Guest Author, Sherry Shindelar

 

I have been reading Sherry’s stories for several years, and I always look forward to more. Thank you for joining us, Sherry.

 

 

I have been in love with stories since I was a child. I’d swing for hours on my swing set, pumping my legs back and forth, dreaming up stories in my head. Even then, I had a flair for romance, creating new love interests and episodes for Star Trek’s Captain Kirk.

My favorite possession at age nine was a set of author playing cards (a matching game with photos of famous authors). I wanted to be an author when I grew up and bring stories to life on the written page, stories that would impact my readers.

A visit to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, when my husband and I were newly married, spurred my love for history and planted the seed for a story. A few years later, I wrote the novel, then buried it in a box in my closet when it didn’t get published right away (I had a lot to learn about the writing life and dealing with rejection). I returned to college to earn a degree in creative writing and eventually a PhD in literature, wondering if I’d ever reconnect with the stories in my head, the ones buried deep in my heart.

Then in 2019, I attended a Christian women’s conference in Rochester, Minnesota, and I picked my first Laura Frantz novel, The Colonel’s Lady, at the bookstore there. I loved it! Next, I read Laura’s Courting Morrow Little. Suddenly, I realized that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to write Christian historical romance, and I knew I could. That summer, the Lord opened my heart to fall in love with writing all over again. And it has been my daily passion ever since. I pulled out the box and unburied the past. My new writing life was born.

I’ve written almost every day since. I rewrote my first novel from scratch, then I wrote another novel, Texas Forsaken, as I waited for a YES from an agent or editor/publisher. After no’s from several of the biggest publishers (no’s because it wasn’t the right timing for a Civil War story or an Indian captive story), I felt like I was moving toward my goals at turtle speed.

 

  

But God had a plan. In His perfect timing, He threw open the doors for me to receive my first book contract in June 2023, four years after I fell in love with writing again. And when it finally happened, the Lord answered my prayers beyond my expectations! The publisher offered a three-book contract!

A few weeks ago, my publisher released the second book in my Lone Star Redemption series, Texas Divided, and I’m working on book three, Texas Reclaimed. I’m so thankful for the Lord’s calling upon my life to write stories for Him.

 

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she isn’t busy writing, she is an English professor, working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 ACFW Genesis finalist, 2021 & 2023 Maggie finalist, and 2022 Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.

 

Website: https://sherryshindelar.com/

Newsletter sign-up:https://sherryshindelar.com/launch 

Sherryshindelarauthor https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/

 FB Author: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl/ Sherry Shindelar Author

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47340890.Sherry_Shindelar 

Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-shindelar

Buy links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBM4WMRN  

Fudge Brownies From Kathy's Kitchen

 

I got this recipe from my friend Sherri from college, and I haven’t used it in years. I discovered it again recently, and it is becoming a new favorite.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup margarine

 2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 eggs

¼ cup cocoa

1 cup flour

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and pour into greased 9 by 13 inch pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

 

From Kathy’s Kitchen: The first time I made this again a few months ago, it turned out very thin. I confess that easily could have been a Kathy problem in preparation. But, I’ve changed it a little, and it’s worked out great.

 

First I baked it in a square pan instead, and it was nice and thick. Next, I wanted more brownies, so I increased the recipe ingredients by half and baked it in a 9 by 13 inch pan again. Wonderful, and more             brownies.:) You may have to play with the baking time a little. Thank you, Sherri.

  

Guest Author, Interview with Heidi Gray McGill

 I have read many of Heidi’s stories, over a number of years. Heidi is an excellent writer, from the description to the characters, to the faith throughout. I appreciate her sharing stories about people of different races, with a number of struggles and health issues/disabilities.

 

Guest Author Interview: Heidi Gray McGill on Faith, Fiction, and Finding God’s Best

An honest, heartfelt conversation between two blind authors, friends, and sisters in Christ

Kathy: Welcome, Heidi! It’s always a joy to chat with you—especially since I usually get a sneak peek at your books before the rest of the world does. Thanks for joining me today.

Heidi: Thanks for having me, Kathy. You’ve been a gift to me in more ways than one—friend, encourager, editor… and unofficial typo catcher-in-chief. I’m still laughing about the time you caught that I wrote “shuttered” instead of “shuddered.” Apparently, my heroine was closing windows in fear instead of trembling. That’s what happens when autocorrect and a tired brain join forces!

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Kathy: Would you give our readers a brief bio? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

 

Heidi: Absolutely. I’m a Christian historical and contemporary fiction author who writes with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart. I live just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, with my husband of over thirty years. I’m also a proud Grammie—which might be my favorite role yet. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me cooking comfort food, playing board games with friends, or soaking up time with my grandsons.

