BIBLE VERSE
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Are you facing challenges? Health issues? Work-related stresses? Relationship issues?
When we must work through difficult times, we don’t usually see the reason or meaning for the struggles we endure. After we’ve gone through the fire, we can reflect back on what we’ve gained. Strength. Confidence. Humility. Empathy. Gratefulness.
Recently I had complicated foot surgery. If you know me, you know hiking is integral to my well-being….physically, emotionally and spiritually. Four weeks and counting with no weight bearing. Crutches are a pain…literally! Then I’ll face a couple of months with an “orthopedic boot” and then intensive physical therapy. No hiking or neighborhood walks. The hardest challenge is accepting I’m dependent on my husband for many daily tasks. He’s great about helping, but I don’t like limits on my abilities.
Even though this recovery is not the worst health challenge my husband and I have faced, this time of waiting is giving me plenty of opportunity to trust my faith…to stay positive and hopeful about the ultimate outcome. After this, I’ll deeply appreciate being able to walk across a room without the aid (hinderance?) of crutches. I’m clinging to the message in one of the Bible passages I think of when I need strength….fortitude for any and every challenge faced.
BIBLE VERSE
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17
Doesn’t this passage fill you with hope and confidence? No matter the challenge before you, these words give strength to face the difficulty ahead. To pass through the fire….of pain, despair and fear. Our Lord prepares us to do battle with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation and His Word.
TRAVEL
We enjoy attending Renaissance festivals, a little taste of the sights and sounds of the past. The jousting knights are the perfect example of putting on armor before the battle. At the Arizona Renaissance Festival near Phoenix, many attendees wear elaborate costumes. Colorful wares are offered in cute shoppes. Tunes from bagpipes and beating drums can be heard. The air has scents of wood fires and roasting turkey legs. There was even a cute tea shop, perfect for my tea-loving self.
So today I’m serving Shakespeare’s Romance Tea—white tea, raspberry leaf, hibiscus and peach.
If you’re interested in Renaissance fairs, I recommend the elaborate Arizona Renaissance Festival held on weekends during February and March. For details, visit http://www.arizonarenfestinfo.com.
BOOK NEWS
Some of my author friends have books releasing soon.
Fitting in with the theme of jousting knights, Sherrinda Ketchersid’s debut, Lord of Her Heart, is available May 14, published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. To escape an evil plot, Lady Jocelyn dons a disguise, hoping to find out the truth about her father’s situation. Jousting tournament champion Malcolm, who desires a peaceful life on his own manor, discovers her deception. They must learn to trust each other in this story of romance set in medieval times. Sounds intriguing!
Patti Jo Moore’s third book in her Emerald Coast Romance series, In Tune With Romance, releases later this month with Forget Me Not Romances. We can anticipate another sweet romance as we visit the charming beach town of Coastal Breeze. We’re all ready for some warm breezes, I imagine!
Currently I’m reading A Most Inconvenient Love, by Ruth Logan Herne. This historical, set on the prairies of South Dakota, is engaging as a school marm and a lumber baron find their way to a happy ever after. I always enjoy this author’s style of sprinkling wisdom among the pages of a great story.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we thank you for the courage you give us for face the challenges in our lives. Your Word fortifies us with truth, righteousness, faith and salvation. Please be with us as we walk toward the light with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Are you facing challenges? May we pray for you? Have you walked a challenging path and come through stronger because of your experience? What Scriptures do you treasure when faced with difficulties?
I’ve felt the prayers of those of you praying for my surgery. I’d appreciate continuing prayers for my foot to heal completely so I’ll be out on the mountain trails this summer. Thank you for prayers, sharing and joining me for Tuesday Tea.
With blessings and prayers always,
Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
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Sherida Stewart 
Hi Sherida, I am really sorry you are faced with this foot challenge. I understand completely. I had a knee replacement last August and it was so hard physically. Being dependent on someone else for help was a challenge too as I am a very independent person but my husband waited on my hand and foot.
It will get better as your foot heals, I learned things through my down time I probably wouldn’t have learned any other way. Fortitude is a good word for it. Hang in there, putting you on the list for healing and a return to your love of hiking.
I always enjoy my armchair traveling with you. I’ll have the peach tea please 🙂
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Tracey, thank you for your encouraging words and prayers. It is a comfort when others understand. I like your word…fortitude!
And doesn’t peach tea sound good? A reminder summer days are getting closer. Thank you for your encouragement. You truly blessed me this morning. May your March be filled with sunny days and gentle breezes, my friend!
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Sherida, praying for your speedy recovery! When our house flooded, from the inside, by a dog, who wasn’t ours, I learned so much during that time! God was in it every step of the way! Sometimes we just need to slow down and savor what he’s doing in our lives. Praying you soon get back to trail hiking. I like how you said hiking is integral to your well-being… physically, emotionally and spiritually. I so feel that when I’m running!
