MONA HODGSON
AUTHOR OF
THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK

BOOK FOUR

ABOUT THE BOOK.......


Love lost doesn’t mean love lost forever.
Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows?

Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek. When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn.

With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West. Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?

Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns.


MY REVIEW..................

My first impression of Mona Hodgson’s novel was the gorgeous cover with a picture of a young woman that reminded me of a young Judy Garland in appearance, and that’s the way I saw Willow Raines Peterson throughout this entire warm and involving read.

Having not read the first three books in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series did not detract from my getting to know the characters and story behind the Sinclair sisters and their brother-in-law Pastor Tucker Raines, Willow’s brother, prior to this story written around Willow.  Even though placed in the year of 1898, we see that Cripple Creek is a burgeoning town filled with like characters working hard to build their town that we might still see across our nation in the present day. Of course, we have much more modern day conveniences now, but it was a time of running water, plumbing, telephones, iceboxes, (refrigerators) ovens and other inventions of rough nature.  It worked for those living in this historical era.

We first meet Willow, Tucker and his wife Ida Sinclair Raines at the graveside of their father.  The family watched Willow closely, because she now felt twice the sorrow having just lost her husband, Sam, in a drowning incident; and just having spent time in an asylum for depression.  Ida and Tucker tried to convince Willow to live with them at the parsonage, but Willow preferred to live independently.  Willow soon became a boarder at Hattie Adams’ Boarding House, the same home of the Sinclair sisters for a length of time after their mother’s death and their father, Harlan Sinclair moved to Paris to conduct business.

Willow depending deeply on God’s grace and mercy is determined to find employment to support herself.  She is a talented artist.  Enters Trenton Van Der Veer, a professional photographer a new resident of Cripple Creek whose heart had recently been broken by his ex-fiancé’.  Trenton has a speech impediment and has been scarred by a temperamental and controlling father all his life.  Even though Willow and Trenton can’t seem to understand one another after their first meeting – he puts her to a test to prove her talent before he decides to finally hire her as his assistant.  Their relationship evolves into one of admiration and respect.  Could this be a potential romance?

Mona Hodgson artistically and talentedly twists story into story to bring about this delightful town of characters all closely related in one respect or another.  The story becomes even more fun and complicated when the sister’s father re-enters their lives.  He brings with him a big mysterious surprise that baffles one and all.  That dear landlady, Hattie, became my favorite character as she is beloved of all the book’s personalities…..and turns Harlan’s head just enough to make one wonder if there is romance in the air for Hattie. 

Ms Hodgson writes in an entertaining manner, holding interest and particularly proficient in showing God at work and bringing the conclusion of her story to show Gods glory.  Well done, Mona Hodgson – thank you for adding to my joy in reading.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT MONA FROM ARIZONIA.....

The author of nearly forty books, Mona Hodgson writes historical fiction for adults and picture books and readers for children. In 1987, Mona began writing articles, poems, and short stories for publication and has had several hundred printed in more than 50 different publications. Her publishing credits now include The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek historical fiction series, The Quilted Heart eBook novellas, nearly 30 children's books, and contributions to 11 books for adults.

Mona is a speaker for women's retreats, schools, educators and librarians, and at writers conferences throughout the United States and Canada. She holds professional memberships in Women Writing the West, American Christian Fiction Writers, Pikes Peak Writers Group, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

What does Mona like to do when she's not writing? Picnic, read to kids, visit museums, play Wii Tennis, sink her toes into wet sand at the beach, retreat with her sisters, explore new places, gaze at sunsets and share lunch with a friend. Mona Hodgson is the author of Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, and The Bride Wore Blue. Mona's writing credits also include nearly thirty children's books, including Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional,Bedtime in the Southwest, and The Princess Twins and the Tea Party. One of Mona's favorite things to do, besides writing or eating dark chocolate, is to speak at women's retreats and conferences. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob. 

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona

MONA HODGSON AUTHOR PAGE - https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona

Hindsight by Mona Hodgson - http://monahodgson.wordpress.com/

Mona Hodgson from Arizonia - http://www.monahodgson.com/default.htm

WEBSITE - http://www.monahodgson.com

JANICE THOMPSON
AUTHOR

PICTURE PERFECT

Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. 

Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her archrival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.

With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.

She's trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She'll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley's list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

MY REVIEW

It couldn’t have been more apropos that I read Janice Thompson’s story “Picture Perfect” over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Perhaps I should say that I giggled, chuckled and laughed aloud throughout my entire read of Hannah McDermott’s situation at this crazy point in her life.