Like you, Kathy, I’m legally blind. Writing with less than 5% of my vision remaining brings unique challenges, but God has been faithful through every one of them. I rely heavily on assistive technology—and the encouragement of friends like you!

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Kathy: Can you share a little about your writing journey? Any stories that still make you smile?

Heidi: I started writing in March 2020 after retiring from directing an ESL program. I thought I’d write one book. Eight books later, here I am—still loving every moment.

Early on, I had three characters with names starting with the same letter. Even I couldn’t keep them straight. That’s when I learned the importance of naming—and of trusted editors! The learning curve was steep, but the joy of seeing God use these stories to touch hearts? That’s what keeps me writing.

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Kathy: Do you have a writing schedule that works for you?

Heidi: I’m more of a “rhythms over routines” kind of girl. Mornings are for business—editing, emails, marketing, and keeping the house running. My creative brain wakes up later. I usually find myself brimming with ideas in the evening, after a day filled with real-life inspiration. That’s when I settle in and let the words flow. I’ve learned to give myself grace and trust God’s timing—it’s never failed me yet.

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Kathy: Where do you find your story ideas?

Heidi: Real life is my best inspiration. Whether it’s stories shared by ESL students, something I overhear at the store, or family history, I keep my ears and heart open. I ask God to guide my imagination—and He never runs out of ideas. Sometimes a simple question becomes the seed of an entire novel.

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Kathy: Tell us about one of your favorite authors.

Heidi: I love Karen Witemeyer. Her stories are full of heart and faith, and she blends romance and humor beautifully. Her characters feel real—flawed yet rooted in truth. I aim for that same balance: writing authentic, faith-driven stories with a sprinkle of joy.

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Kathy: I’m loving your Discerning God’s Best series, especially since it’s set mostly in Missouri—my home state! Can you give readers a glimpse into the heart of the series?

Heidi: I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! The setting of the series is mainly the fictional town of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, just after the Civil War. But it actually begins earlier with the free prequel, Deep in My Heart, set in Edgefield, South Carolina in 1857. Readers can get that story by signing up for my newsletter. The series spans through 1878, ending with book five, Written on My Heart. The overarching theme of learning to trust God’s best—even when it doesn’t match our plans—connects each independent book.

Here’s what I hope readers take from each one:

• In Deep in My Heart (prequel), readers are introduced to the roots of several key characters and the themes of faithfulness and freedom that carry through the series.
• In Desire of My Heart (Book 1), siblings Rachel and Charlie, along with Melvin Trexler, must learn what it means to wait on the Lord. Not passively—but faithfully. I hope readers are encouraged to listen for God’s voice, even when it’s quiet.
• In With All My Heart (Book 2), Robin and Pete must surrender what they thought they wanted. It’s a story about letting go of control and allowing God to lead, even when the path forward is unclear.
• In Stitched on My Heart (Book 2.5), Delphina’s journey reminds us that small, faithful acts—done in obedience—can lead to unexpected healing. Sometimes God stitches together a life of purpose from the scraps we thought were useless.
• In Matters of the Heart (Book 3), Katie and Hans wrestle with finding their identity in Christ rather than performance or people-pleasing. I hope readers see that our worth is never earned—it’s already given.
• In Healing of the Heart (Book 4), Thomas and Teddy must face their pasts and learn how grace and love can mend the deepest wounds. It’s about how God uses even broken pieces to make something beautiful.
• In Written on My Heart (Book 5), Deputy Gabe Manning and schoolteacher Betsy Smith both struggle with belonging—each in their own way. Their story is about discovering that home isn’t always a place—it’s a Person. And God’s love is big enough to write His truth on every heart, no matter how bruised or burdened. 
  

 

More than anything, I want readers to close each book feeling seen, encouraged, and reminded that God is still at work—still writing beautiful stories, even during our mess.

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Want to start the journey?

You can grab Deep in My Heart, the prequel to the Discerning God’s Best series, for free when you sign up for my newsletter. Just visit heidigraymcgill.com to begin.

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Title: Author Interview with Heidi Gray McGill: Trusting God’s Best Through Fiction
Meta Description: Christian author Heidi Gray McGill shares her writing journey, the heart behind her Discerning God’s Best series, and why faith, trust, and God’s timing matter most.
Keywords: Christian historical fiction, Heidi Gray McGill, Discerning God’s Best series, Christian romance Missouri, Christian author interview, post-Civil War fiction, faith-based fiction, Missouri Christian historical romance

Psalm 27, Gifts From God

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—

    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

 

Father God, teach us to labor for the things you want. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of our children. We love you, Lord.     

