{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/05/2026 }

 

 

Good morning my friends, and welcome to the very first Happy Homemaker Monday of January2026.  Oh my, that sounds so strange to say.  I feel like 2025 was about 2 months long, that's how quick it feels to have gone.  

 

I hope you all had a wonderful start to the year, and I just want to wish you all a very blessed year ahead.  We don't know what the future holds, and that's always a bit scary for me, but I am praying and prophesying a good year, a blessed year and a year with miracles and wonders for all us.  

 

Right, now let's get on with our post, I have another busy week ahead.  My family will be leaving next Sunday so this week will be all about getting last minute trips done, last minute gifts shopped for, for the family back home and all that good stuff. 

 

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday and a blessed week ahead. 

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Confused would probably be the best way to describe our December and the beginning of January.  It's hot, then it's freezing and then it's hot again.  

 

Monday - Mostly Sunny, 79 

Tuesday - Mostly Sunny, 73 

Wednesday - Mostly Cloudy, 74

Thursday - AM showers, 72

Friday - Mostly Sunny, 65

Saturday - Sunny, 53 

Sunday - Sunny, 53

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting on the couch, everyone else is asleep.  I am typing up this post, drinking a coffee and watching a video on YouTube.      

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

That this month has gone so quick and the family is already preparing to leave in a few days.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired.  That's the overall feeling the past month, just exhausted, but it's ok, I will get rest and recover next week.   

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had a cup of coffee and will have some oatmeal later.  I have been eating awful, just awful, lots of junk food, take out, candy and cookies and chips.  All the things I don't eat normally and I'm over it.  hahah   

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure, we have to run around today to get last minute things for family back home, so we may grab something.  Blech, I might just grab a salad while out.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

I am making roast chicken, rice and sauteed cabbage.     

  

 

*** On the menu *** 

Have meals planned for today but next week will be grocery shopping day again.  I'm all over the place, haven't done a proper shopping the last month, just been grabbing here and there and that is NOT the way to do it.  I am ready to get back to a routine.

 

Monday - Roast chicken, rice and sauteed cabbage 

Tuesday -  Chicken Spaghetti, Salad

Wednesday - Islak Burgers and Curly Fries 

Thursday - Steaks, Twice Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Friday - Out in Oklahoma for the day

Saturday - BBQ Ribs, Macaroni and Cheese, Salad

Sunday -  Family leaving so we won't be home for dinner

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my pajamas, will switch to jeans and a top later.   

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished the Bible Recap and will be restarting my Bible reading next week.  I also picked up a new Devotional/Bible Study that I am very excited to start as well. 

Still haven't finished A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin, will be either finishing it next week, or I may set it aside and start fresh this year.  I got a few books for Christmas and am really excited to get into those, I will be sharing all that starting next week.  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

 Trying to catch up on YouTube videos when I have a fee moment, which usually means very early morning while everyone is asleep.  Aside from that, lots of live Portuguese TV.  

 

We have also been watching some good movies.  We watched Eternity which was very sweet, and last night we watched Unsung Hero which tells the story of the Smallbone family who moved from Australia to the USA.  Their daughter Rebecca became a very well known singer and songwriter, and she goes by the name Rebecca St. James, if you are Christian you will no doubt know her music.  Her brothers Joel and Luke became the famous duo that is known as For King and Country, one of my favorite Christian bands.  

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

The Christmas decorations are down, the only thing that is still up is my village above the fireplace, and that's because my niece loves it and has asked me to leave it up until they leave.  So that will come down next Monday.  Everything else is packed and the house seems to empty.  It always feels like this the beginning of January.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Last minute shopping for South Africa

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I guess memories with the family, but nothing else.  Can't wait to pick up my crochet again. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Nothing, I haven't been taking any pictures, just have really soaked in all the moments with the family and lived in that moment. 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Our Pastor's message at church yesterday was so good.   He talked about how our sins have been bought and paid in full, and we should go into the new year with that thought on our minds.  