One of my favorite parts of Ms Thompson’s book were all the Irish blessings, sayings, proverbs, and limericks at the beginning of each chapter; and of course Hannah’s Grandfather Aengus’s favorite sayings. But….this story went far beyond the humor to deeper emotions of each main character that the reader could easily relate.

It did my heart good to see the changes taking place between Hannah’s parents after meeting Bella’s large Italian family and friends who were so big hearted and loving toward one and all. A lot of the unexpected became a hectic and normal occurrence in both families’ lives. The Bing and Bob party thrown annually for all the McDermott Irish friends became a huge invasion of the Italian Rossi/Neeley clan. This party turned into a big noisy bash and I can’t understand why the neighbors didn’t complain about all the loud singing. That’s just the luck of the Irish. I do wish I could have imbibed in the Irish and Italian food that fed that bunch. All in fun this intermingling of cultures.

Let’s get to the real story. Hannah McDermott is a wedding photographer located in Galveston, Texas and about to be featured in the Texas Bride Magazine. Hannah has an infamous bride client whose demands on photo details are slightly erratic, including the agent putting intense and not so honest guidelines on Hannah to involve herself in a scam involving wedding publicity. Then, there is Drew Kincaid her archrival photographer. Hannah finds it hard to really dislike this handsome man who shows his considerate sweet side to Hannah, and then she hasn’t a chance of not falling in love with him. God is still in control and moving in His mysterious ways throughout the story.

Having not read any of Janice Thompson’s writings before, I’m now enticed to read the books leading up to this delightful story. It is a fast paced novel with many characters and sentimental moments. If you need a boost out of a low moment – read Ms Thompson’s Picture Perfect of the Weddings by Design series. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you about the McDermott/Kincaid historical feud…..well, I guess you will need to read the book to find out!

About the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series. She lives in Texas.

Website:  * http://www.janiceathompson.com 

               * http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Han...

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/jhannathompson

MY REVIEW OF WHEN THE HEART HEALS BY ANN SHOREY

WHEN THE HEART HEALS

BY

ANN SHOREY

AUTHOR ANN SHOREY

When the Heart Heals is my first introduction to Ann Shorey's writing. What a writer! Historical fiction is at the top of my reading joy, and Ann didn’t disappoint in authoring such a realistic story of the times after the Civil War. One fact that struck me odd, because I wasn’t aware of it before, was the disdain toward women nurses. Funny, but all my life, I’ve been accustomed to woman nurses, and thought it unusual when more males began to choose nursing as a career.  Only a comment on my part…not a complaint.

The nature of Rosemary Saxon wasn’t revealed all at once, her story is complex with personal history of her and her brother Curt being estranged from their parents because of the division of beliefs about whose side was right during the Civil War. We learn early that Rosemary had been extremely capable as a nurse to injured Union soldiers at Jefferson Barracks.  She met and worked briefly with Dr. Elijah Stewart during this time, and developed a secret attraction for him.

Rosemary moved to Noble Springs, Missouri in 1867 to live with her brother Curt Saxon who had married her best friend, Faith. This being the second novel in Sisters at Heart Series, I was at a disadvantage of not knowing many of the overlapping details from “Where Wildflowers Bloom.” Ann Shorey didn’t leave the reader in the dark with prior details – they fell naturally in place during the story. Rosemary insisted on moving into her own home to live independently and hoped to find work to sustain her financially. Ms Shorey has an admirable talent of throwing intriguing hooks of mystery into the story to keep your interest alert.  Rosemary is a knowledgeable herbalist, which caused suspicious and dim witted townspeople to label her a witch.

Dr. Elijah Stewart appears again when he moves to Noble Springs to set up his medical practice. Rosemary applies for a nursing position there, and Elijah has little faith in her as a nurse but hires her for a brief time to see how things work out. He doesn’t like her herbal medicinal practices or the fact that she becomes personally involved with his patients. Their romantic feelings toward each other developed slowly, much to Rosemary’s chagrin. Rosemary has another suitor Jacob, who was a fine man, however complicated Rosemary’s desire to develop her love interest in Elijah.