Baked Spaghetti From Kathy's Kitchen

        

I change around the recipe a little, but we really like this in Kathy’s Kitchen.

 

Ingredients:

Two pounds spaghetti noodles any kind. I use angel hair.

If using long noodles, brake into 2 pieces. 

Cook in boiling water for 15 minutes with a little butter, salt or oil.  rinse noodles and add butter and parmesan cheese to taste.

 

Two cloves garlic minced

One large onion chopped

One green pepper chopped

2 pounds ground beef or half ground turkey half ground beef

2 teaspoons Italian spices

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

one package shredded mozzarella cheese

one large jar Prego spaghetti sauce, or I use four 8-ounce cans tomato sauce

I might add other spices we happen to have around, including black pepper.

 

Directions:

Sauté onions, garlic and green pepper in a large fry pan.  Add Worcestershire sauce and ground meat and cook on medium heat about 5 minutes until meat is lightly browned and vegetables are soft or translucent.

 

Add spaghetti sauce to meat mixture along with Italian spices.  Stir together.

Pour meat sauce over noodles in a large casserole dish and mix together.

Top with mozzarella cheese.

 

Bake at: 350 degrees

Time: 30 to 45 minutes. 

Grace and Truth: John 20, The Empty Tomb

    What greater grace, what more important truth, can there be for us than the empty tomb?

 

Verses 1 to 9: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

 

The disciples still did not understand, as we often do not, but now, John was given the grace to believe. Thank you, Father, for the grace to believe.

 

Verses 11-18: Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

 

Jesus gave Mary Magdalene the gift of being the first to see him alive, then the privilege of sharing that news with his disciples.

 

Verses 19-21: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

 

To help their faith, Jesus showed his disciples the signs of his crucified body, which was now risen from the dead, and he gave them the privilege of sharing his message to the world.

 

Verses 24-29: Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 

Thomas doubted. Oh so do I so often doubt. Jesus did not reject him, but helped him with his faith and accepted him still.

 

Verses 30-31: Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 

Jesus, how can we ever thank you enough for all you have given us so we can have the life we have in your name? 

Jesus Chose Us

            Jesus sorrowed at what was before him. He asked his father to take it away from him if that was possible.

Luke 22:39-44: Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

 

Jesus could have chosen rescue, but instead, he chose us.

 

Matthew 26:50-54: Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

 

And in choosing us, he has joy.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

Rerun, Live Forgiven

This was first posted on my blog on September 25, 2020

 

God is teaching me to live like I’m forgiven.

 

I recently read a book by Max Lucado in which he said because of Calvary, we can make choices. He reminded me that I can choose to live forgiven.

 

I struggle to leave behind the things I did in the past. I sorrow over them. How can I share with others the joy of god’s mercy this way?

 

I have begged for forgiveness, and God promises to forgive. This is a promise I can accept.

 

1 John 1:9:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

 

God’s Word commands us to forget the past so He can do something new and wonderful in our lives.

 

Isaiah 43:18-19:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

 

Philippians 3:13-14:

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

 

I can’t forget my sins, but God promises that He has.

 

Isaiah 43:25:

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

 

Psalm 103: 12: 

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

 

This is a battle against Satan which God yearns to help me win.

 

1 Peter 5:8:

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 

Psalm 51 is such a comfort to me.

 

David committed adultery, then tried to cover it up by committing murder. He and his wife had to suffer the loss of a child through all of this.

 

But David didn’t give up. In Psalm 51, he writhes over sin he has committed. He pleads for God’s help, His forgiveness, and to have the joy of his salvation restored.

 

Psalm 51:1, 12-13, 17:

 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

 

David knew that God would accept the plea of a truly repentant heart. And he knew that forgiveness was the best motivation for him to share God’s love with others.

 

And what wonderful grace God shows David.

 

Acts 13:22:

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

 

Father, I pray for the trust of David. Help me to accept Your mercy and joyfully share Your love with those around me.     

Lip Smackin' Banana Bread From Murray's Kitchen

My husband Murray has always cooked. When we were first married, I worked and he was a student, so Murray took on most of the cooking duties. He said he wanted our food to be interesting.

 

I was never the main cook until I was a stay-at-home mom in the 90s. When I went back to work fulltime, Murray took over the kitchen again. When I stopped working outside the home, I told people that we’d liked it so much when Murray was the cook, we just decided to keep it that way.

 

So, Murray’s always cooked. Over the last several years, though, he seems to have worked even harder to keep meals interesting, searching for and trying new recipes. Our Thanksgiving tradition now is crockpot lasagna—so yummy and cheesy and good. A few months ago, Murray bought an air fryer. Fried potatoes, meats—we’re just learning about all it can do.

