The Study Bible for Women: HCSB Personal Size Edition, Yellow/Gray Linen by B&H Publishing Group

How awesome is this! A personal size women's study Bible! This Bible is gorgeous!  I wasn't sure what to expect with the cover being linen, but it's beautiful in a light gray/tan/yellow. The cover is nice and sturdy. This is perfect for being on the go. Maybe you love your study Bible at home, but would like something smaller to carry to church. This is a convenient size for a backpack or putting in your tote bag for the day. I think this one will be my traveling companion! This is even great to take for those doctor visits that seem to take forever. A great study Bible to keep at your desk at work. 

This personal size holds EVERYTHING the regular size women's study Bible contains. A surprise for me is that the print isn't too small. It's not much smaller than the print in my leather bound study Bible.

The inside is the same blue hue design and very inviting. This little gem is set to publish in August. You could pre-order now! It would make a great gift for your daughter away at college who already has tons to carry. A beautiful gift for a woman of any age in your life. 

This is the HSCB translation. It's my favorite translation to study. Coming soon you will be able to get the Women's Study Bible in the NKJV too! So many choices! 

This study Bible is loaded with goodies. I love spending time just studying the time lines and graphs. The word study is exceptional. It gives one an extra understanding of the Word when we can understand the Hebrew meaning and bring it all into context. 

One of the best features are all of the character profiles of the women of the Bible. They share so much information about these women that can still impact our lives today. We can learn so much from these women and the profiles give us a glimpse into their life. 

There are information bits of Doctrine throughout the Bible as well. Such as faith, incarnation, Holy Spirit, church, church government, church leadership, repentance, stewardship, and so many more. We all have questions and this study Bible leads us to finding the answers we don't ask in Sunday school. There too are sections of Hard Questions that many times we ponder and never ask. Hard questions like; Does prayer work?, Did Paul hate women?, Can a true Christian lose her salvation?, Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?, Is God's sovereignty compatible with your freedom to choose?, and so many more hard questions that are answered in not only from a person's perspective, but using scripture and applying God's Word to the question. 

I can get lost in the maps and reconstructions. They give such a vivid glimpse into the times of the Word in which we are studying that it brings me to ponder the Word even more. Love it!! 

You can find all of this information in the back of the Bible for easy finding along with the concordance which is super amazing! It's the largest concordance I have found in a study Bible. So much valuable information that leads us to hours of wonderful study in the Word. When we have the tools needed there is nothing stopping us from uncovering all that the Lord has for us to learn and grow into the women He has created us to be. 

There are so many different ways to study this Bible. Each day I love adding a chart to my morning study. I love doing a character profile. The maps are vivid and readable giving us room to ponder how long travel took, and just where everything is in location to other areas. 

There are charts giving us information on the numbers in scripture, days of creation, demons, Jesus' Disciples, the Be-attitudes for women, and so many more! Another great aspect of this study Bible is the Bible Womanhood features. These alone could be a great devotional time! And let's not forget the introduction to each Book of the Bible. Again, they are jam-packed with great information to really help us understand the time, the meaning, and the writer. 

In the front of the study Bible you will find places where you can keep dates and memories to pass down to those you love. One page that is wonderful is a page where you can list your spiritual mothers, their spiritual gift, and scripture passage. I absolutely LOVE this feature!! This Personal Size Women's Study Bible is truly a Bible you are going to love in every way!!

You can visit B&H Publishing Group and take a peek at all the Bibles. You are sure to find the perfect Bible for you. If you like the personal size, you too can find it in other translations and in the HSCB Study Bible. 

This Study Bible was a gift from B&H Publishing Group for sharing my review with you. 

Study Bible for Women HSCB Large Print and Indexed Hardback Edition by B&H Publishing Group

Now we have the best of the best in LARGE print!! How awesome to receive this study Bible in large print. Ladies, this is the hardback indexed study Bible in HCSB translation. If you take a peek at the site you will see you can also get in in teal/sage. This newest study Bible is being released in August. You can pre-order it now!

