{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/04/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends.  

 

Welcome back to my blog and to another Happy Homemaker Monday.  It is the start to another week ahead, and I pray that you have a blessed one.

 

I am running a little late this morning, so let's jump immediately in.  

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

The usual craziness around here, strong storms, lots of rain, tornado warnings and watches, and then the past two mornings, cold.  Yes you read that right.  Looks like a sunny week ahead though.

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 92

Tuesday - Mostly cloudy, 79

Wednesday - Cloudy, 69

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 74

Friday - Sunny, 91

Saturday - Sunny, 95

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 89

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just finished getting the dishes going, started a load of laundry, and cleaned the kitchen.  I made my breakfast and am now sitting at my desk, eating and working on this post. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

I follow a very sweet Israeli lady on YouTube.  She shares her life through the most beautiful vlogs, and even during the constant missile attacks she continued recording, taking us along with her through every walk back and forth from their apartment, on the 7th floor, down to the shelter and back again.  Multiple times a day, at times seeming like the sirens blasted every 10 minutes, day, night, constant and unrelenting.  They are a family of 5, Moran the mother, Eyal the father, Maya the oldest daughter who is 21, Uri the oldest son who is 18 and their youngest Tomer who is 15 years old.

 

I watched these vlogs in awe at the strength of the Jewish people, their determination to keep trying to have a normal life through these constant up and down walks through 7 stories.  Her building was one hit by a rocket last month, her neighbor lost her entire apartment and Moran and her family had major damage in theirs as well.  It was heartbreaking to witness.

 

And then last week, she posted a video that just seemed to pull the rug out from under me.  I don't know this family personally, aside from the videos on YouTube, and just like many others I follow online, even when you don't know them face to face, you create this bond, this link, this affinity to the family.  When something heartbreaking happens, you feel it too.

 

Moran shared that they lost Tomer, the youngest to suicide on April 5th.  Shocking, heartbreaking, you can't understand or wrap your mind around it.  She is trying to hold it together, trying to continue pushing forward and wanting to share with everyone Tomer's story, but watching this mother hurting and crying and talking in such a raw way, hurts.  I've been thinking about her and her family constantly since that video.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Physically well, but as I mentioned above, I'm extremely sad for this family.   

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had my second cup of coffee, 2 scrambled eggs, with avocado and a keto bread.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

For lunch I will be having either a smoothie or a salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed potatoes and green beans.     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be starting to work on the new meal plan.  I have always grocery shopped and planned meals for two weeks at a time, but lately I have had to go buy missing items a couple times between grocery shops and so I have decided to try doing weekly plans again.  Let's see how that works.   

 

I have meals planned until Tuesday and will work on the new plan and come back and edit it. 

 

Monday - Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed potatoes and green beans

Tuesday -  Chicken Fajitas, Mexican rice, beans 

Wednesday - 

Thursday -  

Friday - 

Saturday -   

Sunday -  

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

I am wearing a black tank top and grey and white striped drawstring linen pants. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am in Deuteronomy in the Bible.  As I mentioned earlier, it is easier for me to listen to the audio Bible.  If you struggle to pick up your Bible and actually sit down and read, try doing audio as you go about your day, it really helps. 

 

I just received the first two books in Connilyn Cossette's City of Refuge Series.

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  Moran's Vlog if you are interested in following, is Mdays Vlogs. 

 

Hallmark: 

Hope Valley

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I don't need to do much today, just the usual cleaning and tidying. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Still working on the Universe in Bloom blanket.  It's taking me a little longer because this beginning part of this blanket is quite intricate.

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I have been trying to figure out sourdough bread baking for years.  I have managed to keep a good starter going, it sits in my fridge, and has been there for over a year now.  But when it comes to actual bread baking, that is a whole other thing.  

 

 To say I struggle to produce a good loaf is an understatement.  But, the past few weeks, I have finally managed to succeed in baking sandwich bread.  It is light, airy, delicious and I am beyond thrilled that I finally got it.  ♥

 

 

 

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

Praying over Moran and her family.

 

Praying for myself, that I continue to follow God's word and teachings.  Being a Christian is not easy, everything seems to come at us fast at times, doesn't it?

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/27/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends.  Welcome to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, you are well rested and ready for the week ahead.  

