Lynn U. Watson's Blog, page 2
January 5, 2023
World’s Fair Christmas in Chicago & Meet George A. Tribble!
Participating in Jocelyn Green’s World’s Fair Christmas Tour of Chicago last month met every expectation and more. What an amazing time we had. Oh, how many new places I saw and new things I learned about this city of my family’s roots in America. And tons of ideas for Tangled Promises’ sequel. See a few of the highlights in the photos below.
But first, meet George A. Tribble! Yes, a gnome. A very special one. The “A” stands for Alvar — the name means truth speaker. So, expect him to share some truths along the way. And the Tribble name refers to a bold or brave person. A strong name for my fun-loving new friend. So from Left to right (top row first) here are a few highlights. (There’s a gnome in Tangled Promises, too.)
Meeting (character actor) Bertha Palmer, wife of Potter Palmer, the founder of Marshall Field’s department store and, of course, The Palmer House where we stayed. The hotel was built as a gift to her.Finally meeting one of my favorite authors, Jocelyn Green, in person. Such a special lady.Inside Second Presbyterian Church with its beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows.Lunch at the famous Walnut Room restaurant in Marshall Field’s — George is sitting on the menu, but you might be able to see the little section on the Chicken Pot Pie. The dish that started it all in this place.
Overlooking the living area of the Glessner House on historic Prairie Avenue in Chicago. Mr. Glessner was the founder of International Harvester. It is one of the few historic homes filled with original furnishings. At one point everything had been removed. As the home was restored family members have been returning many of the pieces.George attended The Nutcracker Ballet with us at the Lyric Opera House, a beautiful venue. Performed by the Joffrey Ballet, the story was reimagined to feature a poor family on Christmas Eve 1892 before the opening of the Columbian Exposition in the summer of 1893.My friend, Christy, and I at the Christkindlmarket with our cups of hot chocolate in the official 2022 mug of the market. This was our first day in Chicago, and the day I adopted George.The Russian Tea Room is a lovely little restaurant serving incredible food and teas. George joined us there, too. And the stunning dome above Georg’s head is the 1.6 million-piece Tiffany mosaic ceiling in Marshall Field’s.
George will be traveling like Flat Stanley to see many new places, meet new people, and have lots of new adventures and experiences. His fun times will be exclusive to my newsletter subscribers. If you are not already a subscriber to my newsletter, Inklings from my pen, be sure to sign up today.
Copyright 2023, Lynn U. Watson
January 3, 2023
A Few of My Fave Christian Fiction Books of 2022
When you’ve read 64 books in a year and most of them really awesome, choosing a few favorites poses a challenge! A huge one! I’ve chosen 7 to share, and probably could add at least 7 more that I count among some of my fave reads. And here they are with a sentence or three about each. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite read among them.
In no particular order….
A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano
This book had been in my kindle library for a while, when I randomly chose to read it next. I loved how it fits the Biblical lessons of Jesus being the vine and we the branches, and what it takes to produce good fruit. Indeed a treasure awaits!
Not by Sight by Kate Breslin
This one checks all the boxes and will keep you up well past your bedtime with each twist and turn. The characters are amazing.
In a Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem
A prodigal daughter with the best of intentions, the great depression, the lure of Hollywood, and what could possibly go wrong. Wow! Well-done! Great story! Great characters! Well-researched. Keeps you turning the pages!
Ezekiel’s Song by Naomi Craig
I really appreciated this one because I read it while also reading through the One Year Chronological Bible. My readings at the time were from Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and bits of Daniel. While Ezekiel’s Song is fictional, the story brought a real human perspective to the stories in those books of the Bible. You’ll love Shiriel — she’s a very relatable character.
The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham
I always count on Pepper Basham stories for their great characters and stories. This emotionally gripping tale of life in the Appalachians did not disappoint.
The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer
Wow! The author did a magnificent job handling tough topics with the utmost respect for her characters and an urgency to see them grow beyond what they believed defined them.
Copyright 2023, Lynn U. Watson
Outstanding Christian Fiction Books of 2022 — In My Humble Opinion
When you’ve read 64 books in a year and most of them really awesome, choosing a few favorites poses a challenge! A huge one! I’ve chosen 7 to share, and probably could add at least 7 more that I count among some of my fave reads. And here they are with a sentence or three about each. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite read among them.
