Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 33
April 14, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Friday 14 April 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – PSALM 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NKJV) Psalm 23
IRISH / GAEILGEIs é an Tiarna mo aoire; Ní bheidh mé ag iarraidh. Déanann sé dom luí síos i féarach glas; Treoraíonn sé mé in aice leis na huiscí fós. Athchóirigh sé m’anam; Treoraíonn sé mé ar shlite na bhfíréantacht ar son a ainme. Seadh, cé go siúlaim trí ghleann scáth an bháis, ní bheidh eagla orm roimh olc, mar tá tú liom; Do shlat agus do fhoireann, tugann siad sólás dom. Ullmhaíonn tú bord romham i láthair mo naimhde; ungaidh tú mo cheann le hola; ritheann mo chupán anonn. Go deimhin leanfaidh maitheas agus trócaire mé ar feadh laethanta mo shaol, agus beidh mé i mo chónaí i dteach an Tiarna go deo. (NKJV) Salm 23
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΟ Κύριος είναι ο ποιμένας μου; δεν θα θελήσω. Με βάζει να ξαπλώνω σε καταπράσινα βοσκοτόπια. Με οδηγεί δίπλα στα ήσυχα νερά. Αποκαθιστά την ψυχή μου. Με οδηγεί στα μονοπάτια της δικαιοσύνης για χάρη του ονόματός Του. Ναι, αν και περπατήσω μέσα από την κοιλάδα της σκιάς του θανάτου, δεν θα φοβηθώ κανένα κακό, γιατί είσαι μαζί μου. Το καλάμι σου και το ραβδί Σου με παρηγορούν. Ετοιμάζεις τραπέζι μπροστά μου ενώπιον των εχθρών μου. Μου αλείφεις το κεφάλι με λάδι. το φλιτζάνι μου τελειώνει. Σίγουρα η καλοσύνη και το έλεος θα με ακολουθούν όλες τις ημέρες της ζωής μου, και θα κατοικώ στον οίκο του Κυρίου για πάντα. (NKJV) Ψαλμός 23
HEBREW / עִברִית
ה’ הוא הרועה שלי; לא ארצה. הוא גורם לי לשכב במרעה ירוקים; הוא מוביל אותי לצד המים השקטים. הוא משיב את נשמתי; הוא מוביל אותי בנתיבי צדק למען שמו. כן, אף-על-פי שאלך בעמק צל-מוות, לא אפחד רע, כי אתה איתי; מוטך ומטהך, הם מנחמים אותי. אתה מכין שולחן לפניי בפני אויבי; אתה מושח את ראשי בשמן; הכוס שלי נגמרת. אמנם טוב ורחמים ילכו אחרי כל ימי חיי, ושכנתי בבית ה’ עד עולם. (לב) תהילים כג
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIBwana ndiye mchungaji wangu; sitapungukiwa na kitu. Hunilaza katika malisho ya majani mabichi; Ananiongoza kando ya maji tulivu. Hunihuisha nafsi yangu; Ananiongoza katika njia za haki kwa ajili ya jina lake. Naam, nijapopita kati ya bonde la uvuli wa mauti, Sitaogopa mabaya, kwa maana Wewe upo pamoja nami; Fimbo yako na fimbo yako vyanifariji. Waandaa meza mbele yangu, Machoni pa adui zangu; Umenipaka mafuta kichwani; kikombe changu kinapita. Hakika wema na fadhili zitanifuata siku zote za maisha yangu, nami nitakaa nyumbani mwa Bwana milele. (NKJV) Zaburi 23
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙГосподь мой пастырь; Я не захочу. Он заставляет меня лежать на зеленых пастбищах; Он ведет меня к тихим водам. Он восстанавливает мою душу; Он ведет меня путями праведности ради Своего имени. Да, хотя я и пойду долиною смертной тени, не убоюсь зла, ибо Ты со мной; Твой жезл и Твой посох утешают меня. Ты приготовил предо мною трапезу в присутствии врагов моих; Ты помажешь мне голову маслом; моя чашка переполняется. Во все дни жизни моей будут сопутствовать мне благость и милость, и я пребуду в доме Господнем навеки. (NKJV) Псалом 23
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDer Herr ist mein Hirte; mir wird nichts mangeln. Er weidet mich auf grünen Auen und führt mich zu stillen Wassern. Er erquickt meine Seele; er führt mich auf rechter Straße um seines Namens willen. Und wenn ich auch wanderte durchs Tal der Todesschatten, so fürchte ich kein Unglück, denn du bist bei mir; dein Stecken und dein Stab, die trösten mich. Du bereitest vor mir einen Tisch angesichts meiner Feinde; du hast mein Haupt mit Öl gesalbt, mein Becher fließt über. Nur Güte und Gnade werden mir folgen mein Leben lang, und ich werde bleiben im Haus des Herrn immerdar. (SCH 2000) Psalmen 23
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEL’Eternel est mon berger: je ne manquerai de rien. Il me fait reposer dans de verts pâturages, Il me dirige près des eaux paisibles. Il restaure mon âme, Il me conduit dans les sentiers de la justice, a cause de son nom. Quand je marche dans la vallée de l’ombre de la mort, je ne crains aucun mal, car tu es avec moi: ta houlette et ton bâton me rassurent. Tu dresses devant moi une table, en face de mes adversaires; Tu oins d’huile ma tête, et ma coupe déborde. Oui, le bonheur et la grâce m’accompagneront tous les jours de ma vie, et j’habiterai dans la maison de l’Eternel jusqu’à la fin de mes jours. (NEG 1979) Psaumes 23
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLEl Señor es mi pastor; tengo todo lo que necesito. En verdes prados me deja descansar; me conduce junto a arroyos tranquilos. Él renueva mis fuerzas. Me guía por sendas correctas, y así da honra a su nombre.Aun cuando yo pase por el valle más oscuro, no temeré, porque tú estás a mi lado. Tu vara y tu cayado me protegen y me confortan. Me preparas un banquete en presencia de mis enemigos. Me honras ungiendo mi cabeza con aceite. Mi copa se desborda de bendiciones. Ciertamente tu bondad y tu amor inagotable me seguirán todos los días de mi vida, y en la casa del Señor viviré por siempre. (NTV) Salmos 23
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Psalm 23
April 13, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Friday 14 April 23 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – EXCERPTS
THE BOOK
It all started with old wiring and a fire.