The large print is a great size and is so helpful for those of us that need a little extra for our peepers. I love sharing this study Bible because it is the best women's study Bible I have yet to see printed. It's gorgeous outside and the inside is so inviting with the light hues of blue.

This study Bible is loaded with goodies. I love spending time just studying the time lines and graphs. The word study is exceptional. It gives one an extra understanding of the Word when we can understand the Hebrew meaning and bring it all into context. 

One of the best features are all of the character profiles of the women of the Bible. They share so much information about these women that can still impact our lives today. We can learn so much from these women and the profiles give us a glimpse into their life. 

There are information bits of Doctrine throughout the Bible as well. Such as faith, incarnation, Holy Spirit, church, church government, church leadership, repentance, stewardship, and so many more. We all have questions and this study Bible leads us to finding the answers we don't ask in Sunday school. There too are sections of Hard Questions that many times we ponder and never ask. Hard questions like; Does prayer work?, Did Paul hate women?, Can a true Christian lose her salvation?, Does the Bible really condemn homosexuality?, Is God's sovereignty compatible with your freedom to choose?, and so many more hard questions that are answered in not only from a person's perspective, but using scripture and applying God's Word to the question. 

I can get lost in the maps and reconstructions. They give such a vivid glimpse into the times of the Word in which we are studying that it brings me to ponder the Word even more. Love it!! 

You can find all of this information in the back of the Bible for easy finding along with the concordance which is super amazing! It's the largest concordance I have found in a study Bible. So much valuable information that leads us to hours of wonderful study in the Word. When we have the tools needed there is nothing stopping us from uncovering all that the Lord has for us to learn and grow into the women He has created us to be. 

There are so many different ways to study this Bible. Each day I love adding a chart to my morning study. I love doing a character profile. The maps are vivid and readable giving us room to ponder how long travel took, and just where everything is in location to other areas. 

There are charts giving us information on the numbers in scripture, days of creation, demons, Jesus' Disciples, the Be-attitudes for women, and so many more! Another great aspect of this study Bible is the Bible Womanhood features. These alone could be a great devotional time! And let's not forget the introduction to each Book of the Bible. Again, they are jam-packed with great information to really help us understand the time, the meaning, and the writer. 

In the front of the study Bible you will find places where you can keep dates and memories to pass down to those you love. One page that is wonderful is a page where you can list your spiritual mothers, their spiritual gift, and scripture passage. I absolutely LOVE this feature!! This is truly a study Bible you are going to love!!

This Study Bible was a gift from B&H Publishing Group for sharing my review with you. 

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow

I am a huge fan of Robert Whitlow, so when I had seen his newest up for review I had to grab it. I have loved every single novel penned by this amazing writer, so I was waiting with high expectations. 

I love the story-line. The premise of the novel is complex. There's more than one basic story-line. This is the Whitlow that I admire. The main character, Corbin, is an attorney who has a passion for the law. He's old school. Much has happened in life and that has brought him to find a love for moonshine. I like how Whitlow has developed this character. He's one you just like. One of those good fellas you want to go fishing with and have on your side. That is until he can't show up because he has a hangover. 

His children are both attorneys as well. His daughter, Roxy, is very successful. She is driven and is a perfectionist. She's that character you admire for her hard work, but you really don't like because she has no room for patience or grace for anyone in her life. His son Ray is married and has a son, the grandson who Corbin would give the moon to. They share a great bond. The sad thing about Ray is that he pretty much does whatever his wife says. I kept waiting for him to grow into his manhood. And there is Corbin's secretary who isn't the nicest gal to her boss. She's a bit snippy and not so encouraging. 

See, that's the thing I loved about Corbin. He is encouraging to everyone around him. He believes in all they can do and just wants to have a relationship with his children. But the alcohol has come between them for years. He wants the best for everyone. He even feels he can do just about anything that's in front of him, and is ready to take on a huge case, but he isn't getting encouragement from others, so what does he do? He hits the bottle even more. It's a vicious cycle. 