{ New Year Fun 2025 }

Good morning my sweet friends.  I miss you all so much.  It has been a while since I've been able to sit down and open up my blog, for an actual post.

 

So here I am, with my usual end of year post, bringing a roundup of the posts throughout the whole of 2025.  The beginning of the year went off great, I was posting practically daily and was loving it, then the end part of the year things started getting busy and it all went downhill from there.  If it weren't for my Happy Homemaker Monday posts, I would have had zero updates here on the blog, and that is quite sad to think of.

 

Anyway, new year, and hopefully I will get back on track with posting, but it will have to wait until next week, as my family is still here, so starting January 12 with my Happy Homemaker Monday, it should kick off my usual daily blogs from there.  Fingers crossed!

 

Right, let's get on with it.  I wish you all a very prosperous and blessed 2026.  Ours was a difficult one with family deaths and family situations that are still ongoing.  But also some blessings with my niece visiting in July and now the whole family being here for Christmas.

 

I don't know what the year ahead holds, but I pray it is a good one for all of us.

 

 

 

January 2025

Hello, hello, welcome to the second day of January 2025.

 

You may be shocked to see another post from me, the third in a row.  Yes it's me, I haven't been hacked by a good blogger who posts all the time (hahah).  It really is me.  

 

 

 

February 2025

 

 

We are a family that loves playing games.  We play a game every night after dinner, and anytime there is a big get together, you will find groups all over my house, in little corners, playing different games.

 

 

March 2025

 

 

The sun streams through the windows and the softest of breezes plays amongst the sheer curtains.

 

After a much needed cup of coffee, I get myself ready for the day and start tackling the homemaking chores that await me. 

 

 

April 2025

 

 

A total throwback to the 80s and my childhood. This used to be one of my favorites back in the day. Such a fun tune to dance to.  

 

 

May 2025

 

 

“If you’re always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? Slow down and enjoy the moment you’re in and live your life to the fullest.”

 

 

June 2025

 

  

I used to share a lot on Instagram stories, but lately I have chosen to really only take you with me, on the weekends.  I try to do a whole day with me, sharing little bits here and there, from the moment I wake up until nighttime.  

 

 

July 2025

 

  

It is officially July, and that means, Jane Austen and more Jane Austen.

 

I have been eagerly awaiting the start of this challenge, have gathered my books, have chosen my movies and have just sat not so patiently waiting for July 1st.

 

 

August 2025

 

 

 

Good morning everyone, and a very happy Monday to you all.  

We are already in the month of August, my birthday month, matter of fact, I'll be turning 51 on the 10th.  I feel like I just turned 18 and here I am, passing the 50 mark.  It's crazy to imagine but I am so blessed to be here, to be alive, to have been given this opportunity by God.  

 

 

September 2025

 

 

 

Good morning friends, guess what?  It is the first of September, the beginning of the BER months, and I couldn't be happier.  Looking forward to the cozy, warm season and very glad to see the heat behind us.  

 

 

October 2025

 

 

Welcome to the very first day of October, 2025.  

 

Ahhhh I have been anticipating saying that for so long.  Not that the weather is at all reflective of the month we are entering, but that's ok, one step at a time.

 

 

November 2025

 

I opened the blinds this morning, and was met by the welcoming sight of condensation on the window, creating a photo frame like appearance.  A random drop ran down leaving a crooked line that brought to life the trees outside while obscuring everything else around.

 

 

December 2025 

 

 

Good morning and a very happy December to you all.

 

Here we are, the beginning of the most glorious season, Christmas.  I am can't tell you how much I love this time of year, I look forward to it all year long, and when December arrives I am but bursting at the seams to get going with the festivities.

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/28/2025 }

 

 

Good morning friends.  I hope you are having a wonderful Monday morning.  I am a bit late posting this but I have been so busy with family that alone time to do anything, is far and few between.  