The Elliott family had always enjoyed gatherings with extended family and friends. Especially at Christmas. They had discovered Blue Mountain Chalet, near Asheville, North Carolina; it became their venue of choice, and had hosted their crowd the past three years.
Until the wiring in the hundred-year-old inn sparked a fire, destroying much of the beloved inn. And two weeks before Christmas, too.
With no venue, it seemed their fledgling holiday tradition was a bust. Until Gigi called on a friend who ran a B&B at Heron Cove. All systems were go and their holiday was rescheduled for the last week of January.
Until eighty-four-year-old Gigi had a stroke. On New Years Day. But with Gigi’s free spirit, and three weeks of recovery and therapy, and all systems were go. Again.
One disaster follows another as the family and friends gather to celebrate Christ’s birth. But even with a lost aunt and uncle, muddy dogs, a jellyfish sting, and dogs eating the turkey, there is joy and peace and laughter at Blue Heron Inn. And love. Lots of love.
NOTE: There is a brief episode of racism in this story that might be offensive to some readers.
EXCERPT – DOG AND SQUIRREL“Ralph! No!” In a swift move, Moe passed Boss and Smiley off to his cousin and charged in hot pursuit of his own pittie.
The Green Hornets had spent time in the swamp, the older boys hoping for A alligator sighting. The dogs were well behaved, and enjoying their time in nature, possibly more than the kids.
Ralph had caught the attention of a particularly curious red squirrel; as the group moved along the trail, so did the squirrel. But it was only interested in the pit; the kids nor the other two dogs seemed to hold any interest to it.
As they crossed an intersecting path on their way to the chapel, the squirrel jumped on Ralph’s back. Ralph jumped and lunged, jerking Moe backwards.
Chattering as though telling a tall squirrel tale, the rodent jumped between Ralph’s ears. Ralph twisted his head, trying to get at his assailant.
Jumping directly in front of Ralph, the squirrel held its ground, chattering to beat the band. Ralph barked and yapped. The squirrel chattered and squeaked. Then bolted. Ralph charged in hot pursuit.
Moe found his dog wallowing in the pluff mud of the shallow marsh. The stinky, rotten egg smelling pluff mud. And Ralph was caked in it.
The squirrel was nowhere to be seen.
EXCERPT – AUNT LAURA INVITES HERSELF“Hey, Doll Baby.” Liz let herself into Bethy’s kitchen. “How’s the planning? Everything all set?”
“It’s coming together.” Bethy popped a pod in the Keurig, vanilla cream, Liz’s favorite. “What’s up?”
“I’m afraid there’s a little hiccup.”
Bethy had already entered her planner world. “Give it to me straight.”
“Aunt Laura has invited herself.” Liz grabbed her steaming cuppa and plopped onto the chair next to her niece. “You sure we’re not full up? No available rooms at the inn?”
“No room at the inn?” Bethy snickered. “Sorry, Aunt Liz. There’s plenty of room. Especially for one person.”
“Oh, did I say one person? I meant nine. Nine people.”
“Excuse me?”
“Nine people, Bethy.”
“Who nine?” Bethy sipped at her own coffee. “And how does Aunt Laura think she can just crash our party?”
“That’s Aunt Laura.”
“So who all’s the nine people? Is she bringing her own—what? Hairdresser? Housekeeper? What?”
“Uncle Guy.” Liz mimicked her aunt’s supercilious pronunciation. “Their son George and his significant other Emily Katherine. Been together for thirty years but never bothered to get married. I can’t imagine how that’s okay with Laura.” Liz shrugged. “Thankfully they don’t have any kids. But Patty and David—their daughter and her husband—have two daughters, Anna Charlotte and Heather. And Heather’s boyfriend, Lawrence. Nine. That’s nine more people.”
“And we don’t have room for nine more people.”
“Good. I’ll tell her she can’t come.”
“No, don’t do that. Just tell her they’ll have to get rooms somewhere else.”
“I’m not telling her. You tell her.”
