your dreams, what are your first thoughts? DeeDee Lake nailed it–how will I know if he’s the one? Her question reminds me of the classic 1985 love song, “How Will I Know,” sung by Whitney Houston. (The song title doesn’t include a question mark). One cannot listen to the words without recalling those same feelings when going on a first date. Please enjoy DeeDee’s love story below.
How DeeDee Lake Knew He Was the One
I wasn’t looking for love when I met the love of my life, but it didn’t take long before I knew he was the one. I always had a blueprint for my life. Yes, I know the way to make God giggle is to make plans. He must have laughed until HIs tummy hurt over mine.
My plan: College. Pass the bar and become an international attorney. Live overseas. Perhaps marry around age thirty-five. No children.
God’s plan: While in my first year of college meet Seth. Marry five months later at age nineteen and a half. Seven years later adopt our daughter, four years after that, adopt our son. Become a full-time housewife and homeschool mother.
Guess whose plan worked out? Yep. You got it. I’m so grateful God’s plan was better than mine.
When I met Seth, my sweet future hubby, he was in helicopter flight school. His wide shoulders, six-foot frame, blond hair, and stunning blue eyes caught my attention immediately. But what captured my heart was his strength of character, humility, kindness, and romantic nature. And he was, and still is, the most gentlemanly man I have ever met. But what sealed the deal for me was his ability to feel comfortable with the strong, independent woman God created me to be.
Many of my friends have commented over the years how much they like to watch Seth’s face as he stares at me. They say he always looks at me with love, pride, tenderness, and support. That’s the man I didn’t know I needed, but God did.
BIO: DeeDee Lake, Connection Expert, lives in Colorado Springs with her hubby and their two crazy dogs. She is also defined by the list below:
Speaker
Author, Next Step. You’ve Accepted Jesus. Now What?
Columnist
Cherish Relations Retreat owner
Navy Brat & Army Wife
Potato Lover
Connect with her at www.deedeelake.com
DeeDee’s How Will I Know question also relates to our relationship with Jesus. Many of us accept Him as our Savior and Lord, but we wonder afterward–what do I do now? Her book: Next Step, You’ve Accepted Jesus. Now What? answers those kinds of questions. Written with teens in mind, her book also resonates with women of all ages. This would be a great book for teen group discussions.
Next Step. You’ve Accepted Jesus. Now What? Condensed cover blurb:
Other teens and women have been where you are now. No need to feel lost. In Next Step, you’ll discover
Answers for what’s next for you as a Christian.
Eye-opening “what I wish I knew as a teen” advice.
Letters and prayers from DeeDee for you.
Who the Bible says you are.
Practical tips
Doable ACTION STEPS
Weekly VIDEOS from the author and access to DeeDee’s PRIVATE NEXT STEP FACEBOOK Group.
And more!
You’ll learn you aren’t alone and what other Christian teens do to make great choices in doing the right thing. You’ll love Next Step so much you’ll want to share it with friends! May be purchased through www.crossrivermedia.com or wherever books are sold.
What’s the most important investment you can make for your future–besides ensuring your destiny in Heaven? I would contend that it’s having healthy, loving relationships–whether they’re with family members, friends, a date, or with your spouse.
For those married, picture one day sitting by the fire on a blizzardy February night, cuddling next to the man who would trudge through ten-foot snowbanks in his bare feet to purchase your favorite chocolate bar because you have a craving–and he loves you more than watching the super bowl. Now, that’s love!
But how does that level of love happen?
Not by accident. It happens by investing time and love into the people you want to keep in your life (Philippians 2:4)
Healthy relationships require conscious effort. If you show love, your friends, family, or mate will learn love; if you show them courtesy, they will learn courtesy. What about patience, kindness, gentleness, acts of helping, etc.? Exactly the same principle applies.
