Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Before I even begin to write my review I feel like I need to apologize. I have read books by Richard Mabry that I have enjoyed immensely. This novel doesn't fall into a favorite for me. I was intrigued when I seen the cover and read the description. I was expecting a novel that focused around the medical field. Other than the main character, Shannon, being a doctor, and all of her friends being doctors, it had nothing to do with medical field. To me, with the title, "Critical Condition", I'm leaning to believe this is a suspense novel that has something to do with what the cover projects.

Richard Mabry's words flow easily. He does give an interesting story. But, I couldn't connect. I kept reading, waiting to fall in love with the characters, but it never happened. I enjoy reading unforgettable, and I'm so sorry to say, but this doesn't fall in that category for me.

The story moved along at a slow pace. Yes, in the beginning, Shannon's boyfriend dies right before her eyes. (I'm not giving away any details) Next, shots are fired and there a man who lay dying on her front lawn. The story builds from here into who done it and just how is Shannon involved.

So, I've said I really didn't find a connection with the characters and the story moved slowly for me. But there are good things in this novel too. We meet Shannon's sister, Megan, who to me, is the main focus in this story. She has fallen from grace. Life hasn't been easy and her choices, well, haven't been the best. But she turns her life around. Rehab actually works for her. Life is different now, but circumstances occur and now all eyes are on Megan again. She is being questioned and treated as if, what's happening, is just expected from her. Megan is free from her old life, but does that really ever escape her?

Shannon questions her faith. A faith that is all tied up in doubt and question, but it's a faith that isn't dead. We do get to see her life change from the fear that held her captive into a now faith lived life. So, see, there are a quite many good things within this story. It just wasn't what I expected.



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

Praying Honest

Don't ignore your heart. Admit your anger. See through to your bitterness. Restlessness and anxiety are real. They are powerful tools for the enemy who wants to destroy your heart, mind and soul. We wake each day with so much on our minds. The list is endless. We have good days and those that seem never ending. Our hearts can become stone. Our blood can boil at the drop of a word. Life is hard. Don't you agree? 

We often bottle up everything and when we come to pray we don't share with Jesus what's real. We stay in a comfort zone. "Dear, Jesus, I pray for Sally Mae as she has surgery this morning. I lift up Kathy who is suffering from cancer. I lay Joe at Your feet as he faces a new obstacle. I ask for a special blessing upon Kim and Rick as they are facing divorce." Sound familiar? 

I'm not saying anything at all is wrong with this prayer, but after all, aren't we speaking with Jesus? He already knows our prayer before we speak it. He knows of every situation. Friends, He knows we are filled with anger and resentment. Why not simply be real with the One who gave all for us? 

"Dear Jesus. I'm mad. No, not mad. I'm furious. I don't understand. I don't get why Kim and Rick are getting divorced. I don't know what the deal is, but Joe is having a hard time and nothing is making sense. Why does he keep falling deeper into depression? Can't You help him? Sally Mae is the sweetest woman I've ever met. She has no one at her side and well, it makes me angry that her kids are not there with her. Kathy is battling cancer again for the third time. Jesus, sweet Jesus, help me! Help me, help others. Open my heart. I don't understand, but I sure don't want to be filled with doubt and anger. As I lay these folks at Your feet, give them peace and courage. Empower them, transform them, and enable them." 

We must be intentional in prayer. It's okay to be honest with Jesus. Friends, it's okay to be angry. It's okay to not understand. We face many different obstacles each day. We have troubles at home, at work, at school. You name it, someone is facing it. We can't look too far without seeing someone in need. We become furious at a friend. We're wounded by our church. A tornado takes our home. Shout out that anger. Release that bitterness. Let the rage your feeling out so it doesn't eat you alive. Jesus understands. He understands more than we can imagine. We are desperate to let go, but we are fearful we can't share our deepest worries and hurts with Jesus. What would He think? He already knows. He wants us to feel His strength and comfort. We cannot be transformed until we are ready to surrender everything. 