 

I had a good albeit stressful weekend with all the tornadoes around us.  Yesterday was quite scary, we had one right near us and got pelted with golf ball size hail.  I have never seen hail that big in our area, it was insane.  We had tornado warnings, tornado touching down just 5 miles from us and as much as we are used to this every year, it still makes you feel a bit scared.  

 

Thankfully it turned and went East away from us.  

 

We do have more stormy days ahead and I pray not only for my area, but for the whole country and the areas who are under constant tornado threat lately.  

 

I wish you all a very blessed ahead.  

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Very active lately.  The hail actually destroyed some of my patio plants which just breaks my heart, but rather a plan than animals or human life.  Right?  Perfect.  Lots of rain and cool temperatures, and actually the past two days have been kind of chilly with mornings in the 40s.  Looks like more of the same this week.

 

Monday - Sunny, 94

Tuesday - Cloudy, 86

Wednesday - Cloudy, 71

Thursday - Rain, 64

Friday - Rain, 61

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 71

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 80

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Eating my breakfast and working on getting this post up. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

About the authority that we have been given over storms.  I know that may sound crazy, but over the past year or so I have been learning to take that authority and I have to tell you, as scary as these storms around us and upon us may feel, I have learnt to speak out against them and to them, and every.single.time, it has moved away, stopped almost immediately.  

 

My family, especially my kids have been amazed at the power of prayer.  Please remember that and use it next time a storm moves over your area.  Speak to it, take authority over it and command it to leave immediately in the name of Jesus. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Good, I am feeling quite well this morning, not really very tired which is a new thing for me hahahah  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I just had my second cup of coffee, 2 scrambled eggs with some light mozzarella cheese and a keto sandwich.  But, I only ate half of it, I've noticed the past week or so I am not as hungry as I used to be, which is good.  Also, I have noticed if I eat protein first thing in the morning, in other words, if protein like eggs, is the first thing that I ingest, it helps me fill up faster and stay full longer.   

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

I have some leftover salad and roast chicken from last night, so will be having that.  If I don't feel like it around lunch time, I will either have a smoothie bowl or some yogurt with granola. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Fish Fillets, roast veggies, rice     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Fish Fillets, roast veggies, rice

Tuesday -  Chicken Schnitzel, Garlic Egg Noodles, Sauteed sweet and spicy cabbage 

Wednesday - Spaghetti Bolognese, Salad

Thursday -  Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

Friday - Arayes, Sweet Potato Fries (still haven't made these, so will make them Friday)

Saturday -   Fend for yourself

Sunday -  Chinese Orange Chicken, Chow Mein

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

My pajamas right now, but will change into some shorts, it's going to be hot today. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am currently reading Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden. 

 

In the Bible I am finishing off Leviticus today.  (Just a suggestion, but I find it easier to read the Bible if I listen to the audio, because then I turn it on and go about my day while I listen)

 

In Christian fiction, I picked up two more books by Tessa Afshar on sale.  I can't wait to get started on those.  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

Hallmark: 

Hope Valley

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is a beautiful morning.  The sun is shining through all the windows and patio doors, making the house look magical.  

 

I need to give the house the usual Monday morning clean.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

Start my Reading Journal, I just got one last week and am very eager to put all my books read in there, but I do need to go back to January and start from there.

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I have started Part 3 of the Universe in Bloom blanket.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love walking by my fireplace and seeing these gorgeous paintings.   ♥

 

 

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

I mentioned taking authority over storms earlier, and I wanted to share the prayer that I always say when faced with one of these.  You can use it if you want, or not, but I just feel like I want to share with you. 

 

"In the name of Jesus, I take authority over this storm, I take authority over tornadoes, hail and straight line winds.  I command you to cease and desist in your maneuvering, in the name of Jesus Christ.  Storm decrease and go away.

 

I call this tornado to go away right now in the name of Jesus, we have authority over you and over the angels of the Lord and I call upon them right now, to come through and help us deal with this storm.  I command peace over this storm, just as Jesus said in the Bible "peace be still".  Tornado, stop it, you can not touch down over my property or my area, hail stop it, straight line winds stop it, you are not going to destroy my property or my belongings.  In Jesus name.  

