The long and the short of things in my world is that I’m swamped this week and there just doesn’t seem to be enough time for everything. Therefore, my blog today is just a brief note. I want to encourage you to focus on the blessings. There are so many problems going on all around us, but just remember that …

First, I wanted to let you know that Rainy (my granddaughter) is doing much better. She’s going to have her 23rd brain-related surgery to reimplant a shunt in her head. Hopefully if all goes well she will go home next week. Here’s a pre-sugery photo. She and I thank you for all the prayers. Keep them coming, please. Second – …

I’m sure by now you’ve all made your New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, read more, exercise more, spend less, watch less television, and read the Bible from cover to cover in a year. By next week half that list will be forgotten or delayed and by the end of the month…well…let’s just say you’ll probably be in the same …

No, that isn’t your cue to put on gloves and start fighting it out at the gift return desk. Boxing Day is a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada and other Commonwealth nations. Boxing Day is also known as the Feast of St. Stephen in honor of the Christian martyr. You can read more about him in Acts. This holiday …

It’s been a crazy month for me. We went to Kansas on the 3rd of December to see our kids and grandkids and was greeted with voicemail that told us our 6 year old granddaughter Rainy was once again in the hospital. This time it was for an emergency appendectomy. Unfortunately things went bad for Rainy and she developed post-operative …

My latest book has been turned in. Thanksgiving and visiting relatives have gone home (I miss them already). The calendar has been turned to the last month of the year, and Christmas is in the air. I’m filled with an absolute sense of celebration! Here in Montana, we are a livily bunch who celebrate our heritage, our families, our land. …

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I’m truly thankful for all that God has given, and blessed beyond all that I can ask or imagine. A few years ago my daughter Jennifer went to Uganda to be a missionary with Calvary Chapel Ministeries. The time she spent there was eye opening to our entire family. It also served to give us an …

During our visit to Germany this summer, we bought a cuckoo clock. It’s a really neat little clock with people who dance around and a waterwheel,and quaint German designs. Oh, and it plays music. Edelweiss at the top of the hour and Happy Wanderer at the 1/2 hour. For those of you who have cuckoo clocks, you know they aren’t …

Several of you have written to ask me where in Montana my new series takes place, and why I chose that area. So I thought I would share that with you today. My Brides of Gallatin County series is the latest series I’ve set in Montana. There will be three books. Book one is out and titled A PROMISED TO …

The best things in life truly are free. The smile of a child. Their fascination with the world. Their unconditional love. My grandchildren don’t care if I’m a writer or a ditch digger. They love me just for being Nana, and that’s such a wonderful feeling. So often in this world we have to prove ourselves to someone to “earn” …