All the characters in this story are well developed and believable. At times, I did become irritated at Rosemary’s stubbornness even though it made for a better story. My favorite character, Bodie the dog, was comical, loyal, and lovable. Actually, there were several interesting stories developing constantly that interacted lively and heartwarmingly throughout.  Ann Shorey has written a wonderful story of healing and forgiveness that will bless you for a long time after closing the book. Her fascinating characters and the many mysteries about what has happened in the past to cause the pain in Rosemary and Elijah’s past are revealed. They are two individuals that came from diverse background and experience the same emotions. Thank you Ann Shorey for a fine writing and an excellent enjoyable read. All the prayers were answered and I’m sure God is smiling on Noble Springs, Missouri.

ABOUT ANN SHOREY.......

Ann’s mother always wanted to write a book about her ancestors. She felt there was enough material in her collection of family memoirs, which dated back to the 1600’s, to make fascinating reading.

When Ann’s mother died in 1994, she passed those memoirs on to Ann. Over the next several years Ann put stream-of-consciousness reminiscences into chronological order and followed up each “remembered fact” with necessary research.

Thanks to the computer age, she wrote the book her mother had envisioned and in the late 1990’s distributed it to family and interested historians.

In the process of researching her family history, Ann discovered that all of the collected memoirs had been written by men. Memories of the American Revolution, the Mexican and Civil Wars, and the westward migration were all told from the male perspective. What was life like for the women who maintained the homes, reared the children, and followed their husbands from place to place? That question sparked her interest in writing fiction to fill in the gaps. Over the next several years Ann learned her craft by attending classes, reading books, and, yes, collecting a few rejections.

  

On a research trip to Kentucky in 1997, Ann and her husband, Richard, were fortunate enough to locate the graves of her great-great-great grandparents on the land they had settled in 1800. Standing in front of her great-times-three grandmother’s resting place, Ann promised that grandmother she would not be forgotten.

The At Home in Beldon Grove series honors that promise. The first volume, titled The Edge of Light, was released in January, 2009. The second book in the series, The Promise of Morning, released in March 2010, and the series concludes with The Dawn of a Dream, released in April of 2011.

Ann's new series, Sisters at Heart, opens with Where Wildflowers Bloom. The stories follow her ancestor's emigration from Illinois to Missouri after the close of the War Between the States. As the series title promises, the books are linked by the friendship between Faith, Rosemary and Cassie, the novels' protagonists.

One of the best things Ann learned about fiction is that it’s okay to make stuff up! Thus, although these novels are inspired by her courageous female ancestors, the largest percentage of their adventures are fictional. Ann leaves it to her readers to separate truth from “it could have happened like this.”

  

Ann is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency, and is an active member of several writer’s organizations, among them  American Christian Fiction Writers, Oregon Christian Writers, and Willamette Writers. As such, she is enthusiastic about the benefits of attending workshops and conferences. Ann is available to teach workshops on research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals to writer’s groups.

In addition to writing, Ann has won many prizes for her culinary skills. Her recipes have appeared in Country Woman magazine, and in several national cookbooks, including Taste of Country and Taste of Home. Recently author Patti Hill included one of Ann’s recipes in her  Garden Gates Cookbook, available on Patti’s web site. Ann has been privileged to present cooking demonstrations to young women from her church as part of the Apples of Gold mentoring program.

Ann and Richard share their home with a loveable Belgian Shepherd named Amber.

Website	http://www.annshorey.com
Facebook	http://facebook.com/AnnShoreyAuthor

Hi Friends,

What delight Ann Shorey's writing about the activities of Noble Springs, Missouri was to read. Hope you'll be enticed to read this book after reading my review.  Spring is here and a time of new beginnings.  I pray all your new season ahead will be blessed with beautiful sunshine, flowers and fun.  And, since this is April, don't forget your umbrella....just in case.  LOL!

Just Passing it Forward to bless you!

Barb

REBEKAH DESCRIBED IN ONE EXPLETIVE....WOW!!!!!!

       The Wives of the Patriarchs

 by Jill Eileen Smith

When her beloved father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it’s clear that Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his pockets. When she is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she has never even seen, Rebekah’s hope for the future is restored. Little does she know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.

As Rebekah experiences the joy of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve will be tested. When the rift between her and Isaac grows so wide it is surely too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac’s father Abraham to bridge the gap?

MY REVIEW

My overall opinion of Jill Eileen Smith’s writing Rebekah’s story can be explained in one expletive – WOW!!

Ms Smith certainly displayed her ability to reveal deep inner feelings of each character that brought the age old story of Abraham followed by his blood born children to life. From now on, my personal thoughts of this scripture will vividly be quite different. She wrote with such freedom that only could have come from the Lord.

