June Foster's Blog, page 2

I Can Explain

I can explain why the x-ray technician came into my room at the ER and tried to give a CT scan to the wrong person.

Here’s how it went down.

On December 30, I decided to get some work done at my computer. Finish editing, check emails, that sort of thing. I attempted to sit down in my rolling office chair. The chair decided that then might be a good time to fly away against the wall, leaving me no place to sit. As we all learned in fifth grade, the force of gravity likes to pull objects to the ground. I was no exception.

Since we have hardwood floors in my office, I made contact with an extremely solid surface. Ouch, ouch. I figured I’d better see if I was able to get up or had I broken any bones?

The next morning, I went to the ER at our local hospital to discover the answer. My husband drove and joined me in one of those rooms where they make you wait. There was an examining table and one chair. Since I didn’t feel like lying down on the hard surface, I gingerly lowered to one side as I sat in the chair. No where else to sit, my husband took the examining table and stretched out.

Momentarily, the e-ray technician arrived in the room and looked at Joe. “Sir, can you say your name?”

Joe smiled and said, “Yes, Joe Foster.”

I figured out what happened. She thought he was the patient. I told her I was the one with a sore rear end and needed an ex-ray. My husband felt just fine.

So, she took me for a CT scan and yes, I had fractured my tailbone. Yikes. Who’d believe such a small little bone could cause such pain. And to think, the wrong patient almost got x-rayed.

A Real-Life Love Story

The Story Behind the Story

Dreams Deferred is inspired by the true story of my great-grandfather and great-grandmother. Father Frances Matthew Halbedl grew up in the European Austrian Empire and followed the tradition in which the oldest son became a priest in his family’s Catholic faith. After being ordained in Moravia, he immigrated to the United States in 1866 to serve in a parish in the state of Louisiana.

My aunt and mother always told the story of how one Sunday while saying mass, Father Matthew spotted a young teen, much younger than my heroine, Mary Louise. He waited several years for her to grow up then stepped down from the priesthood to marry her. I wish I knew some of those rich details of their courtship, but since I don’t, I fictionalized their romance.

They later moved to San Antonio, Texas and had five children, three girls and two boys—Ida, Mamie, Alice, Roy, and Clifton, who was my grandfather.

Frances Matthew Halbedl

Mathew taught music both in the public school and privately. Later he became the first principal of a high school in San Antonio.

I’ve always wanted to write a book inspired by Mary Louise and Matthew’s story. I finally saw the opportunity when my editor gave a callout for contemporary romances where a pastor falls in love. I asked her what she thought about a Catholic priest falling in love. I’m sure she must’ve scratched her head, but when I told her it was based on a true story, she liked the idea.

Though I set the story in contemporary times, I used elements from the real story. My Matthew went into the priesthood at the urging of his father. He had a great love of music and wound up in San Antonio, Texas after he married Mary Louise. Father Matthew falls in love with Mary Louise from almost the first moment he sees her in mass one Sunday morning. All of these things are based on Matthew’s real-life story.

I fictionalized most of the rest of the story, basically because I don’t know many details of Matthew and Mary Louise’s lives. If I’ve learned anything from writing this book, I wish I’d probed for more information when my mother and aunt were still alive, but I’m grateful for what I do know.

As I got into the book, I realized that this is probably the most romantic story I’ve written. Mary Louise and Matt fall in love, but even a casual kiss is taboo. When they finally do sneak a kiss in the garden at the church grounds, they take the risk of being discovered, yet their love for each other spurs them on.

I believe Dreams Deferred is a story both Catholics and Protestants will enjoy. It was likely my most favorite to write.

Amazon

The Tale of Three Pennies

Many years ago, when my granddaughter Nicole was just about three, we visited her and all the grandkids in El Paso, Texas. At the time, my husband and I were traveling in our RV. Our house was rented out so the RV was our home. It was a great life, almost like being on a permanent vacation.

So, when we showed up at the grandkids’ home, they were excited to see Grandma and Grandpa because they hadn’t seen us in a while. After a week’s visit, Grandma and Grandpa were ready to hit the road again. Nicole appeared with something in her hand. “Here, Grandma. This is for you.” She held out her hand with three pennies in her palm. No doubt she’d been saving up. I placed them in a plastic container for safekeeping.

Nicole with her new puppy, strangely enough, named Penny

Fast forward twenty years. I found the case in one of my drawers. As I gazed at the coins, I realized how important those pennies were. Nicole gave something of value to me as three pennies had been a lot to her. To be able to hold the same coins from years ago brought joy as they were such a great reminder. Those coins are worth more than many dollar bills now because they came from my granddaughter. What perspective the coins offered. Family means more than monetary things. Memories are more valuable than a bank account.

Thank you, Nicole, for your gift of three pennies.

A Widow’s Mite

Sometimes I struggle with prayer. I attempt to pray for our nation—against the corruption, lies, open borders, sexual sins. But after a few minutes, I find I can’t pray any longer because the burden becomes so hard to bear, so arduous. “Lord, our country has gone so wrong, so quickly.” And what good does my one little two-minute prayer do?

When last week once again I attempted to pray for the United States, the Lord reminded me of the Jewish people who brought their alms to the temple. But when a poor widow dropped two small coins into the collection box, Jesus reminded us she gave more than the wealthy who gave out of their abundance. She gave all she had.

“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21: 3

Could my feeble prayer be as the widow’s mite? The Lord didn’t look at what she gave but what was in her heart and her willingness to give back to the Lord. The next time you feel God might not hear your prayer, trust that He will hear the smallest prayer if you pray from a sincere heart.

Do You Long for Christ’s Return?

