My Mom's Cornbread Dressing and The Greatest Gift Of All

My Mom's Cornbread Dressing

 

Ingredients:

2 boxes of Krusteaz (1t ounce) box of Honey Cornbread 1 cup diced onion 4 boiled eggs diced

1 can of cream of chicken soup 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 -3 (this depends on taste) cans chicken broth Remember the cornbread dries the dressing so you may have to add more 1/8 pound sage sausage 2 uncooked eggs 4 teaspoon dried sage (I use a lot more but this is to fit your taste so do accordingly)

Directions:

1.	Prepare cornbread in large pan according to package directions. Cool and crumble.
2.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3.	In a large baking pan, combine cornbread, onions, soup, broth, all eggs (boiled and uncooked), sausage, sage, and mix thoroughly. I usually wait on the raw eggs until I've tasted the mix to make sure it has the correct flavor I want then I add the raw eggs.
4.	Bake in the preheated over for 30 to 45 minutes

 

My Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This has become another Christmas favorite at my house. The sweet potato casserole.

Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic

 

Ingredients:

5 sweet potatoes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup butter 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1/4 cup butter, softened 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2.	Bake sweet potatoes 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they begin to soften. Cool slightly, peel, and mash.
3.	In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and heavy cream. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
4.	In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix with a pastry blender or your fingers to the consistency of course meal. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
5.	Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until topping is crisp and lightly browned I hope you enjoy it. Mary

 

 

Christmas Recipes

It's almost here. What a special time of the year it is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
This week I thought I'd share some of my favorite Christmas recipes with you.

For our family, Christmas wouldn't be the same without the green bean casserole. Here's my recipe for it.

Green Bean Casserole

 

Ingredients: What you’ll need

 

 

About 3 to 4 cups of fresh green beans cooked and drained, (don’t forget to remove the strings) 

 

3/4 cup milk

 

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/3 of a 16 ounce block of Velveeta cheese. (I've tried different types of cheeses but nothing gives the correct flavor like Velveeta.  

1/3 can (10.75 ounce) of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup with Roasted Garlic

 

French fried onions for topping. I also mix in a handful for flavor. (see my French fried onion recipe below)

 

Salt and pepper to taste

 

 

Directions:

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a medium casserole dish mix together cooked green beans, milk, both cream of mushroom soups, the cheese, and a handful of onion strings.

3. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until heated through and bubbly. Sprinkle remaining onions over the top, and return to the oven for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Ingredients  

• 2 large onions, sliced into thin rings
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I use gluten free)
• oil
• salt

Directions

1. Soak the onions in the milk for 5 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer.
3. Take a handful of onions and run them through the flour with a fork to coat.
4. Fry in batches in the oil, stirring as needed to brown evenly.
5. Drain on paper towels and season to taste.
6. Store in an air-tight container

 

I hope you enjoy it...

Mary

The Fourth Magi

The Fourth Magi

Each year, our pastor reads the story of the fourth magi. I love this story. I hope it warms your heart.



Artaban's Gifts - A Story

In the days of Herod the king, when the Saviour of the world, was born in a poor cave near Bethlehem, an enormous star suddenly lit up the sky over the countries of the East. The star shone with a bright, dazzling light and slowly but steadily moved in one direction, towards the land of the Hebrews. The astronomers, or magi as they were called, took note of this new light. They thought it was a sign from God that somewhere had been born the Great King, whose coming had been foretold in the Hebrew books, the King of Righteousness, the Deliverer of people from evil, the Teacher of a new, righteous life. Several of them, who devoted themselves especially diligently to the study of God's truth on earth, and were grieved by the extent of men's wickedness, decided to go seek for the newborn King, to worship Him and serve Him. Just where they would find Him, they didn't know; perhaps they would have to travel a long time. At that time the route towards the Hebrew land was dangerous. They decided to gather first in a specified place, and then to proceed together in a caravan, following the star in search of the Great King.

