Tag: Merry Christmas

When Christmas Comes

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens2 Comments

Christmas comes, whether we’re ready or not.

Hello, Thursday Morning readers! I hope the speedy approach of the holiday hasn’t frazzled you. If so, may the  “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, …guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

This holiday season has been a struggle in our family. After a long illness and some heart issues, we thought Mom was no longer able to remain on her own. I was going to care for her. I made myself willing and available, even if it meant I had to pause my work.

Love sometimes requires sacrifices and hers would be as great as mine. Since Dad died, she has wanted to remain independent and she has, to a large degree. But with the decline of her health, we had come to realize she could no longer remain in her small second-story apartment. Alone.

I wasn’t ready for any of this. I was busily dashing to and fro, chasing that perfect gift for each name on my list.

But Christmas comes, ready or not.

If the list was never finished, my family would understand. Some changes are not to be missed. I had a feeling this would be one of them.

But something happened to interrupt our best-laid plans—something completely unexpected.

I was on my way to my weekly bookkeeping job, where I intended to turn in my letter of resignation. But, my heart wasn’t in it. That still, small voice was whispering and I felt uneasy, as though something was off, but what? So, I prayed, “Father, if this is not right, make it plain to me. Help me do the right thing.”

I had just pulled in to the bank to make my client’s weekly deposit when the phone rang. My brother was on the phone. He’d just taken Mom for her weekly doctor visit when he was going to ask the doctor about moving her. But, he didn’t end up asking, because her heart rate had normalized. She was showing signs of renewed strength, and the infection she’d suffered for almost three months was finally responding well to the daily IV antibiotics.

Because of this new development, my brother felt that it would be best to let her remain where she is.

. . . [Pause to Breathe].

God had delivered a miracle to us. He had healed her most dire health issues and strengthened her will.

We are still guardedly watching her, but for now, she’s rejoicing and feels that this is the best Christmas gift anyone could give her. A Christmas Miracle.

Published on http://www.InspiredPrompt.com

Hello Thursday Morning News Corner

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens

Hello, Thursday Morning readers! I’m doing something a little different this week, ’cause it’s the holidays!

Stating the obvious, we are just a couple weeks from Christmas. Are you ready? Have you bought all your gifts yet? I’m well on my way. Just need a few more of those “perfect things” to finish it off.

A few days ago, I sent out the holiday edition of my newsletter and offered up a couple of gift cards in a random drawing. Since the holidays are right around the corner, I decided to choose my winners early and announce them here.

I was surprised and pleased by the number of entries. Even more amazing was the fact that not one name was repeated. How cool is that? I logged into my random name picker and took a few spins. I love doing that! I’ve already notified the winners by email.

Katherine L won a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Paula S won a $5 Starbucks Card!

Thanks, all of you who took the time to enter. I’d love for everyone to win, but my funds are limited. 🙂  Not to worry, I’ll come up with another fun giveaway for the next mailing, so be sure and try again.

My email subscribers receive newsletters once a quarter, and also to announce a release or other big news. I often include a drawing for free prizes on the newsletter. If you’d like to become a subscriber, click the fancy black entry box on the right side of this blog. It’s so easy! All I ask for is your email address. You do have to confirm the subscription and then it will come to you each quarter. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Are you aware that I am also a co-founder of the Inspired Prompt blog? It’s a teaching blog of sorts. A wonderful group of writers, both published and unpublished, discuss ways to improve your writing, among other things. We love to inspire our readers and also give them a place to publicize their upcoming releases. Here’s a link to that blog: Inspired Prompt

If you’re a writer, check out the Guest post guidelines to see what’s offered. Our guest posts and 3 Questions interviews fill up fast! You can reach us via the contact tab.

More big news

At our local ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Christmas gathering, I arrived as Vice President/Secretary and left as President. It’s funny to me, because I completely missed the meeting the day I was elected VP/Secretary. At least I was present on this day (though I’m not in this picture). But my big news also means that Ralene Burke (second from left, back row), the woman who started it all here in our hometown, is stepping down.

Thank you, Ralene, for all you’ve done!

As we approach the holiday, I pray God’s blessing over each one of you, my readers. May you find His peace among the hurried, harried moments that lead up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. From my home to yours—Merry Christmas!