Rebekah is now known to me in a completely different light – before I had mistakenly imagined her as haggish and manipulative, but Jill brought out her beauty from the inside that endeared her to me. Yes, there were the same small minded or broad minded compassionate beings in that time as in any time. Rebekah and Isaac both showed a more loving compassionate lifestyle toward others, and as human nature proves time and again…resentment , jealousy and distance can mar close relationships through real or imagined slights and hurts.

Jill Eileen Smith’s story is rich in believable information about the personal lives of each character, their thoughts, emotions, fears, and affections. This writing of Biblical fiction caused me to think deeper about the scriptures from whence the story came. Believing in God was as much of a choice then as now. I do have many questions yet as to where Ishmael and Esau spread their influences throughout history. But that is an issue that might better not be questioned here.

My admiration is unmeasured toward Jill’s study and research, placing herself in the position of each character to think deeply as they might have thought. I count this all as AWESOME! She has further interested me in digging out maps and study regarding the scripture from which this fabulous story is written.

This review is following a bit later than others due to personal circumstances; however sharing a few thoughts about this historical Biblical fiction is merited. Indeed a pleasurable and emotional read and proving again God is infinite and blesses beyond comprehension. Thank you, Jill Eileen Smith, for shedding new light on the Word of God. In the future, over time, all of your writings will appear in my personal library. Abigail and now Rebekah have brought joy with my recommendation for all to pick up these great reads.

ABOUT JILL EILEEN SMITH

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of Sarai, book one in the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family--in person, over the webcam, or by hopping a plane to fly across the country. She can often be found reading, testing new recipes, grabbing lunch with friends, or snuggling one or both of her adorable cats. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

To learn more about Jill or for more information about her books, visit her website at www.jilleileensmith.com. You can also contact Jill at jill@jilleileensmith.com. She loves hearing from her readers.

DAN WALSH WRITES ON "THREE MEN WALK INTO A BLOG"

Hello friends, it's been some time since I've posted - and the below is a blog written by Dan Walsh that definitely spoke of my own recent questions and thoughts on the subject....I hope you'll find it as interesting and thought inspiring as I have.  Thank you Dan Walsh for your committment to Christian values and humbly stating what many of us would like to say.

Do Books and Movies Influence or Only Entertain?

I’ve been pondering lately the answer to this question: “Do books and movies influence people or merely entertain?” What prompted this is reading a few of the more critical book reviews my novels have received on Amazon.

Thankfully, most of them have been wonderful and very encouraging. But every now and then someone throws a lowball at me. I read these, too, in case there’s something I can learn. But what I’ve discovered, for the most part, is that these 1-star reviews mostly complain about something I can’t, or don’t want to change.

They’re complaining about the Christian message included in my novels. See, I work real hard to weave the message into my stories in ways that seem natural and unforced, and not preachy. But I am after all writing Christian fiction. My publisher is a Christian publisher.

But with a surge of readers buying books online vs. in bookstores, the fact that
my books are written from a Christian worldview sometimes gets missed. Some of these folks are simply buying them on Kindle or Nook on special promotional days when they are free. They don’t spend any time reading the information provided on the main page.

On almost all my books, a cursory glance of the book summary and a few of the reviews
would remove any doubt about the Christian themes included.

I marvel that someone who downloaded a book for free, then discovers the “religious content” and hates it, feels compelled to review the book, as if to warn others of the book’s
“hidden message.” Over the past holiday,  someone actually gave my Christmas novelThe Unfinished Gift 1-Star and called it “pure crap,” because of its Christian theme.

I mean, come on, it’s about a little boy who’s lost his mother in 1940s at Christmas time.

This highlights to me an area of significant hypocrisy I see in American culture (“Just one, you say?”). Books and screenplays written for the general market are almost always written with a strong message or theme, clearly trying to reach and influence the minds of its audience.

Whether they are promoting a political agenda, environmentalism, the homosexual and lesbian agenda, or some other cause, the intent to influence the audience with a specific message is clear. Sometimes blatantly clear. Often when writers, directors and actors are interviewed they will reveal their hand and their intent (maybe their hope) that their work will have a major impact on people and cause them to think or do things differently.

Hardly anyone raises a red flag to complain about this. If they do, the people behind the project quickly repeat the mantra: “Oh no, our project isn’t seeking to influence anyone, just entertain. We’re simply reflecting the values already out there in our culture in a relevant way.”

