Simply Making a Difference

This week, I went to a place I never knew about, and it's only 10 minutes up the road.

My friend Fernando invited me to lunch at the World Hunger Farm, or "The Farm" as the locals call it. This 40-acre farm promotes sustainable living along with missions and outreach with a philosophy "to live simply, helping those who struggle to meet their basic needs by sharing and investing in others what God has given to us."

With Jesus' teachings as their guide, The Farm trains individuals in holistic ministry that equips them to work with communities in developing sustainable farming techniques. Volunteers and Interns work to educate those with an economic abundance on methods of conserving and sharing resources. And, they also participate in local and international sustainable development programs including urban farming techniques.

With live-in volunteers and interns, The Farm thrives 365 days a year providing fresh, seasonal produce, free-range eggs, a certified Grade-A Raw Goat Dairy, and pasture-raised beef, goat and chicken meat for purchase. (I didn't want to know anything about this part, so you carnivores are on your own. LOL)

With Fernando, Allan and Neal (a current intern) as my guides, I met the sweetest herd of baby goats at feeding time, which was "udder" chaos. (Ha! Ha!) They were so excited, and I had the chance to love and pray for them just in case they ended up as sausage later. :oP

I may not be a meat eater, and I definitely don't like the slaughter of animals, but I will say this: EVERYTHING serves a purpose at the World Hunger Farm. EVERYTHING. The animals are raised with love and respect and provide milk, fertilizer and meat to sustain those who work there and those needing food in the community. If you are going to raise animals for meat, please do it biblically and with purpose. Jesus did not and would not allow anything to suffer.

From composting toilets to rain water collection, I am in love with sustainable living. In fact, the main education building was built entirely using a straw and mud technique that I want to use when we build our home. If you have suggestions or Web sites for me to check out, please post a comment below.

Live simply. Live well.

DMM :o)

If you enjoyed this article, please pass it on to a friend, and sign up for alerts on the right of the screen. I try to blog once a week, so I won't bombard your inbox. :o)

***Photo from World Hunger Relief, Inc. Web site.

Simply Recycling

I found the neatest thing today in my inbox! It was a link to Treehugger showing me how to build a recycled bottle greenhouse!

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/04/recycled-bottle-greenhouse.php

And,here is the link to the great site from a group in Scotland to show you just how to do it:

http://www.reapscotland.org.uk/reports/greenhouse%20v1.pdf

This would be a great recycling initiative for youth at a church -- we all know how many two-liters they can go through! And, with supervision, they could even build a greenhouse for their church or school and learn sustainable living, which in my opinion, is a valuable life skill!

I don't normally drink anything but water, so I'm off to find two-liter bottles! According to the REAP site, I only need 1,500! That should be easy...really.

Take care and God bless!

DMM :o)

Simple Prayer - National Day of Prayer is Tomorrow

On May 7th, our nation will come together in prayer. That is MY prayer anyway. Please spread the word to pray for our families, our president, our leaders, and our nation. And, please pray for all those serving for our country both here and abroad. May God bless them richly for the freedoms they fight for.

In prayer,

DMM

Simple Truths from Amena Brown

Simple Knowledge - The Swine Flu/H1N1

Good afternoon, Simple Livers!

With all the info and speculation about the Swine Flu going around, I wanted to post the facts about the illness.

First:

Eating bacon will not give you the swine flu/H1N1. Please, if you eat meat, support our farmers and keep on carnivoring. (I made that word up :oP)

For the most up-to-date coverage, click on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources Web site at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm

And, do not panic and go to the doctor if you have the sniffles. But DO go if you have a fever over 100.2, body aches and suspect that you might be infected. Please know that medications are treating H1N1 effectively. PRAISE GOD!


May God keep us all in good health and may He heal those suffering right now.

In Jesus name, Amen.

DMM

Good Friday?

I recently spoke to a five-year-old boy about Easter. What it is. What it's all about.

He told me it was when the Easter Bunny comes and we go Easter egg hunting.

This was in a church class.

He had no idea that Easter had anything to do with Jesus.