 

We are heading out again in a few minutes so I am quickly popping in to get this up before I leave.

 

Have a blessed week and I will be back full time after the 11th of January. 

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Hot, just not normal for this time of year.  In the 90s lately, but today we are at 30 degrees, little cold tomorrow then temps go up again.

 

Monday - Sunny, 46 

Tuesday - Sunny, 58 

Wednesday - Sunny, 64

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 66

Friday - Sunny, 68

Saturday - Sunny, 60 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 71

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Trying to get this post up quickly before heading out.    

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Nothing particular, just trying to show the family a good time.   

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired and a bit discombolutated.  This week between Christmas and New Years is just weird isn't it? 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Had a cup of coffee and two pieces of toast.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

We stopped at Wingstop while out and shared a few chicken strips.  We usually order a bunch of different things and then all share.  

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

I have a chili going in the crockpot for dinner.     

  

 

*** On the menu *** 

We haven't had a set meal plan the past two weeks and I am feeling it.  I have eaten far too much junk and need to get back to good homemade food, so am planning the next two weeks. 

 

Monday - Crockpot chili with tortilla chips 

Tuesday -  Chicken Curry and Naan made by my brother

Wednesday - Islak Burgers and Curly Fries 

Thursday - Pork Roast and Potatoes made by my brother

Friday - Rapid Fired Pizza

Saturday - In Oklahoma City for the day

Sunday -  Roast Chicken and peppers, Buttered Rice, Sauteed Squash

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Black Leggings and a green and black long sleeved top with my warm fuzzy slippers. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Bible Recap 

A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin.   

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

 A lot of Portuguese TV.

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I have started to bring down the Christmas decorations, as at this point, I'm a bit over it all Hahahah  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Plan meal plans

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Nothing at the moment but will get back to my Solstice Star Blanket CAL by Helen at Crystals and Crochet 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

The Alpacas across the street are so cute ♥   

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time. - 1 Kings 8:61

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/22/2025 }

 

Good morning friends.  I have been MIA the past week, but honestly haven't had time to come in and post anything, or be near a computer or even my phone.  It's been so busy in a good way, having my family here and we have been soaking in and enjoying every second that we can.  

 

I have another busy day ahead of me, so won't take much time chatting now, but just wanted to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful blessed New Year.  Thank you for sticking by me and always being here to leave such sweet comments, they mean the world to me.

 

Right, now let's get on with our post for today.  

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Ridiculous for this time of year.  80 degrees should not be a thing during Christmas, in my opinion.  

 

Monday - Sunny, 76 

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 78 

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 79

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 80

Friday - Mostly Sunny, 82

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 82 

Sunday - Mostly cloudy, 55

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting in a dark living room while everyone is still asleep, and trying to get this post up before the house starts stirring.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

On the family trip, and how much I have missed having everyone around.  It's hard to live thousands of miles away from each other.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Exhausted but in a good way.  Yesterday we did the Polar Express train ride and it was so much fun.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I've had a cup of coffee and will have some toast later.  I've been eating far too much nonsense that I usually don't and it's starting to hurt my stomach.  But, it's that time of year right? 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure what we are doing for lunch. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Ono's Hawaiian Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower   

  

 

*** On the menu *** 

We are sitting down today to figure out the next week's meals.  I have been all over the place when it comes to meal plans and it's making me a bit crazy, I don't know what is what and what is being cooked or eaten out.  Hahah 

 

Monday - Ono's Hawaiian Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Tuesday -  

Wednesday - Christmas Eve - Traditional Portuguese with all the goodies

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday - Pizza

Saturday - 

Sunday -   

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Pajamas at the moment and will switch into some leggings later since we are having a home day.  

 

 

 *** On my reading pile *** 

Bible Recap 

A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin.   

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Absolutely nothing, haven't had a chance to watch anything.