Together with the other magi, the great Persian wise man Artaban prepared for the journey. He sold all his possessions, his elegant home in the capital, and with the money he bought three precious gems: a sapphire, a ruby and a pearl. These jewels were extremely costly; a whole fortune was paid for them. Indeed, they were each uniquely beautiful. One shone like a piece of blue sky in a starry night; another burned brighter than a brilliant sunrise; the third surpassed in whiteness the snowy mountain peaks. All of this, together with a heart full of the most fervent, unreserved love, Artaban was going to lay at the feet of the newly-born King of righteousness and goodness.

In his house Artaban gathered for the last time his close friends, said his good-byes and departed on his journey. It was several days' ride to the gathering place, but Artaban was confident he wouldn't be late. He had a strong, swift horse; he had precisely calculated the time it would take, and each day he covered the appointed distance. The last twenty-four hours arrived with only a few dozen miles to his destination, and he chose to ride all night in order to arrive by dawn. His faithful horse was still far from worn out; the night breeze was cool; in the infinite sky above shone the new star, like a bright lamp burning before the altar of God. "There it is, God's sign!" said Artaban to himself, keeping his eyes fixed on the star. "The Great King is coming to us from the sky, and soon, Lord, I shall see You."

"Faster, my friend! Increase your pace!" he encouraged his horse, gently slapping the reins.

The horse responded, his hooves pounding louder and faster along the road through the forest of palm trees. The darkness began to dissipate; here and there came the chirping of awakening birds. One could sense the nearness of morning. Suddenly the horse drew up short, snorted and started to move backwards. Artaban peered into the half-light and there, almost under the horse's very hooves, he saw a man lying. He quickly dismounted and inspected the prostrate figure. He turned out to be a Jew, exhausted by a raging fever. One could have taken him for dead but for the weak, barely audible groans which broke intermittently from his cracked lips. Artaban deliberated: to pass by, to hasten to the meeting place, leaving the sick man was something his conscience wouldn't allow; but to remain with the Jew in order to revive him would take several hours, and he would be late for the rendez-vous; the caravan would leave without him. What shall I do? thought Artaban. I'll go on, he decided, and he lifted his foot into the stirrup. But the sick man, sensing that his last hope was about to abandon him, groaned so pitiably that its pain resonated in the magus's heart.

"Great God!" he prayed. "You know my thoughts. You know my efforts to see you. Direct my steps! Is it not your voice of love which is speaking in my heart. I cannot pass by; I must help this unfortunate Jew."

With these words the magi returned to the sick man; he loosened his clothing and brought him some water from a nearby stream. He refreshed the man's face and moistened his dry lips. From a pack attached to his saddle his obtained some medicine, mixed it with some wine and poured it into the Jew's mouth; he rubbed his chest and hands, gave him something to sniff, and so spent many hours with the sick man. Dawn had long ago come and gone, the sun already stood high in the sky; it was approaching noon when the Jew was finally able to get to his feet. He didn't know how to thank the kind stranger.

"Who are you?" the Jew asked Artaban. "Tell me for whom I and my family should pray to God until the last of our days? And why are you so sad? What grief afflicts you?"

Artaban told him who he was and where he was going. "My friends have certainly left without me," he said sorrowfully, "and I shall not see the King of my desires."

The Jew's face lit up.

"Do not be sad, my benefactor. I can repay you in a very small way for your kindness. In my sacred scriptures it is said that the King of righteousness promised by God will be born in the city of Bethlehem of Judah. Even if your friends have left, you can make you way to Bethlehem and, if the Messiah has been born, you will find Him there."

The Jew thanked the Persian magi once again and the two men went their separate ways. Artaban turned back; it would be folly to attempt the journey through the desert alone; he needed to hire some men for protection, to buy some camels and load them with provisions and water. A week went by. He was obliged to sell one of the gems in order to equip his caravan, but Artaban didn't sorrow too much; he still had two gems. The main thing was not to be late in reaching the King. He hurried the servants, and the caravan moved as quickly as possible. Finally, they reached Bethlehem. Tired, dusty, but happy, he rode up to the first house. He went in and showered the host with questions.
"Did some men from the East come here to Bethlehem? Where did they go? Where are they now?"
The mistress of the house, a young woman, was nursing a baby and at first shied away from the stranger, but then she calmed down and related that a few days earlier some foreigners had come in search of Mary of Nazareth and had brought her baby some expensive gifts. Where they had gone-she didn't know. That very night Mary together with Joseph and the Baby had left Bethlehem to go into hiding.