{ God Won't Leave You There - TLC Book Tour }

 

God Won’t Leave You There
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: March 31, 2026
Print length: 256 pages

God Won’t Leave You There: Joseph’s Story, an incredible testimony of jaw-dropping faith and patient perseverance in the face of devastating trials, will leave you in awe at what God can do in and through one person. It’s a powerful reminder that wherever you find yourself, God is at work putting the pieces of your life together to bring about His sovereign plan.

Through the lens of Joseph’s remarkable journey, Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright reveal how one man’s life was turned upside down and set on a path he would have never chosen himself but one that would lead to God’s ultimate purpose for his life.

With Scripture, personal stories of hardship, and the unshakable hope found in God’s promises, this book offers encouragement for anyone facing life’s deepest struggles or just needing reassurance that God is in the details. Through Joseph’s story, we are reminded of these profound truths about God:

He is with you.
He is guiding you.
He will bring you through.
Whether you’re navigating betrayal, seeking purpose, or longing for reconciliation, Joseph’s story offers hope and wisdom for today. Discover how God can use even the most broken circumstances to bring about His perfect plan. No matter how desperate you feel, you can rest in the God who is trustworthy, knowing He won’t leave you there!

About the Authors

Called “the best preacher in the family” by her late father, Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz speaks around the globe with the wisdom and authority of years spent studying God’s Word.

The New York Times named Anne one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. Her Just Give Me Jesus revivals have been held in more than thirty cities in twelve different countries, to hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Anne is a bestselling and award-winning author of twenty-one books. She is the President of AnGeL Ministries in Raleigh, North Carolina, and previously served as Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

Whether contributing opinion pieces to a national newspaper or a groundbreaking speaker on platforms throughout the world, Anne’s aim is clear – to bring revival to the hearts of God’s people. And her message is consistent – calling people into a personal relationship with God through His Word.

Rachel-Ruth Wright is the daughter of Anne Graham Lotz and granddaughter of Billy Graham. She is married to Steven Wright and has three daughters and one son-in-law. Rachel-Ruth is Vice President of AnGeL Ministries and has shared God’s Word as a speaker around the world. She teaches an online Bible study that reaches over 137 different countries with thousands of registered attendees. Rachel-Ruth and her mother, Anne Graham Lotz, have coauthored two books: Jesus Followers and Preparing to Meet Jesus. 

 

 

My thoughts:

 

This was by far one of the best non-fiction Christian books, I have ever read.  I am usually not a non-fiction fan but have really been enjoying them lately, however, this particular book is probably my favorite of the year.  

 

The way the authors relate and retell Joseph's story, while connecting it to our days and the things that we go through as Christians, is just brilliant.

 

I am not yet done with it, but I did highlight a few quotes that stood out to me, and I would like to share them with you, and encourage you to get this book, it will bless you.

 

Where has God placed you? Has it become intolerable or unbearable?  Could God be getting ready to move you?  Have you wondered why God placed you in a dysfunctional family? Or in a war-torn country? All His placements have purpose.  He is incredibly strategic, down to the smallest detail.  he has promised "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  That was true for Joseph, and it's also true for you.

 

You can trust God has positioned you in your life.

 

God speaks to us, but we have to be listening.

 

He often leads us on a path of difficulty for a greater purpose.

 

And these are just from the first 11 pages.  I mean, incredible, thought provoking and jarring.  I can not wait to get through the whole book.

 

 

 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book. 

{ Some rainy days }

“A thunder-shower came up while the girls were at Carmody; it did not last long, however, and the drive home, through lanes where the raindrops sparkled on the boughs and little leafy valleys where the drenched ferns gave out spicy odors, was delightful.”  - Anne of Green Gables

 

The rain has been coming down, daily, sometimes followed by high winds and roaring thunder, and at other times a slow almost invisible sheet of rain that you only become aware of when it hits your skin like a mist.

 

Everything is green, bright, beautiful, soft looking.  As much as I enjoy a sunny Spring day, my favorites will always be the dark, dreary, cloudy and rainy ones.  It brings everything to a halt, it slows time down and it gives me a renewed spirit.  For some reason, these days are the ones that I find myself giving it all in my homemaking, going about pottering, touching this and that, taking extra care of the tasks at hand.  