Our prayer time should be a conversation with Jesus. I can tell you there are times I'm praying as I do the dishes. Others I may be driving. My son has walked in my bedroom as I am laying down in rest, praying out loud for my children. But there are times I'm home alone and I'm face down on the floor, tears streaming and I'm praying as if it's my last prayer. I have screamed out to God. I have prayed in silence. Jesus wants a relationship with us. He wants to have a conversation. He wants us to share and as our tears dry, He wants us to listen. 

I struggle with my prayer life. I can admit that I can be a strong prayer warrior, but then I can find myself deep in study. I can begin reading a book in the Bible and find myself there for days upon days, just soaking it all in as I wonder. But as I study I notice that my prayer time lessens. Soon, it's been a few days since I've shared with Jesus. Sometimes even longer. I can get so mad at Jesus I just don't want to talk to Him. Have you been there? 

But there is a flip side to that. I can find myself so deep in prayer that I allow my study time to dwindle into nothing. What I'm learning is that I must find balance. The first step for me was admitting to Jesus that I was struggling. The second was learning to be intentional. 

I suppose I've been learning quite a few lessons in my walk. One thing that leaves me breathless is the fact that my Savior intercedes for me. He goes to the Father on my behalf. When I don't know what to pray and when I no longer have any idea what to say, He goes to the Father for me. That is mighty love. 

See, we often worry about the prayer life of others and just where they are on their walk, but see, that's what's so sweet about our relationship with Jesus. There's no other like it. It's our personal journey with Him. We can't compare ourselves to others. We are all in different places. And amazingly our Jesus understands that and He meets each us where we are. Unconditional love. 

We must leave the candle burning. We can't just light it and walk away. Friends, we must intercede for others. Ever have someone just come to mind out of no where? Just maybe the Spirit is leading us to pray for that person. It's a wonderful gift to have open communication with Jesus. No matter what time of day or night, no matter where we are, or who we are with, we can come to prayer. 

Something I've begun in my prayer life is opening up my heart and just praying as the words spill out of my mouth. Whether I'm angry or bitter. Whether it's something I don't understand. I simply share with Jesus. I pray for healing, comfort and strength for those that come to mind. But then I pray for God's will. "If Sally Mae must face this surgery, Lord, use every moment for Your glory. As You are with her, bring her to find a sweeter friendship with You. Lord, use us for Your purpose and plan, and give us everything we need to fulfill Your glorious works."

Friends, don't ignore your heart. Be real with Jesus. He will meet you right where you are and He will bring peace to your heart and comfort where anxiety once lived. Our walk isn't day by day. It's moment by moment and the more time we spend with Him, the more blessings we are going to uncover. 

"Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always." 

1 Chronicles 14:11

"In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings." 

Romans 8:26

"Pray constantly." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:6-7

"Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints." 

Ephesians 6:18

Four Margaritas

You know what I'm uncovering? Most of the things we worry about never come to fruition. Recently I had surgery on my hand. It was the third surgery on the same hand. I can be honest with you and share that I was completely terrified. My biggest fear? The block. If your not familiar with a block, it's a shot that numbs the entire arm so when you wake from surgery you feel no pain whatsoever. Now, that part is a blessing, but when your fingers begin to tingle, watch out!!

With the first two blocks I had a LOT of pain with them. They go right under the collarbone and sometimes under the arm too. (That was my first one). The second block I had was some serious pain. So, as you can imagine the night before surgery sleep did not come. Even in the morning as I prepared to leave I felt as though I just wanted to keep my pain and ignore the surgery. But, I knew that wasn't an option.

My hubs was able to stay with me until I went back to surgery. Everyone was so nice, but that niceness still didn't take away my fears. I had prayed for God's peace and courage and calm. I knew He was there, but I also remembered.