 

And then, there’s baking. Murray has taken on baking—from scratch, no box mixes. The recipe below is definitely one of my favorites.

 

Lip Smackin’ Banana Bread (Kathy’s Title)

 

Murray didn’t add pecans, and I’m sure he probably tweaked other ingredients, too, but mostly, he added this note: “Recommend this recipe, but, just combined it all at once and stirred, don't bother with the steps, 70 min at 350 degrees.”

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing pan

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)

1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt

1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 soft, very ripe, darkly speckled medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter one 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

Whisk together the flour, pecans, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, brown sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl; stir in the mashed bananas. Fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just combined (it's OK if there are some lumps).

Pour the batter into the buttered pan and lightly tap the pan on the counter to evenly distribute the batter. Bake until browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out completely clean, about 1 hour. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

 

Cook’s Note:

To make this banana bread nut-free, just leave out the pecans and follow the rest of the recipe as written. When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping     directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked good 

Psalm 26, God's Unfailing Love

Of David.

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life;

I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.

Test me, Lord, and try me,

examine my heart and my mind;

for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.

I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord,

proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me.

My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

 

Father God, in this prayer, David was in a high point of his life. He felt secure in his obedience to you. He had joy in his praise for you. He was confident to ask for your protection. Lord, thank you     for these bright moments in our lives. 

Sweet Memories From Memoir Notes

After what seems like a lot of years, I am almost finished writing the memoir about our family when our children were young. I have collected material which I did not use in the book and saved it in a file named “Memoir Notes Leavings.” That doesn’t sound very appetizing, but I’ll share some with you.

 

February 23, 1999: Last night, Sarah was with me in my room, and I was lying on the bed. She asked, "Why do you lay around all the time? I think you're the lazy one." Then she redeemed herself by saying, "But I guess you're just tired from doing all that housework."

 

Rebecca just read me a story about a slave girl. The girl was washing potatoes, and it said that she washed them as carefully as if she were washing a newborn baby. Then it said that she cut out the eyes with a knife, and Rebecca said, "But you wouldn't do that with a newborn."

 

March 11, 1999: Last night, Sarah stopped Murray as he was walking through the house and said, "Hug me! You never stop to hug me!" So he did.

 

March 15, 1999: This evening Murray was talking to Sarah about the (artificial) flowers she gave her long-term substitute teacher. He asked if she liked them, and Sarah said yes. "She said she'll keep them forever. Maybe they'll be some of the flowers they put on her grave."

 

March 16, 1999: The other day Sarah looked out the back door and saw one of the shoes we have out on the deck. "That must be a shoe," she said, "but it sure looks like a frog."

 

March 18, 1999: I was reading to the kids this morning, and we came across the word lunatic. They asked what that meant, and I said it meant someone who's crazy. Caleb said, "I thought it meant someone who's in the government."

 

March 26, 1999: We have told Benjie not to throw down his cup or to throw his toys out of his bed so much that any time we ask him where anything is, he says, "No, no, no." Yesterday morning I couldn't find Sarah, so I asked, "Benjie, where's big Sissy?" He answered, "No, no, no." I wondered what he'd done with her.

 

The other day we were eating lunch at Grandma Mumberger's house when suddenly Sarah said, "I wish we could turn our brain off sometimes; it hurts to think all the time."

 

We passed by some statues made of junk by the road the other day that we've passed before, a tin man, a dinosaur, and so-on. Murray said written on the dinosaur was: "I love people." One of the children, probably Sarah, asked, "To eat, or visit?"

 

April 12, 1999: Murray took some of the kids to Walmart the other day. When they'd been gone a long time Sarah asked if she could sit outside and wait for them. "I have a mind that keeps me from being bored, so don't worry," she told me.

 

April 16, 1999: The other day I told Ping-Hwei we were buying bagels from the bread store, not Walmart. He said, "Walmart is too expensive."

 

Sarah was eating something the other day, and she said, "When we eat something, does Jesus taste it too? And if we don't like it, does He think it tastes bad, and if we do like it, does He think it tastes good?"

 

Last week, Ping-Hwei saw a golf equipment commercial on TV, and he asked if there would be golf in Heaven.  Murray told him to ask Nick, so we did. (Nick is a golf enthusiast at church.) 

Ezekiel 18, God's Love and Justice

Verses 20-23,32:

The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

“But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.

None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live.

Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

 

Read through all of Ezekiel 18. Such an account of god’s justice and punishment and love. All sin must be punished, but God takes no pleasure in this. So, through agonizing tears, he sent his son Jesus to take our punishment.