The story-line grows as we see this case unfolding. We too see more of the characters unfold as their personalities are shown a bit more. And yes, as these characters come to life in these pages we begin to understand who they are and why they behave the way they do. 

This novel took me a bit to get into, but I enjoyed it. We see what can happen when we take time to look inside of ourselves. It's then that we begin to grow more into who God has created us to be. So, this story is a bit like a journey unfolding as we see this family who has kept a distance now come together in ways they never expected. 

This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and the winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Visit him at www.robertwhitlow.com 
Twitter: @whitlowwriter and Facebook: robertwhitlowbooks 

HCSB Study Bible, Mulberry LeatherTouch Indexed by B&H Publishing Group

I have three Bibles sitting beside my bed. An HCSB study Bible,  an HCSB Women's Study Bible, and a NKJV personal size study Bible. It simply doesn't get any better than a Holman study Bible. Take your pick. There's one that's perfectly created just for you. You can visit the H&B Publishing Group site for great photos and information on this Bible and others alike.

This is the HCSB study Bible in mulberry leather. This is a beautiful study Bible inside and out. Let's first begin with the outside. The soft leather of this Bible is mulberry with a delightful design through the middle. It has two ribbon markers, a deep purple and a lavender color. I love having a Bible that allows a bit of my personality to shine through. We want to pick out that perfect Bible that we will spend a lifetime studying. Our Bible is intimate. It's God's love letter to us, so why not pick out a fave color that's fun to share with others too.

This study Bible has everything the NKJV includes, with a bit more. It's that bit more that I love so much! There is  a Greek/Hebrew word study that is a tremendous tool to have when understanding the Word. Something else is the coloring. With the word study and the introduction the coloring has an ancient accent to it and that makes it very inviting. You could spend hours just studying the timelines and photographs. You too will find that this study Bible is indexed for easy finding. This is a great tool, especially when we are new to the Bible and just learning our way around the Word.

The concordance is the best of the best that I have had the pleasure of using. You will also find a reading plan that fits your study perfectly. A great feature is found when opening up your new study Bible. We all have a first at studying the Bible. When I first began studying I had no idea where to begin or even how to study the Bible. Holman makes it easy to understand. They guide you through the introductions and give you a personal tour as to how to use your Bible.

This Bible comes beautifully packaged. When your study Bible arrives you may find that some of the pages stick a bit. I have found with a bit of patience and a tender hand these are easy to fix. I open the pages and gently run my hand over the pages and with a bit of time they come apart quite easily. Once you have them apart they will never again stick.

The photos and graphs truly captivate me. I love the color maps too. You will not only find color maps in the back of the study Bible, but throughout the study Bible. As I'm studying these tools give me a better sense of the Word and I can even envision myself as the scenes on black and white unfold.

You are sure to love this exquisite study Bible and enjoy spending hours studying the Word of God.

This study Bible was a gift from B&H Publishing Group for sharing my review with you. 

Holman Study Bible: NKJV Edition, Eggplant/Tan LeatherTouch Indexed by B&H Publishing Group

If you are searching for a study Bible Holman is the place to find the perfect Bible for you! This is a beautiful selection. I love being able to share all of these study Bible with you! This eggplant/tan color is gorgeous. The leather is soft, the binding strong, the edges are trimmed in silver, and it's indexed for easy finding.  It also has two ribbons. Purple and tan that will help keep place for you to hold that last reading. That's just the outside! I know, some people may not care what the outside of their Bible looks like, and that's okay. I love a black leather Bible. Simple beauty. You too can find that at B&H Publishing Group. But I love having a Bible that expresses my personality. It is also a great invite for others to ask about your Bible and that gives you an opening to share all you have been learning. 

If you visit the B&H site you can check out all the info about this study Bible and more. Now let's talk about what's inside. What I love about a Holman Bible is that they have a section that gives help in learning to use this study Bible. For all of us there is a first time to read a Bible and what an amazing tool they give for advancing us in learning to use the study Bible the best way possible. 