I didn’t grow up in a home with parents who had a good marriage. My parents forever fought and finally divorced. I had no idea how to show love to anyone. My degree in psychology (before I earned a nursing degree) taught me to search for role models and imitate them. Believe me, I watched every happy couple in my vicinity. Here’s a tip: find role models for relationship building. And read the Bible which is the oldest and best manual in the world for learning how to treat others.
Whether you’re dating (or you’ve been married since Carter made those little Liver Pills), it’s never too late to infuse your relationship with Christ’s love. He (Christ) will help you through the ups and downs and storms that your marriage and every relationship will inevitably face. Scripture to memorize: Luke 6:31. And now, please enjoy the true story below of how romance author Anneliese Dalaba found her true love.
How We Met by Anneliese Dalaba
Something sparked when my hand touched the palm of our new pastor as he greeted me. The moment was brief, like a flash of lightning. I pulled back my hand and walked away while a voice in my head said, “He’s the one.” Absurd. Pastor Curt had made his position clear—he would never marry anyone from his church—and I would not attempt to sway him from that resolve.
Several weeks later, my mother invited him to join us for lunch, and he readily accepted. Constant conversation and laughter floated around our dinner table. After that first meal, he became a regular fixture on Sundays at our home. Pastor Curt and I often spent time chatting or competing in a game of Scrabble as soon as the dishes were cleared away, but several months down the road, my sister informed me he had been writing to a young lady in his father’s church. She learned this from her husband, the youth pastor. My heart broke a little. Despite my best intentions, I had begun falling in love with him. I determined more than ever to see him only as a friend.
Over the Christmas holidays, he went home to visit his family and to see the young lady with whom he’d been writing. When he returned in January, he regularly joined us on Sundays again. Everything continued as before—a sweet and fun friendship. If only my heart would cooperate. Six weeks later, Pastor Curt asked me to join him at a diner for lunch. He offered to pick me up at work. I agreed, but was it a date? I doubted it. He probably needed a listening ear. A couple of days later, he asked if I would join him for dinner that Friday evening. My heart raced. Definitely a date this time. He arrived dressed up and held out a single rose. A month later, in March, we were engaged to be married and spoke our vows in September. I soon understood that friendship is the best foundation on which to build a marriage. Nurturing that friendship and valuing it more highly than any other relationship helped us build a strong, fulfilled, and happy home that no trial could destroy.
I was married to this handsome, fun-loving, caring, and honorable man for over thirty-two years when he was diagnosed with a very rare stage 4 bone cancer in July 2020. Twelve days after celebrating our thirty-third wedding anniversary on September 12, 2020, I stood beside Curt’s hospital bed as he took his last breath. For thirty-three years, I experienced love, devotion, and intimate friendship with my husband that will last into eternity. I can hardly wait for our reunion one day.
Let me encourage anyone contemplating marriage or already married, to work on having a friendship with your spouse. Romance, passion, caring, joyous laughter, and having a spouse who talks to you and listens, all from being a friend to your partner first. If your friendship isn’t strong, you will only feel burdened and used. But if you care for each other out of a deep abiding friendship, you will serve because you love.
Author Bio
Anneliese Dalaba is an award-winning author of historical Christian romance novels that often include an element of suspense with lessons of faith. She was married to the love of her life, a pastor, and together they served both in the USA and abroad for 33 years. Anneliese is now a widow and makes her home in Michigan. When she’s not writing, you will usually find her enjoying time with her children and grandchildren. Please visit her website: www.anneliesedalaba.com
The Arranged Marriage Series, Book Three:
Ties That Bind
Caught in a snowstorm and injured, Kitty is placed in a precarious situation, but her infuriating rescuer seems oblivious to its seriousness. If they remain together for too long, marriage might be the only way to salvage her reputation. Should he deem it necessary to marry her, the unfortunate man would find himself in a loveless union, for her heart would always belong to another. Gerard and Kitty must draw from a deep well of faith when deception and intrigue make it difficult to discern truth from lie
The title sounds a bit like a tongue twister, doesn’t it? But the meaning is profound.
What about Wesley’s love in The Princess Bride as a perfect example?
