Flora Reigada's Blog, page 29

PREVIEW: LOVE'S SWEETEST REVENGE

FREE SAMPLE OF "LOVE'S SWEETEST REVENGE."

When Liz Bertelli's husband left for a plaything in her twenties, she thought life could not get any worse. But she was wrong.
Liz seeks to clear her mind in the beauty of New York State's lush forest. Instead, encounters a bear--and the bear charges! How could this dangerous situation possibly lead to mystery, romance and a dream Florida vacation?
The saga unfolds in "Love's Sweetest Revenge," previewed as follows:

https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01BLKMLRC&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_7VKUwb14RX28B

MORE THAN COINCIDENCE?

The Jewel of God's Golden Thread
Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's available from Helping Hands Press
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you" (Exodus 23:20, NIV).
Do certain events seem to weave a golden thread through your life? For me, this involves a snowy day in rural Virginia, when I secured my toddler in his car seat and took off for the store. Driving along a country road, we seemed to be the only moving object in a snowy stillness blanketing homes, meadows and woods.
Suddenly, the car began to slide. Panic and prayer came fast. God, help us!
We plowed into a snow bank, shaken but safe. When I tried to back out, the wheels only spun. We were stuck! Frustrated, I rested my head on the steering wheel. Tears burned in my eyes. How could I have been so irresponsible to bring my baby out on a day like this? What am I going to do, God? I soon heard a knock at my window, then looked into the face of a grandfatherly, African-American man. I stared in shock. Where did he come from? Just a moment ago, no one was there. This man seemed to have walked out of a cloud. He knocked again."Let me help you."Although I would normally be hesitant to let a stranger into my car, I sensed this man was gentle as a lamb. Unlocking the door, I slid over and let him take the wheel. He quickly maneuvered us out of the snow bank."Thank you," I said and as quickly as my helper appeared, he was gone. Forgetting about the store, I inched my way back home.
Something similar happened when I was in New York City, running to catch the subway and my card would not register the fare. Trying again and again, I became anxious. My train was approaching and I needed to catch it. No one paid attention until a grandfatherly African-American man suddenly appeared at my side.
"I can help," he said, taking the card I offered and then getting me through so I could catch the train.
I thanked him as he vanished into the multitudes.
Years later, while wandering up and down a city street, looking for the hospital where my mother was a patient, I entered a building that looked like it could be the place. A grandfatherly African-American man was seated behind a desk in the lobby. I gave him my mother's name and asked if she was a patient.
"The place you want is two blocks away," he said.
To make sure I got there, he came out from behind his desk and walked outside to point the way. I was soon enjoying a visit with my mom.
There were more golden threads involving this grandfather figure and I never put them together until my son asked if this helper could be my guardian angel. That is when I realized these seemingly random occurrences might not be so random after all.
You may recall golden threads in your life too. They could be acts of kindness, protection or provision in a moment of need—maybe a mysterious stranger that came at the right time to lend a hand.
Whatever it might be, it is not chance or luck. It is God letting you know you are under His watchful care, and that life's golden threads weave their way to His heart.

PEARL TO PONDER: Do you believe it's possible to see an angel? Have they shown up in your life?LOVE NUGGET: You are always within the loving reach of God's angels.

Where Your Heart Meets God's is available from Helping Hands Press:


Flora invites you to visit her blog: http://florareigada.blogspot.com/
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Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Flora-Reigada/e/B00IQK4C5A?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

We never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Thirty-something Liz Bertelli had other things on her mind that fateful day she ventured from her usual walking path into New York State's lush forest. Her husband had left for a plaything in her twenties and it had been far too long since the award-winning artist had picked up a paintbrush.
Liz doesn't see the mother bear with cubs until it is too late. When the bear charges . . .. 