“I don’t even know her.”
“I hardly know her.”
“I’ll call. I’ll make reservations for them at the Reid-St. Amant.” The Reid-St. Amant was the premier five-star hotel in Heron Cove. “Then I’ll call.”
“You got chutzpah, girlie. I’ll give ya that.”
BLOGWORDS – Thursday 13 April 23 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – CHAT THURSDAY – CHARACTER INTERVIEW – BROOKE and NATALIE
One of my favorite posts during a launch blitz is the character interviews! Even I discover little nuggets I didn’t already know—and I reckon I know my characters better than anyone. #winkwink
Today I’m interviewing sisters Brooke and Natalie Jernigan.
FAST FAVESCake or Cookies:
BROOKE: Frosted sugar cookies.
NATALIE: Mom’s C5 cookies.
rem: C5?
NATALIE: Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Rem: oh my yumminess!
Call or Text:
BROOKE: Text.
NATALIE: Text.
Dogs or Cats:
BROOKE: I love all animals.
NATALIE: Dogs.
Eggs or Pancakes:
BROOKE: Eggs. I love omelets.
NATALIE: French toast.
Facebook or Twitter:
BROOKE: Snapchat.
NATALIE: Same.
Paperback or Kindle:
BROOKE: Paperback but I keep my Kindle with me
NATALIE: Most of my reading is work related – psychology – so hardback.
Thornton or Darcy:
BROOKE: Darcy. Particularly with Matthew McFayden.
NATALIE: Rochester, actually.
rem: Let me introduce Brooke and Natalie Jernigan, Meredith and Jeremy’s two oldest.
NATALIE: Glad to be here, Robin.
BROOKE: I’m so happy to be here. It’s so nice to meet you, Robin.
rem: Thank you. You two have such different stories. You both were residents at May Standish Children’s Home. Natalie, I know your story was pretty horrific. What can you share with our readers?
NATALIE: Oh. Well. For starters I guess…
BROOKE: It was really bad, Robin.
CRICKETS
BROOKE: Nat, you don’t have to.
NATALIE: No it’s okay. I mean, it’s good that I share my story, you know. When I was little I just thought that’s how families were, like how it was supposed to be. I never saw bruises and sh— stuff on other kids at school. But I hid mine so I figured they did too.
rem: Natalie, that’s so sad. That’s a heavy burden for a little girl.
NATALIE: It was what it was. I didn’t know any different. Nathan, my brother, was four years older than me and he did what he could to protect me until…
BROOKE: Nat…
NATALIE: Randy—that was our father, we never called him dad. He came home bad drunk one time. Well, a lot of time, but this one time he just grabbed Nate when he walked in the door and threw him against the wall. Nate didn’t even do anything. Randy was a mean drunk and he was raging mad when he walked through the door. Nate wasn’t even in his way. He was just the first thing Randy saw.
BROOKE: And that’s when…
NATALIE: Yes. That’s how he got his brain injury. His head had smashed into a shelf with an old timey iron. Why my mother had that I never knew. But it fell off the shelf and landed on Nate’s head.
rem: I can’t even imagine.
NATALIE: He was such a brave little kid. He tried to take care of me, but he was only six old when Randy cracked his skull.
rem: Where was your mother when all this was happening?
NATALIE: Probably in the bedroom. That’s where she usually was. But she was drunk or stoned all the time. She could’ve been right there in the living room and wouldn’t have said anything.
BROOKE: He beat her, too.
NATALIE: He did, yes. As a counselor now, I know that’s why she stayed drunk.
rem: Can you tell us about your sisters? Or do you need to take a break?
NATALIE: It’s easier if I keep going.
BROOKE: You’re so brave.
NATALIE: SHRUGS I don’t know how long Nate was in hospital but Randy almost never came home so I was basically on my own in the house. Naomi wasn’t born until a year after Nate’s “accident.”
rem: How old were you?
NATALIE: Two and a half. But I knew where the cereal was and peanut butter. Mom managed enough to get groceries and stuff. I know now that she was high when she went to the store. She got stuff I could fix by myself.
rem: sniffles My God.
NATALIE: Anyhow, Nate came home by Christmas and Naomi was born a few months later—I only learned dates and details later. Randy had started going to AA and started coming around again. But he didn’t stay with it and beat mom real bad. She was pregnant at the time—again, something I didn’t know until years later. Anyway, I was taking care of both Naomi and Nate. Randy died in a car accident right after Nina was born—he was drunk of course—but apparently at the scene he was telling paramedics that it was his wife’s fault. Something he said alerted them to have the police investigate. And that’s how we ended up at May Standish.
rem: Oh Natalie. Words fail me.
NATALIE: There are no words, Robin. It’s a situation that should never happen. Randy and Justine—she was my mom—should have never been together. Sadly, though, it’s a tragedy that is far too common. I see it far too often in my work.
rem: You’re a counselor, right?
NATALIE: Yes, ma’am. Gil and I both. I want to, need to, help other children who have suffered what I did.
rem: What about Meredith and Jeremy.
NATALIE: If it hadn’t have been for them I would not be where I am today. They showed me unconditional love. Even when Mom was going through her stuff, I knew she loved me. And Dad stood by me through it all.