It’s one of my all-time favorite movies because it has everything—excitement, adventure, fencing, conundrums, traps, miracles, and true love—all topped off with laugh-out-loud humor. One of my favorite scenes is when Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) resuscitates Wesley. He tells Inigo, “This man is only mostly dead.” To which he adds, “Mostly dead is slightly alive.”
After he says this, Miracle Max grabs the nearby bellows and administers air into the dying man’s lungs. When they inflate, Max leans close to Wesley’s ear and asks, “What do you have here that’s worth living for?” He promptly pushes on the limp man’s sternum.
As air escapes through Wesley’s mouth, he responds with a long-winded “True love.”
After this enlightening moment, there’s a little comedic banter between Miracle Max and his feisty wife, but the gist of the scene is that true love is worth living for. But was Wesley’s love purely to satisfy his own desires?
No. Wesley loved Buttercup so much, he wanted to save her from the louse, Prince Humperdinck. Now, that is the most perfect definition of true love—the desire to put one’s own needs aside for the one who is loved.
So how will this help us?
Before committing to someone, consider whether fulfilling that person’s needs for a lifetime is worth it, and conversely, ask him if he would do the same for you. Sometimes that answer is yes, and sometimes it’s no. But it separates the wheat from the tares—sorry, that’s a parable, which this isn’t, but golden wheat and weedy tares are a great picture of those who are marrying material and those who are undesirable parasites.
Here’s a simple exercise—write down a list of your desires for a relationship and ask your mate to do the same. Items on the list might include promptness, date nights on Friday evenings, first dibs on ice cream choices, keeping the toilet paper roll facing out–or better yet—replacing the roll when it’s empty (of course, there’s room to discuss and eliminate requests).
Making a list of must-haves
Are you willing to take his/her list and say, “I’m going to make these things happen for you forever because I love you with all of my heart?”
My husband and I made lists like these before we married. We followed them for so many years, they became second nature. Our lists included: no going to bars, equal helping with household chores, never going to bed angry, etc. I must admit that Hubby modified the helping with household chores a bit.
If making each other happy isn’t the goal for both people, then move on. A soul mate will be eager to honor your requests, and if he’s your true love, you’ll want to keep his.
But how will this translate to those already married?
If you’re married, ask your spouse to make a list, then consider saying, “I’m going to make these things happen because I love you”—it might spark the romance back into your lives. The willingness to show love and shower love often causes a rebound effect. Lasting marriages are ones where love deeds occur every day. Yes. Every. Single. Day. Without fail.
I asked my husband if he ever noticed that I always give him bigger portions and the best servings of every dish I make. And he replied, “I’ve noticed, and it makes me feel like you love me.”
But he reminded me of something too—whenever I need anything, he’ll leave the house, even at ten p.m., and drive to the store for it. And he never complains. What a sweet act of love. These deeds have continued during our entire marriage.
In summary: Do you love someone enough to make their needs a priority?
Amazing fact: I personally know the person who first showed us this pure concept of true love. He taught it by laying down His life for us to forgive us for our many sins (mistakes), and to make it possible for us to one day enter heaven. He did it for everyone. Imagine someone loving you that much? I am forever indebted to Him. I love Jesus because He first loved us. John 15:12 ESV
Guest Romance Author This Week:
Catherine Ulrich Brakefield
This week, I’ve asked Catherine Ulrich Brakefield to share how she met her husband, Ed.
Catherine: Romantic walks along a moon-kissed ocean with tropical drums of the Hawaiian wedding song in the distance wash through my mind. I had been living seven days of a romantic love story in Oahu, Hawaii after meeting Edward Brakefield, who worked in Naval Intelligence there while I vacationed on the island.
Edward proposed to me before I left the island, but how could a marriage to him work? Was he God’s choice for me?
Besides our romance taking place during the turbulent Vietnam War era of the ’70s, Edward was from Alabama, while I was from Michigan. We needed to learn more about each other, so we did this through correspondence. A year and a half later, we married. Edward and I will celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary in June 2022.
