Tag Archives: #inspiringonedreameratatime

Guest 3 What I Would Advise My Younger Self

12 Aug

Guest 3 What I Would Advise My Younger Self.

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Part 13 If Oak Trees Could Talk

12 Aug

Part 13 If Oak Trees Could Talk.

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Part 13 If Oak Trees Could Talk

12 Aug

Part 13 If Oak Trees Could Talk

Welcome back to Part 13  If Oak Trees Could Talk! Once again it is my pleasure to bring my story to you each week! I am excited as I do these blogs each week as I am working on another Inspirational Romance Novel along with a sequel to a Juvenile fiction entitled Caleb’s Cereal.   I would love to complete at least one of them in time for Christmas! In the meantime let’s read or listen to Chapter 7 A Father’s Love!

Chapter 7

A Father’s Love

Once Henry was alone he looked at the journals that Amelia had left him. He then stared at the old Oak tree hanging before him and with pencil in hand began once again to fill pages with memories. This time the memories of his Dad came to life.

Henry’s father, Russell William Tyler was a very hard worker. His philosophy was if you’re going to do a job, do it right or don’t bother. He sometimes come off very rough and short tempered and so Henry felt like he wasn’t pleasing unto his father. However, there was an event between Henry and his Dad that changed Henry’s life forever.

Both Henry and his Dad were driving to Crawford County one afternoon to pick up some automobile parts for Henry’s Dad’s car, when a deer came barreling out of the woods and stood right in front of the car.   Henry’s Dad was driving and before he could steer the car in any direction, the deer lunged right into the windshield. Henry wasn’t hurt; however Mr. Tyler was knocked completely out and was bleeding profusely. Henry tried to wake his Dad with no response. He then realized that he had to get help, so he was able to scoot his father over enough for him to get into the driver’s seat. Henry drove his Daddy’s car for about two miles to the nearest house to summons help. Henry was only nine years old at the time and acted very mature and responsibly. Mr. Tyler suffered a concussion and had several stitches in his face but was fine because of Henry’s quick response. Henry remembered the gentle way that his Dad patted his hand as he was being loaded into an ambulance. He smiled at Henry in a way that Henry had never seen or never noticed before. Henry had the assurance that he needed from that afternoon that he was well pleasing unto his Dad.

While Henry penned the memories of his Dad, he found himself once again exhilarated. He stared intently at the picture of the old Oak tree hanging before him and a floodgate of memories came back to him.  

“It’s out of here!” Henry yelled, as he recalled hitting a baseball completely over the fence when he was only seven. He was on the Tigers pee wee team where he had a baseball glove that seemed entirely too large and a cap to match.   He remembered the proud look upon his Dad’s face when he looked up in the stands.

“It wasn’t at all what I thought it was! My Dad was always pleased with me wasn’t he old friend?”

As Henry sat alone in his room it was as if he heard his old friend saying “Yes, Henry, your Dad was always pleased with you!”

As one event after the other played in Henry’s mind, the memories of Henry’s Dad smiling at him flooded Henry’s heart. It was as if Henry could feel those gentle pats of assurance from his Dad once again as in the evening of the deer accident. Henry gently smiled as he penned every emotion and tears stained the journal’s pages.

As his fingers stiffened to the demand that Henry placed upon them, he felt almost as desperate as he felt that night that his Dad hit the deer. He felt that the freedom he was trying to achieve challenged him to do things that were scary but necessary, as in the time he drove his Daddy’s car in the night to get help for his Dad. In Henry’s thoughts he was even more desperate to get help for himself and his dear Helen. As another page was completed and the tears seemed fewer, Henry tenderly closed the journal. He then found himself giggling as joy of discovering that his Father loved and was pleased with him seemed to free him even more. He could feel guilt and condemnation of the past loose it’s hold and roll away. Henry took a deep breath, while winking at his old friend. Placing the journal back inside the bedside table, once again, he closed his eyes in sweet sleep.

 

Thank you for reading or “tuning in” today. I have so enjoyed sharing If Oak Trees Could Talk!   As you can tell I have quite the imagination so it is not difficult to imagine myself sitting across the table from you my readers as if we’ve been friends for a long time!

If you would like to comment on this blog or Subscribe to my Youtube Videos, I would love to hear from you!

I also wanted to personally thank a great friend Greg Hetherington who allows me to be a weekly contributor to http://www.lakeviewtimes.com an Online Newspaper that he started and uses to reach out to his community and to Authors, bloggers, etc !  Check it out if you get a chance!

Until next time, thank you again for “Tuning in!”

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Part 12 If Oak Trees Could Talk

6 Aug

Part 12 If Oak Trees Could Talk.