Now, as I laid on my bed and had doctors and nurses enter and prepare, one speaks up and says, "Ah, we've got ourselves a wiggler". My anesthesiologist says, "Yep, we sure do. She's gonna wiggle right out of this bed. But I'm getting ready to give her a nice cocktail." That perked me right up. He asked me if I liked Margaritas and I said, "It's been a very long time since I've had a margarita." He smiles and says, "Well, since your already tucked in and safe, your gonna have about four of them right now." LOL Hello!!

Obviously he thought I was ready to proceed. I'd rather just kept my margaritas and headed home. But here they all came and the needle came out. They tell me, "Ya know, your last block was seven years ago. Things have changed and your gonna be surprised." Do you know, I barely felt them give me my block! Sure, there was pressure and it was uncomfortable, but nothing..nothing like I'd remembered. I had held on to that fear, a fear, that didn't need to be there, for so long, and it all turned out just fine.

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses every thought will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

 Philippians 4:6-7

Matthew 6:25-34

Friends, we can spend time looking back or looking forward, when in reality we simply need to look at right now. Fear can trap us in the past and keep us from moving forward. It too can rush us so far ahead, that we lose sight of the right now. We can allow our fears to get the best of us. Fear can encapsulate us.

What I needed to do was pray. I needed to share every deep fear with Jesus and trust Him. Even if it did hurt, there was nothing I could do about it. Just in the cases of those first two. Yes, they were super painful, but you know what? I got through them! They only lasted a few minutes and it was over. But look at the time I've wasted in fear? We lose so much when we concentrate on fear.

Friends, is there something you are fearing right now as you read these words? Please, surrender that fear to Jesus. Be honest with Him. Give Him your anxiety and unsettledness and watch what He does. I am learning more and more to rely on my Jesus. He truly is our Everything. Place all your trust in Him and know without a doubt that He is going to lead you through. Just as the doctors shared with me. A lot changes in seven years. Friends, a lot can change within one moment. Don't lose hope. Find yourself in the comfort and courage of Jesus.

I was in fear from the very moment I scheduled my surgery. Oh, I trusted my surgeon. Loved the hospital. But the fear of that block stole an entire month away from me. I allowed Satan a stronghold that I should have surrendered to the Lord. There is no room for fear in our lives. None. And you know what? Everything turned out all right. I learned a huge lesson. Fear does nothing for us. In giving in to that fear I wasn't trusting Jesus. I was letting Satan tell me that Jesus wasn't enough. And friends, Jesus is always enough.

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear."

John Newton

Big Picture Interactive Bible by B&H Kids Holman Bible Publishing

First I must share that HCSB is my favorite Bible! There just isn't another like it. Holman publishes the best of the best in Bibles. I have an outstanding study Bible that I absolutely love. So, when I received this children's Bible for review I was over the top excited. I now have grandkiddos that are going to love spending time learning stories that they will connect with over a lifetime. 

This Bible is for boys between the ages of 8-12, but it could really be used for a girl too. And the ages can also vary according to your child. You are the best judge of that. I encourage you to follow the highlighted links and check out all of the children's Bibles. You are sure to find the perfect Bible to fit your little one. 

This is a beautiful and inviting Bible. The pictures are big and bold. I think that's a great visual aid for little ones. They tend to ask more questions and can connect with the story on a whole new level.

There too are memory verses for little ones to begin learning. I must be honest. I'd LOVE to carry this Bible!! God's Words are highlighted in red. I always love that added gift. There are maps, a dictionary, and many AWESOME sections such as; Big Questions, Christ Connection, Seeing the Big Picture, Big Words and many more cool stuff that will draw little ones in. 

Hands down this is the best Children's Bible I have seen. You can even download an app! Now that's pretty cool stuff for kids!! This would make a great gift for little ones and most of all, it will make for a wonderfully sweet time between parent and child. 

This Bible was a gift from Holman Bible Publishing for sharing my review with you. 