In no particular order….
A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano
This book had been in my kindle library for a while, when I randomly chose to read it next. I loved how it fits the Biblical lessons of Jesus being the vine and we the branches, and what it takes to produce good fruit. Indeed a treasure awaits!
Not by Sight by Kate Breslin
This one checks all the boxes and will keep you up well past your bedtime with each twist and turn. The characters are amazing.
In a Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem
A prodigal daughter with the best of intentions, the great depression, the lure of Hollywood, and what could possibly go wrong. Wow! Well-done! Great story! Great characters! Well-researched. Keeps you turning the pages!
Ezekiel’s Song by Naomi Craig
I really appreciated this one because I read it while also reading through the One Year Chronological Bible. My readings at the time were from Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and bits of Daniel. While Ezekiel’s Song is fictional, the story brought a real human perspective to the stories in those books of the Bible. You’ll love Shiriel — she’s a very relatable character.
The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham
I always count on Pepper Basham stories for their great characters and stories. This emotionally gripping tale of life in the Appalachians did not disappoint.
The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer
Wow! The author did a magnificent job handling tough topics with the utmost respect for her characters and an urgency to see them grow beyond what they believed defined them.
Copyright 2023, Lynn U. Watson
November 29, 2022
A Special Santa Memory
Santa visited our home every year on Christmas Eve. Jesus always came first. The children’s program was always on Christmas Eve. We learned our “piece” for the story and hoped we wouldn’t forget the important Bible verse when our time came to speak. I think I remember being an angel a time or two. After singing the beautiful Christmas carols and sharing much Christmas joy with friends we headed home. Santa had always been there while we were at church. Mom and Dad convinced us we were one of his first stops. He needed to start early to get all the gifts delivered. Even as a small child, I believed he must just have a whole lot of helpers!
You may find the subject of Santa a controversial one. I understand and respect your choice. Still, I would like to share a special memory of Santa that our parents used as a teaching moment about Jesus. This is a true story and was first published in Remembering Christmas, an anthology of little Christmas stories compiled by Yvonne Lehman in 2019. All proceeds benefited Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that is dear to my heart. (Ordering info below.)
He’s Always Watching
by Lynn U. Watson
On a cold December evening, our family gathered for dinner around the shiny chrome and green Formica table. Mom, an excellent cook, served a dish ranked on the lower end of our satisfaction meter. If my six-year-old memory serves me well, she made hash. Her version included Sunday’s left-over pot roast shredded and mixed with mashed potatoes. Both of those, delicious alone, combined they were a bland version of yuck my 3-year-old brother and I refused to appreciate.
In our home, you ate what was placed in front of you – without complaining. My much older and more mature self reluctantly and silently swallowed the stuff, but Johnny chose to gag on it, spit it out, swoosh it with milk, and cry. No amount of talking, reasoning (the best you can with an unhappy toddler), or threats changed the situation. He left the table hungry. I helped Mom clean up the mess. Dad went on about his business.
Part of the reasoning our parents used at the dinner table reminded us, “Santa watches all the time. He knows everything you’re doing. He is sad when boys and girls don’t eat their dinner, and he makes a naughty mark by your name on his list. You don’t want Santa to miss our house this year because you’re not acting very nice, do you?”
A short time later I played with my dolls and Johnny pushed cars and trucks around the living room floor. Mom busied herself setting up the coffee pot for the next morning. Startled by something hitting the dining room window, Mom called to Dad. When he didn’t respond, she made her way to check on the disturbance herself.
The stir roused Johnny’s and my attention as well. She tried to hide her amusement, but Mom’s facial expression made it clear something interesting was going on out there. She motioned my brother and me to the window. Crouched next to the bushes, none other than Santa Claus with his sack slung over one shoulder looked up at us. We stared not believing what we were seeing. Santa frowned, raised his hand, pointed his finger, and shook it. Johnny ate every bite of every meal from then until Christmas. We both acquired a bit of healthy fear of how our behavior may affect the number of gifts under the tree.