My heart melted. I realized this little boy -- who Jesus cherishes so much -- had no idea what his Savior gave up for him on the first Good Friday. The thing that made this Friday truly Good. When God gave His only Son that we -- sinful, prideful, arrogant, and undeserving -- may have everlasting life.

Without Jesus' blood shed for our sins, we would not have Christianity and we would not have a new life in Christ.

Many "gods" have been born. They've supposedly walked on the earth. They all died. But only one came back to life. Jesus Christ. Who came back and revealed himself to not only his disciples and close friends, but to more than 500 people. Wow. To be there on that day when this man, beaten, bruised and hung on a cross, who I'd seen wrapped in funeral cloths and placed in a tomb, walked among us. Spoke to us and even let me put my doubting fingers in his wounds.

That He gave His life for me.

That is what Easter, and Christianity, is all about.

Happy Easter, everyone.

DMM

The Times They are a Changin'

Over the last week, I've had a heavy burden on my heart. It took me a while to figure it out--or maybe it took a few days for me to go straight to the source and ask my Heavenly Father what the heck is going on--but I now realize where my anxiety is coming from.

I'm concerned about our nation. Not the sagging economy. I'm concerned about our well being and our salvation. In a time where hedonism seems praised, compassion is replaced with selfishness, and premarital sex is exploited (especially among teens), where do we as Christians turn?

More importantly, where do we turn when our churches meet the same criteria as society?

Ephesians 6:24 says:

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. (My emphasis added)

In sincerity. I've noticed people talking about God. I see people going to church on Sunday. But, I've also noticed these same people ignoring the hungry, visiting bars, treating their spouses with disrespect and ignoring God's commandment of "loving your neighbor as yourself."

But you know what...

It is not too late. It is not too late to love our Father with sincerity. It is not too late to repent for all the nasty things you've done that make you feel separated from God. They are just "things." Our Father will forgive and forget them ALL. Because he loves you with sincerity.

Jesus said in Matthew 4:17:

"...Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

The time has come for us all to decide and take a stand. Are you with Him? Or, not? It is so easy and good to be with Him. Simple. Just the way I like it.:o)

To be used by Him,

DMM :o)

Today Show Promotes Green Cleaning

This morning on TODAY, Anne Curry addressed the potential of harmful chemicals in our everyday cleaning products. To read all about it, click here.

Through the article, I found GreenerChoices.org. WOW!!! What a blessing! Click here to go straight to their recipe page, and learn how to make your own "simple living" tub and tile cleaner, and a safer-alternative, all-purpose sanitizer that I just so happen to need today!

God is so good! He provides everything we need exactly when we need it! (Matthew 6:8)

So Much to Do and So Much Simple Life to Live

Welcome to 2009, everybody! And, if you're like me, you are shocked that it is already the middle of February!

So far, I've downsized yet still have more downsizing to do as I sit here at my computer mesmerized by the piles of papers, photos and memories that flood my desk. Will the piles every end? I don't know if it is even in my nature not to stack. LOL I think I totally missed the "filing" gene in my genetic makeup. I'm a stacker through and through. And, I'm proud of it.

But being a stacker makes it difficult to eliminate clutter and simplify. My new thing to work on is my overabundant love of stacking and keeping papers that serve absolutely no purpose in my life whatsoever (even if I really believe they do).

Please pray. LOL

Also, I am so excited to announce that I started my garden! It is my first attempt, and I am so excited about the possibilities. I built the framework last year and am now starting the seeds and getting everything ready. I am patiently waiting (no, not really) for the last frost to pass us by so I can finally plant my little babies in the earth.

However, I live in Texas. Need I say more? Let's just say that today's high was 80 degrees (no joke) and tonight's low is 38. All the more reason to keep my little seedlings safe and warm inside.

A friend of mine gave me the book Square Foot Gardening and it has been a lifesaver! I plan on perusing it tomorrow for tasty tidbits and insights on this new world of gardening I'm uncovering.