Wedded To War by Jocelyn Green

Wow!!! Jocelyn Green can pen a magnificent story. She is an outstanding storyteller. I first read, "Widow of Gettysburg", (check out my review),which is the second book in the series. Yes, I'm going a bit backwards, but it doesn't matter at all. This series doesn't have to be read in order. Whichever book you start with is going to make you fall in love with Jocelyn Green. 

If you love history this is a book that will take you back to another time and place. Through Jocelyn's words you can feel the surroundings. You don't have to imagine too hard. She easily takes you there on a journey into the life and times of the people of the Civil War. The characters are rich and courageous. Something I love about his series is that it left me inspired. 

It's hard to imagine a time when it was frowned upon for women to enter the profession of nursing. That's exactly what the main character, Charlotte, faces as we meet her in this wondrous novel. We not only are able to connect with Charlotte on an emotional level, but we see the ravages of the war. Jocelyn isn't afraid to share a story and one that is inspired by the women of this time. 

We meet many characters. Some you will fall in love with and others will make you madder than a hornet. This series should be in every library. History lovers will soak up each and every chapter and those who have yet to love our history will close the last page with a new determination to explore history. 

I love the cover. It encapsulates the character so well. The title is brilliant. Charlotte makes the choice to follow what she is called to do no matter what others think. She leaves the privilege behind and lives a life of compassion and mercy. Character traits from her father. I promise you this is one that will leave you pondering a time that many have forgotten. 

This book was a gift from Moody Publishing for sharing my review with you. 

JOCELYN GREEN is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor. A former military wife, she authored, along with contributing writers, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008) and Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2011). Jocelyn is also co-author for Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009), which won the Gold Medal from Military Writers Society of America in 2010. She is the editor of www.WivesinBloom.com, the online magazine of Christian Military Wives, and maintains her own award-winning Web site for military wives at www.faithdeployed.com . She holds a B.A. in English from Taylor University, and is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Christian Authors Network. She and her husband have two children and reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

What Follows After by Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh is gifted with the pen. His words leave me breathless at times. When I open a book penned by Dan I know I'm in for a rich blessing. I too know when I close the last page I'm going to be left wanting more. 

I am seriously blown away by the novels Dan pens. He is truly a gifted storyteller. This is one of those novels that stays with you after you have closed the last page. He gives the reader so much to think about. Life lessons are grown throughout the pages. The story begins and you know without a doubt you are about to embark on a journey no one else is able to provide. 

This novel is rich. The characters are undeniably relatable. The story begins in 1962. I wasn't even born yet, but Dan is able to bring me back in time to a place that has left a mark in history forever. 

I loved, "What Follows After". The title and cover are so telling. This is another inviting novel that I couldn't put down. This is an emotional read. One that enters the heart of family. What we allow others to see and what we would rather keep secret. But as we see, nothing is off limits. The more we try to cover up the more the Lord moves to uncover so healing and freedom may come. 

We learn what really matters. We learn to let go of the seemingly important of the world and grasp a hold of the real and lasting. Yes! This is why I love novels penned by Dan Walsh. He takes the reader on a journey and you come out with a new perspective and appreciation for what really matters. 

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

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley, as well as The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more.

Orchard of Hope by Ann Gabhart

I can tell you without a doubt that Ann Gabhart is one of my favorite authors. Not only is she a fave writer, but one sweetheart of a woman. I so admire her and one day hope to inspire others through writing as she does.

This is part of the Hollyhill Series. I began with reading, "Scent of Lilacs", and then went on to book 3, "Summer of Joy". (You can check out all of my reviews of Ann's books.) So, I was blessed when Ann sent me book 2 to complete the series! 

Everyone should visit Hollyhill. It's a place that holds such beauty and grace. The characters are real. They are people we are able to connect with and grow with. You could say this is a coming of age of story for the main character, Jocie Brooke, but this series is filled with characters that will touch your heart. 

I fell in love with Jocie when I met her in, "Scent of Lilacs". I would have thought this to be my fave of the series, but then I went on to read the last of the series and again was simply blessed by the sweetness of Jocie. Even though she is young, she is a girl that inspires me and encourages me to walk in grace and love. 