The rest of the story:
Presents circled the tree when we arrived home from the Christmas Eve service. It was evident Santa kept short accounts of our wrongs. My parents took advantage of this teaching moment. “Jesus also sees everything we do. When you’re tempted to disobey your parents, God sees and is saddened. When you think you can get away with something, because no one else may see it or know it, God knows it. Just like Santa forgave you, God forgives our wrongs too. Because of your love for your parents and for your Heavenly Father, choosing to do the right thing is always best.”
Years later we learned Dad donned the Santa costume that night. I remind my family of the lesson this way. “If you would be ashamed to listen to a certain song, participate in a certain activity, say certain words, be unkind, etc., with Jesus in the room, then it’s best not to do it. Jesus is always in the room. He sees all we do. He loves us, and we love Him, too. Let’s let our love and gratefulness for Him motivate us to choose well, set a higher standard for ourselves, and be a good example for others.”
Remembering Christmas (published by Grace Publishing) available here.
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Copyright 2022, Lynn U. Watson
October 28, 2022
Halloween, Reformation & the Printing Press
October is my favorite month–maybe because the weather and the leaves change (and I celebrate another birthday). It’s also the month of the Protestant Reformation and Halloween. I’ve gathered a few facts to show that Martin Luther chose the date wisely for nailing his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg. These facts are copied and pasted with links to the articles so you can learn more.
“Martin Luther is said to have posted his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of All Saints’ Church (also called Castle Church) on October 31, 1517. This was the eve of All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’ Day (the origin of the name “Halloween”). It was a time when Christians were particularly focused on their dead. The unfortunate thing was that, by Luther’s time, there was tremendous confusion about just what happened to believers after death – ultimately moving Luther to address the misconceptions associated with the afterlife.”
“As Halloween approaches, many people start thinking about all that the modern occasion entails — costume parties, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving and haunted houses. The ghosts and ghouls are a reminder of the day’s dark origins in ancient Celtic history, when Oct. 31 was believed to be the night when ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
Despite its decidedly pagan start, or perhaps because of it, Halloween also played a pivotal role in religious history as Reformation Day….
Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses were particularly focused on the practice (and corruption) associated with indulgences. Specifically, indulgences were being sold for financial gain, as well as giving people a false assurance of salvation. It is not surprising that Luther posted his theses on October 31st, the eve of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, a time which emphasized the distinction between the souls of “saints” and the souls of everyone else, as well as revealed widespread misunderstanding about the power of indulgences (and the afterlife in general).
Since Luther’s work is widely regarded as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, October 31st is now celebrated as Reformation Day.”
~from News Arizona
Without printing, would there have been a Protestant Reformation?
Only a century earlier, both John Wycliffe and John Hus spawned movements of intense spiritual fervor and wrote prolifically. But the absence of adequate printing technology limited the distribution of their works. Wycliffe was condemned, Hus burned at the stake, and history casts both as mere harbingers of the main event…
Johannes Gutenberg pioneered printing with movable type in Mainz, Germany, in the mid-fifteenth century. Within a few decades, the new technology spread throughout all of Europe; virtually all major cities in Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and England had presses. Suddenly there were many more books in the world, and each book took less time to produce…
A single working press might produce 3,600 pages a day, whereas a monk might have copied four or five. It took early printers themselves several decades to come to terms with the press’s full potential for speed and new design; the earliest printed books imitated their manuscript counterparts. But by the time of the Reformation, printing was a fully developed business enterprise with established conventions.,,
Luther, who would later use the printing press with great success, was initially surprised at its effectiveness; within two weeks of the posting of his 95 Theses, they were printed without his permission and distributed throughout Germany.
~from The Reformation Room
As we head into the month of Thanksgiving and gratitude, from my author point of view, I’m so grateful for the printing press’ invention that allows our words to go out to the world.
In light of the history of both Halloween and the Reformation, it seems appropriate during this time to remember and rejoice over those who have died in Christ, both heroes of the faith and loved ones – for in biblical terms, all Christians are called “saints” and the blessing of heaven awaits us after death (until God gives us new glorious bodies to live on a new earth).