Plus, being a Simple Liver, I want to be simple, organic and pure in my approach. If you have any suggestions or hints to share, I would love to see them! Please comment below. Believe me. I need all the help I can get. :o)

I've learned a few techniques that I'll be sharing over the next few days, so stayed tuned for updates and photos!

I am so excited about what God is doing. He is so good. I am nothing without Him. Wow. He amazes me.

May your 2009 be as amazing as our Father is, and may He bless you through and through!

To be used by Him,

DMM :o)

A New Year a Simple You

Hello!

Wow, January 13th already. I just read through what I blogged about on December 30th, and I am pleased to announced that I have actually been doing that much-needed downsizing! I've gone through some drawers, organized all my books and have been to Goodwill three times! I even have a new load that I want to take tomorrow. God is good, and I'm being obedient!

I've also started a new thing for '09. I will read one fiction book a month this year. I love to read, but when I thought about how many books I actually read in a year, it really wasn't that many. And, when I think about reading only 12 books, that really doesn't seem like all that much. I wish I read faster and more often, but I am in Bible college and have to study, too. So, I am devoted to one book a month.

What have you planned for 2009? Goals? Dreams? Lack there of? LOL

Maybe reading one book a month is a great place to start. Good for the body, mind and spirit. My book for January is Ted Dekker's Chosen. If you've read his Lost series, let me know what you think.

May God bless you richly in 2009. I'll have more simple living info, tidbits and hints to come. I've been praying about my garden so I will be blogging about that this year as well. So much to do! And, God's in charge of it all!

Be blessed. Live Simple.

DMM :o)

Happy New Year, Simple Livers!

Well, it's almost here. I can't believe it is December 30th already. God has blessed me graciously this year in so many areas. He is so good to me. I am humbled and awe struck. Thanks, Dad.

For this new year, God has placed on my heart to downsize. So, starting on January 1, 2009, I am going through every box, every closet and every dusty hidden shelf to go full throttle "out with the old, in with the new." I need to clear the air and by getting rid of some clutter, I feel I am on my way to truly a simple life. I can't breathe in all this mess, and if I can't breathe, I can't think and I can't be all that God has for me to be. So, here I am Lord. Use me.

And, as a good steward of God's stuff, I am donating everything to charities that is still worth using. All the clothes I wish I still fit into. All the novels I've been planning to read since 1989. All of it is going to where God tells me to send it so someone else may be blessed by all that God has given to me.

Now, with more space, Dad can give me more stuff. LOL Okay, maybe that is not quite what He had in mind, but I'm am still human after all. :o)

May God bless you richly in 2009. May His desires be your desires, and may all your wildest God dreams come true and may He receive all the glory.

To be used by Him in 2009 and always,

DMM :o)

Jesus' Simple Love

Hello, Simple Livers!

A good friend of mine sent this to me today. She felt as a fellow writer, I needed a dose of encouragement. Who doesn't, right? The words are so simple, just as God's love is for us. We make it so complicated, yet He offers us peace, love and the desires of our hearts if we put our lives in His capable hands.

The passage is from the book Jesus Calling, written as though Jesus us speaking to you.

I am working on your behalf. Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams. Talk with Me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans. Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality. This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. I, the Creator of the universe, have deigned to co-create with you. Do not try to hurry this process. If you want to work with me, you have to accept My time frame. Hurry is not in My nature. Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of My promise, a son. How their long wait intensified their enjoyment of this child! Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

I know I need a reminder that Jesus is my bestest friend, so I wanted to share this reminder with all of you. Enjoy. :o)

To be used by Him,

DMM :o)

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr, Simply Spewing

I seem to be a spewer. When I get mad or frustrated, I come unleashed. I yell, vent, and say some ugly things. And, if I don't say them, I'm most likely thinking them.

Anger is a nasty, nasty thing.

In November, our pastor spoke on the Seven Deadly Sins. And, yet again my eyes were opened to just how human and unworthy I am. I'm not writing today to get us all depressed about how grumpy we can be at times. I am writing to help us all with some little frustrations that make us less of the Simple Living Christian we try our best to be.

