I wanted to get to the end of 2024 having survived. At the end of 2023, we had relocated over 1900 miles to a new state, my sister had passed away from brain cancer, my father in law had passed away suddenly, my husband was unemployed. The Christmas season last year was a mind-numbing fog. This year, my husband has a wonderful job, we are settled into our new state, our kids are now looking for their own places. and although the loss of our loved ones is still painful, we can still smile.
Deadly Secret on Diamond Island – Chapter Two
Now available on Patreon! Continue in the mystery as Margarite and Natalie discover a journal!
Life’s Lessons
What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
For my husband and me, 2024 is one of the worst years we have ever navigated and will be happy to kiss it goodbye and forget it happened. That being said, I have learned:
Keep going. Remember every mountain you may climb has a peak
Use your struggles to encourage someone else.
Everyday has at least one thing in it to be grateful for.
Wisdom for Daily Living – Proverbs 3:5-6
A daily devotional for the new week from my newest blog series “30 Days of Proverbs for Wise Living.”
Consider, for example, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This passage is not merely a suggestion; it’s a command, an invitation to surrender our own limited perspectives and trust implicitly in God’s perfect wisdom. As we meditate on this verse, let us pray for the strength to relinquish our control, to cast our anxieties upon Him, and to trust in His unwavering guidance. Our prayer might sound like this: “Lord, I confess my tendency to rely on my own understanding, often leading me astray. Help me to trust in You completely, to surrender my will to Yours, and to walk confidently in the path You have laid out for me. Give me the courage to let go of my own plans and embrace Your perfect will for my life.”
Another powerful aspect of this journey is reflection. Reflection is not merely reviewing the day’s events; it’s a deeper process of introspection, guided by the wisdom found in Proverbs. After reading a proverb and praying for understanding, take time to consider how its principles apply to your own life. Journaling can be a valuable tool in this process. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and observations as you reflect on the verse. Ask yourself questions such as: “What is the core message of this
proverb?”, “How does this principle relate to my current circumstances?”, “What specific actions can I take to apply this wisdom to my life?”, and “What are the potential
obstacles, and how can I overcome them with God’s help?”
For instance, if you’re reflecting on Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans,” consider how this applies to a current project or goal. Do you find yourself relying solely on your own abilities and strategies, neglecting to seek God’s guidance and blessing? Your reflection might lead you to a prayer like this: “Lord, I bring this project before You. I acknowledge my limitations and my tendency to take control. I commit this endeavor to Your care, asking for Your wisdom, guidance, and strength to complete it according to Your will. Help me to trust in Your plan even when the path seems uncertain.”
The integration of prayer and reflection is not a one-time event but a continuous cycle. As you study each proverb, pray for understanding, reflect on its application to your life, and then pray again for strength and guidance to live it out. This cyclical process strengthens your relationship with God, deepening your understanding of His Word and fostering a more intimate connection with His wisdom. It’s a journey of continual growth and refinement, shaping your character and preparing you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As long as I can drive and not fly, I will go!
I detest flying but on my bucket list is to own or rent an RV and road trip to the following US cities:
Washington, D.C. – take in our nation’s history
New York City – Madison Square Garden, the New York Stock Exchange, Broadway
Hollywood/L.A. – drive Rodeo Drive
That it’s about how I treated people
I hope that people say I live with kindness, integrity and compassion.
Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.
My First Day at College – A northerner and southerner meet – now best friends for life
My first day of college…. It was in May of 1986. I was born and raised in western New York with the Great Lakes, lake effect snow, the Buffalo Bills. I went to college in Pensacola, the home of grits and palm trees and white beaches. My roommate was a native Alabaman and die hard Crimson Tide fan. It took over 8 weeks before we could understand one another. I was the athlete, she was a cheerleader. I was 6 feet tall, she was 5′ 2″ tall. Polar opposites in many ways but after 38 years, we are still best friends to this day!
Daily writing prompt
Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
Actually more than I can count
Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
I was a prelaw major in college and had to take 9 speech classes. Debate class was the only one out of the nine I loved. Then my husband ran for state political office and gave several on his behalf. Then if you count all of the church choral groups, Bible readings etc …..
Does Running for Coffee Count?
I love taking long hikes in the woods. We are blessed with trails everywhere here in Washington!
I love swimming in the pool at our health club.
I love running, but only if it’s for coffee! 🙂
“Deadly Secret on Diamond Island” Chapter Two
“Winning the Dream Vacation”
The air crackled with excitement as Margarite and Natalie, best friends since kindergarten, clutched their winning tickets, their eyes glued to the shimmering Caribbean waters. It was a dream come true, a vacation they had only dared to imagine – a week on the exclusive Diamond Island, a paradise reserved for the wealthy and influential.
“Can you believe this?” Natalie exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief and joy. “We won! We’re going to Diamond Island!” She squeezed Margarite’s hand, her smile as bright as the tropical sun overhead.
Margarite, ever the pragmatist, couldn’t quite match Natalie’s unrestrained enthusiasm. While thrilled, a sliver of doubt lingered in her mind. “It just seems too good to be true,” she said, her brow furrowed with a hint of skepticism. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to Diamond Island? It’s practically a legend.”
Go to Patreon for the full version of Chapter Two! Enjoy!
Lemon and Rosemary 