BROOKE: He stood all of us.
NATALIE: He was amazing. He is amazing. The best dad a girl could ever have.
rem: What about you, Brooke? What’s your story?
BROOKE: It’s simple really. And not sad or tragic like Nat’s. My mom and dad split up and neither one of them wanted me.
rem: WHAT???
BROOKE: SHRUGS It’s not like we were a close family. I mean, we were hardly even a family. Mom and Dad weren’t married and they were almost never home. I was always with the nanny, aka housekeeper. Mom never wanted kids; Dad didn’t care either way. So I ended up at Standish at almost the exact time as Nat.
NATALIE: And when they brought Madi and Cora, Brookie and I fell in love.
BROOKE: They were so adorable.
NATALIE: And Madi was sassy! Oh my goodness!!
BROOKE: laughs She still is.
NATALIE: And by the way, B, it’s pretty sad to me to think you’re parents just gave you away.
BROOKE: shrugs Like I said, I hardly ever spent time with them.
rem: What’s it like having eleven siblings?
NATALIE: Oh my gosh! It’s crazy.
BROOKE: But good crazy, though.
NATALIE: It’s wacky and weird and totally nuts but I love it.
BROOKE: Being around so many kids at Standish was a big adjustment for me at first. But with Mom and Dad, it was so different.
NATALIE: Well, yeah. At Standish most kids didn’t stay long. Or at least not as long as us.
BROOKE: Right. I mean, it’s a foster and adoption home. So…
NATALIE: But at home nobody’s going to leave after a few months.
BROOKE: Right. We’re all stuck with each other.
NATALIE: And it’s the best!
rem: Ladies, we’ve taken quite a bit of time. More than usual. But I think what you shared is so important. I have oOne final question for you—do you have a life Scripture?
NATALIE: “Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:23
BROOKE: For me it’s Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.”
rem: Those are both great Scriptures. Both so important. Ladies, I’ve so enjoyed chatting with you. Thank you for visiting us at my little nest today.
BLOGWORDS – Thursday 13 April 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every vain imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
IRISH / GAEILGEÓir ní fheolmhar airm ár gcogaíochta, ach neartmhar i nDia chun daingnibh do tharraing anuas, ag cur anuas argóna agus ar gach samhladh díomhain a arduigheann é féin i n-aghaidh eolas Dé, ag tabhairt gach smaoine i mbraighdeanas d’umhail Chríost. (NKJV) 2 Corantaigh 10:4-5
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΓιατί τα όπλα του πολέμου μας δεν είναι σαρκικά, αλλά ισχυρά στον Θεό για να γκρεμίζουν οχυρά, να καταρρίπτουν επιχειρήματα και κάθε μάταιη φαντασία που εξυψώνεται ενάντια στη γνώση του Θεού, φέρνοντας κάθε σκέψη σε αιχμαλωσία στην υπακοή του Χριστού. (NKJV) 2 Κορινθίους 10:4-5
HEBREW / עִברִית
כי כלי הלחימה שלנו אינם גשמיים אלא חזקים באלוהים על כך שהפיל מעוזים, השלכת ויכוחים וכל דמיון שווא המתנשא כנגד ידיעת אלוהים, מביא כל מחשבה בשבי לצייתו של המשיח. (NKJV) ב’ לקורינתים י’:4-5
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIMaana silaha za vita vyetu si za mwili, bali zina uwezo katika Mungu hata kuangusha ngome, tukiangusha mabishano na kila mawazo ya ubatili, yajiinuayo juu ya elimu ya Mungu, tukiteka nyara kila fikira ipate kumtii Kristo. (NKJV) 2 Wakorintho 10:4-5
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙОружия воинствования нашего не плотские, но сильные Богом на разрушение твердынь, ими ниспровергаем замыслы и всякое суетное воображение, восстающее против познания Божия, и пленяем всякое помышление в послушание Христу. (NKJV) 2 Коринфянам 10:4-5
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDenn die Waffen unseres Kampfes sind nicht fleischlich, sondern mächtig durch Gott zur Zerstörung von Festungen, sodass wir Vernunftschlüsse zerstören und jede Höhe, die sich gegen die Erkenntnis Gottes erhebt, und jeden Gedanken gefangen nehmen zum Gehorsam gegen Christus. (SCH 2000) 2 Korinther 10:4-5
FRENCH / FRANÇAISECar les armes avec lesquelles nous combattons ne sont pas charnelles; mais elles sont puissantes, par la vertu de Dieu, pour renverser des forteresses. Nous renversons les raisonnements et toute hauteur qui s’élève contre la connaissance de Dieu, et nous amenons toute pensée captive à l’obéissance de Christ. (NEG 1979) 2 Corinthiens 10:4-5
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLUsamos las armas poderosas de Dios, no las del mundo, para derribar las fortalezas del razonamiento humano y para destruir argumentos falsos. Destruimos todo obstáculo de arrogancia que impide que la gente conozca a Dios. Capturamos los pensamientos rebeldes y enseñamos a las personas a obedecer a Cristo. (NTV) 2 Corintios 10:4-5