~from Crosswalk
Copyright 2022, Lynn U. Watson
Photos from Pixabay
September 15, 2022
Changes in My Kitchen and in My Writing World
Projects just seem to take longer these days. Supply chain issues. Delivery challenges. Difficult to know what you’ll get from an online picture. So, our summer went. We started in late May and Autumn is officially just a week away. We are close to finished. Close enough, I’m sharing a few before and after photos.
We started with what was an update 21 years ago. The countertops were the first thing to go. When the doors came off the cabinets to paint them, our kitty became very anxious about the whole matter. (More on that below). But first I’ll share the new colors of the cabinets. Yes, we painted all those solid maple doors.
That left us with a strangely checkered backsplash that was super-stuck to the wall and another decision. Did we tear it out, do a major patch job on the wallboard and retile, or try painting it? I had my doubts on the last idea there but went to it with my handy paint brush and basic primer. Voila! (Try to ignore the uncovered outlets.)
We started chasing all the yellow and orange away. I miss the Bible verse on the wall though.
We didn’t get far with the fun beadboard wallpaper when Ms. Jasmine decided to take out her anxiety on those walls. This amazingly well-behaved five-year-old cat — the one I could go off and leave have run of the house without ever a worry — decided she liked or disliked (depending on how you look at it) that beadboard paper. We have put this one strip up four times!!! Fortunately, the piece is just over a foot high. We’ve taken action to prevent further interference, but I don’t believe I’ll trust her alone in the kitchen ever again.
The wallpaper I chose that would replace all the yellow walls was actually the very first decision I made, but it was the last thing to arrive. So we’ve just completed that part of the transformation. Yes, that is aluminum foil on the floor to deter the kitty. And I still need new lighting. The table often doubles as my office. It’s quite a lovely view from out the picture window.
One more thing happened during this process. Somewhere between the countertops and the print wallpaper. Most of you have seen this picture, so you know the yellow walls were very much still there. Scroll down just a bit further to view that special picture again.
Doors are usually part of any room transformation. This quote was shared from the recent American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW) and attributed to Liz Curtis Higgs. There’s so much truth in it.
“Unless God opens the door, it ain’t happening. If He does open it, you better walk through it!”
While my kitchen was receiving an update, my life did too. I’ve walked through a big door, and I’m excited to see what plans the Lord has for my life in this next season and how He will use my writing to bring glory to Him. 
August 26, 2022
Never to Late to Realize Your Dream
This was me as a child. I imagined myself on my little flying carpet gathering stories to write down later. But later never came. My family moved so often, that my treasured tales seemed to fly away with the wind. The teachers that encouraged my talent were left behind, and my friends were left behind, too. Like the friends in those story ideas. It might have well-been someone else’s dream. After all, I was assured that there’s always someone who can do it better than you, no matter how good you are. I believed that lie for a very long time. Decades even.
But God stirred that dream a little at a time over the years. After self-publishing a few of my writings as devotional books, I dared to believe perhaps I could, after all, write a full-length novel. What a journey it has been. Three and a half years of not only developing a story, but learning how to write it effectively. Not one to quit easily until the last word is done, I pressed through. And that’s where in the past I’ve allowed the dream to die.
On Mother’s Day my son and his family (via my daughter-in-love’s thoughtful creativity) gifted me this bracelet. They believed in my dream, and my God-confidence received a much-needed boost. Our church gifts all moms with lovely roses on Mother’s Day. I was somehow blessed with two. Aren’t they beautiful?!
Just like God to add emphasis to His messages, a lady in our Sunday School class gifted each of us this bookmark on Mother’s Day.
Our Ladies’ Sunday School class has been studying Bruce Wilkinson’s book Releasing God’s Abundant Blessings for the last few months as I awaited news from a publisher considering my manuscript. If you are unfamiliar with the book, it is about asking God to expand your territory — your sphere of influence for His glory. Wilkinson wrote another book, The Dream Giver, which I’ve been reading alongside. God’s timing is so perfect!
The overwhelming feeling of awe to see God’s hand at work answering prayers, the humbleness of seeing my territory expand and doors to my dream open, and the amazement of what God could do and has done have totally blown me away. They shouldn’t have. He loves to answer His children’s prayers!