 

It also makes for the best reading days, and reading is something that I not only love, but have recently gotten back into with a vengeance.  I can't seem to get enough of books and have been flying through my bookshelf.  As you can see above, I recently finished the Out from Egypt Series by Connilyn Cossette and I can say, confidently, that she has become my favorite author right along with Francine Rivers.   

While indoors everything looks dark, and magical with candles lit here and there and fairy lights hanging ever so precariously from bookshelves......outside the world is bright and alive with the joy of the daily rains.

 

My flowers are thriving, standing tall, showing off their bright colors and happiness at the extra love God is showering on them. 

My vegetables are equally loving all the water and are growing fast, already blooming, already giving off their fruit.  I love this time of Spring where the vegetable gardens come alive.

 

 While the rain falls outside, I have been baking, trying my continued effort at mastering sourdough, which I will say, I don't think I ever will and that is ok.  I am pretty happy with the talents God has given me in many areas, and if sourdough is one that I don't do particularly well in, that is okay with me.

There have been chocolate banana bread bars, sourdough loaves, a lemon pie, and delicious meals like saucy greek meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, grilled Hawaiian chicken thighs with the most delicious macaroni salad, kimchi which we are trying to eat a bit of every day because it is so good for you, along with some kombucha.

 

I went through a stage where I wasn't getting much joy out of cooking either.  That's when I knew something was not right, I wasn't homemaking with the usual joy I have, I wasn't enjoying cooking, I wasn't crocheting or taking photographs, or blogging or doing anything much of anything.  My doctor did assure me that this is normal as I get ever so close to menopause, and since I am turning 52 this year.  

 

It's part of life.  I wasn't happy to hear that but I changed my attitude, gave it all to God and decided to go back to doing what I love.  Starting again when you've stopped doing something for a while, is not easy, but when you push through the initial barrier, and get back to what you love, it makes a world of difference. 

“The garden was a pool of late golden sunshine, with butterflies hovering and bees booming” - Anne of Green Gables

Pottering around in the garden is something I also stopped doing.  But this past weekend we got out there, got all the grass mowed and fixed some of the flower beds, got some plants in the beds and got prepared for some more beds.

 

I will start on those today.  I need to get potatoes in the ground, as well as make room for some more vegetables that I want to grow.  I will be sure to take pictures as I go to show you all. 

Homemaking with a joyful heart changes everything.  Doesn't it?

 

We often taken our lives for granted, choosing to be annoyed or irritated by some of the tasks that are before us.  Mundane, repeated, constant, never ending, so go our homes, and yes it can be a bit tiresome at times to look at the same pile of dishes in the sink, or the overflowing laundry basket that you just emptied the day before.

 

Truth be told, we all have days where we want to run for the hills *so to speak*. 

Grocery shopping is one of those for me.  I don't mind the actual shopping, but putting it all away takes no less than an hour for me, and that is pushing it.  Usually, two hours I'll be working on putting things away, throwing things out, cleaning cupboards before putting something newly bought in.

 

But I am so thankful to God that we are blessed with money to buy the groceries, to feed our families.  And so I do it all with a smile on my face, something forced (not going to lie), while inside I may be frustrated but I find that if I force a smile it becomes natural after a few minutes and it washes away the spirit of annoyance that threatens to ruin the moment.  After all, we do it all for the glory of God right? 

Before I leave you this morning, I wanted to share this gorgeous painting with you, well, 3 paintings in one.  My husband chose it and I was just in love when he showed me.  We still need to put it up on the wall, but for the moment it sits above the fireplace.  

 

I love looking at it during the day.   

We have a little reprieve on the rain today, so I am going to use that opportunity to get out back and get the beds put together or at least in place where I want them to go, and maybe get the soil in them too if I have time for it.

 

This weekend we will be finishing off another chicken coop and run and moving two of our chickens, well a rooster and a hen into it.  Then next weekend, hopefully get the last one up and sorted for the other rooster and hen.

 

Today however, along with the gardening plans I have, I still need to get in my minimum of 10 thousands steps, a 30 minute workout, I am doing this one below this week....