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Guest 2 Advice I Would Give My Younger Self!

3 Aug

Guest 2~Advice I Would Give My Younger Self!

I have asked a few of my author friends to be my guest over the next few weeks as they are exceptional friends and Inspirational writers! The authors I have chosen have published books or are in process of publishing their own books.

Please enjoy my Guest Authors as they candidly and openly share a glimpse into their lives. It is my hope that you will be inspired to visit their sites and check out their work!

The theme of the guest blogs:

Advice I Would Give My Younger Self!

May I Introduce to you  Author and Friend

Terry Palmer

 

What would I advise my younger self? The answers are brutal. In that day and age, before political correctness prevented us from actually saying and doing a corrective action, my answers would be right in my face. No soft fuzzy ‘feel good’ approach where we all hold hands and smile and nod as if the world is good and we bask in the glow of humanity. What a pile of… Sorry, my farm background hits me now and then.

Start with the Word of God and you can’t go wrong. It is given to us for reproof and correction and it speaks the Truth! Truth is exactly what my younger self needed to hear, so… I would take my younger self for a long walk, maybe carry a sharp hard stick for emphasis. But I’d use scripture for the attack. The lilies along the side of the house would be a starting point to use scripture.

I think Matthew 6, about 28 – 34 ought to start the ball rolling. You see… My younger self didn’t have a good concept of the character of God. My younger self needed to be in charge, get ’er done, and who needs God anyway… But Truth tells us otherwise. Consider those lilies, how they toil not nor do they spin and yet here they are, more beautiful than a summer day. So as I turn to get right in the face of my younger self. Here is the question. Are you a fragrance without compare as one of these – or do you stink?

The early lilies offer a radiance of colors which is very welcome after the cold winter. They array of orange and red are a treat along the edge of the flower beds, but… In midsummer, the lilies hit their stride. They burst from my flower beds in stunning cascades of color, but still I wait. Sure, some might relax and know that the game is over but not me. .

Terry's Lilly 1Terry2Terry 3

For the next layer of lilies to open, do so in both beauty and fragrance. It’s the sort of fragrance that You stop as you walk past.

The scent that comes into our bedrooms windows as a soothing tonic is wonderful. I’ve not seen a golden color as this, have you?

So let’s ask that question again. Consider these lilies, how they grow, how they toil not nor spin. Do you get it? Do you know, young man, that God is in control, that God is indeed relevant and wants to know you up close and personal. You need not ‘have to do it all’?

Do you want to or are you willing to ‘put on the clothes of righteousness’ as a good servant of Jesus in order to reflect the ‘fragrance’ of the spirit of God? Or – do you want to offend as a stench to humanity by not reflecting Christ, but something else that is far less? Which will it be young man? Will you shine forth as a fragrant lily – or a skunk flower?

You see that third picture? That could be you. They are cast off Easter lilies saved from the garbage bin and brought out for new life. This cluster represents four years of saving and growing, ready to burst out the Easter story in midsummer. Will you be like them? Will you finally understand the full character of God and trust in him? It only takes a first step of faith. Come on… I have a place to plant your good seed, to grow in the Lord – to become the fragrance that God designed you to be.

 

 

Author Terry Palmer lives in northwestern Wisconsin’s vacationland. Plenty of woods, lakes, and streams follow each bend of the countryside. Terry uses long walks in that scenic beauty to understand the nature of God and bring those moments into his writing.

Chronicles of Orm, a fantasy novel series with deep Christian roots, will be ready as an eBook soon. If you like action/adventure with a romantic twist, then Chronicles of Orm is for you. Contact Terry at Fictionbypalmer@gmail.com.

Here is what our editor has to say about Chronicles of Orm :

“Terry Palmer’s The Chronicles of Orm is a perfect blend of excellent and imaginative writing, employing imagery, a cast of well-established and relatable characters, and a page-turning plotline. Deep biblical truths are intricately woven into the words of this story, and while it examines the age-old struggle of mankind caught in the pull of darkness vs. light, it is a fresh take, a new and wonderful perspective that will entertain, enlighten, and encourage all who read it.” ~Autumn J. Conley, Book Editor (autiej@gmail.com)

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Part 12 If Oak Trees Could Talk

3 Aug

Part 12 If Oak Trees Could Talk!

Wow! Welcome back to Part 12 If Oak Trees Could Talk!” We are moving right along and I am so honored that you’ve chose to spend this time with me each week.

Even though If Oak Trees Could Talk is a fictional story I feel as if by actually telling it to you that I am opening a very private door to a personal place in my heart each week! This is a place of wonderful childhood memories of living on a farm in Kentucky with two exceptional parents and five sisters! My main characters in If Oak Trees Could Talk, are Henry and Helen Tyler that remind me so much of my loving parents!