Most of you have seen this already on social media, but I’m sharing it one more time on my blog. I’m so thankful for Celebrate Lit Publishing‘s confidence in offering me this contract. I’m very excited to be working with their talented and caring team.
Many of you have followed my journey right here. You’ve seen the title go from Clara’s Cameo to Tangled Promises. And you’ve seen me chop the long long narrative into parts to create the series. (And the name could change again.) There is so much work ahead to bring the books into print and ebook, and ultimately to you the reader. I cherish your prayers along the way.
Copyright 2022, Lynn U. Watson
Is there a Little Free Library in Your Town?
Does your community have one or several Little Free Libraries? I was amazed to find four of them within five minutes of my home. Sadly, the shelf of the second one pictured was empty. What is a Little Free Library?
Exactly what the name implies. From Little Free Library’s website:
Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.
All of the ones pictured here are accessible on a walk around the neighborhood. The books are free. You’re encouraged to choose for yourself or your family. Add a few from your own collection for another to enjoy. Check here for locations near you.
Now that I’ve located the ones near me, I’m planning to add copies of my own books* — maybe with a “local author” sticker on the front. Where are the Little Free Libraries in your town? Consider starting one, if there isn’t one yet.
Do an online search of images of Little Free Libraries. Many are pretty unique. So much creativity!
*You’ll find all of my books right here.
Copyright 2022, Lynn U. Watson
August 4, 2022
Favorites from My Summer 2022 Reading
What have you read so far this summer? Here are a few of my faves from among those I finished. Notice I said a few. I read many great books. I’m sharing comments and recommendations for these three. Will you add at least one of them to your TBR stack today?
When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett
I loved it! A precious history (a seldom heard part) of the Great Smokie Mountains National Park and of the families displaced in its creation are woven into this beautiful story spanning several generations.
Visit Karen’s website here.
By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley
Do you know the story behind Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress? Don’t miss this one.
The designer of the dress — What an amazing lady! Her story needed to be told, and Piper Huguley gave Ann Lowe all the honor she deserves in this inspiring novel.
Visit Piper’s website here.
The Sahar of Zanzibar by Shirley Gould
Loved the characters. A great glimpse inside the world of missionaries and the battles they face to spread the Gospel. Some of the trials the characters faced were drawn from Shirley and her husband’s own experiences as missionaries in Africa.
Visit Shirley’s website here.
Copyright 2022, Lynn U. Watson
July 24, 2022
Fruits, Spices, and Christmas in July
When do you begin your Christmas shopping? Do you enjoy finding special gifts for those on your gift list? Do you dread the task? Is gift-giving just one more thing on your stressful holiday to-do list?
It brings me great joy to find or create the perfect gift for each individual. I keep my eyes open all year and make my purchases as I find the treasure. (Granted this works better for the adults on your list than the children whose whims change with the current trends.) Still, it can be an ongoing fun adventure. At the end of the year, you have much less shopping to do and the budget doesn’t take a monster hit all at once.
A group of ladies meets at the Coffee Cottage in my devotional books. They share a story for each of the fruits and spices of the Bible that I have shared in that volume of Cinnamah-Brosia’s Inspirational Collection. They are in a quandary about their gift exchange. Maybe you relate. And maybe what they’ve done will inspire your gift-giving. (Scroll down to read the story excerpted from the book.)
Yes, Cinnamah-Brosia is a made-up character who owns the Coffee Cottage. I’m sharing one of their stories from the Christmas-themed devotional The Essence of Joy – Filling Your Heart with the Aromas of Jesus’ Nativity.
Familiar scents and tastes of the season fill its pages. Nine of them, in fact. And you’ll also find a devotional about the spice or fruit as found in the Bible. You’ll meet a woman of the Bible who exemplifies that particular fruit. Each chapter concludes with Fun Facts and activities to incorporate the fruit or spice into your life.