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is a full house with family and tons of presents under the tree.  I will take a picture and share either next Happy Homemaker Monday or once the family has left.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Grocery shopping

Return a charger to Best Buy 

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Solstice Star Blanket CAL by Helen at Crystals and Crochet 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I do love my kitchen this time of year. ♥   

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/15/2025 }

 

 

Good morning from a very cold Texas.  

 

How are you all doing?  I do hope you are doing well and ready for Christmas, which is practically just around the corner, oh my goodness. The last few months have zipped right on by.  I am glad that this year I was on top of it and got all the gifts bought and wrapped early, or I would be a mess of nerves right now.

 

So, I have a very, very, veryyyyy busy day today.  My family arrives tomorrow and I am so excited but that also means, a lot of last minute preparations need to happen today.  Send me some energy so that I get it all done and still have time to rest a little.

 

Right, with that said I am going to get a sip of my coffee and jump right into our post.  

 

Have a wonderful blessed week friends ♥  

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

So cold lately, we had real feel of 9 yesterday and I'm not here for that.  I love snow, I love winter but I also don't want to be turned into a popsicle.  Temps are going up this week then dropping again next week.  We are officially on the seesaw of Texas weather.  

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 52 

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 65 

Wednesday - AM fog/PM sun, 61

Thursday - Mostly Sunny, 62

Friday - Sunny, 61

Saturday - Sunny, 78  

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 65

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Working on this post and talking to my brother back in South Africa, as he is getting ready to head to the airport.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

So much to do today, just trying to remember everything so I don't end up forgetting to do something.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Very excited, can't wait to have my family here and for a huge family Christmas.       

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I've just had a coffee, will have some oatmeal later.    

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Tuna chickpea salad 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Dad's favorite chicken, rice, sauteed greens and squash  

 

 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Next few weeks the meals will be all over the place.  I plan on working out a menu but just mainly as a starting point, because we will be going places and doing things and won't know exactly which days we are eating at home or out. 

 

Monday - Dad's favorite chicken, rice, sauteed greens and squash

Tuesday - Picking family up will grab dinner out 

Wednesday - Pizza (other brother and rest of family are coming over to welcome the family from South Africa)

Thursday -  Gnocchi Bolognese, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday - 

Saturday - 

Sunday -  Out for the day 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Pink silk winter pajamas.  Jasmine gifted me these beautiful Pride and Prejudice pajamas for their anniversary a couple of months ago.  Love them.  Will change into some leggings and a tshirt for all the housework ahead later.    

 

 

 *** On my reading pile *** 

Bible Recap 

A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin.   

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube Vlogmas. 

Turkish Series: 

Guller ve Gunahlar 

Halef Koklerin Cagrisi 

Esref Ruya 

 

Hallmark Christmas movies 

Great American Pure Flix Christmas movies 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Oh it just makes me smile, all the decorations, the lights, the gifts under the tree and the atmosphere.  Absolutely love Christmas and wish it was all year long.

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Prepare house for family

Carpet clean

Make fresh beds for the family

Wrap last gifts

Run to store for last minute items - need more cotton balls and cotton rounds for makeup removing 

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Solstice Star Blanket CAL by Helen at Crystals and Crochet 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I have two of these cute gnome pillows, just love them so much ♥   

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Continuing to pray for my dad and my brother Bruno.

 

Praying for my older brother Paul and his family as they travel.

 

Praying for my Jasmine, she has been sick with a bad cold since last week, she gave it to me but thankfully mine isn't as bad, and now Nick is starting to feel it too.  Praying for this sickness to leave us all before family arrives and Christmas is here.  

{ Christmas decorations }

I have been slowly decorating.  Well, let me refrain that, I started off diving in deep and pulling it all out the week of Thanksgiving.

 

Then life happened, loss, and grief and all sorts of things, and I slowed down a bit, and just finished this past week setting up the last of the Christmas bits.  Thought I would show you all what it's looking like.

 

This weekend we are cleaning up the back and front yard, winterizing it all, covering furniture and so on.  Then we have just a few last outside decorations to get up, and we will officially be done for the holidays.