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5April 12, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 12 April 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – 1 JOHN 1:5-7
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NKJV) 1 John 1:5-7
IRISH / GAEILGESin í an teachtaireacht atá cloiste againn uaidh agus a dhearbhaímid daoibh, gur solas é Dia agus nach bhfuil aon dorchadas in Eisean. Má deirimid go bhfuil comhaltacht againn leis, agus siúl sa dorchadas, bréaga muid agus ní chleachtaimid an fhírinne. Ach má shiúlaimid sa solas mar atá sé sa solas, tá comhluadar againn lena chéile, agus glanann fuil Íosa Críost a Mhac sinn ó gach peaca. (NKJV) 1 Eoin 1:5-7
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΑυτό είναι το μήνυμα που ακούσαμε από Αυτόν και σας διακηρύξουμε, ότι ο Θεός είναι φως και μέσα Του δεν υπάρχει καθόλου σκοτάδι. Αν πούμε ότι έχουμε κοινωνία μαζί Του και περπατάμε στο σκοτάδι, λέμε ψέματα και δεν ασκούμε την αλήθεια. Αλλά αν περπατάμε στο φως όπως είναι εκείνος στο φως, έχουμε κοινωνία ο ένας με τον άλλον, και το αίμα του Ιησού Χριστού του Υιού Του μας καθαρίζει από κάθε αμαρτία. (NKJV) 1 Ιωάννη 1:5-7
HEBREW / עִברִית
זהו המסר אשר שמענו ממנו ומכריזים לכם, כי אלוהים הוא אור ואין בו חושך כלל. אם אנחנו אומרים שיש לנו שיתוף עמו, והולכים בחושך, אנחנו משקרים ולא נוהגים את האמת. אבל אם אנחנו הולכים באור כפי שהוא באור, יש לנו שיתוף אחד עם השני, ודמו של ישוע המשיח בנו מנקה אותנו מכל חטא. (NKJV) 1 יוחנן 1:5-7
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIHii ndiyo habari tuliyoisikia kwake na kuihubiri kwenu, ya kwamba Mungu ni nuru na hamna giza hata kidogo ndani yake. Tukisema kwamba tuna ushirika naye, na tukienenda gizani, twasema uongo, wala hatutendi iliyo kweli. Lakini tukienenda nuruni, kama yeye alivyo katika nuru, twashirikiana sisi kwa sisi, na damu yake Yesu Kristo, Mwana wake, yatusafisha dhambi yote. (NKJV) 1 Yohana 1:5-7
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙВот весть, которую мы слышали от Него и заявляем вам, что Бог есть свет и в Нем нет никакой тьмы. Если мы говорим, что имеем общение с Ним и ходим во тьме, мы лжем и не поступаем по истине. Но если мы ходим во свете, как Он во свете, то имеем общение друг с другом, и кровь Иисуса Христа, Его Сына, очищает нас от всякого греха. (NKJV) 1 Иоанна 1: 5-7
GERMAN / DEUTSCHUnd das ist die Botschaft, die wir von ihm gehört haben und euch verkündigen, dass Gott Licht ist und in ihm gar keine Finsternis ist. Wenn wir sagen, dass wir Gemeinschaft mit ihm haben, und doch in der Finsternis wandeln, so lügen wir und tun nicht die Wahrheit; wenn wir aber im Licht wandeln, wie er im Licht ist, so haben wir Gemeinschaft miteinander, und das Blut Jesu Christi, seines Sohnes, reinigt uns von aller Sünde. (SCH 2000) 1 Johannes 1:5-7
FRENCH / FRANÇAISELa nouvelle que nous avons apprise de lui, et que nous vous annonçons, c’est que Dieu est lumière, et qu’il n’y a point en lui de ténèbres. Si nous disons que nous sommes en communion avec lui, et que nous marchions dans les ténèbres, nous mentons, et nous ne pratiquons pas la vérité. Mais si nous marchons dans la lumière, comme il est lui-même dans la lumière, nous sommes mutuellement en communion, et le sang de Jésus son Fils nous purifie de tout péché. (NEG 1979) 1 Jean 1:5-7
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLEste es el mensaje que oímos de Jesús y que ahora les declaramos a ustedes: Dios es luz y en él no hay nada de oscuridad. Por lo tanto, mentimos si afirmamos que tenemos comunión con Dios pero seguimos viviendo en oscuridad espiritual; no estamos practicando la verdad. Si vivimos en la luz, así como Dios está en la luz, entonces tenemos comunión unos con otros, y la sangre de Jesús, su Hijo, nos limpia de todo pecado. (NTV) 1 Juan 1:5-7
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, 1 John 1:5-7April 11, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 12 April 2023 –BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – WREADING WEDNESDAY – SNEAKERS AT THE COTILLION by ROBIN E. MASON
You can dance in sneakers but you can’t run in heels.
As opposite as two people can be. Hot and cold. Left and right. Night and day. Except that they’re sisters. Twin sisters at that.
Claire Baxter was everything their mother expected of her. Of them both. A proper lady, polished, stylish, elegant.
Paige was the rebel. Athletic, competitive, couldn’t care less about hair and make-up. The only thing she liked about dancing was that it was a great cardio workout. Even ballroom dancing.
