JANUARY NEWSLETTER-Teatime with My One Word for 2026 and a review of The Bookstore.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
~~Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Do you do the One Word thing? Many chose to do this rather than make resolutions. Hmmm….I do both. Each year, my word is suggested by God. I do like the contemplation and focus on a thought for the year. My previous word was REJOICE….perfect for the celebration of many blessings which occurred in my life.

Now my one word is WORDS! Perhaps a bit confusing, but just right for the days ahead…plus my chosen 2026 Scripture…will remind me to bring my heart and mind closer to our Lord. I want to study the words of His Word more deeply, keep the words I say more inline with walking with Jesus, and I do want to write more words of inspirational fiction.

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOKSTORE BY PATTI JO MOORE

With the winter weather many are experiencing right now, you may be looking to settle under a cozy blanket and spend some time reading a great book. If you’re looking for a story with uplifting themes and realistic situations, I’d suggest The Bookstore as a heartwarming, feel-good romance. 

After a tragic loss, former professional football player, David White, moves to Maple Grove, a small town in Georgia, where he can commute to his new job near Atlanta. While shopping at a local business, Becca’s Bookstore, he collides with kindergarten teacher, Kate Henderson. These two people are healing from past events which have left them wary of future happiness. There are many sweet moments as the attraction between them grows toward a warm relationship. 

I loved the theme of trusting the Lord even when we don’t see the perfect plan He has waiting for us. Featured throughout the pages are the strength of community, friends, and family. The ending has an unexpected dangerous twist. I held my breath as the scene unfolded. The resolution of all the complicated situations in the story provides a lovely, satisfying ending.  

I highly recommend stories by author Patti Jo Moore who writes warm, heart-touching books which bring love and faith together in delightful romances.

Favorite quote: But he would never be alone. Someone greater than all his problems would always be with him. Forever.

TEATIME TREATSCRANBERRY CITRUS SHORTBREAD COOKIES

CRANBERRY CITRUS SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Today I’m serving these yummy cookies adapted from AllRecipes.

Since we have a grapefruit tree growing in our yard, I used grapefruit zest to add the “citrus” to this recipe rather than orange. I also cut the dried cranberries to 1 cup and added 1/2 cup chopped pecans. So good! For our tea, I’ll pour Crofoot Creations blackberry and licorice root blend which states it’s good for immune system function…which is valuable for this winter season.

Thank you for joining me for teatime today. Do you choose a One Word for the year ahead? I’d love to know how you focus and plan for future days. May you walk beside our Lord, with your words and the meditations of your heart.

With blessings and prayers, Sherida

HEALING HEARTS: A TURQUOISE TREASURES ROMANCE

MEETING ALONG THE TRAIL…..

          Show me Your ways, O LORD; 

          Teach me Your paths.                     Psalm 25:4 (NKJV)

 

Blog-trail

I believe God has a purpose when He puts people in our path as we travel our trail in life.

Years ago on a backpacking trip in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, we were hiking a trail through a meadow. We hadn’t seen anyone for three hours since we left the trail that circled Green River Lake. We came to a woman  standing right in the middle of the trail–not to the side to let us pass or off the trail a ways where her husband was finishing up dinner at their campsite. She waited for us to reach her and said excitedly that she was SO glad to see someone else out there in the wilderness. She hadn’t camped outside of campgrounds before, so just having someone else in the area was a comfort to her. We talked with the two of them a bit, then went just a few more feet up the trail and put our tent up, just over the slight ridge. The next day on our way out, we passed them as they waved while taking down their camp.  We crossed paths with them a couple of times as we returned to the trail head.

We learn from others who we meet along the way. At times we help others we find crossing our paths.

Two Love Inspired Inspirational Romance books I have read recently mention this same thought, Mending the Doctor’s Heart, by Tina Radcliffe, and Georgia Sweethearts, by Missy Tippens. These are stories of finding love in our lives, but I think the thought also applies to meeting new people as friends or acquaintances.

Sometimes I don’t understand why a person is entering my life, but God has a plan for us. It’s not my path, but God’s path I am following.

It is good to have companionship along the trail. May I be open to learning from this path God has prepared for me. Blessings to you as we meet along the trail.

 

Show me Your ways, O LORD;  Teach me Your paths.           Psalm 25:4  (NKJV)