 

With my family arriving in less than a week, I don't have time to do much of anything, starting today I will be basically making Rissois all day long.  Rissois are the Portuguese savory version of a fried turnover with a creamy filling, usually the more traditional being shrimp, but you can do meat, chicken, tuna or whatever you like.

 

I will be making both meat and a shrimp and seafood mix.  They are time consuming and do take a lot of effort, but again I can't be doing that when the family is here because we will be full steam ahead with Christmas, so it's best that I get all of these jobs out of the way when it's just me here.

 

Anyway, let me show you the Christmas decorations, hope you enjoy :)

 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ Bitter cold days }

The windows are opened early in the morning, to let the crisp air come in and refresh the house, but with it comes a bitter cold enveloped in ice, that chills you to the core.

 

But as I always say, winter is beautiful, it is magical and when that ice sits on the grass or the branches of trees, it twinkles in the sunshine, as if it were rare diamonds.  I love that!

 

So I thought I would show you what the bitter cold days have been like around here.

 

I know many of you are dealing with really cold temperatures and snow already, so this probably looks very mild in comparison to your area, but keep in mind we are in Texas.  Hahahah

 

I do love Winter, and funny enough as I have grown older, I have started disliking sunny, hot days and much prefer a cold, dreary, cloudy or rainy and snowy day.  Maybe I'm losing my mind, but that is how I feel lately.

 

I caught this grackle mid flight and just absolutely love how it turned out.  Aren't birds just majestic when they fly?  I still get amazed at how just a simple flat of a wing can bring this small animal to flight.

I hope wherever you are, that you are staying warm and safe.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/08/2025 }

 

Good morning everyone.

 

It is a very cold morning here in Texas.  Come on in and sit with me a little as we go through our Happy Homemaker Monday for this week.  

 

I apologize for not having any posts up last week, but we had a death in the family.  My half brother Joel, who was just 14 years old, passed away suddenly of a heart attack.  It was an incredible shock to everyone, and my poor dad was with him when it happened, and is just broken.  I am not in South Africa so I can't be there physically for my dad, and it's such a helpless feeling.  Please keep my dad in your prayers, please.

 

Anyway, I am hoping this week to add a few more posts in the lead up to Christmas and the family arriving next Tuesday.  

 

I hope you and your families are all well.  Have a blessed week friends!

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

It has been very cold here in Texas, wintry mix, ice, and freezing temps.  However, this week we are getting some warm weather.

 

Monday - Abundant sunshine, 52 

Tuesday - Sunny, 68 

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 63

Thursday - Sunny, 68

Friday - Sunny, 62

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 56  

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 46

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

In my warm bed with my fur babies.  I am working on this post, listening to a video on tv and checking on my dad.  

 

 

  *** Thinking and pondering *** 

Christmas, family arriving, and life in general.  How precious life is, that you are here one minute and within 10 minutes you are gone.  Hold your family close friends. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Sad, in disbelief, helpless, happy that my family is arriving and excited at the same time.  I'm a mess of feelings at the moment.      

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I've just had a cup of coffee, but won't be having breakfast for a while.  Not even sure what I'm going to have, probably just some eggs and toast.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Salad 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Shrimp Fajitas, Cilantro Lime Rice  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Shrimp Fajitas, Cilantro Lime Rice

Tuesday - Chicken Saganaki, Roast Potatoes, Salad 

Wednesday - Beef Stroganoff, Spaghetti Noodles, Sauteed Cabbage

Thursday -  Pork Chops, BLT Pasta Salad, Salad

Friday - Homemade Pizza

Saturday - Fend for yourself

Sunday -  Lahmacun (Turkish pizza)

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

As usually at this time, still in my warm pajamas.  I will throw on some leggings, tank top and cardigan later.   

 

 

 *** On my reading pile *** 

Bible Recap 

A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin.   