"People say they went to Egypt, that Joseph had a dream and that the Lord ordained that they should flee from here."

While the mother spoke the baby fell asleep and a pure smile played on his pretty, innocent face. Artaban hadn't had time to think about this news, about what he should do next, when a commotion broke from the street: wild cries, the clanging of weapons, women wailing. Half-dressed women, their heads uncovered, their faces contorted with fear, ran through the settlement carrying their infants and crying: "Flee to safety! Herod's soldiers are killing our children!"

The face of the young mother paled, her eyes grew large. Pressing the sleeping infant to her breast, she could only say, "Save the child! Save him, and God will save you!"

Without a moment's thought, Artaban rushed to the door; there just beyond the threshold stood the troop's captain, and behind him could be seen the bestial faces of the soldiers, their swords red with the blood of innocent children. Artaban's hand as if automatically reached into his chest; he produced a bag from which he extracted one of the remaining gems and gave it to the captain.

The latter had never seen such a treasure; he clutched it greedily and rushed his soldiers away to continue their dreadful business.

The woman fell to her knees before Artaban. "May God bless you for my child! You are seeking for the King of righteousness, of love and kindness. May His face shine before you and may He look upon you with the love with which I am now looking at you."

Artaban carefully raised the woman to her feet; tears of mixed joy and sadness ran down his cheeks.
"God of truth, forgive me! For the sake of this woman and her child I gave away the precious stone which was meant for you. Will I ever see your face? Here once again I am late. I shall follow after you into Egypt." The poor magus walked for a long, long time, seeking the King of Righteousness. He traveled through many countries, he saw many different peoples, but nowhere did he find the desired object of his wanderings. His heart ached and more than once he wept bitter tears.

"Lord," he thought," how much grief, suffering and unhappiness there is everywhere. How soon will you reveal yourself and bring consolation to people's lives?"

He helped the poor, cared for the sick, consoled the unfortunate, visited prisoners. From the sale of the first gem he had money, and he spent this on helping his neighbor. The last gem, however, he carefully guarded near his heart, thinking that at least this gift he could some day bring to the King, when he found Him.

Thirty-three years had gone by since Artaban had left his homeland. His figure had become stooped, his hair white, but his heart still burned with love for the One Whom he sought so long.

One day the elderly magus heard that the Anointed One of God had appeared in Judea, and that He was performing many wondrous deeds-by a word He healed the sick, raised the dead, made saints of sinners and hopelessly wicked men. Artaban's heart began to race with joy.

"At last," he thought, trembling with emotion, "I shall find you and be able to serve you."

Arriving in Judea, he discovered that everyone was going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. There, too, was the Prophet Jesus whom the magus so desired to see. Together with crowds of the faithful Artaban reached the Holy City. He found a great commotion; great multitudes of people were surging along the streets. "Where are they hurrying?" asked Artaban. "To Golgotha. It is a hill on the outskirts of the city where today, together with two thieves, Jesus Christ of Nazareth is to be crucified. He claimed to be the Son of God, the King of the Jews."

Artaban fell to the ground, weeping bitterly.

"Again... again I am late. I never had the opportunity to see you, Lord, to serve you." But perhaps it isn't too late after all. I'll go to His torturers and offer them my last remaining gem. It may be that I can buy His freedom.

Artaban arose and hastened after the crowd to Golgotha. Suddenly, at one of the cross-streets, a contingent of soldiers barred his way. They were dragging a girl to prison. Recognizing Artaban as a fellow-countryman, she seized a corner of his clothing.

"Pity me!" she begged. "Free me. I too am from Persia. My father came here to trade; he brought me and then fell ill and died. For the debts he incurred they want to sell me into slavery, for a life of shame. Save me. Save me from dishonor, save me, I beg you!"