Christian brothers and sisters, have you ever yearned for Christ’s return? I know that I have more than once. I long to be in heaven at the Lord’s banquet table, to leave this sinful world where lies, deceit, and selfishness are the norm. So frequently I ask, “Lord, how could You allow these things to continue?”

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5

One morning these thoughts about the wickedness of mankind persisted, and I pleaded with God to come back soon. A distinct notion filled my mind. What if He returned today? What about my precious loved ones who don’t know Him, who wouldn’t join me in His kingdom? What if in ten more years from now God had determined that they would humble themselves and receive His Salvation?

The idea sent a chill down my spine. Yes, of course, I would want to see Jesus’ return delayed if it meant my family member would be saved. I’d want the Lord to postpone His return ten years, or twenty, or fifty or whatever God determined.

“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2Peter3: 9

What encouragement this verse offers as we wait for Jesus to come back to earth and escort us into eternity.

Trust in the Lord

I sat in the waiting room on the fifth floor of the hospital where my husband was receiving a cystoscopy. My stomach felt like a washing machine on the spin cycle. What would the doctor find? I’d prayed so hard for a good report.

My cell phone beeped, and I picked it up with cold and clammy hands. The text said “All is okay. PTL.” The nurse had only called him in twenty minutes before. All was okay? Did that mean the cancer was gone?

When my husband walked out into the waiting room, a large smile on his face, I knew the truth. The doctor hadn’t found any remaining cancer in his bladder. My heart soared, and exhilaration swirled within. But the doctor needed to make a recheck in three months. What then? Would the disease return?

I believe the Lord had a message for me. We mustn’t trust in circumstances but in God. Circumstances change daily. Our emotions fluctuate like the weather. Our situations alternate hour by hour sometimes. So, though I might be happy and relieved about the medical report, I need to trust in One who never changes—unlike circumstances. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

Thoughts for 2023

I love watching Hallmark movies. Especially the romantic scenes. Yes, I know, the stories are predictable. We know that the two characters will get together in the end. Most plots are the same with a few variations. Why then do we women like that form of entertainment? I can’t speak for others, but I’m assured of a happy ending and the lack of cussing and violence. Also, as a contemporary romance author, the channel gives me great ideas.

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. Even Hallmark movies. Lately, I’ve seen pictures that portray same-sex relationships as if they were the norm. I’m not speaking against another person’s right to live the way they choose. I’m saying the action I see on my TV screen is offensive to me because my Bible teaches me those relationships are not pleasing to God.

I’ve found an alternative to the Hallmark channel and that’s the Great American Country network. The producers hold to the traditional view of marriage, and their movies reflect that understanding. Some of the actors who’ve switched from Hallmark are Daniel Lissing, Cameron Mathison, Jill Wagner, and Candace Cameron Bure.

But on both channels, I’ve heard one character advise another: just follow your heart. This sounds like good advice, but is it really? Here’s what the Bible says. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9

So, if we can’t follow our hearts, where can we find wisdom? “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 11 Timothy 3:16

You can never go wrong by discovering what the Word of God says about a matter. God’s Word is trustworthy and true. I hope you will consider these thoughts in the new year.

Hope in the New Year

The years whizz by at the speed of light, it seems. I can remember bringing in the new year way back in 1960 when doo wop and poodle shirts ruled. Well over twenty years ago, my mother died on January 1. Time doesn’t march on. It sprints, and I can barely keep up.

I got a little nervous when I hung my new calendar on the wall. This sparked the thought. What will the new year bring? How much longer will God see fit to allow me to live on this earth? How much longer will He put up with the godlessness of the United States?

I picked up my Bible and found some mighty encouraging words in Ephesians 3:20-21. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is a work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

That brings me an amazing amount of confidence. My God is faithful, and He has a plan for the rest of my life —and yours, too. He’s all powerful and will bring victory to His own. What a glorious thought.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Lord, I place my faith and confidence in You because you can use me at any age or stage in life. Amen.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the characters of the Cranberry Cove series. They would like to bless you, the readers, with their favorite scripture. They pray you will carry these Bible verses into the new year.

James Atwood – “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.” Joel 2:23

Ashton Price – “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Blake Sloan – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Gracie Mayberry – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Juliette Duplay – “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

Ryder Langston – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Proverbs 19:20

Madison Mitchell – “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Micah Collins – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Find James and Ashton in The Inn at Cranberry Cove.

Blake and Gracie are the stars of Love Found in Cranberry Cove

Juliette and Ryder tell their story in Christmas at Cranberry Cove

Madison and Micah share their journey in At Home in Cranberry Cove.

Merry Christmas from June, the characters’ author. I pray you will find peace in the coming year and seek the Lord daily.

Stuck in a Blackberry Bush

When my kids were young, my husband was in the army. When my daughter Kelly was about seven, we were stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. The area is surrounded by towering lush Douglas fir, sparkling lakes and streams, and blackberry bushes. Blackberry plants have sharp thorns, and it’s easy to get scratched.

One day, my youngest daughter Susan ran into the house saying Kelly was caught in a blackberry bush. I rushed out to the edge of the forested area near our house on base. Sure enough, Kelly was held captive by the ferocious spikes. She had only wanted to taste one of the juicy berries that grew between the prickly spikes.

In no time, I helped Kelly get free. I had her take off her sweater which had mostly come in contact with the bush. Once she slipped out of that, she was free, and we eventually retrieved her sweater.

This morning I thought this is how we humans are. We get ourselves in the worst predicaments, but God, like a patient, loving Father, frees us from our calamities. He’s our Father, and He’s God.  

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalms 118:5

Dear Lord, thank you for caring about us and loving us. Allow us to know You better and better. We are grateful for Your mighty power and love. You, who number all the hairs on our heads, You who said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” You who died for us so we might live, we give You all glory and praise. Amen.