Blessings
By Mary Manners
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when
you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing
of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its
full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
~ James 1:2, NIV ~
~ James 1:2, NIV ~
Sometimes I’m so
caught up in the day-to-day bustle of life that I forget to thank God for how
very blessed I am. The holiday season is a time to reflect…and hopefully take a
moment to slow down long enough to draw a breath, step back, and count the many
blessings that fill my life.
I’m thankful for a
loving husband—a man with whom a share a real-life romance filled with love and
laughter, adventure and fun (I tell my husband he’s cheap entertainment). Tim
supports and encourages my passion for sharing the written word with others. He
understands that my love of writing is more than a job…it is a ministry. I’m so
thankful God brought him into my life.
I’m thankful for
my daughter, Danni, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. Danni
illuminates my life with her loving, generous spirit. She’s friend to everyone,
and has a special place in her heart for the elderly, children, and the
hurting. As she ages, I realize with a greater and deeper understanding just
how much she is truly a blessing to me.
My friends,
especially my precious writing friends, are a reason to give thanks. These
wonderful people completely understand when I mention the ‘voices’ that speak
to me while I’m writing. They don’t mind if I, from time to time, pause from my
daily activities to jot down an idea for future reference. I love them dearly.
But, most of all,
I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, who has given all of this and more to me.
What an amazing blessing to know His love and grace are never-ending. Even in
times of trial, I know that He is working in me to provide for greater things.
Thus, I embrace hardships and disappointments as an opportunity to deepen my
faith and to grow spiritually. I know that when it is all said and done, He
will never give me more than I can handle.
So, as this holiday
season stretches before us, I wish you blessings and peace, dear friends. May
you take a moment to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings
that fill your life.
~~~~~
Honeysuckle
Cove Inn has been in the Brennan family for three generations. When Maggie
Brennan’s parents retire, they call her home to Honeysuckle Cove and hand over
the reins of the historical inn. If Maggie successfully maintains the business
over the course of a year, the inn is hers forever. Maggie considers the timing
perfect, with one exception—she finds her path entangled once again with that
of Dylan O’Connor.
Dylan has made a name for
himself as the go-to guy when it comes to renovations and repairs in
Honeysuckle Cove, and he’s waited nearly a decade for high school sweetheart
Maggie Brennan to return home. But his handyman skills will be put to the test
when it comes to rebuilding the bridge between Maggie’s heart and his, and
designing a future…together.
~~~~~
Mary
Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring
her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful
grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach
with her husband Tim.
A former teacher and intermediate
school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While
growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way to college through a variety of odd jobs
including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard, swim
instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to adventures
that bring a touch of humor to her stories.
Mary’s writing has earned her
multiple awards including a two-time Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, the
Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and
the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.
Mary loves long sunrise runs,
ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee. She recently conquered her fear of heights
(sort of) by completing the Gate River Run over downtown Jacksonville’s bridges
last spring.
Connect
with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.