The old magus shuddered. The former battle again broke out in his heart-to keep the gem for the Great King or give it away for the sake of the unfortunate girl? Pity for the girl won out. Artaban reached into the pouch at his breast and took out his last treasure; he gave the gemstone to the girl.
"Here, buy with this your freedom, my daughter. For thirty-three years I have guarded this treasure for my King. Evidently I am unworthy of bringing Him a gift."

While he spoke, the sky grew clouded. It was midday and yet it was dark as night. The earth shook and groaned heavily, as it were. Thunder crashed, lightning ripped the sky from end to end; a great cracking was heard; houses shook, walls rocked and stones showered down. A heavy slate tore off the roof and hit the head of the old man. He fell to the ground and lay there, pale and streaming with blood. The girl bent down to help him. Artaban moved his lips in a barely audible whisper. His face was radiant. The dying man was looking at Someone standing invisibly before him. "Lord," he uttered, "but when did I see you hungry and fed you? When did I see you thirsty and gave you to drink? Thirty-three years I looked for you and not once did I see your face; never was I able to serve you, My King." Like the slight evening breeze which caressed the hair of the dying man, there came from above a tender, unearthly voice:

"Truly I say to you, all that you ever did for your needy brothers you did for Me."

Artaban's face became transfigured. His heart at peace, he lifted his eyes thankfully to heaven and fell asleep unto all ages.

The prolonged journeying of the old magi had come to an end. He had found at last the Great King, the Saviour; his gifts had been accepted.


Merry Christmas!

Mary

Love Inspired Fall Fesitval is taking place this week!

Harvest Festival Events

Main Discussion (live all week)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2401-Love-Inspired-Harvest-Festival-2014

Janet Tronstad's Writing Challenge (live all week)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2429-Janet-Tronstad-s-Harvest-Barn-Writing-C hallenge

Favorite Fall Recipes (live Monday but can continue all week)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2430-Favorite-Fall-Recipes

Authors who provided recipes:
Sandra Orchard
Renee Andrews
Angel Moore
Laura Abbot

Fabulous Fall Decorations (live Tuesday but can continue all week)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2431-Fabulous-Fall-Decorations

Authors who provided photos:
Sherri Shackelford
Janet Lee Barton

A Fall Stroll (live Wednesday but can continue all week)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2432-A-Fall-Stroll

Authors who provided photos:
Christine Johnson

Fun Halloween Alternatives (live Thursday but can continue all week)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2433-Fun-Halloween-Alternatives

Authors who provided photos
Angel Moore

Live Chat! Thursday night 8pm Eastern
http://community.harlequin.com/123flashchat/client/

Fall Crafts (live Friday)
http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2434-Fall-Crafts


Authors listed as participating authors:

Allie Pleiter

Angel Moore

Belle Calhoune

Carol Post

Carolyne Aarsen

Christine Johnson

Deb Kastner

Debby Giusti

Gail Gaymer Martin

Janet Lee Barton

Janet Tronstad

Jean C. Gordon

Jenna Mindel

Jill Kemerer

Jolene Navarro

Karen Kirst

Laura Abbot

Leigh Bale

Lenora Worth

Lorraine Beatty

Margaret Daley

Marta Perry

Mary Alford

Milinda Jay

Mindy Obenhaus

Missy Tippens

Pamela Tracy

Patricia Davids

Patty Smith Hall

Renee Andrews

Rhonda Gibson

Roxanne Rustand

Sandra Orchard

Sherri Shackelford

Tina Radcliffe

Don't Forget That Day

Take a Minute and Remember that day... ...and all that was lost ...the changes in our lives ...the heroes that emerged and helped us get through it all Lots of wonderful sites out there commemorating September 11th and the people who gave all.  Here are just a few 9-11 Memorial Digital Archive Wikipedia

Blog Tour

Blog tour

                     

So, Carolyn Aarsen sent you here, via Renee Gutteridge and Andrea Nasfell of Mother’s Night Out, fame. Pretty heady company.

So, here’s the answers to the questions of the blog tour.

1. Who are you?

While I love being called a Love Inspired Author, my favorite title is Grandma. I have three beautiful granddaughters who light up my life. I'm also eternally thankful to God that I can be called his child. Being a child of God is a lifelong learning experience and I have so far to go still. In addition, I am a wife and mom and an amateur gardener an chef. 