Cinnamah-Brosia and Friends Share About MintThe Joy of Giving*Diffusing Today: Peppermint, of course
Aromatic Influence: creates an atmosphere that may be calming yet stimulating and uplifting
Daily Delight: Mint Chocolate Brownies
Musically: Little Drummer Boy, words & music by Katherine Kennicott Davis, 1941
Verse of the Day:
Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity,
for God loves a cheerful giver. ~~2 Corinthians 9:7 (HCSB)
Just a few weeks ago our Tuesday night group discussed our traditional Christmas party. “We always draw names. We’ll do that again this year, right?” Melanie asked. While she totally got into the whole gift-giving tradition, some of the others in the group were groaning over the annual obligatory exchange of stuff. Haley quietly surfed around on her phone. Her lack of consideration aside, she found and shared this quote from E. B. White:
“To perceive Christmas through its wrapping becomes more difficult with every year.” (1)
~~The Distant Music of the Hounds, 1954
We all knew the Christmas story and acknowledged it made sense to put less focus on the material. Often the gifts spoke highly of another item checked off our shopping list, rather than a gift from our heart. Carol suggested creativity. We encouraged a $20 limit. Haley remained visibly uncomfortable. We drew names anyway and planned the party.
Tonight we were gathered in Wisdom Corner. The area glowed with the lights and festive sparkles of Kaitlyn’s gift for turning an ordinary corner into a festive wonderland. We piled many versions of heavenly chocolate delights and sugary confections on the upcycled pomegranate-bordered coffee table. Shimmery red liquid cascaded from the punch fountain. The coffee urn wafted its aroma.
Mandy’s beautiful voice led us in worship to the King whose birthday gave us reason to celebrate. Jane shared a moving devotion about using the gifts God has given us. “It’s easy to discard them or be ungrateful for the gifts He has personally chosen for you and me. Finding joy in these gifts prompts us to serve in authenticity and love. Your actions please Your Lord.”
We love because He first loved us. ~~1 John 4:19 (HCSB)
She prayed, “Oh, LORD, help us find joy in the gifts you have chosen for each of us. We also choose joy in the gifts we bring for our friends and those they chose for us. Let us leave here deeper in love with You and each other. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Beginning with Crystal, we revealed whose name we held and presented our gifts. Jennifer loved adding another warm scarf to her collection and hugged Crystal in thanks. The green and white striped package boasted a blown glass Christmas tree ornament tied to the top. Melanie handed it with great care to Carol. Inside she discovered three more glass jewels to add to her special glass-themed tree. Another big hug, and around the circle we went. Haley and I were the only ones left. It thrilled me when I drew her name. Now I realized she had mine, too.
The red and white polka-dot box pulled me in. I quickly recognized it as a work of art. Not to disturb the beauty of the wrapping, the lid lifted separately. Tears ran from my eyes as I opened it. More red and white polka-dot paper – so reminiscent of the dishes at Miss Dot’s café – peered up at me. Each one held a photo memory of Miss Dot’s Café and all the people who made it special over the years. What a perfect gift!
Curiosity won. I inquired, “Where did you find all these photos?” Haley pointed to Carol.
“Mom had taken these over all the years she and Miss Dot were friends. I knew Haley desired so much to bring you an extra-special gift – one that shared her heart. You and Jeremy mean so much to Haley and Dan. Mom agreed the photos belonged here at The Coffee Cottage. Haley did all the work to make them come to life with her special touches, captions, and more.” It was ‘that one gift’ that made everyone wish they had been so creative.
What a tough act to follow! We still use what remains of the polka-dot dishes, and Haley absolutely loves them. Hidden in the white oval basket overflowing with a stash of Haley’s favorite wild red raspberry tea, rested two of the polka-dot cups. The glittery gold bow reminded me of how much I treasure our friendship. Haley squealed with delight. I jotted a mental note to thank Jeremy for the awesome idea.
The photo box remains at The Cottage for everyone to enjoy. As the party wrapped, we all had a heart full of the love of the Baby swaddled in cloth lying in the manger over 2000 years ago. We always leave a seat for Jesus when we meet. Tonight was no exception. We finished with a chorus of the traditional birthday song in His honor.
With our Merry Christmas in July sale (we’re celebrating July 25th through August 1st), you have an opportunity to grab a copy for yourself to prepare for the Christmas season, or as a gift for a special friend who loves the season as you do.
*Devotion (The Joy of Giving) and Book (The Essence of Joy) – Copyright 2017, Lynn U. Watson
Blogpost Copyright 2022, Lynn U. Watson
Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