 

Romans 3:23-24:

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.         

Blackberry Cobbler From Kathy's Kitchen

My daughter Sarah likes to get blackberries sometimes to take in her lunch for work. She’ll usually share some with me, and I’m likely to say, “These are good, but they’re nothing like the wild ones Grandma used to pick when I was a kid.” Warm, sweet, juicy. Fresh from the sunshine. Oh yeah!

 

My husband Murray brought home some blackberries the other day. I got hungry for blackberry cobbler and found a recipe.

 

It was a simple recipe; looked easy.

 

Except I forgot to put in the baking powder. I even got it out and set it on the counter. I still forgot it.

 

It was edible; kind of chewy; just not right. You never know what surprises you’ll find in Kathy’s kitchen.

 

I tried it again a few days later with blueberries. It was pretty good, especially when warmed up again. I want to try it again with blackberries.

 

Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler – A Blackberry Cobbler from Scratch

Prep Time10minutesCook Time45minutesTotal Time55minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine

• 2 cups fresh blackberries

• 1/3 cup sugar (for blackberries)

• 1 cup flour all-purpose

• 1 cup sugar (additional for batter)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (Don’t forget!)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Melt butter in 13 x 9-inch baking dish; remove from oven when melted.

3. Mix blackberries with 1/3 cup sugar; set aside.

4. Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt; add milk and vanilla and mix to form a batter.

5. Pour batter directly into melted butter.

6. Pour sweetened blackberries into the center of the batter. Try not to allow berries to touch the edge of the pan.

7. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

8. Eat warm as is, topped with milk, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Taste your blackberries before adding sugar.  If they are super sweet, you may be able to use a little less, and if they are super tart, you may want to add a touch more.

• FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS:  Only add the sweetened blackberries to the center of the batter, not around the edges if you can avoid it.  The sugar from the blackberries will cause the edge of the homemade blackberry cobbler to get dark and hard from the sugar burning.

          

guest Author and Musician Kelly Wickham

        I have made a wonderful new friend. Kelly is a talented lady. She offers a variety of music, from toe-tapping, put a smile on your face praise, to slower soothing promises of the love and comfort of Jesus. Plus, she has written a devotional filled with firmly scripture-based truth. I hope you’ll get to know my new friend.

 

Hi, everyone!  My name is Kelly Wickham.  I was taught about Jesus from birth but it wasn't until after my 23rd birthday that I finally gave my life to Him for real.  That was over 30 years ago.

He has given me a purpose.  He gives me songs and I am glad to sing wherever He leads.

From about 2001 to 2012, I made 11 CDs with a great producer who did a great job recording and producing my music.  Then after I married my husband, Jeff, a friend got me an Olympus LS14 digital recorder as a wedding present.  So it wasn't the most professional way to do it, but I was then able to produce my own music, and I made 16 other CD's.

My husband had a lot of health problems and he is with Jesus now.  I miss him every day, but I know I will see him again.  My life is living proof that the Holy Spirit is truly the greatest Comforter there is.

I used to go out more and sing at other churches or events.  Now, I sing at my church and lead its evening Bible studies.  I also love to sing at nursing homes.  Knowing that I am encouraging someone is a blessing to me.

In 2002, the Lord put on my heart to write a devotional book.  So I took verses that stood out to me and wrote about a paragraph for each one.  It was finally released in print in early 2003, but there are no copies left.

In order to hear it, those eligible can get it from

 

www.brailleaudio.org

 

or contact me.

Another thing that I've been doing:  Besides the whole COVID mess starting in 2020, I had to get all my teeth taken out.  So I didn't know if I would be able to sing.  During the long lull, I began to read a lot more than usual.  In signing up for authors' newsletters, I noticed that many of them gave me the opportunity to read their books in advance and review them.  I saw it as a win-win.  I usually got the book for free and I was able to encourage authors and recommend their books to others.  I still do that quite often and very much enjoy it.  I pick authors who are among my favorites because they give a Christ-centered message and a good story.

My whole purpose in life is to tell everyone that Jesus loves you.  He really does.  If He could change my life, He could change everyone's.  I remember when I finally came to Him, I felt that He couldn't possibly love me.  I learned that it's not about anything I've done, but about what Jesus has done.  I echo the prayer that Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17-19, which says:

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

If you are interested in purchasing or receiving my music or my book, the best way would be to email me at

 

kjw810@gmail.com

 

I have a few songs on YouTube, but not many.  Here is one of them:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-USNr1_rfXk

 

Anyway, I pray that God will bless you all abundantly.

 

Kelly shares on Facebook the stories behind the songs God has given her:

 http://www.facebook.com/kjw810