2. What are you working on?

I am currently working on edits for a Love Inspired Suspense submission entitled A Killer's Trail. Its about a serial killer with a very unusual target victim. In addition, I'm plotting my next LIS. There's nothing as intimidating and exciting as looking at a blank computer screen. The possibilities are limitless.   

3. How does your work differ from others of it’s genre?

I think the challenge for a Inspirational suspense author is to add the positive element of faith to an otherwise dangerous and deadly scenario. In every story I write, I want the reader to know not only are the characters not alone as they face terrifying situations, but neither is the reader. 
 
4. Why do you write what you do?

When I first started out writing, I tried different genres although I loved to read Inspirational Suspense. I had always heard one piece of advice that stuck with me through it all and that is write what you love to read. But for me, when I was writing other genres I felt that it wasn't where I was supposed to be. Finally I submitted to God's will. There is nothing more peaceful than knowing you are following behind God.

5. How does your writing process work?

I start with an idea that comes to me usually through something I've seen or read and then I let it simmer for a while in my head. When I have a good idea of where I want the story to go, I sit down at my laptop and begin the story. It is inevitable that the way I picture the book ending is never the way it truly does. My characters seem to have a mind of their own.  

So that’s me. Hop on over to Carolyn Aarsen's site to find out more about her.
 

I'll be blogging at two places Monday, June 23

I'm over at Lyn Cote's Blog Monday, June 23 to discuss the strong women in my life. Stop by and say hello.

And I'll also be interviewed at Christian Book Review Blog so stop in and check that out as well.









All the best...

Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net

The Gift That Lasts Forever

What is the one gift that is almost always free; you can give it to yourself or others can give it to you; it doesn’t require shopping, and it renews itself daily?  Well, stop by the Harlequin Blog today and find out.

All the best...

Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net

Memories

 
 




I'll be blogging over at the Harlequin Blog tomorrow, June 11th about memories. They are the gift that last forever, after all. So, stop by and join in the discussion.

All the best...

Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net

What Was She Thinking?

Ever wonder what the hero or heroine of a good book was really thinking? Wouldn't it be nice if you could sit down and talk to them personally? Well, now you can. Faith McKenzie, my heroine from FORGOTTEN PAST, is blogging over at Margaret Daley's blog on Friday, June 13th.

Stop by and check out her thoughts and comment to win a copy of FORGOTTEN PAST.

All the best...


Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net

Win A Signed Copy Of Forgotten Past

I have an interview up at Julie Saffrin's Bless Back site. I'll be giving away a signed copy of FORGOTTEN PAST to one commenter. The contest ends on June 11th. So stop by and say hi and comment and you could be the winner!

Here's the link:

 http://juliesaffrin.com/2014/06/04/forgotten-past-interview-with-author-mary-alford/




All the best...

Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net




 

FORGOTTEN PAST GIVEAWAY!

I'll be giving away a signed print copy of Forgotten Past over at Susan Sleeman's THE SUSPENSE ZONE blog. The contest runs all month. Here are the links:

Mary Alford's interview: -  http://www.thesuspensezone.com/mary-alford-interview/
A direct link to the contest -  http://www.thesuspensezone.com/contests/current-contests/
And a direct link to my bio page - http://www.thesuspensezone.com/mary-alford/
     






Good luck!

All the best...

Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net

Two Places, One Time

I'll be at two places starting today:

I'm featured all this month as a Debut Author at: http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/2149-Debut-Author-Forgotten-Past-by-Mary-Alford
I'll be talking about my journey to becoming a published author so stop by and check it out.
Also, I have an interview featured at Susan Sleeman's The Suspense Zone later today:
http://www.susansleeman.com/category/author-interviews/

So, stop by and say hello.

All the best...

Mary Alford
www.maryalford.net

Midweek Inspiration

I feel as though I should read this every morning before doing anything!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

Today is Mother's Day and even though my mom is gone, I still think of her every day. I ran across this beautiful poem and thought I'd dedicate it to my mom and to all the mom's around the world. If your mother is still living, don't forget... to tell her how much she means to you while you have the chance.
Her Hands

© Maggie Pittman

Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath.
Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step.
Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall.
Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all.

Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow.
Her hands were often there to comfort the hurts that didn't always show.
Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encouraged me to reach.
Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length.

Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harms way.
Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say.
Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree.
Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be.

Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work,
Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt.
Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be.
Her hands are the reason I am me.



Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/her-hands#ixzz31PhqvDR1
Family Friend Poems See More

Her Hands, Mother Poems

www.familyfriendpoems.com

Join USA Today's Bestselling Author Jamie Lee Scott's BAD VICE Book Launch Party April 22 starting at 7:00 CT

Welcome to the Bad Vice Book Launch Party.
This is an all day event to celebrate FINALLY having Bad Vice published.
Thanks so much for your patience on this novel's long road to the virtual shelves. This has been a crazy year with lots of interruptions. 
I tried something new with Bad Vice, which you will discover when you read it, and I hope you like it.
With this launch party, I'll be giving away boxed sets of the previous books for readers who haven't had the chance to discover the Gotcha Detective Agency folks yet, but only 3 boxed sets will be given away. I'll also be giving away signed paperback books of the previous novels, and the GRAND PRIZE, to be announced at the end of the week (which gives people time to stop by and say hello and meet the lovely authors nice enough to join us) is the full set of ALL FIVE Gotcha Detective Agency novels in PAPERBACK, signed by the author. Hey, that would be ME!!!
I'm so excited to have you here, and to have this first time ever, for me, book launch. Thanks for stopping by to be a part of it.
So, here's how it will work:
We'll have super special guest authors stopping by each hour of the day. You'll get to meet them, and read a little about them and their books, and they've been nice enough to write a little something, and engage with us. So you can comment on their posts and be entered to win their books as well as some of the prizes I'm offering.
Here is the lineup for the day: 
I'm so excited to have these wonderful authors joining us to share in this book launch!
(schedule subject to change) Surprise giveaways during guest author appearances.

7:00 am - Intro with Jamie Lee Scott $10 Amazon Gift Card 
8:00 am - Cindy M. Hogan - eBook Gravediggers
8:30 am -  Margaret Daly - ebook copy of Dangerous Pursuit (international)
9:00 am - J.J. DiBenedetto - ebook or audiobook copy of Dream Student (winner's choice)

9:30 am - Jill James - (International)1 autographed paperback copy of Dangerous Shift
10:00 am - Joan C. Curtis
10:30 am - Mary Alford - A signed paperback copy of Forgotten Past (US only)
11:00 am - Adrienne Giordano - (US only) Adrienne Gordano swag bag (lots of fun goodies)
11:30 am - Carolyn Scott - ebook copy of Finders Keepers Losers Die
12:00 noon - Kathy Wheeler - eBook Quotable
12:30 pm - Amy Gamet - eBook Love & Danger Boxed Set
1:00 pm - Denise Malone - eBook The Bo(d)y Next Door (US/Canada only)
1:30 pm - Vanessa Kier - Signed print copy of Vengeance. US/Canada only.
2:00 pm - Julia Derek - eBook The Smiley Killer
2:30 pm - Madison Johns - Target of Death ebook
2:30pm -  Lily Bishop - eBook No Strings Attached

3:00 pm - Diana Layne - ebook copy of The Good Daughter or Trust No One 
3:30 pm - Sally Berneathy - one of the Death by Chocolate series ebooks
4:00 pm - Chris Taylor
4:30 pm - Stephanie Queen (eBook giveaway)
5:00 pm - Alana Albertson - an Invincible ebook  (avail international) $10 amazon gift card    
6:00 pm - Special Guest New York Times Bestselling Author - Jenna Bennett
7:00 pm - Tony Acree -
8:00 pm - Jamie says good night

Midnight -  deadline for comments!

What Would You Do If You Knew You Only Had One Week To Live?

 This is Holy Week and I've been pondering what I would do if I learned I only had one week to live as Jesus did.

For me, that question had a way of clearing away all the things that really didn't matter in my life and putting the focus on what did.