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube Vlogmas. 

Turkish Series: 

Guller ve Gunahlar 

Halef Koklerin Cagrisi 

Esref Ruya 

 

Hallmark Christmas movies 

Great American Pure Flix Christmas movies 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I think I am finally decorating for Christmas, and I did take some pictures for you all, just have to edit them today and get them up in a post tomorrow.  I promise I will do that.   

 

 

*** To do list for the week*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Continue with Part 5 of the Solstice Star Blanket 

Daily 10k steps 

Daily workout, minimum of 10 minutes 

Prepare house for guests

Start baking Christmas cookies 

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Solstice Star Blanket CAL by Helen at Crystals and Crochet 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love Christmas and twinkly lights.  

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Praying for my dad as he goes through this grief period.  

 

Praying for my youngest brother Bruno, as he is going through some huge life changes. 

 

 

{ Why Not You? by Ed Newton - TLC Book Tour }

 

About Why Not You?: Believing What God Believes About You

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 11, 2025)
• Paperback: 240 pages

God is going to use someone to walk in purpose, meaning, destiny and anointing. So why not you? You can operate in your God-given abilities when you operate out of your God-given identity.

There is a very human tendency to believe the best for others and the worst for ourselves. To believe that someone else can operate in their full potential, while we settle to exist in our scraps of talent and personal limitations. But what if we could identify these lies for what they are and learn to take hold of the life God has actually called us to?

When Ed Newton was ten years old, a woman at McDonald’s prophesied over him that God was going to use him in a great way. Ed, who was eating lunch with his deaf parents, didn’t even have a relationship with the Lord at the time. He had no idea that the story that God was writing would one day be something he’d feel compelled to share with others.

Ed has walked the road of biblical identity and is now inviting others to do the same. Why Not You? is filled with his stories of growing up as a child of deaf parents (CODA) as well as other life experiences. Ed shows how the truth of God’s Word can cut through the web of self-doubt so many followers of Christ struggle with and show them who God created them to be. This book will help readers:

• battle through negative self-talk, doubts, and insecurities;
• retrain their minds to view themselves from God’s perspective;
• see their setbacks as setups for success;
• stop questioning their gifts and talents and start living in them.

Backed with Scripture and a raw look at his journey from childhood until a miraculous, spiritual encounter with the Lord in early 2024, Ed shows readers that it’s not only possible for God to use them, but that God wants to use them. Each chapter challenges readers to confidently walk in the calling and identity God has placed on their lives.

About the author

Born in North Carolina, but raised primarily in Florida, Dr. Ed Newton graduated from Clearwater Christian College and holds multiple graduate degrees in religious education, as well as a Doctorate in pulpit education and expository preaching from Memphis Mid- America Baptist Theological Seminary. Ed has been the lead pastor of Community Bible Church since 2016. He has authored several books, the most recent being an evangelism resource titled My 8: Embrace and Engage in the Wonder of Evangelism that dives into practical methods of sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.

Ed lives in San Antonio with his wife, Stephanie, and their four children: London, Lola, Liv, and Lawson. He enjoys skateboarding, basketball and running, as well as exploring the culture of his beloved San Antonio in his spare time.

 

 

My Thoughts:

This book was such a joy to read.

 

The author takes us chapter by chapter and focus on learning how to understand and believe that God truly loves us.  We can be our strongest critics, often questioning if God loves us, if He hears us, if He understands us.  it's not easy to give up that control and live a life that is God centered, we want to control every minute detail about everything around us.

 

The book isn't just about learning our own identity and being the people God called us to be, but it also teaches us through the author's own experiences, how he himself tackled this journey.  

 

With Bible stories and Ed Newton's own life experiences, it teaches us how to grow in our God given identity and how to see how God is at work in our lives.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed everything I have read so far, and while not being completely done with the book, I am very much looking forward to reading more and implementing those lessons in my own life.

 

 

 

Thank you to TLC book tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.