This study Bible is loaded with all kinds of tools. This is the NKJV translation. There are 15,000 study notes!! The concordance in the best I have yet to find. I love the color maps, illustrations, and reconstructions. This study Bible is truly the best of the best. At Holman they give an array of essays that are helpful in understanding the Word. One of my favorite aspects of this study Bible are the charts and timelines. These are tremendous tools in aiding us in our study. 

The introductions are marvelous and jam-packed with information. For instance if you open the Book of Numbers you will find the introduction that shares the author, background, message and purpose. It speaks about the Sovereignty of God, the Presence of God, the Purity and Holiness of God, God and Revelation, Promise and Fulfillment, Uniqueness and Exclusivity of God, Celebration in Worship, Contribution to the Bible, and Structure. Whew, and that's just part of the introduction! The words of Christ are in bold red. This is something I always look for in a Bible. This is a great reading print that's easy to see. 

This is a study Bible for you to have for a lifetime. This bible is one you can deeply dive into and spend a few minutes to hours upon hours.  The more time I spend in this Bible the more time I want to spend uncovering God's Word. 

This Study Bible was a gift from B&H Publishing Group for sharing my review with you. 

Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith

This is one of those novels where I must be careful not to share too much so when you pick up this marvelously penned novel there will be nothing to hold you back from being surprised. A surprise indeed. I am new to James Bryan Smith. The cover caught my attention. I didn't even read an excerpt. It simply looked inviting. I didn't know the blessing that was in store for me.

The writing is reminiscent of C.S. Lewis. Such wisdom and beauty weaved into a tale of truths that leads the reader to ponder as each sentence is absorbed. A novel that is tender, rich, and poignant. Forgiveness, redemption, and hope are entwined within these pages that hold a story that brings the reader to a whole new place in faith. Restored faith and a touch of the unknown coming into view and a dose of {everything} is possible with God.

The author of this novel was on overload. Three deaths so close together caused this man of faith to question everything, to grow angry, and to walk away from all that he knew as truth. His friend, Rich Mullins, died in a car crash in 1997. Six months later his daughter died and then not two years later he said goodbye to his mother. Now he is crushed by a weight that has caught his breath. All of these things are true for the author of this precious novel. He needed some time of quiet. During that time a dream of sorts came to life. It is through this dream that the story unfolds into a beauty that I cannot quite capture with my inadequate words. James felt the desire to share his story and through the telling of this fictional novel truth rings loudly to every heart opened as they read this novel.

This was first released back in 2000. It was updated and released again in 2007. Where I have been that I have missed this masterpiece? Maybe today is God's perfect timing. In September it will be a year that my friend said goodbye to her fifteen year old son. For anyone who has had to say goodbye this novel will pierce your soul and awaken your heart anew. This is a novel for everyone. It is truly poetic beauty.

We have such questions beyond a depth of what we can comprehend. Through the telling of the dream that awakened James we will find ourselves pondering heaven and one may even have their eyes opened to just what could be possible.

In the novel James has changed the names of the persons he has said goodbye to except his daughter's name. I love that Rich wrote a song for her. Rich died before this song could be placed on his next album. As James (Tim Hudson) tells the story we see God's goodness and glory unfold. We see Him reach down into the soul of James and bring healing to his heart, body, and soul.

This is a short novel, but one that I didn't rush through. I wanted to take my time as I turned the pages. Such beauty I didn't want it to end too soon. This is certainly a wonderful working of seeing what happens when we surrender all and trust our God.

This novel was a gift from B&H Publishing Group for sharing my review with you. 

James Bryan Smith teaches theology at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. His previous books include A Spiritual Formation Workbook, Devotional Classics (coauthored with Richard Foster), and Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven. Jim and his wife, Meghan, have two children, Jacob and Hope.