The Bible does not speak too highly of anger (major understatement). Ecclesiastes 7:9 states, "Don't let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools." I definitely don't want to be considered a fool. Do you?

Proverbs 14:17 explains that "Fools have quick tempers, and no one likes you if you can't be trusted." And the kicker for me:

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. ~ Proverbs 18:13

This one was a double-whammy Ouch! for me.

So, today we will look at some simple ways to curb our anger.

First, let's look at the frustrator. (That would make us the frustratee) :o)

For me, it's my little white puffball. Do not let his sweet little picture fool you. I tell him often, "Thank God you're cute!" He has a way of getting on my very last nerve. I've been told by numerous people throughout my life that I must have the patience of Job. But, for some reason with my sweet little doggie, I can't seem to control my temper at time. Let's just say he has a few psychological doggy issues such as barking incessantly to get my attention and flat out throwing a temper tantrum when he doesn't get a carrot fast enough. The Dog Whisperer would be utterly ashamed at how well-trained my dog has me. Sorry, Cesar. ;o)

Anyway, he gets me boiling sometimes. So, these are my new steps to turn my anger into dancing and turn my weeping into joy.

1. Pray. Simple right? But, in the midst of anger, this is the last thing I think of doing. From now on, I will turn to God first.
2. Breathe. I will take three deep breaths as I pray and tune out the barking.
3. Love. Remember how much I love my Little Man regardless of what he is doing right now.
4. Have carrots ready. LOL

At times I feel this is a dress rehearsal for when I have children. Lord, help me. LOL

So, I pray God's peace flows over all of you. That your anger is extinguished, and that God's glory can and will be seen in every situation. Even with an OCD dog, crazy drivers, or teenagers. :oP

As James puts it, "My dearly beloved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness." (Chapter 1, vs. 19-20)

To be used by Him,

DMM :O)

Simple Blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving

Good afternoon!

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I have two things on the brain:

Cranberry sauce and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!

I am so excited about nestling on the couch with a cup of coffee and watching dancers dance and Snoopy float by. Awwwwwww...Thanksgiving.

But, I'm reminded of something this year that I haven't been in a long time. Maybe if ever during Thanksgiving. For so long it was just a holiday with turkey and dressing to me. But this year, something has changed.

I truly have gratitude. Gratitude to God.

Gratitude that God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, cherished family and friends, and a church family that I truly adore and honor. God is so good and I am so thankful. Without Him, I am nothing and nothing matters. Thank you, Father, for delivering me and seeing me through everything. You are AWESOME!

May each of you have a joy-filled Thanksgiving full of God's blessings and thankfulness in serving the One True God.

Take care and God bless! Gobble Gobble. Or, in my case tofu, tofu!

DMM:o)

Fun Fiction Friday featuring Marcia Gruver

Hello, Simple Livers!

I'm online today to tell you about a great book for Fun Fiction Friday. Fellow writer Marcia Gruver signed a three-book deal in 2007 with Barbour Publishing. Go, Marcia! What a blessing! Her first book, Diamond Duo is now on the shelves. Click on the book title to be sent directly to her site on Amazon.com.

Here is what a few of my friends are saying about the book. I actually know these women and trust their opinions. :o)

With lyrical prose and a cast of characters that will remain in your heart long after the last page is turned, Marcia Gruver’s debut novel is a must-read. Whether you’re seeking a romance, a wonderful Southern story or an escape to another time, Diamond Duo is a masterpiece waiting to be found. ~ Kathleen Y’barbo author of the Fairweather Key series


Marcia Gruver’s writing is witty, charming and historically accurate. She pulls you into the lives of the characters and makes you feel as though you’re actually walking and talking with them. Best of all, she captures the true feel of the setting, (a real strength in her stories). I can’t recommend Diamond Duo strongly enough! ~ Janice Thompson author of the Bridal Mayhem series

Well-written, delightful characters—Diamond Duo is the most entertaining historical to come around in a long time. ~ Elizabeth Ludwig author of Where the Truth Lies and Died in the Wool

My favorite part about this book is Marcia based this fictional account on a true-life unsolved murder case in Jefferson, Texas. I love historical unsolved mysteries, so when I found this tid-bit out, it made this book a must-read for me!