When Paige is attacked on her favorite jogging trail it sends a ripple through the family. Upends her mother’s closely guarded world. Fractures their already splintered family.
With Claire by her side, Paige struggles through the healing process. But will anything ever heal their family? Will their mother ever accept them back in her home?
NOTE: This story deals with issues—rape and physical violence, and racial discrimination—that might be difficult for some readers.
THE AUTHOR“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”
My characters struggle in some way for their identity. Their stories are their journey to know who God created them to be.
There is also a strong element of friends, family, and faith in all my stories, and the difference it makes to have such a support system.
I am a Christian and write from a Christian world view, but some of my characters are not believers and therefore do not abide by the Bible and the guidelines for life that we take for granted. My books contain some mild swear language in a few places—and demonstrate the difference when the grace of God prevails.
unsavory heritage series—seven generations, from Cissy to Connie, each with their own secrets, one of which is ugly and unsavory, and initiates the curse they all bearSeasons series—four friends, each one struggling to know the truth of just what happened when one of them plunged into the depths of the black waters of the Edisto RiverFourSquare – Four stories about four couples who also happen to be four sets of twins.https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Author.Robin.E.Mason/
http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S
https://twitter.com/RobinEMason1
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“Maybe you have to know the darkness to truly appreciate the light.”—Madeline L’Engle
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 11 April 2023 – BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – BOOK REVIEW – SO RARE A GIFT by AMBER LYNN PERRY
Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before.
Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.
THE AUTHOR
Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history, the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters.
She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website,
or through her Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/amberperrywrites
MY REVIEWMs. Perry has gifted the reader with a story so deep and rich, so eloquent and beautifully told, the reader walks alongside Anna in her misery and torment. Knows Henry’s conflict and his true heart.
The nuances and layers, details woven together to create such a dramatic story. Page after tantalizing page, chapter upon compelling chapter, I yearned for Anna and Henry’s happy ending, hoped it would be so.
The author gives such minute detail, her characters speak in authentic dialogue—a critical factor for this reader.
Oh, how my heart ached for Anna, for her circumstances, her [SPOILER.] And Henry. Fufilling his duties becomes a burden to heavy to bear.
The freedom we know in this country, sometimes we take for granted. Ms. Perry enlightens the reader on the struggles and sacrifices our nation’s patriots made, something I am most grateful for.
The third book in the series, I look forward to reading all the books in this series.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL THE FEATHERS!!!
I purchased this book and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Book Launch Event – Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TDRD, Month Long Launch Blog Blitz, So Rare a Gift, Amber Lynn Perry, Daughters of His Kingdom#FourSquareChristmasNovellas#ChristmasatBlueHeronInn#Christmasdisasters#ChristmasinJanuary#ChristmasontheBeach#FamCom#FamilyComedy#twinfiction#twinsmarryingtwins#fictionwriter#battleforidentity#cominginFebruary#amwriting#amediting#fictionwriting#faithfiction
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 11 April 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – 1 SAMUEL 2:8b-10
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the [strength] of His anointed. (NKJV) 1 Samuel 2:8b-10
IRISH / GAEILGEóir is leis an Tiarna piléir na talún, agus leag sé an domhan orthu. Cosnóidh sé cosa a naomh, ach beidh na haingidh ina dtost sa dorchadas. óir ní bheidh forlámhas ag fear ar bith. Brisfear naimhde an Tiarna ina bpíosaí; ó neamh déanfaidh sé toirneach ina gcoinne. Déanfaidh an Tiarna breithiúnas ar chríoch an domhain. Tabharfaidh sé neart dá rí, agus ardóidh sé [neart] A Aonaigh. (NKJV) 1 Samúéil 2:8b-10
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΔιότι οι στύλοι της γης είναι του Κυρίου, και αυτός έχει βάλει τον κόσμο πάνω τους. Θα φυλάξει τα πόδια των αγίων Του, αλλά οι κακοί θα σιωπήσουν στο σκοτάδι. Διότι με δύναμη κανείς δεν θα υπερισχύσει. Οι αντίπαλοι του Κυρίου θα συντριβούν. από τον ουρανό θα βροντή εναντίον τους. Ο Κύριος θα κρίνει τα πέρατα της γης. Θα δώσει δύναμη στον βασιλιά Του και θα εξυψώσει τη [δύναμη] του χρισμένου Του. (NKJV) 1 Σαμουήλ 2:8β-10
HEBREW / עִברִית
כי עמודי הארץ הם של ה’, והוא העמיד את העולם עליהם. הוא ישמר את רגלי קדושיו, אבל הרשעים ישתקו בחושך. כי בכוח לא ינצח אדם. יריבות ה’ ישברו לגזרים; מן השמים ירעם עליהם. ה’ ישפוט את קצוות הארץ. הוא יתן כח למלכו, ויעלה את [עוז] משוחיו. שמואל א’ 8ב-10
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIKwa maana nguzo za dunia ni za Bwana, naye ameuweka ulimwengu juu yake. Atailinda miguu ya watakatifu wake, lakini waovu watanyamazishwa gizani. Maana kwa nguvu hakuna atakayeshinda. adui za Bwana watavunjwa vipande vipande; kutoka mbinguni atanguruma dhidi yao. Bwana atahukumu miisho ya dunia. Atampa mfalme wake nguvu, na kuinua nguvu za masihi wake. (NKJV) 1 Samweli 2:8b-10