Find out more: http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2016/01/what-do-you-think-of-flora-reigadas.html#.VqjORXnSm70

PRICELESS TREASURE

Treasure has been found where we least expect: a valuable antique uncovered in a dusty attic, a priceless work of art spotted in a thrift shop, or a gold coin shining from the sand by the sea.  These transient treasures fade with time.  But God has riches for you that even the grave cannot steal.  It is hearing His words to you.  Where Your Heart Meets God's can help you hear Him whisper your name.
Come to my facebook/twitter party to find out more. Please see link below.  

https://www.goodreads.com/event/show/980948-flora-reigada-will-be-hosting-a-facebook-and-twitter-party-on-tuesday-1 

MORE GRAMMATICAL CRIMES: MY CONFESSION

One click of my computer’s mouse and I was headed toward disaster . . ..
 http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2016/01/more-grammatical-crimes-my-confession.html#.Vo5UsnldG70

DISCOVER YOUR HEAVENLY TREASURE

The Jewel of Discovery(Opening devotion in "Where Your Heart Meets God's")
 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV).
 Treasure hunters hack through jungles, climb mountains and dive into oceans to uncover vast fortunes. Priceless works of art and valuable antiques have been discovered at yard sales, thrift stores and in dusty attics. But sometimes, treasure is found where we least expect, even when we are not looking for it.
I never imagined this could happen to me, especially on that ordinary winter afternoon in the foothills of Maryland's mountains, where our cozy home was tucked away. Like thousands of days before, I'd just prepared supper for our family of five, then sat at the kitchen table while I waited for my husband to return from work. Taking a moment to watch peaceful snow falling outside our picture window, I breathed-in the aroma of food simmering on the stove and listened to my children playing in another room.
Soon, I caught a welcome glimpse of Dan's car pulling into the driveway. Our front door opened and closed. After Dan stomped the snow from his shoes, his footsteps approached.
Entering the kitchen, he brushed my cheek with a kiss on which snowflakes lingered. He placed an old, clothbound book on the table.
"I stopped at a rummage sale and picked this up," he said. "It's the great Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan, a preacher in 17th century England. The book is an allegory, which follows the central character, Christian's, journey through this life to the next. I thought you might want to read it."
Ever the bargain lover, Dan stood tall and smiled. "I bought this copy for only ten-cents."
After Dan went to greet the children, I opened the book and flipped through its yellowed pages. They gave off a musty smell, as if this classic work had been stored in an attic and forgotten for decades. Back then, I never imagined that I had just opened a door to an everlasting treasure of the heart. Nor could I have imagined that God has such a treasure prepared for me, or that every person has the same, if we will but believe.
This can be compared to a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins, rubies, diamonds, emeralds and so much more. The hinges squeal as we crack open the lid and peek inside.
Custom-made to each heart and individual calling, the jewels offer glimpses of realities that this world's trials and even the grave can never take away. The following pages offer steps in a thrilling journey that spans eternity. Will you come along to discover the wonders God has for you?
It all begins with a prayer, "Lord, open my eyes."Let us extend our hearts and reach for the first jewel.

PEARL TO PONDER: What does "a treasure of the heart" mean to you?
LOVE NUGGET: God gives treasures to those He treasures. "You will be my treasured possession."http://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/1622085868/ref=sr_1_88?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450281777&sr=1-88&keywords=Helping%20Hands%20Press

Where Your Heart Meets God's: Hear the heavenly whispers

God's voice can be as close as a Bible, nature's beauty, that special song, even our dreams. Devotional explores the many expressions. Hear Him whisper your name.

http://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets-Gods/dp/1622085868/ref=sr_1_88?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450281777&sr=1-88&keywords=Helping%20Hands%20Press

BEAR ESSENTIALS

Liz did everything wrong when she encountered a black bear with cubs in the woods behind her New York State home. After making eye contact, which the bear may have perceived as a challenge or threat, she ran in blind panic. The bear gave chase. Although this scenario is fictional, opening my romance novel, "Love's Sweetest Revenge," many have had a "real life" encounter with a bear.  Some did not escape.
Liz should have known better than to run. The thirty-something's ex-husband was a hiker and fisherman. He had warned her.
Bears have a keen sense of smell. If you see one, don't try to run away. Back away slowly. Yell at the bear. Firmly tell it to leave. Get out of here! Especially beware of a mother bear with cubs.
As Liz ran, she heard the bear closing in—snapping branches, crunching on the forest floor.
Suddenly, she tripped over an exposed root, falling and striking her head against an old, stone wall. Immediately the bear was over her.