Ever heard this? Ever buy into this line of thinking when you have? Why do you think such a strong bias exists in our culture against Christians writers who are simply trying to do the same thing? That is, create a great story that contains, what we believe, maybe a worthwhile and life-changing message?

Can you think of some examples of this blatant hypocrisy in recent books, TV shows and/or movies?

About Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh is the award-winning and bestselling author of 7 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts, including The Unfinished Gift, Remembering Christmas and The Discovery. For those who haven’t read Dan’s books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and CWG’s Word Weavers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes full-time. He and his wife Cindi have been married 35 years and have 2 grown children, 2 grandchildren and 2 mini-aussies. He marvels at how active Jim Rubart is (and feels like a slug by comparison). He and Cindi live in Port Orange, FL and love to take long walks on the beach. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, or read his blog. There are buttons to connect to these places on his website, as well as a bunch of other info on his books at www.danwalshbooks.com.

5 THOUGHTS ON “DO BOOKS AND MOVIES INFLUENCE OR ONLY ENTERTAIN?”

1. Ronie on February 6, 2013 at 10:14 am said:

   I feel your pain. It’s okay, in our society, to be anything and everything but a Christian. Even Facebook has been removing Christian messages, deeming them inappropriate content. Jesus said they’d hate us because of Him…and that’s a tough bite of truth in life to swallow. But I will not change my ways or views because someone is offended by them! That said–I miss the days when we could “reason together.” There’s very little reason nowadays. It’s almost all emotion.

   Reply ↓
   • Ronieon February 6, 2013 at 10:15 am said:

     Ahem. I meant to say–I feel your pain because I’ve gotten those reviews too. 

     Reply ↓
2. Harry Kraus on February 6, 2013 at 10:33 am said:

   I’m right with you on this on, Dan. I’ve been the recipient of the same type of reviews: one star because of Christian content.

   I’ll gladly (ok, not always so gladly) take it. I’m not changing the important content. I know I write not only to entertain. I believe there are a few who do write only to entertain, but the vast majority, let their world views and the issues they are passionate about come through the pages loud and clear. They may think they are being subtle, but most of the time, it’s pretty apparent what their leaning is.

   Reply ↓
3. Paula Osborne on February 6, 2013 at 10:43 am said:

   I love your work Dan, you just keep right on doing what you are doing. I think there are more that like what you do then the few that don’t. I too think this world is a sad place right now with the way so much is accepted that should NOT be.
   thank you for weaving the christian aspects into your work for those that need it.

   Reply ↓
4. James L. Rubart on February 6, 2013 at 11:30 am said:

   I’m another who feels your pain, Dan.

   I had one e-mail from a gentleman wondering why I, “as a marketing guy would fool people into buying one of my books without a label on the cover saying, Christian Fiction.”

   Interesting that you use Avatar as you image in this post as I wrote back and asked him why the the Avatar posters and trailers didn’t have a label on them that said, “Pantheistic Movie”.

   This entry was posted in 3 Men, Political Stuff, Writing Stuff by Dan Walsh. Bookmark the permalink. http://3menwalkintoablog.com/do-books-and-movies-influence-or-only-entertain

ARC - ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS

‎*************************************

Did you know the people that are the strongest are usually the most sensitive?

Did you know the people who exhibit the most kindness are the first to get mistreated? 

Did you know the one who takes care of others all the time are usually the ones who need it the most? 

Did you know the 3 hardest things to say are I love you, I'm sorry, and Help me. 

Sometimes just because a person looks happy, you have to look past their smile and see how much pain they may be in. 

To all my friends who are going through some issues right now--Let's start an intention avalanche. We all need positive intentions right now. If I don't see your name, I'll understand. 

May I ask my friends wherever you might be, to kindly copy and paste - share this status to give a moment of support to all those who have family problems, health struggles, job issues, worries of any kind and just need to know that someone cares. 

Do it for all of us, for nobody is immune. I hope to see this on the walls of all my friends just for moral support. I know some will!! I did it for a friend and you can too. 

Please PASS IT FORWARD  and ask those you share with to keep PASSING IT FORWARD!  Just one ACT of RANDOM KINDNESS can be the beginning of change where needed.

Happy Day,

Barb

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

FINDING ONE PENNY 

MAKES A LOT OF SENSE!

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the home of her husband's employer.  My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. Her husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant one evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.  He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.  Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.  He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure.  How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.  A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?  "Look at it," he said. "Read what it says."   She read the words, "United States of America."