In, "Orchard of Hope", it is 1964. A time that brought change for everyone. Change that wasn't easy. Life wasn't easy, but the characters of Hollyhill were determined to make a difference with the changes that were heading straight for their town.

They are in the south, but not the deep south. Still yet, racism didn't leave their town void. Evil tried to hit the town of Hollyhill. The war was taking place. Camelot was falling. No matter how much they tried to keep the evils away, they still touched the hearts of those living in Hollyhill. The KKK was alive and they were ready to roar, but God had other plans for those who loved Him. He was about to use all the evil for good. 

This book carries a bit of everything. Jocie is filled with questions as life is ever-changing. She sees people from the heart. She is able to see beauty in everyone. She is that girl who simply wants everyone to soar. She's a dreamer and she too isn't settling for common anytime soon. She is ready to stand and make change for the better. 

Romance is alive. A baby comes. Friends come home. For some, loss is something they must come to face. For others, freedom is ready to be found. 

Ann's words flow with beauty. Her novels are easy. The words leave an imprint upon your heart. If you haven't been blessed to read a book penned by Ann this is a great beginning!! 

I see Ann has a new book coming in June. "Love Comes Home", is one you surly don't want to miss!!

This book was a gift from Ann Gabhart for sharing my review with you. 

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author ofAngel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey

Billy Coffey writes lyrical. Poetic. Deep. This is the first novel I've read penned by Billy Coffey. I'm excited to read more of this author. This book was fascinating. 

I'm hoping to read, "When Mockingbirds Sing". He is a writer who brings the reader to the deep. A territory no one wants to visit. The past. Living in the present can be overrated when the past overrides every joy. These characters cannot get past the guilt and shame they carry. Sins of the past have a way of destroying everything good of today unless we can totally surrender. 

These characters are holding onto such deep pain. A wretched torment. Their journey is one of forgiveness. Finding forgiveness and most of all forgiving themselves. 

The main characters are in agony and almost live as though the more they do for others the past will somehow just erase. All they want is to make it through the night without being tormented by dreams. These dreams even begin to walk with them throughout the day. They seem so real. The pain of the past is real. 

I loved traveling this journey of finding forgiveness and redemption with these characters. It's a journey that is one we must all travel at one time or another. They  find salvation and freedom. When they are released from the past they are able to live new and find that as the Devil too walks among us, Christ is at the center of all. 

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

Downtime Healing

Bandages cover up what the eye isn't ready to see. 

They come off. The bruises are dull and ugly. 

The pain is real and deep. 

Healing begins. At first each movement is agony. I'm almost afraid to move. But I gently wiggle my thumb to make sure..well..to make sure of what I'm not sure. Maybe just that I can feel it. Oh, but I don't want to feel the pain. It's intense. I'm wishing for the day when the pain has disappeared. 

There is numbness. But underneath that numb is life beating. 

I must face my limitations. That's not easy. It's almost unheard of. I'm not one to sit and wait. Patience is a lesson I'm still learning. This is a lesson that doesn't come easy, but it's one that I'm facing head on. After surgery I'm not able to do much of anything. As I peck away at the keys with my left hand, my right there screaming at me. "I wanna be used!" 

Just as beauty flows from the deep inside, healing to begins within. Tiny moments of feeling return. The bruises are fading. Skin is being rejuvenated with moisturizer. Slowly what was broken is being renewed. 

It's a journey. Not even a day by day journey, but a moment by moment. One step forward and two steps back. 

In stillness healing takes place. In rest peace is found. In time God transforms. 

My old hand may never be. I may not be able to write perfection. A softball may not fly from my hand again. But new has been gifted. 

The day will soon come that I  can brush the hair from my granddaughter's face. I can hold a barbie doll and pretend. I can push my grandson on the swing and tie his shoes. I can touch the face of our newest grandchild and with a kiss I can welcome this precious babe into the world. 