 

I also need to finish the large petals on my crochet blanket so that I can move on to the framing round. Oh my word, I am not enjoying these first few parts of this new blanket, I don't like fiddling around with smaller parts to then join to the blanket.  I would much rather it be a continuous blanket.  I think this is why it's taken me so long to get past this first part, I would have already been onto the next, but I am forcing myself to do it and I know I will be happy when it's done.

 

I need to pay bills, get the budget sorted as in written down in my budget book as I pay etc.  

 

Then I hope to get some more reading.  I just started a new book by Sarah M. Eden the same writer from Seeking Persephone which is quite popular at the moment.

 

The book is called Ashes on the Moor and so far I am already enjoying it.  I think Sarah Eden may be one of my favorite secular book writers.   

 

And that my friends is basically what I'll be doing, as well as hopefully baking my daughters birthday cake for tomorrow.  Can you believe that my Jasmine is turning 27?  What?

 

Yes this little one is turning 27 ♥

 

 

 

 If that doesn't make me feel old, I don't know what does.  Considering, Nicholas just turned 23 on the 11th of April.  

 

Right, now I need to get going with my day.  I hope you have the most wonderful Friday and weekend ahead.  I will see you all back here soon, promise.

{ Wordless Wednesday )

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/20/2026 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome to a very cloudy Texas.  I love cloudy cool days, and God blessed us with one this morning.  

 

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend, mine was busy as always.  I remember years ago or rather, when I was younger, the weekends seemed to drag on and I would often find myself bored.  Those days are long gone, now the weekends are full and busy and by the time Monday rolls around, I feel exhausted and like I didn't have a weekend at all.  Anyone else feel this way?

 

Anyway, let me get this post going so that I can get busy with my day.

 

Have a blessed week friends,

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Perfect.  Lots of rain and cool temperatures, and actually the past two days have been kind of chilly with mornings in the 40s.  Looks like more of the same this week.

 

Monday - Cloudy, 69

Tuesday - Showers, 65

Wednesday - Cloudy, 79

Thursday - Cloudy, 87

Friday - Cloudy, 88

Saturday - Cloudy, 86

Sunday - Cloudy, 80

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Trying to get this post up as fast as I can, as I'm running a little late.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Just how much I truly love being a homemaker and loving taking moments to do the things I really enjoy, like crocheting, reading, photography and cooking and baking.  

 

We sometimes take these things for granted, but it's such a blessing to be able to do these things.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, but good otherwise.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I have a cup of coffee at 4:30 AM, then at 8 I had a cup of milky tea, two scrambled eggs and two pieces of toast.  

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not really sure, I am quite full at the moment.  May just have some yogurt or a salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Saucy meatballs and noodles, steamed broccoli.    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

It's that time again to work on the new meal plan, so these are the meals I have until Wednesday. 

 

Monday - Saucy meatballs and noodles, steamed broccoli

Tuesday -  Chicken Stifado, Basmati Rice, Salad 

Wednesday -  

Thursday -  

Friday - Arayes, Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday -   

Sunday -  Hamburgers and Hotdogs, Potato Salad

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my pajamas, but will change into a dress shortly.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished Mary Magdalene and absolutely loved it.  Like I said before, I think the reason I am loving biblical fiction is because I'm a visual person, and it helps me visualize the bible.  

 

In the Bible I finished Exodus and am about to finish Leviticus. 

 

For a book review I am reading God Won't Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.  

  

In Christian fiction, I have started Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette's.

  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

Hallmark: 

Hope Valley

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is quite dark this morning because of the cloudy skies.  I just need to open doors and windows to let in the fresh air, fluff up couch pillows, do some dusting and vacuuming.  The rest of the house is put together. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

Work on meal plan and budget

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I am working on the Universe in Bloom blanket.  It is a bit slow at the moment because these first few bits are mainly smaller pieces that are crocheted and then put together.  I much prefer a blanket that is all in one go, but that's okay, we will get through this last part and then we will be flowing in the crochet world.  

 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

The abundance that we have been getting from our chickens, is a HUGE blessing.  Every time we gather the eggs I smile.  What a joy to be able to have these daily. ♥

 

 

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

At church yesterday, we had a visiting pastor who delivered such a wonderful message.  God promises that when we face challenging times.  I will share it below for you all, I think you would enjoy hearing from Pastor Scott Dawson.   