As we read today and finish Chapter 5 A Gift of Hope, it is indeed my hope that you will continue to let me share my heart with you through this book each week!

Chapter 5

A Gift of Hope

 

When Helen and Amelia knocked on Henry’s door they could hear Henry talking with someone. However, once entering the room, neither of them saw anybody.

“Who was you talking too Henry?” Helen questioned.

“Oh I was just chatting with an old friend.” Henry replied, once again with that mischievous grin upon his face.

“Amelia has something special for you Henry!”

“Oh yeah?” Henry perked up like a little boy. “What is it?”

Amelia handed her Daddy the journals first. He stared blankly at them as if to ask, what are these books for, but then he chuckled out loud.

“Do you like them Daddy?”

Henry never answered Amelia. She proceeded to give him the picture that she had framed.

“There you are!”   Henry replied and chuckled out loud again.

“You’ve not changed a bit.” He continued as if he really was talking with an old friend. Then tears filled his eyes as he took notice of the ladies in the room.

“Come here my daughter.” Henry said as he motioned for Amelia to come.

She did as she was told and Henry hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.

“No better gift could I have ever received my sweet. I love them and I will use them to get out of here. I promise you my dear.”

“Why are you standing way over there?” He said as he turned to Helen. “Get over here and lay one on me!”

Helen too obeyed and did as Henry commanded. He held her tightly, kissed her square on the lips and whispered softly. “Soon, my Dear, soon I promise, we’re breaking out of this joint!”

Helen smiled tenderly. She knew that Henry never promised her anything that he did not fulfill.   She knew how soon she was to leave Glenview, but when she looked into Henry’s face, she became convinced that he knew more about it than even she did. So she too chuckled with him and hugged him tightly.

Before Amelia left to go home, she was able to get Henry’s picture hung on the wall directly in front of his bed. She had much hope that as Henry seen his “old friend” that the empty journals would be filled, but most importantly her Daddy’s memory would be completely restored and he, along with her mother would be home.

 

Thank you once again for spending this time with me. I hope that you are able to read or “tune in each week, however if you’ve missed any of the story, please check out my blog archives or my Youtube Video Blogs of If Oak Trees Could Talk!

Please keep the comments coming! I’ve so enjoyed and appreciated them.   I hope that you will continue to read along or “tune in” each week to If Oak Trees Could Talk.

“Inspiring One Dreamer at a Time!”

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Part 11 If Oak Trees Could Talk

30 Jul

Part 11 If Oak Trees Could Talk.

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Part 11 If Oak Trees Could Talk

30 Jul

Part 11 If Oak Trees Could Talk

Welcome back to Part 11 If Oak Trees Could Talk. I hope that you have been enjoying my latest Romance/Suspense Novel. When I began Video Blogging my book, I wasn’t for sure if it was a good idea or not, however I have really enjoyed sharing it with you. I didn’t know if anyone had ever shared their books like this, but hey I’m a little “out there” sometimes, so I’m going for it. I hope that you will continue to go along for the ride.

Today we begin in Chapter 6 A Gift of Hope


Chapter 6

A Gift of Hope

When Amelia left her Dad, she went straight to the closest office supply store and bought her Dad the biggest, thickest journals that she could find and many pencils, erasers, and sharpeners.   She prayed as she paid for them that the Lord would help her Dad fill each page with memories of his life that he so desperately needed to remember. She also went home, got her camera and took a picture of the old Oak tree. Amelia hoped that seeing his old friend would help jar her Daddy’s memory. She was determined to do anything to help her parents come home. After she had taken the picture, she had it blown up to poster size and framed, so that her Dad once again could see his old friend anytime he wanted to.

When Amelia returned back to Glenview with gifts in hand, she first went into her mother’s room to show her what she had gotten for her Dad. When she had shared with her mother, there was a knock on Helen’s door.   It was her physical therapist and her doctor.

“Mrs. Tyler, we have great news!” The doctor said with a huge smile on his face.

“We feel that your therapy has been a huge success and that you’re ready to go home in a few weeks. We can continue to give you physical therapy in your home!”

“What about Henry?” Helen asked immediately.

“Well now, Mrs. Tyler, Mr. Tyler’s condition is something different altogether than yours. As we both know, his is not a physical problem as much as it is ….. Well, you know Mam what I’m trying to say.”

“Yes, I know what you’re trying to say.” Helen repeated, with absolutely no joy over the fact that she was on her way out of Glenview.

When her visitors left, she and Amelia looked at each other with much concern.