So much beauty to be shared. To be touched by the grace of God is to simply open my hands to Him. To look heavenward and feel the warmth of His mercy washed upon me. 

God often works in unconventional ways to bring us into the stillness of hearing His whisper. He has used this surgery to bring me closer to Him. Just a little downtime has a way of putting everything into perspective for us, doesn't it? We realize what is most valuable and what isn't of such high importance. 

So, what am I learning as I travel this road to healing? It takes time. Healing cannot be rushed. The bruises I still carry mean there is deep wounds. The stitches I can see are a reminder that healing isn't complete. The pain is still raw and there are nights that tears flow, but with that ugly pain and cheeks of pink, there too are mornings of sunshine and pure joy. 

I've spent time reading and reading and reading. Did I say, reading? I've studied until my eyes are blurred. The Word of God has been even more prevalent. Prayer is forever alive. Yes, this is what downtime is teaching me. There are times I need to slow down and just simply be. I need to let go of everything that isn't a deep priority and allow someone else to take the lead. I need to accept help and most of all I need to realize, that no matter the journey, I am never alone. 

I've had to admit to myself that I can't do everything. There are times in life where limitations hold us, but as I meet my limitations I too remind myself that there are no limitations for my Savior. He is capable of meeting my every need. 

Friend, I'm not sure what your facing today, but please know that your not alone. There isn't any facet of your life that God is not seeing and not moving in. There isn't anything wrong with downtime. In fact, it's something we often don't choose, but something God often sets in our path to teach and guide us to learn lessons we would never learn any other way.

"For we know all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

Guest Post written by friend Debbie Dillon

"She Bloomed Today!"

by

Debbie Dillon

She bloomed today!

After weeks of watching, waiting, watering, and yes…even a little praying…the long-anticipated event has come!

I stood there admiring her beauty over the rim of my coffee cup, me with my oh-so-alluring morning hair and sleepy smile.

She’d sat so long in the bud stage until finally this morning she announced her presence in a big, bright way. She caught my eye through the kitchen window all dressed in her vibrant coral red and I hurried out to greet her.

Seems the whole garden is just in that bud stage right now; holding life and color tightly beneath folded petals until just that right moment when it gets the official OK to throw back the covers of winter and bring glory to the new season.

Seems like such a tragedy to spend so much time in the bud stage…      doesn’t it?

All that time lost; weeks, months, years spent with arms folded and eyes downcast refusing to look at the world around us and fearful of sharing our many colors. I often write of those I’ve experienced who’ve gone through an entire lifetime tightly guarded, cautious, fearful and refusing to unfurl their gifts and talents… unyielding and unwilling to allow the heart to dream.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 

(1 Peter 4:10 NIV)

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,” 

(Ephesians 4:11)

I just want to encourage you today, friend…let the voice of your Creator speak louder than your fear. God will only ask you to share what He’s already equipped you to give!

Know that the world needs your passion!

It needs your heart and your many colors unfurled!

Share what makes your heart sing – chances are, you’ll encourage other hearts to sing along!

And when they do, the angels will rejoice and the trumpets will sound in a glorious, “Hallelujah! She bloomed today!”

About the Author: I’m Debbie Dillon, Founder/Editor of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine. I’ve been married to my Matthew for 25 years. I’m also a mom, church secretary, freelance writer, serious coffee drinker, chocolate devourer and dog lover. I love to cook and work in my garden, but I’m most passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with women all across the country. Visit me at christianwomensvoice.org and also my blog: writin4him.blogspot.com

Friends, isn't Debbie just lovely? Can you see her sweet spirit as the Lord flows through her writing? I encourage you all to take time and visit Deb's website where she writes regularly and also visit the site of Christian Women's Voice, a wonderful magazine that is sure to bless all.  Debbie, you bless me, dear friend. You pen from the heart and it always reaches deep for me. Thank you for sharing a guest post as I am recovering from surgery and unable to write.