Flag of the Week

When I saw this flag on the grill of a firetruck, I was so intrigued I took a picture to share with you.

What's the most interesting flag you've seen?

Challenge for Lent

A friend of mine, Cathy Miller, challenged me to give up one article of clothing every day for Lent. I'm not very extravagant when it comes to shopping. I usually shop for a specific occasion or when I've worn something out. But I thought giving up something every day of Lent would not only help me grow closer to God, but it will help others in need of clothing.

I would not have come up with this idea on my own, so thanks to Cathy for challenging me.


In case you're not sure what Lent is, it start with Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this time we remember Jesus' forty days of fasting and time in the desert. Easter is the day Jesus rose from the dead. Many Christians use this time to reflect and pray in preparation for Easter.

This year each time I step in my closet to select an article of clothing, I'll remember Jesus' sacrifice for us.





As I began collecting clothes, I wondered if there is other junk in my life weighing me down. Are there other things I could share with others besides clothing? (I'm sure my husband would say I could give away some of my books. I have quite a few piles everywhere.


Are you doing anything special for Lent?

Flag of the Week

This week's flags of the week come from sunny and warm Florida. I'm ready for some warm sunny weather, but this is as close as I'm going to get right now. Enjoy!

Love Is In the Air

Have you noticed love is in the air? Before long it'll be Valentine's Day, and I'm seeing the signs.

Here's a cute little chocolate covered ladybug. I don't know how much it cost the giver, but it is so cute. Only somebody in love, or serious like, would give this to his girlfriend.

Some people go for a more personal touch and bake up some love.

And then there's the love of a good dog. Tim was out of town for eight days, and Heinz missed him like crazy. The mornings are their time. Each morning I"d get up and take Heinz out, feed him, and take him out again. Still the little stinker lay at the door hoping to see his master.



Pitiful and sweet at the same time. Now that's true love.

(Just so you know, I missed Tim like crazy too, but I didn't lay down on the floor in front of the door.)

Flag of the Week

Remember our friend Matthew Bradford? This week's flag comes from Matthew speaking at a Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation event.

In case you missed meeting Matthew, he is a proud Marine and a Purple Heart Recipient who lives every day as if it was his last day. He's an American Hero.

A Prayer for our Military by Debby Giusti

Last week when I was organizing my office, I came across A Prayer for our Military written by Debby Giusti. I contacted Debby and asked if I could share it.


She graciously said, "Yes, I'd love for you to use the prayer."


Debby writes romantic suspense stories with a military theme. I asked her why she focused on the military, and she said, "My dad was career Army, as was my husband. My son just retired from the military. He had four deployments into war zones so not only have I prayed for my son throughout his career, but also for all those in uniform. The guys and gals sacrifice so much for our country. I wanted to encourage prayer for their protection and safe return home and have been distributing the Prayer for Our Military to do just that. God bless all of them...and God bless the families who support them.

Because of being an Army brat, Army wife and Army mom, my editor asked if I'd like to write a military series. Of course, I said yes! The eighth book in my Military Investigations series, PLAIN DANGER, is in bookstores this month and is also available as an ebook on Amazon. The next story, PLAIN TRUTH, will be out in the fall. Each story stands alone so the books can be read in any order."

I've always enjoyed reading Debby's stories and can't wait to get my copy of Plain Truth.

Here's the prayer:

Lord, protect our military deployed around the world. Be their armor of righteousness as they stand firm against the enemy. Keep them physically, mentally and spiritually strong. Comfort them in times of hardship, and bring them safely home to the families who eagerly await their return. Amen.

Thanks to Debby for sharing and thanks to her family and all the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

American Heroes

My son, Scott, got me started reading books about American heroes. He suggested I read The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL.
With this book, I was hooked. Eric Greitens' journey moved me. His life is a picture of servanthood and a challenge to the reader to become a better person.

“There were a number of definitions of courage, but now I was seeing it in its simplest form: you do what has to be done day after day, and you never quit.”
― Eric Greitens, The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL

The next book I read was A Warrior's Faith. At points in this story about Ryan Job's life I was impressed, mad, and heartbroken.

I am currently reading, Seal of God by Chad Williams. He takes you into his journey of becoming a Navy SEAL. I'd heard of Hell Week, but there is so much more to their training I'd never dreamed about.

Reading books about our American heroes has given me a deeper appreciation for our service men and women and their families. My ears perk up when I hear stories on the news about our military personnel, and I pray more for them.

I'd like to challenge you to read at least one book this year about an American hero.