Seasonal Renewal
By Mary Manners
Life is like the changing colors of
trees that line a sun-kissed horizon. Throughout our daily walk, we go through
phases of bloom and loss, fullness and barrenness, vibrancy and brittle
dullness, just as trees do. Through each phase, the roots of the trees remain
strong and steadfast, like the roots of our faith and the promise of our
Father’s unending love. No storm can conquer, no season destroy what God has
put into place.
With this in mind, how does the
juggling act of writing, spending time with family, a day job, and
remaining true to one's faith fit into the colors of our lives? Well, first and
foremost we must prioritize what is truly important. A tree cannot grow
and flourish without the proper nutrients just as we cannot function properly
without daily reflection and a quiet walk in the Word. How often have we
rushed to complete tasks, barely glancing toward the horizon, until those tasks
devour our strength? Taking a time-out to study seems like a waste of
time. But, without fail the most productive moments are those of
reflection...of quiet thanks, thoughts and prayer.
This week has been such a time for me,
as I'm sure it has been for many. The Ice Storm of 2015 has brought the
Southeast to a grinding halt. Tens of thousands of homes have
been left without power while travel is virtually impossible. No
TV...no Internet...no computer. The quiet time has afforded many--including
me--the opportunity to reflect on priorities and to spiritually renew.
I truly believe the colors of life,
like the weather, are ever-changing to keep us cognizant and
appreciative of God’s many precious gifts, given to each and every one of us. I
only hope it doesn't take another ice storm to remind me of the importance of
prioritizing...and of taking daily time-outs to reflect on the
many blessings in my life!
~~~~~
Brent
Peterson returns to Mount Ridge, Tennessee with a single goal—to win back Grace
Spencer. He's loved her since kindergarten, and should have told her how he
felt, but Dan Turner swooped in and stole Grace away before Brent had the
chance. Now Grace is a widow with a young son, and while it’s been three years
since her husband’s death, Brent isn’t sure he should make his feelings known.
When Brent comes around the family bakery, Grace longs to restore their friendship, but the thin gold wedding band on her finger—and memories of Dan—stand between them.
Can Brent's gentle patience coax Grace to let go of her memories…and the ring, or is it time for Brent to move on alone, and leave Mount Ridge forever?
~~~~~
Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who
lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and
daughter Danni, and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal
shelters...Lucky and Gus. She loves flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.
Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and
Trailer Showcase. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short
stories to novels—something for everyone.
Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.