 

{ Nero and Paul - TLC Book Tour }

 

 

About Nero & Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome (Ancient Evil, Living Hope)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: March 10, 2026
Print length: 240 pages

Does gaining power, possessions, and popularity lead to happiness and fulfillment? Or does inner transformation and self-sacrificial love bring the most joy and satisfaction? New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford and scholar Bryan Litfin dive into these questions by bringing the stories of Nero and Paul to life in this creative nonfiction tale and identifying how these moral questions can be applied to modern Christian life.

Centuries ago, against the backdrop of Roman domination and decadence, a rabbi-turned-evangelist challenged the ideology of an immoral emperor. Two competing messages clashed—and they were messages that echo into our modern world.

One voice says, Do what feels good. Gain more influence. Focus on yourself and build your own kingdom. Another says, Live for something beyond yourself—something eternal. Carry out your God-given mission, no matter the cost. Follow your King to the end of the world if you must . Only then will you truly live.

Combining historical accuracy with narrative imagination, Nero and Paul drops you into the drama of human pride and divine destiny that unfolded on the stage of imperial Rome.

You’ll travel with Paul as he ventured from Jerusalem all the way to Spain, making friends, winning converts, and persisting through grueling opposition. You’ll see up close Nero’s kingdom of wealth, glamour, sex, and power—the proud trappings of a self-proclaimed god. In contrast, Paul boldly offered what the world desperately needed: the Messiah’s life-giving good news of God’s presence indwelling his people.

Though this epic clash of worldviews led to bloodshed and death, the crown of eternal life triumphed over the laurel wreaths of Rome—just as the light of Jesus triumphs over the darkness of the world in every age.

Don’t miss this ancient story with a timeless message that reverberates across the centuries and will light the fire of your faith today.

About the Authors
Kathie Lee Gifford’s four-time Emmy Award winning career has spanned television, film, recordings, Broadway, cabaret, and commercials. She has authored numerous books, including her most recent book, The God of the Way, and five New York Times bestselling books, including The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi and It’s Never Too Late. She is also an actress, singer, songwriter, playwright, producer, and director.

Dr. Bryan Litfin grew up in Dallas, TX; Oxford, England; and Memphis, TN. He earned a degree in print journalism from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Seminary, and a Ph.D. in the field of ancient church history at the University of Virginia. The author of four nonfiction books and six novels, Dr. Litfin now works as Professor of Bible and Theology at Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. 

{ Solstice Star Blanket - Finished }

This beauty may have been one of the fastest blankets I worked on, and probably because I had been in a crochet rut for so long, that when I finally felt like crocheting again, I just went for it and didn't stop until it was done. 

 

The colorway was completely accidental.  I knew I wanted to make the blanket, and I knew that if I didn't start it immediately the crochet bug may leave, and because I didn't want to take that chance, I decided to use whatever yarn I had on hand instead of waiting to go and buy or figure out the colors. 

 

Not the usual colors I would gravitate towards and this one definitely feels more of an Autumnal blanket, but I am so happy with the way it turned out.  The colors just seem to work.

 

I have been asked many times where I get the patience, or how do I do this because it's so big and looks so complicated.  I understand, I used to think the same way.  I would sit for hours just looking through the most gorgeous blankets and thinking "boy I wish I could do that, but there's no way, that's really advanced crochet."

 

Then I made my first, and quickly realized that while some patterns do get a little confusing, but only because of stitch counting and placement, the pattern and stitches themselves are easy.  If you can single crochet, double crochet, treble, double treble, do a puff stitch and back and front posts, you can make one of these.  I promise you.  It's all about where the stitches are placed that makes these masterpieces possible. 

 

 

Two of my favorite crochet designers are Helen Shrimpton at Crystals and Crochet, and Deidre Uys at Look At What I Made.  

 

Most of my blankets are from these two ladies and if you want to make one of your own, I highly encourage you to check out their websites.  

 

The Solstice Star is from Helen Shrimpton.  I just want to document it here, so that I know what I used when it comes to crochet hook size and the yarn.  I often forget to do this and then later on have no clue and can't remember what size or the name of the yarn or colors, this makes it easier.

 

I used a 4mm hook.

Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic Yarn in the colors:

 

Aran

Cafe Latte

 

 

Brick Red

 

Tea Leaf