Cathy says, “After all, if God is the author of love, He is also the creator of romance.”
Bio
Catherine says, “My readers encourage my writing!” She is an award-winning author. Her inspirational historical romances include Wilted Dandelions and her faith-based Destiny series: Swept into Destiny, Destiny’s Whirlwind, Destiny of Heart, and Waltz with Destiny.
She has written two pictorial history books. Images of America: The Lapeer Area and Images of America: Eastern Lapeer County.
Her short stories have been published in Guidepost Books, Baker Books, Revell, CrossRiver Media Publishers, and Bethany Book House Publishers.
Catherine lives with her husband of 49 years and their Arabian horses in the picturesque hills of Addison Township, Michigan. Although her children are grown, Catherine loves spoiling her two handsome grandsons and two beautiful granddaughters!
Catherine’s favorite book is from her Destiny series. Book 4, called Waltz with Destiny It is a story-book romance that swirls into a rendezvous with destiny when Esther meets Eric, and the McConnell legacy is threatened.
A reader said: “…ofWaltz with Destiny… I was reading Capt. Kimble’s words about D-Day… the music I had going started playing “God Bless the USA.” Goosebumps popped all up and down my arms and legs, and I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. The message of the Destiny series is even more applicable today than when it was first released.
Praying for America’s repentance and to embrace God like never before.” Debra B.
I’ve read Catherine’s Destiny series–it’s historical romance at its finest. I loved learning the story of the Irish immigrants in America. They had a rough time earning a place in our history. I was especially drawn to the last book–Waltz with Destiny. It takes place during the great depression of WWII. The battle scenes kept me riveted to the story. Those who enjoy historicals will LOVE Catherine’s books–Deb Allard.
Thank you dear readers for joining me on this blog. Whether you’re young and searching for love or older with your prince charming nearby, keep the flames of romance forever in your hearts. May God richly bless all of your endeavors.
Years ago, people talked about having traditional Christmases, but today, Americans celebrate Christmas in many ways.
My family celebrates with a big dinner, but we bypass expensive gifts. Instead, everyone brings a wrapped gag gift with a cost ceiling of usually $10-$20. Before dinner, we select from the pile and form a circle to watch the unwrapping. I’ll never forget the year Uncle Aaron received a mullet wig and wore it while playing charades, and Grampy received a joke book and read about twenty of them while we held our abs and roared. We’re pretty confident this Christmas is going to be a hoot too.
After the joking dies down, we usually head to the table and focus on the birth of Jesus. I love this time of reflecting on the vast love of God for mankind. Through the years, we’ve placed Scripture verses by each plate and gone around the table, having family read them. When our children were little, we put verses on their packages with clues about the contents, e.g., a verse about Jesus being the Light of the World might have been a clue that the gift was a glow-in-the-dark watch, or lamp, or flashlight. The kids had to guess what was inside. We had a great time.
Our Christmas day involves relationship building and the unity of love which we learned from Jesus. We’re grateful to God for sending His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life—my paraphrase. John 3:16.
So what does this kind of love, agape love, have to do with romance?
EVERYTHING! Love is what holds relationships and families together. Learning to love one another builds the foundation of a long-lasting romance.
How do you celebrate Christmas? Contact me on my website,
Now, let’s concentrate on romance.
When many people think of finding romance, they become antsy because they don’t have a clue how to meet the person of their dreams. For a few weeks, my blog/newsletter will show ways to find dates. I’ll also include brief stories from different romance writers on how they met the loves of their lives, and we’ll get to see the interesting ways God orchestrated matches. So keep reading to learn how others connected! Here’s the first one below–
How Does One Find True Love?
My story is sort of weird.