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Sally, thank you for your prayers. With your running, you understand the need to be out in God’s beautiful and inspiring natural world. I remember your tough time while your home was remodeled after the flooding. The slowing down…and waiting…is a test, but I believe we are stronger because of our trials. Thank you so much for your comment. Blessings to you!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your foot, Sherida. I know how active you are, so I know this has been a challenge. Having had two back surgeries myself, I know how hard it is to be dependent on others…I’m stubborn that way. 🙂 I’ll be praying for you. I have a feeling you’ll be back on those trails just in time for some beautiful weather. Take care! ❤
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Jill, I can’t even imagine back surgery. I know how strong you are! I appreciate your prayers and encouragement..always. I think of inspiring images…such as your hummies….to keep my focus on the positive. Thank you for your friendship. Have another cup of tea while we savor the return of spring! At least, I hope you’re experiencing warmer days by now!
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When my hummies return, I’ll be taking some special pictures just for you, Sherida. I tried to sign up again for your posts today. For whatever reason, your posts never make it to my email. Is your blog through Blogger? I don’t know why, but I’ve never been able to subscribe to posts through Blogger. It’s frustrating. I saw this on Twitter earlier. 🙂 I’m still waiting on that warmer weather. I’ve got the heating pad on my legs at the day job! LOL!
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I’ll look forward to the hummingbird photos! I’m on WordPress, so don’t know what the problem is. I always have difficulties commenting on Blogger sites. Sometimes my comment goes through, then other times….nothing. I’ll send warmer weather thoughts your way. Aren’t we all ready for spring? Thanks again!
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Do you have a follow button? When I click that on WP blogs, new posts come into my WP Reader. I entered my email again, but I didn’t get any sort of confirmation. Yes! I’m so ready for spring! 🙂
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Jill, on the right side my website (just under Facebook page picture) there is a “Subscribe to Blog via Email” with a space for the email and under that a submit button.
My son is my tech guy, so I’ll check with him about the problem. Thank you for letting me know there is a difficulty. And thanks for trying multiple times! Talk about challenges!
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I subscribed my email, but I didn’t receive anything. Most of the WP blog have a follow tab that pops up in the lower right hand corner with 3 little dots. I tried to do a screen shot, but I can’t post it here. Sorry to be a pain!
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Thanks, Jill. I’ll check with my son to see if he can help. I need to learn to understand WordPress. I like this platform, but don’t understand how it all works. I appreciate your perseverance!
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I only know how to post new blog posts…LOL! A friend set mine up for me. 🙂 I’ve found that reading posts through the WP Reader keeps you from getting bogged down with emails But as I said, I’ve never been able to get any posts via email that are in Blogger. Good luck!
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I went to your website and subscribed to your blog. (I didn’t realize I hadn’t subscribed already.) I now see what you mean by the pop-up confirmation. Something for me to figure out! I was fortunate my son and DIL gifted me with the website, but find I don’t know much about it other than putting up the blog posts.
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Yay! You’re in my WP Reader now!
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YAY! Thanks so much, Jill!
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Thank you!
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Thank you for another lovely, thought-inspiring post, dear Sherida.
Those verses from Ephesians are a powerful reminder, and I love how you used a photo from the Renaissance Festival of the knight in armor! That festival sounds like such fun, and your descriptions made it easy to imagine being there.
My heart goes out to you as you heal from your surgery. You have a wonderful attitude, but I’m sure this is sooo difficult. Please know my prayers will continue for you, and I’m sending gentle hugs.
Thank you for the shout-out for my upcoming book – – you are SO encouraging!!
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Patti Jo, I have felt your prayers! The healing is taking longer than the doctor initially expected, so I wasn’t prepared for this much inactivity. Choosing JOY for my word of the year is definitely getting a workout! I have made progress with writing and reading, so there is an upside.
The timing of your newest book will be purr-fect. Everyone is ready for thoughts of warm beach days…and romance. I’m looking forward to reading IN TUNE WITH ROMANCE!
We went to the Arizona Renaissance Festival last year. When I was thinking of the Scripture about challenges and armor, the visit to the jousting tournament came to mind.
Thank you…always….for your sweet thoughts of encouragement. Your prayers are SO appreciated. Blessings to you!
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Praying for your quick and full recovery!
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Thank you, Natalya! Your prayers are appreciated. It was good to get to know you better through the Reader Spotlight. Hope you are doing well. Blessings to you!
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I’m praying for you and your continued healing. Glad you are getting one of those scooters! I hear those really help.
And thanks for mentioning my book! You are so sweet! (((hugs)))
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Sherrinda, thank you for your prayers. My foot is a bit better each day. Yay!
You know I’m really looking forward to Lord of Her Heart! What a blurb and what a cover!
Thank you for your comment, my friend. Blessings!
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