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙИбо столпы земли принадлежат Господу, и Он утвердил на них вселенную. Он будет охранять стопы Своих святых, а нечестивые будут молчать во тьме. Ибо силой никто не одолеет. Противники Господа будут разбиты на куски; с неба Он прогремит на них. Господь будет судить концы земли. Он даст силу своему царю и возвысит [силу] помазанника Своего. (NKJV) 1 Царств 2:8б-10
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDenn die Grundfesten der Erde gehören dem Herrn, und er hat den Erdkreis auf sie gestellt. Er wird die Füße seiner Getreuen behüten; aber die Gottlosen verstummen in der Finsternis;�denn der Mensch vermag nichts aus [eigener] Kraft. Die Widersacher des Herrn werden zerschmettert werden; er wird über sie donnern im Himmel. Der Herr wird die Enden der Erde richten und wird seinem König Macht verleihen und das Horn seines Gesalbten erhöhen! (SCH 2000) 1 Samuel 2:8b-10
FRENCH / FRANÇAISECar à l’Eternel sont les colonnes de la terre, et c’est sur elles qu’il a posé le monde. Il gardera les pas de ses bien-aimés. Mais les méchants seront réduits au silence dans les ténèbres; car l’homme ne triomphera point par la force. Les ennemis de L’Eternel trembleront; du haut des cieux il lancera sur eux son tonnerre; L’Eternel jugera les extrémités de la terre. Il donnera la puissance à son roi, et il relèvera la force de son oint. (NEG 1979) 1 Samuel 2:8b-10
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLPues toda la tierra pertenece al Señor, y él puso en orden el mundo. Él protegerá a sus fieles, pero los perversos desaparecerán en la oscuridad. Nadie tendrá éxito solamente por la fuerza. Los que pelean contra el Señor serán destrozados. Él retumba contra ellos desde el cielo; el Señor juzga en toda la tierra. Él da poder a su rey; aumenta la fuerza de su ungido. (NTV) 1 Samuel 2:8b-10
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, 1 Samuel 2:8b-10April 10, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Monday 10 April 2023– BOOK LAUNCH EVENT – GUEST POST – KRISTENA MEARS
Please give a great welcome to Kristena Mears, author and friend.
I don’t know about you, but at our house, Christmas time is always more chaotic than other times of the year. What is it about that season that increases the frustration and stress levels?
This last year, however, went way beyond the normal strain and tension of shopping, cooking and getting things planned and done on time. It was disastrous. And it all started just before Thanksgiving.
I was told at the beginning of the year that I needed to have back surgery. I had three discs that had collapsed and needed repair. But you know insurance. No matter what the doctor said, they had to try everything else first. So, by the time the physical therapy, nerve blocks, and pain management were all tried and failed, it was just before the holidays that I was scheduled for surgery.
The surgery itself went well, but the anesthesia and I didn’t get along. As I started to come around, I went into convulsions and had a seizure, then symptoms of a stroke. While most people wake up within thirty minutes, I took several hours. When I did finally recover enough to leave the recovery room, and be sent to a hospital room, I had amnesia. I didn’t know where I was, or why I was there. I couldn’t answer questions about what day or year it was. The amnesia only lasted a couple of days, but more time in the hospital was added.
This holiday season was becoming a disaster. I had lost Christmas.
Holiday plans were made around me. Everyone pitched in, and each detail was covered. I didn’t have to worry about anything — but I did.
We had plans to go to my daughter’s on Christmas day. I played the part of an excited mom well, but truthfully, I just wanted to stay home. Christmas crept closer and closer. I had no decorations up and I didn’t care. My hubby came home with a small, table sized tree, set it up, and decorated it, on Christmas eve. Insisting we keep the traditions we had started our first Christmas together: We watched Christmas cartoons, read The Night Before Christmas and finished with the Christmas story from Luke 2.
What a powerful story.
The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 12:4
Jesus entered our living room. The power of the living God seeped into my mind, through the pain, and chased away a deep depression that I wasn’t aware had taken residence. His word had cut through the darkness and allowed the light to ignite the power of love — His love — to heal me.
The disaster of that Christmas was that I had let my eyes stray from Him, to me and my pain. But, as He did on the first Christmas — Jesus came.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:17
He didn’t come to place blame for losing sight of Him, but to save me once again.
— and to save Christmas that year.
Kristena Mears is an award-winning author, speaker, and blogger.
She loves history, art, travel, and research. Out of these, flow her vivid imagination and inspiring stories.
Her self-published book, Under Penalty of Death, has been picked up by the traditional publisher, Elk Lake Publishing LLC., and is in the process of being republished. The reprint is scheduled to come out in mid-2023.
When Kristena isn’t busy writing or working her full-time job, you’ll probably find her researching history, ancient culture or science. She spends every extra hour with her husband and best friend, Mark, takes frequent trips to the zoo with her friends, and enjoys cooking, dabbling in photography and her tropical fish.