Following A Pattern

Quite a few months back I began meeting with a friend once a month learning a new stitch for an afghan. We were intentional about meeting. Too often friends say, "Let's get together", but then never do and miss out on tremendous blessings. We still meet once a month. Only now instead of learning a new stitch I get to show her an afghan I created because of her teaching. 

Over lunch we would take out our yarn and hook and begin the lesson. I have been crocheting for quite a many years, but have always just created in my own way, never going by a pattern. It was fun and lots of afghans and scarves came from my creative mind, but I was limited as to what I could create. There was so much more to learn. So, my friend taught me that if I could learn to read a pattern I could accomplish anything. 

She would bring along a pattern and I would watch intently as she showed me each stitch that would complete the pattern. I could pick it up quickly as long she was showing me, but once I got home I would get lost. That can be a struggle when you're wanting to create something. Patience isn't easy when you want to keep going, but getting stuck holds you back. 

While picking out yarn for a next project, which is always fun, I found a great crocheting book with hundreds of patterns and stitches. It even shows a picture of the pattern and each stitch. Surly I could figure this out on my own after having such a great teacher guide me thus far. I came home, opened up the book with excitement and began picking out patterns. 

I'm slowly making my way through this book. Each month I pick out a new pattern to learn, grab some yarn that fits my mood, and my fingers are moving like magic. When you have a creative mind it's important to always keep that flowing. Oh, it gives such peace to the soul. Starting out with a piece of yarn, learning to entwine it around a hook and loop it through in many different ways, comes from determination and learning patience. I always begin learning with just a small pattern so that I can master it before moving on to the bigger project. There are many times I have to unravel the mess I've created, the stitch I missed, or the knot in the yarn that has me stumped. Starting over isn't always easy. I've had to redo rows and rows that have taken hours to accomplish. Sometimes I have to keep going back to the book for more instruction or just me taking another look to make sure I'm following the correct pattern. Each time I learn something new.

In this life we can make it for a while, trying things our own way, but we learn we are limited as to what we can achieve on our own. When we follow God's instruction the possibilities become endless as to what we can accomplish through Him.

Ms. Joy being my instructor didn't teach me to follow her, but the pattern. A good teacher gives the student all the tools needed for study. They now want you to take all you have learned and now experience the journey of growth as you continue to be advantageous in learning.

I began as an amateur, but through continued learning I'm growing more qualified as I increase in knowledge. I'm able to create beyond what I could have ever imagined. I see those first stitches as I see my first steps with Jesus. I am now able to see what can be created by following a perfect design.

When I show Ms. Joy a new afghan I've created she is so excited and she will say, "See, I told you if you could learn to read a pattern you could do anything". It makes me feel so wonderful to know that she is over the top proud of me.


Just think how our Lord reacts when we finally get it! When we have followed His instruction and have learned something remarkable He is overjoyed. Can you envision Him when His children have succeeded in creating beauty? He is our Instructor. We the apprentice. Follow Him and we will never again be limited in our accomplishments. 

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

How Far Would You Go?

How far would you go to save your friend?

Would you run in a burning house to rescue them from the flames?

Would you leap over the bridge in hopes of bringing them ashore?

Would you run across desert sand just to reach for their hand? 

Would you lay down your own life?

Jesus would.

Jesus did.

He did it for you and for me. He gave all. He didn't have to. But love gave Him reason. Heaven gave Him cause and His Father gave Him strength.

He crushed the enemy. He is the sword that keeps him at bay. His grace surrounds us each moment as His tender mercies continue to flow. Through Him we find victory. We find life. We find love. Meaning, hope, and security. He is our purpose. He is our forever friend.

Do you know Him? I mean, do you really know Him? He is our faithful Savior who gave His life for yours. Seek Him today. Surrender to Him now. Don't wait. Don't think you can make it all on your own. If you don't know Jesus your missing so much. Maybe you know Him and you have chosen to walk away. Resurrect your relationship with Him today. Find your first love again.

With Jesus we find life everlasting. We find meaning in everything that touches us. We see with a new vision. Jesus is everything.