If only she'd heeded her ex-husband's advice. It echoed instruction given by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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IF A BEAR BECOMES AGGRESSIVE AND APPROACHES YOU:
Raise your arms and speak in a loud, calm voice while backing away.
CHARGES YOU:
Stand your ground
If you have bear spray, dispense directly at the bear. Please access the Department of Environmental Conservation website to learn about the proper use of bear spray.
FOLLOWS YOU:
Stay together.
Do not run, but continue to back away while speaking loudly.
IF THE BEAR CONTINUES TO FOLLOW YOU:
Stand your ground.
Intimidate by making yourself look bigger by waving arms, clapping, shouting, banging sticks.
Prepare to fight or use bear spray.
IF THE BEAR MAKES CONTACT WITH YOU:
Fight back with anything at hand (knife, stick, rocks, fists).
To find out more, visit:http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/94710.html
But what happened to Liz? It will all be revealed in "Love's Sweetest Revenge," coming soon from Helping Hands Press. http://www.myhelpinghandspress.com/

THE PERILS OF PROCRASTINATION

The editor's eyes lit up with interest as he read an excerpt from the devotional on which a friend and I were collaborating. This was years ago at a Christian writers conference.
"Email me a copy," he said, sitting across from us. "I'd like to review it."

The words echoed in my mind. They were a writer's dream-come-true. A big smile spread across my face until . . ..


http://myhelpinghandspress.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-perils-of-procrastination-flora.html#.Vk592Hko671

BETRAYED BY HER HUSBAND, CAN LIZ TRUST AGAIN?

We never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Thirty-something Liz Bertelli had other things on her mind that fateful day in rural New York State. Her husband had left for a plaything in her twenties, and it had been far too long since the award-winning artist had picked up her paintbrush. Who could she turn to?  God was not an option. "We're not on speaking terms," Liz says.
Mulling over these things, she wanders from her usual path, following one of the many centuries-old stone walls, winding through the woods. She doesn't see the mother bear with cubs until it is too late.
The bear charges and Liz runs in blind panic, falling against the wall, knocking herself unconscious. As the world gradually returns to focus, Liz finds herself face-down in the dirt, with her head throbbing. At first she plays dead, fearing the bear is nearby.  Hearing only the stillness of the forest, she gathers the courage to look around. With no bear in sight, she struggles to her feet. Just then, she catches a glimpse of a shiny object wedged between two stones in the wall. A tarnished silver locket is soon in her hand.
Liz has no idea that the locket and its secrets, will bring her and best friend, Rosa Ramirez (a young widow)  to a castle in the romantic city of St. Augustine, Florida. More clues lead to an abandoned Victorian home and handsome Latino brothers, Carlos and Jack Martín.
Sparks fly between Liz and Carlos, a  presidential aide who has flown aboard Air Force One. Jack, a rugged Army hero, roars into Rosa's life on a gleaming Harley-Davidson motorcycle. But can Liz, embittered by her husband's betrayal, trust another man? And can Rosa, still grieving her husband's untimely passing, climb behind Jack on his motorcycle and hold on tight to love's new adventure? Answers, even glimmers of faith, come on a snowy Christmas day in New York State, when a bone-chilling trek through a narrow forest trail, leads to another surprise hidden in the old stone wall.
COMING SOON FROM HELPING HANDS PRESS: http://www.myhelpinghandspress.com/