Kristena lives in the Cincinnati, OH area. Her husband, Rev. Mark Mears, is a retired Minister with the Christian & Missionary Alliance. They have three grown children and have been married for 41 years.
If you are interested in book updated and free short stories, please check out Kristena’s website at kristenamears.com
You can also follow Kristena Mears
Check out Kristena’s book, Under Penalty of Death
h ttps://www.amazon.com/Under-Penalty-Death-Slavery-Heart/dp/B0977LMBNN
#Blogwords, Book Launch Event – Guest Post, Kristena Mears, Month Long Launch Blog Blitz#FourSquareChristmasNovellas#ChristmasatBlueHeronInn#Christmasdisasters#ChristmasinJanuary#ChristmasontheBeach#FamCom#FamilyComedy#twinfiction#twinsmarryingtwins#fictionwriter#battleforidentity#cominginFebruary#amwriting#amediting#fictionwriting#faithfictionBLOGWORDS – Monday 10 April 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – ROMANS 12:6-8
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (NKJV) Romans 12:6-8
IRISH / GAEILGEMar sin tar éis bronntanais éagsúla a bheith againn de réir an ghrásta a thugtar dúinn, úsáidfimid iad: más fáidh, déanaimis tairngreacht i gcomhréir lenár gcreideamh; nó aireacht, lig dúinn é a úsáid inár mhinistreacht; an té a mhúineann, in teaching; an té a dhéanann exhorting, i exhortation; an té a thugann, le liobrálachas; an té atá i gceannas, le dúthracht; an té a thaispeánann trócaire, le haoibhneas. (NKJV) Rómhánaigh 12:6-8
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΈχοντας, λοιπόν, δώρα διαφορετικά ανάλογα με τη χάρη που μας δίνεται, ας τα χρησιμοποιήσουμε. ή διακονία, ας το χρησιμοποιήσουμε στη διακονία μας. αυτός που διδάσκει, στη διδασκαλία? αυτός που προτρέπει, σε προτροπή· Αυτός που δίνει, με ελευθερία. Αυτός που οδηγεί, με επιμέλεια. αυτός που δείχνει έλεος, με ευθυμία. (NKJV) Ρωμαίους 12:6-8
HEBREW / עִברִית
לאחר שישנו מתנות שונות לפי החסד שניתן לנו, הבה נשתמש בהן: אם נבוא, הבה נתנבא ביחס לאמונתנו; או שירות, הבה נשתמש בו בשירותנו; המלמד, בהוראה; מי שמזיץ, בתחינה; מי שנותן, בליברליות; מי שמוביל, בשקידה; המגלה רחמים, בעליצות. (NKJV) הרומים יב:6-8
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIBasi kwa kuwa tuna karama zilizo mbalimbali kwa kadiri ya neema tuliyopewa, na tuzitumie; ikiwa unabii, na tutoe unabii kwa kadiri ya imani yetu; au huduma, na tuitumie katika huduma yetu; yeye afundishaye, katika kufundisha; mwenye kuonya, katika kuonya; yeye atoaye, kwa ukarimu; yeye aongozaye, kwa bidii; mwenye kurehemu, kwa furaha. (NKJV) Warumi 12:6-8
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙИтак, имея дары, различные по данной нам благодати, воспользуемся ими: если пророчествуем, то пророчествуем по вере нашей; или служение, давайте использовать его в нашем служении; тот, кто учит, в обучении; тот, кто увещевает, в увещании; тот, кто дает, с щедростью; тот, кто ведет с усердием; тот, кто проявляет милосердие, с радостью. (NKJV) Римлянам 12:6-8
GERMAN / DEUTSCHWir haben aber verschiedene Gnadengaben gemäß der uns verliehenen Gnade; wenn wir Weissagung haben, [so sei sie] in Übereinstimmung mit dem Glauben; wenn wir einen Dienst haben, [so geschehe er] im Dienen; wer lehrt, [diene] in der Lehre; wer ermahnt, [diene] in der Ermahnung; wer gibt, gebe in Einfalt; wer vorsteht, tue es mit Eifer; wer Barmherzigkeit übt, mit Freudigkeit! (SCH 2000) Römer 12:6-8
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEPuisque nous avons des dons différents, selon la grâce qui nous a été accordée, que celui qui a le don de prophétie l’exerce en proportion de la foi; que celui qui est appelé au ministère s’attache à son ministère; que celui qui enseigne s’attache à son enseignement, et celui qui exhorte à l’exhortation; que celui qui donne le fasse avec libéralité; que celui qui préside le fasse avec zèle; que celui qui pratique la miséricorde le fasse avec joie. (NEG 1979) Romains 12:6-8
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLDios, en su gracia, nos ha dado dones diferentes para hacer bien determinadas cosas. Por lo tanto, si Dios te dio la capacidad de profetizar, habla con toda la fe que Dios te haya concedido. Si tu don es servir a otros, sírvelos bien. Si eres maestro, enseña bien. Si tu don consiste en animar a otros, anímalos. Si tu don es dar, hazlo con generosidad. Si Dios te ha dado la capacidad de liderar, toma la responsabilidad en serio. Y si tienes el don de mostrar bondad a otros, hazlo con gusto. (NTV) Romanos 12:6-8
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
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