I can't imagine life without Him. I only want to be where my Jesus is. He is my Treasure. My heart seeks Him. In Him is where I find purpose. I find understanding. It is in Him that I am complete in this mess of a world.

Trust Him today. He can give you a new hope and a new direction for your life. Nothing is more important than the decision you make today to follow Jesus. Accept Him and He will be with you all the days of your life and forevermore.

"For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him." 

John 3:16-17

A Sanctuary Found

It's a cool Missouri evening. This is unusual for us in July, so I want to take full advantage. With my bucket hat upon my head, I grab my pen and paper and pop a seat on the front steps of our deck. 

I'm taking in everything around me. What is it that You, want me to see, Lord? I spy four bunnies feasting on greens in our garden. A mixture of multi-colored cows graze in the pasture across from us. I hear a tractor near by cutting hay for the winter feed. 

Our trees are alive with a variety of birds. I know of two nests. One in back under our deck. This momma bird is a smart one to place her nest so perfectly protective. Five baby birds feed throughout the day as momma and daddy take turns. I expect to see an empty nest any day now as they are getting bigger than the nest. This is the second nest of babes for this momma and daddy. Maybe a third will grace our summer. 

Another is in the front, perched under the leaves so tenderly in our Red-bud tree. A tiny baby wren waits as momma and daddy take turns going from nest to flight catching insects in midair. 

A light rain just passed over. I can still smell it's arrival of freshness. Everything seems to take a big drink, including me. I close my eyes and take it all in. Such peace after a shower. Cicadas are awakening for the evening choir meeting. I can hear a hummingbird visiting our Mimosa tree. 

As the breeze blows my hair I know that this is my sanctuary. Not just the place. Yes, Lord, I hear You.  It's more than that. It's the beauty that captures my senses and takes me straight to God, our Creator of all beauty. A moment of thanksgiving serenity. 

Frogs are singing in the sweetness of the evening. Robins are tugging at worms. I look up as I hear a plane go overhead. I find myself pondering where the people on-board are headed. Are they flying away from sadness to find a place of peace or could they be flying home to unexpected news? Maybe it's a vacation destination away from the hustle and bustle of life. 

The tractor slows to a crawl. Will the farmer go home to a happy evening or will he sit with his wife at the kitchen table covered in unpaid bills? Do you ever wonder about those around us? Just how they spend their evenings? Oh, the peace we all seek. 

As the world around me is topsy turvy, upside down and wrong-side out, this right here is my sanctuary. I feel God testify to me just how real and present He is in my life. He's in everything beauty around me. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but what I know for sure is that the God who created all of this beauty around me is in total control. No matter what, He is here and present, never leaving the daughter He loves. I ponder all He has given me. All to take in and explore how mighty He is. If God can do all this and provide for the smallest of creatures, how much more is He going to do for me?

We can lose sight of that at times. Our sanctuary is invaded, our faith is shaken, and we lose sight of what we know for sure. Satan blankets us with doubt and there goes our sanctuary. Where is your sanctuary? We all need that place we can go to experience the extraordinary of God. 

Life can beat us up so badly that we think there can never be peace found. So much can go wrong in a day. So much hurting around us. Often it's almost too much. I'm learning that peace isn't found in the perfect of the day when all is good and right. No, it's found in the midst of the storm. It's that God-spot that can only be found when trust and belief meet. 

Don't lose hope, my friend. Keep hope alive in your sanctuary. Pretty soon your sanctuary isn't just a place you go to escape. It becomes something you take with you every place you go.

"Don't you yourselves know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" 

1 Corinthians 3:16

"Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with god through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 5:1

"And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7

Cowardly Heart of Love

It will be two years this coming Halloween that we had to say goodbye to our seven year old Dachshund, Daisy. From the moment my husband and son gifted me with this precious pup I was in love. Just didn't know how much a pup could change me, teach me, and bring such joy to my life. 

I've written about Daisy many times. She was not only smarter than most people I know, she was funny contagious. Her personality shined through every antic and her heart shown mighty big through each time she stayed near my side when I wasn't feeling good. I tell you, that pup knew when a migraine was about to hit. 