One day during my stint in the Navy, I was sitting under a sprawling oak tree, cramming for an exam the next day, when something unusual happened. The oak’s broad, leafy limbs shaded me from the intense rays of the sun, but still, I had my head down, deep in thought. As usual, I was so obsessed with wanting an “A”, I shut out the world around me. So, I didn’t see him at first—the young man who walked around the corner of the nearby barracks.
“Did you see a squirrel run by?” He barely glanced at me.
Irritated at the interruption, I peered up at his face. He had the most adorable part between his front teeth when he smiled. My first thought was hubba hubba–he’s dripping with cuteness. He was the hunkiest guy I’d ever seen. But what was he doing looking for a squirrel of all things? “Why’re you searching for rodents?”
“Rodents? Nah, just one. I was feeding him before he took off.”
After chuckling, I invited the tall, goatee-sporting owner of winsome teeth to have a seat because I’d never met a guy in this way. Soon, I discovered he was in the Corps School class ahead of mine, getting ready to graduate.
An instant connection sparked between us. We had many things in common. It wasn’t until a couple of months later when he asked me to marry him, that I learned about his visit to his youth pastor the week before we met. The pastor had prayed and asked God to help Brian find the right mate.
God is amazing.
I’ve been married to this wonderful man since Noah built the ark—well, almost that long—but God knew what He was doing in bringing us together. We had so much in common.
So pray for a mate while doing everyday activities like attending church, going to
coffee shops, malls, libraries, parks, grocery stores, college classes, and even under sprawling oak trees—because you never know when your true love will appear.
And now, let’s meet one of my favorite romance authors, Susan Tuttle.
Susan’s modern-day romance novels are about situations in everyday life. I’ve read two of her books and fell head-over-heels in love with the stories. They’re fun as well as inspirational. Here’s a snippet of how she found her true love:
Susan: I met my hubby for the first time in junior high. It wasn’t until high school that we became friends, though. I remember my girlfriends saying I should ask him out based solely on the fact that he was a boy and taller than me. However, I couldn’t see him as anything other than a friend.
Fast forward to our college years. By this time, we had become best friends. Over the years, we had attended many major events together, including our senior prom, high school graduation (we walked the aisle together), and friends’ weddings. Although I didn’t think myself attracted to him, love slowly grew under the surface for several years.
One night, that love grew large enough to crash over me. I suddenly realized I loved my best friend. He challenged me. Encouraged me. Made me laugh. And he was always supportive. At the same moment, the very man whom I denied feeling drawn to in “that way” became the most attractive person in the world to me. Twenty-five years later, he still holds that title.
It’s easy to see how God worked to find Susan and me our true loves–mine under a tree and hers right under her nose. I’d venture to say there are hundreds of stories of God answering prayers for love.
I asked Susan to share a little bit about one of her books:
This one is her favorite: Love You, Truly: Harlow Tucker has given up on love, and Blake Carlton doesn’t believe it exists. But when the skeptical small-town girl, Harlow, is thrust into a reality dating show, starring Hollywood’s favorite son, the pair of polar opposites discover common ground—and that love is not only real, but worth fighting for.
I don’t know about you all, but I’m going to have to purchase this one!
Other Books by Susan Tuttle: **Along Came Love Series: At First Glance, Then Again, Maybe, Never Too Late.
Thank you, Susan. I think our stories illustrate how God orchestrates finding our soul mates if we ask Him and have the patience to wait.
DUST: Can an ordinary life leave an extraordinary legacy? In 1977, when nineteen-year-old Allison Middleton receives a proposal of marriage from Westley Houser, she eagerly accepts, having no idea the secret Westley carries—a secret that will change Allison’s life forever. But Allison rises to the challenge of raising Westley’s toddling daughter as though she were her own. Throughout their lifetime together, Allison, Westley, and Michelle form a strong family bond. As Allison struggles with infertility and finding her way during a time of great change for women, others—some she knows and others whom she never meets—brush and weave against the fabric of her life, leaving her with more questions than answers. From teen bride to grandmother, Allison’s life chronicles the ups and downs of an ordinary woman’s life to examine the value of what we all leave behind.