“Well, out with it Momma! I already know what you’re thinking. I think so too!”

“Henry will not stay in this place without me! If he has too, he’ll dry up and die, and I will not allow that to happen!” Helen said with heartbreak in her voice.

“I won’t either Momma, we’ll work it out somehow, don’t worry.” Amelia consoled, but she too was very concerned and did not really have a viable solution.

“Don’t worry Momma.   We’ll come up with something. Who knows, maybe this will be what Daddy needs. He followed you in here; maybe he’ll come to himself and follow you right back out! Momma, it’s great that you’re doing so well, we need to rejoice about you.”

“I suppose so.” Helen agreed, but still she was not going to leave Henry in Glenview by himself.

“Come on Dear; let’s go give your father his gifts. I know that he will be excited about them.”

“When do we let him know about you Momma? He needs to know that you’re doing well doesn’t he?”

“He already knows that I’m much better.   Now we have to work on him.”

“Just tell me what and when Momma and I’ll do whatever you say. Nobody knows Daddy like you do. Mom, he was so much better this morning when I talked with him. He was like his old self. This is why I bought him all of this stuff. Do you know he’s writing down what he remembers so that he won’t forget it again?”

“You’ve done good Amelia, let’s go see him!”

When Helen and Amelia knocked on Henry’s door they could hear Henry talking with someone. However, once entering the room, neither of them saw anybody.

“Who was you talking too Henry?” Helen questioned.

“Oh I was just chatting with an old friend.” Henry replied, once again with that mischievous grin upon his face.

Thank you once again for spending this time with me. When I first began the Youtube Video Blogs of If Oak Trees Could Talk I was only recording about a minute or two. However, it seemed as though I wasn’t really making a lot of progress into the story, so I increased them to around five minutes. I wanted to make the video segments short and sweet as I know people are busy!

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Advice I Would Give My Younger Self

30 Jul

I have asked a few of my author friends to be my guest over the next few weeks as they are exceptional friends and Inspirational writers!  The authors I have chosen have published books or are in process of publishing their own books.

Please enjoy my Guest Authors as they candidly and openly share a glimpse into their lives.  It is my hope that you will be inspired to visit their sites and check out their work!

The theme of the guest blogs  : “Advice I Would Give My Younger Self!”

I would like to introduce you to my first Guest Author and Friend  Patti J. Smith!

When Christine asked me to write a guest post on the topic, “Advice I Would Give My Younger Self,” I didn’t hesitate, thinking it would be a breeze. Either it was lack of sleep or too few cups of coffee (both, I think) because it took a while before realizing the enormity of the assignment. You see, my younger self was a mess. I should have had Self Will Run Riot tattooed on my forehead rather than the butterfly on my derriere. (Tattoos on women are commonplace now but not in the small-town 70’s.)

Recalling my past antics (and cringing), the advice I would tender would be to listen to your parents, remain close to God, pay attention to the little voice in your head and last but not least … love and respect yourself. Had I done those things I would have avoided decades of pain due to alcoholism and the subsequent consequences … promiscuity, unplanned pregnancies which led to abortion, estrangement from family and multitudes of failed relationships, all leading to a suicide attempt and institutionalization.

Pretty gloomy, huh? Well, don’t pull out the Kleenex … Through the grace and mercy of God, love and support of my family and some very good programs, I was able to climb out of the well of darkness into the light. I followed the advice I would have given my younger self and am nearing eighteen years of sobriety, in a wonderful marriage, active in my church community and became a caregiver to my parents. (Who would have ever imagined they would trust me with their care, let alone move in with me!).

I would be remiss if I didn’t add one more pieces of advice: Forgive yourself. If you can’t, you’ll never quite reach the top of that dark well. You’ll always live in the shadow of remorse and regret and miss out on the joyous and wonderful life God wants you to have.

BIO

Patti J. Smith writes Christian devotionals, light romance, and suspense and her faith crosses over to all genres. She is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists, Association for Life, serves as Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and leads Rachel’s Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats in San Diego. She publicly shares her story of redemption at a variety of venues, has been a guest on Sacred Heart and Blogtalk Radio and appears in the newly-released documentary, “The Sidewalk Chronicles”.

 

She and her husband, Michael, live in Vista, CA and have three beautiful granddaughters. Along with writing books, she enjoys blogging, reading and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states – including Hawaii and Alaska.

 

You can find her books at: www.amazon.com/author/pattijsmith and follow her through the following social media:

Blog:  http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/ Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/gridirongranny Twitter:  https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5 Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/gridirongranny Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny

 

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Mama’s DIY Maple Peach Cobbler

23 Jul

Mama’s DIY Maple Peach Cobbler.

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