She loved without fault. She knew no limit of time. When we left the house, no matter for ten minutes or three hours, when we returned it was like we had been gone for months. I still can't think of her without a smile and a tear ready to fall. I never knew it was possible to miss a pup so much. But for those seven years she graced our home we were side by side. Everything thing I did throughout the day she was with me. 

Early this morning I was dreaming and in my dream there she was running through the house ninety miles an hour, spinning as her feet hit the curve of the kitchen, sliding around and then heading off to go at it again. I sat up in bed expecting to see her. But she wasn't to be. It was just a dream, but one that brought sweetness to my heart. 

When Daisy was about three she hurt her back. That first time was serious and extremely painful for her, but she recovered after nearly eight weeks of being still. Try that with a Dachshund LOL. Not an easy feat. That wouldn't be her last back injury. They would come more frequent and as she grew older it would take longer for her to heal. Just as she had always been at my side, I too was next to her, praying, and helping to bring her to healing. But this last time was much too serious. She had never been in such pain. I knew. My husband knew. It was time to say goodbye. 

Years before I had made a promise that I wouldn't just keep Daisy here for my own selfishness. But to say goodbye would break my heart. But I prayed that I would know when that time came that I would know what to do. 

It was Halloween day. I was waiting for my husband to get home so we could go see our grands all decked out in their Superman and Wonder-woman costumes. Daisy had been recovering from her last bout with her back. I knew it was taking longer than usual and felt something was wrong. My husband and son walked through the door and Daisy moved wrong and that was it. She was wretched with pain like never before. I knew I had to call our veterinarian immediately. He couldn't come to us right away and we couldn't move Daisy to drive her to him. So, we waited and it was excruciating. 

My husband, the farmer, who had never been attached to any kind of animal, loved this pup as much as me. He looked at me through tears and said, "Babe, go to your mom's house and I will call you after Gavin has left. You can't be here. It's too much for you." Through tears, "I can't leave Daisy. But how I can I watch her in such pain?" I got down on the floor and snuggled up close to Daisy. I kissed her head and ran my fingers through her fur as gently as I could and shared with her that I loved her. She knew she was loved. Daisy was a pup that seemed to speak with her eyes straight through to the heart.

I went to my mom's house and met my daughters with the grands. My husband knew that with me at Daisy's side was causing her to move even more and it was better if he could be with her quietly and wait for Gavin. I sat at my moms with tears streaming as I shared with my mom that Steve was waiting on Gavin to come. My mom cried with me. I seen my grands and oh, they gave me such a blessing. How could I not be there at home with my husband? What was wrong with me? Was I such a coward that I couldn't be there? Yes, I was. I have carried that with me every day. 

My phone rang. Through tears my husband said, "Rob, you can come home now". I drove in silence. Nothing but tears streaming. How could I walk into our home and not see Daisy meet me at the door? How could I not see that living room curtain move as her poked her little head through to see who was home? 

You know, I think my husband needed that time alone with Daisy. It had always been me with her for weeks and weeks, sleeping next to her on the floor while my hubs was working and unable to be with her. He wrapped his arms around Daisy and as Gavin entered our home. As much pain as Daisy was in she was still excited to see him. 

I came home that evening. I walked into the kitchen and picked up Daisy's favorite blanket and covered my face in it. I noticed only half of it was there. I looked at my husband. He knew my question. This man, this farmer, my husband, looked at me and said, "Babe, it was her favorite. It's what I wrapped her when I buried her". My heart broke for him. He carried Daisy outdoors that evening, wrapped in her blanket and buried her in our yard. How could I have allowed him to do all of that alone? 

Even though almost two years has passed my heart still aches over not being there. I wasn't there for Daisy and I wasn't there to walk through this moment my husband nor I had ever faced before. I feel like such a coward. I can tell you that I have yet to share my heart with my husband. Even as I write these words I feel ashamed that I wasn't here. I know he asked me to go. He knew my heart. He knew this wasn't a situation that was going to just pass. He was protecting me. But in the same time I should have told him, "No, I'm not leaving you. I will sit right here with you and Daisy". 

