Here I sit sheltering in place in my safe, cozy home, feeling sorry for myself because I can’t go to work, dine out, see a movie in the theatre, or hug my grandchildren. Like most of you, my anxiety has been ramping up over the past two weeks because of the unseen enemy who lurks around every corner looking to infect us. I worry about the economic future of our country and how many lives COVID-19 will destroy. Life will never be the same. Yet as I sit here fretting, I can’t even fathom the apprehension and fear our healthcare workers and their loved ones are experiencing. If you are […]
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THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE – Amy’s Book Pick of the Week
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? Are you looking for a novel set during a time other than WWII? If so, then this week’s book pick is perfect for you. Take a break from social media and Covid-19 prognostications and pick up a good book! Synopsis Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother’s birth through […]
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YOUR VALUE
No matter what your current circumstances are, no matter what you have done, God values and loves you. Never forget that!
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DAISY JONES & THE SIX – Amy’s Book Pick of the Week
Hi, friends! Since my favorite aspect of working at my local library is helping patrons discover new books, I thought I’d take this readers advisory service to cyber patrons like YOU! This week’s pick is Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Synopsis Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six: The band came to define the rock ‘n’ roll era of the late seventies. But no one knows the reason behind the group’s sudden split the night after a concert at Chicago Stadium on July 12, 1979. Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping […]
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NEW EVERY MORNING
The other day my husband and I looked at each other across the table and said “good riddance” to 2019. It was a difficult year filled with almost insurmountable heartbreak. Sadly, we had to go back to 2006 to find a year we were sad to see end. Still, we never completely gave up hope. Each of those years also brought joys beyond measure. We’re grandparents four times over. We adopted our little schnoodle, Fitzgerald (“Fitzenheimer” to his friends), and we had success in our careers. My first book came out in 2006, followed by a long string of other writing projects. In 2019 I had the privilege of working […]
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Gratitude Day 1 – Coffee
A couple years ago when I was going through a painful season in my life, a dear friend suggested I write something I was grateful for each day. Nearly every day for a year, I posted a gratitude challenge on my social media sites. It helped me appreciate the simple things despite my circumstances. Well, I’m in the same place again, so here we go. When I sold yellow pages advertising back in the day, I called on a new coffee house. Mind you, this was way back before you could find one on every corner. The proprietor was busy when I arrived, so she offered to make me something […]
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Vikings Super Fan
Yesterday the Minnesota Vikings won a nail biter against the Dallas Cowboys. A lot of fans were excited about the victory, but none more than Glen Raisanen, a longtime friend of ours. He is a unique guy filled with personality and enthusiasm. Now a video of him cheering has gone viral. If this video (below his photo) doesn’t make you smile, you are a curmudgeon. https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/10/15/friends-say-dancing-vikings-fan-glen-raisanen-has-always-been-full-of-team-spirit/ Until next time, Amy
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JUST ONE LIFE
I don’t believe in reincarnation… who would want to do this all over again? No, I have just one shot at making the most of my life. I want to live this life accepting my imperfections and recognizing that even though not everyone will be my biggest fan; I have surrounded myself with people who think I’m pretty great. I don’t have all the answers, but hopefully everything will become clear when I step into eternity. In the meantime, I will stand in faith and do the best I can with the gifts God gave me and love others without judgement or reservation. While I like most of this quote, we […]
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THE BROKEN TREE
On my way into town I often take a shortcut through the countryside. On the south side of the road stood three trees, strong and proud, and oh so beautiful. The other day I drove past the property again and found this heartbreaking sight. I had to pull over to the side of the road because my tears were obstructing my vision. This fallen tree reminded me of my own brokenness. It also reminded me that I am not alone in my pain. In Psalm 34:18, David wrote these words: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. I felt closer to God that day […]
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BOOK REVIEW: EDUCATED
In 1986, Tara Westover was born into a Mormon survivalist family in the mountains of Idaho. She prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills” bag. In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged metal in her father’s junkyard. Her father distrusted the medical establishment, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one […]
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