"No, not that.” “

Read further." 

"One cent?" 

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?. . ."

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray. I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. "Yes, God, I get the message!"

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient.  

Monday again, and I just wanted to lighten the mood a bit.  This story has probably been around a long time and I felt like sharing this little tid bit with you.  It makes sense to me that gathering found pennies makes a lot of cents.  More importantly - it's another reminder that "In God We Trust" can be found in bowing our heads in prayer and being grateful.  Happy Monday!!

Hugs,

Barb

P.S.  Excuse my puns!!  LOL

RE: DOWNTON ABBEY

A bit of followup on prior post about downton abbey - very ethical review from christian standpoint.  AGREED, HOWEVER, my opinion offers THAT MATURE CHRISTIANS CAN BE DISCERNING OF THESE FACTS WHILE BEING ENTERTAINED BY THE STORY QUALITY AND DISTINGUISHED ACTORS.

FAITH ON TELEVISION

Spiritual Lessons from Downton Abbey

By Candy Arrington
Contributing Writer

CBN.com - The third season of the popular and critically acclaimed PBS Masterpiece Classic series, Downton Abbey, began this past Sunday. Through this series, we gain a window into the intricate lives and relationships of the Crawley family, pre- and post-WWI British nobility, and their household. On the surface, this series may appear to be just another saga of upstairs, downstairs, the haves and the have-nots, but on a deeper level, spiritual lessons emerge.

Consider Edith (Laura Carmichael), the middle sister, who is always in the shadow of her older, lovelier sister Mary (Michelle Dockery), the daughter her parents prefer. Edith longs to be noticed by men and affirmed by her family. She clamors for the limelight and is willing to do just about anything to get the attention she craves. Edith is not above betraying Mary, "outing" her sin as revenge for Mary ruining her chances with the suitor Edith considers her only hope of marriage. Edith is so intent on destroying Mary she fails to realize her actions are also sinful.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye. (Matthew 7:3)

Certainly the rivalry between Edith and Mary highlights the prevalence of betrayal among those who claim to love each other and is reminiscent of Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Like Edith, Judas' decision was likely an impulsive one, with no forethought to the chain of events betrayal sets in motion. For this type of decision, there are always consequences—broken relationships, remorse and guilt. But betrayers rarely think beyond the moment, and often lives are altered or destroyed by a few words.

Then there is Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith), the epitome of pride and arrogance. She lives by a set of unwritten rules, ones that anyone who is anyone would know by heart. Like the Pharisees, the Dowager Countess adheres to the letter of these unwritten rules with little or no room for deviation. While she sometimes shows a softer side, she is always aware of her status in society and expects others to acknowledge her position and cater to her.

But Jesus' parable in Luke 14:7-11 stresses the idea of letting others elevate us rather than taking a position of honor and then being asked to give it up.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (Romans 12:3)

Jesus provided the ultimate picture of humility and servanthood.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)

Below-stairs, footman Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) and lady’s maid Sarah O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) are constantly scheming, plotting ways to elevate their own status and control the dynamics of the servants’ hierarchy. Like James and John, vying for places of honor (Mark 10:37), Thomas and O'Brien seek places of honor, frequently engineering circumstances to make the others appear incapable.

When John Bates (Brendan Coyle) arrives to take the position of valet, O'Brien and Barrow scheme to prove Bates is incapable of handling the job for which he was hired, the job Thomas wants. Many of us have a Barrow or O'Brien in our lives, someone intent on elevating themselves by pointing out our weaknesses. But scripture highlights a different aspect of weakness. The apostle Paul understood physical infirmity coupled with captivity, but for every aspect of his life that rendered him weak, he found strength through the power of the Holy Spirit.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (II Cor. 12:19)

While Downton Abbey is dramatic fiction, on a broader canvas, the series highlights many of the issues we struggle with as Christians. It is ripe with "the human condition" and reminds us that no matter what our socio-economic position, we are all stumbling along without direction, searching for purpose and meaning, and tackling life issues in our own strength unless we know the Savior.

Candy Arrington's publishing credits include The Lookout, Encounter, Focus on the Family, Clubhouse, The Upper Room, The Writer andWriter's Digest. She is co-author of Aftershock: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B & H Publishing Group) and When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for This Season of Life (Harvest House Publishers). Candy lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and is lover of historical fiction and vintage photographs. For more information about Candy, 

visit www.candyarrington.com.

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In Christian Joy,
Barb