See, the truth is, I wish I could go back in time to that day. I would have held her a little tighter so she didn't wriggle out of my arms and injure herself more. She was always so excited when her family came home. I would have taken more time and not been in such a rush to leave the house that day. Most of all I would have remained at the side of my husband, the man with a heart that has grown the size of Texas. Saying goodbye to Daisy was one of the most difficult moments in my life. 

But, if I'm honest I have to admit that if I could go back I wouldn't have wanted to be there. What does that say about me? I hope I get to see this little one again one day. I don't know how all that works. Maybe I will see her in heaven. Maybe God has a special place for those pets that have truly brought healing and so much love to our hearts. I do know I still miss her. Still think about her each day I drop food while cooking or see a dryer sheet float to the floor. When you have a pup everything about your day seems to move around them. She certainly left a love print on my heart. 

It's been almost two years and I'm still working these emotions out in my heart. I had been there for Daisy every single time. I never left her. But here, in this moment when she needs me the most, I left her. She wasn't alone. She was with my husband, her buddy. They were such friends. Amazing how this pup changed the heart of my husband and created room for more grace in his heart.

Friendship with a pup is life lasting. No matter how much time we share with our pets they leave an imprint on our heart that changes us. God certainly knew what He was doing when He opened our home to this beautiful Diva. Our lives will be forever blessed. I know without a doubt she would forgive me. She was my friend. My companion for seven years. She was a pup full of life and love. That's exactly what she brought into our lives. We still have her leash wrapped around the front door. I'm not sure how long it will remain there, but for now, it's our way of saying, we will always remember. 

Five Brides by Eva Marie Everson

I was delighted with Eva Marie Everson's newest release! I'm a huge fan and always expect a blessing, but this novel went far past my expectations. It is thus far my fave of Everson's writings. This girl is definitely carrying her gift with the intent on not only sharing a great story that captures the heart, but sharing the gospel and a faith for the soul. She is extraordinary in giving the reader an opportunity to not only meet the characters, but fall in love with them. I notice it even more so in this selection. She brings the characters penned on black and white to life. She gives enough detail to allow the reader to have the feeling they are present and leaves enough room for the imagination to soar. I'd say for sure that Eve Marie Everson is a true word weaver!

This story is genius. It could be described as similar to girlfriends sharing a pair of jeans, but it's so much more! These girls all come from different backgrounds, come together, and purchase a wedding gown to be used when each of them marry. The last bride will be the keeper of the gown. Love it!! 

Some of the characters are explored a bit more in detail. Could that mean there could be a sequel? I loved each of these girls and love how Eva gave us characters who are not perfect. We see their struggles within the heart, wanting to be loved, valued, and accepted. They come from a decade that captures my heart, but seems far from what Americans view today as love and proper. Oh, if I could go back in time, but wait, Eva gave me that opportunity in this beautifully penned novel. 

It's extraordinary and a fantastic read in which I took my time reading. Oh, I wanted to flip pages as quickly as I could. There was always something with these girls that was ever-changing and left me hoping for them, but I wanted to enjoy every morsel. I knew it would come to end far too soon. This is what makes a exceptionally gifted writer. When she leaves the reader pondering and stirs their heart, she is creating room for the reader to grow and expand their senses into a world most of us can only dream.

If you're searching for a great summer read choose, "Five Brides"!! This novel was enchanting. I wish I could go back in time to this period when all seemed so much different than today's world. Ah, but Eva has given me a bit of that gift through this extraordinary novel!

This novel was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review with you. 

Eva Marie Everson is a multiple-award-winning author and speaker. She is president of Word Weavers International, director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, and enjoys coaching new authors through her company, Pen in Hand. Eva Marie and her husband are the parents of three fabulous children who have blessed them with the world's greatest grandchildren.