If I had only a week to live I would hold the people I love close and tell them how much they truly mean to me. I'd tell my husband he is the love of my life over and over again and make sure he realized how important and special our time together was. I'd make sure my three granddaughters knew how special they are to both me and to God. How much they matter. How much I've enjoyed watching them grow up. And I write them each a letter that they could keep forever to let them know they were loved by me. But most importantly, I would thank God for sending Jesus to save me and for the promise I have because of what He did on the Cross. I know that when I die I will be with him in Heaven.  What an amazing promise.

That's what I would do.

Here's what Jesus did in His final week:

Sunday: The triumphal entry into Jerusalem       

Monday: Cleanses the temple in Jerusalem           

Tuesday: The Sanhedrin challenges Jesus’ authority

Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and His Second Coming

Mary anoints Jesus at Bethany

Judas bargains with the Jewish rulers to betray Jesus     

Thursday: Jesus eats the Passover meal with His disciples and institutes the Memorial Supper

Prays in Gethsemane for His disciples       

Friday: His betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane

Jesus questioned by Annas, the former high priest

Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin

Peter denies Jesus three times

Jesus is formally condemned by the Sanhedrin

Judas commits suicide

The trial of Jesus before Pilate

Jesus’ appearance before Herod Antipas

Formally sentenced to death by Pilate

Jesus is mocked and crucified between two thieves

The veil of the temple is torn as Jesus dies

His burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea       

Sunday:  Jesus is raised from the dead       

What an amazing love. I hope you know it.

Happy Easter.

Mary
www.maryalford.net
 

 

Looking for some mid-week inspiration?

I received this in an email from a friend today and had to share. Some of these are amazing. I hope you enjoy them.



"The cat without fear''
 

Hotel Four Seasons Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
 

Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China.
 

So embrace the zebras
 

Kiss in Paris.
 

Premature elephant born only one minute ago
 

Each year in February, the sun's angle is such that Horsetail Falls waterfall lights like fire in Yosemite National Park, California
 

Houseboat, Iceland
 

Panda scared after the earthquake in Japan embraced the leg of a policeman.
 

Kalapana, Hawaii where the sea meets the lava
 

''I think I'll try to take a picture of myself''
 

Beijing Airport, China by night
 

Two year-old Chimpanzee feeding milk to "Aorn" a small tiger 60 days old.
 

Ducks tend to continue throughout his life to be seen first at birth, whether or not his mother.
 

Highway in Japan with snow around more than 32-feet high. Unbelievable.
 

Spectacular rice fields in China.
 

Austria's Green Lake is a beautiful park in winter. The snow melts in summer and creates a very clear lake.
 

Undersea tunnel linking Sweden and Denmark.
 

The world's highest swimming pool is located in the skyscraper Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
 

Amazing lightning storm over the Grand Canyon, Arizona.
 


Baby Chameleons.
 

Beautiful image of a panda bear helping another.
 

World's Largest Swimming Pool in San Alfonso, Chile. More than 1,000 yards long.
 

Crystal Palace. Madrid, Spain.
 

''Heaven's Gate'', Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain, China.
 

The Northern Lights', Alaska.
 

Alpacas after fleecing
 

The white owl, unbelievable.
 

Eiffel Tower. Romantic and beautiful Paris, France.
 

Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii.
 

Restaurant hanging, Brussels, Belgium.
 

Sea otters hold hands while they sleep in case the current leads to awaken together.
 

There are animals with more sensitivity than many people.
 

Fireman giving drink to a baby Koala in Australia fires.
 

Amazing aerial view of 840-acre Central Park, Manhattan, New York
 

Frozen bubbles in the Canadian Rockies, Canada.
 

Spiral cloud in the sky. An Iridescent Cloud in Himalaya. Phenomenon observed on October 18, 2009.
 

View of the semi-submerged cataract. Hawaii.
 

Northern lights over the Rocky Mountains in Canada
 

A pink lake due to the harmless bacteria of Retba Lake, north of the Cap Vert peninsula of Senegal.
 

This dog saved her puppies from a fire at home, and put them safely in one of the fire trucks
 

Infinite Cave, Vietnam
 

"Thought for the Day: "Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty."- Jack McKillop