I began reading this book and fell in love with one character in particular -- Sarah. She stands out with superior dialogue and likeability. I am eager to keep reading and find out her fate. I hopes she doesn't die in the end. I just hate that. LOL


While you are out in cyberspace, check out these other witty bloggers and their interviews with Marcia Gruver. And, be sure to check out Marcia's personal blog by clicking right . . . here!

Take care and God bless!

DMM :o)


A Latte and Some Words

A Little Bit of Sunlight

Anne Greene

Be a Barnabas

Book Splurge

BookingIt

Cara’s Musings

Erica at ShoutLife

Fictionary

God With Us - Finding Joy

Horizontal Yo-Yo

Janice Olson

Lighthouse Academy

Marthawrites

Mary Connealy - real life

My Christian Fiction Blog

Net’s Notes

On The Write Path

Pam Krumpe

Patti’s Porch

Readin N Writin

Relz Reviewz

Tamara Lynn Kraft

Terri Tiffany

The Friendly Book Nook

The Writer’s Tool

Writing by Faith

Laundry Detergent - The Simple Living Way

Hello, Simple Livers!

I mentioned to several people over the last few days that I make my own laundry detergent. It is so easy, and believe me, it would have to be for me to do it! So with great Simple Living style, here it is. If you have any questions, please post them below. I'm sure if you have questions, other people will to and you can help them out.

I got this recipe from my new friend Michelle. I met Michelle while writing a piece for Focus on the Family on Getting Back to the Basics. If you would like to read how Michelle and her family live the simple life with Christ, click here.

What you'll need:

Large pot and spoon - designate one pot big enough to hold 4 quarts of water and one spoon to solely use for laundry detergent making. I use a big wooden spoon. It feels more rustic that way. :oP

2-3 gallon milk or water jugs (or any containers you like to put the soap in)

1 Funnel

4 quarts of water - any ol' water will do
Ivory or Fels Naptha bar soap - I always use Ivory since I never can find Fels Naptha in my super market. If you want to purchase Fels Naptha, visit a great site called SoapsGoneBuy.com to purchase any soap you can imagine!
1/4 cup 20 Mule Team Borax - I find this in the laundry aisle.
1/4 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda - In my market, it is right next to the 20 Mule Team Borax. God made it easy for me. LOL Make sure you use the WASHING soda and not BAKING soda. I am not responsible for results with use of baking soda. :oP

Alrighty...

Pour 4 quarts of water in your pot on medium heat. With a grater, shave one-half to three-forths of the bar soap into the pot. Stir as you desire and allow the soap to completely dissolve before the next step. Believe me, if you have any chunks of soap, they will never, ever, ever dissolve. At least they don't for me. I know. . .it's a conspiracy. It will not take long at all for the soap to dissolve.

When your soap is sufficiently dissolved, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax and 1/4 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda. One time, I poured this in when the pot was at a raging boil. It overflowed and I had a yucky, gelatinous mess throughout my stove top to clean up when it cooled. So, please be advised. At least your stove will be really clean afterwards:o)

At this point, I stir and let it all dissolve together. The mixture will not be thick so don't expect laundry detergent consistently yet. Let the detergent cool until you feel comfortable pouring it into the gallons jugs. A funnel is a life-saver for this. PLEASE USE ONE. :o)

Fill each gallon jug 1/4 to 2/3 with the detergent mixture, then fill the rest of the way with water, put the lid on (very important!) and shake, shake, shake. I played around with consistency for a while and now I know I like the consistency when I split the soap between two jugs and add water. If the soap is too thick for you, add more water. Please note, the solution will separate when cooled so whenever I am in the laundry room I give it a good shake to keep it all together.

I use about 1/2 cup of detergent with each load. I love this detergent. I tend to have sensitive skin and haven't had a problem at all when using it. I hope you enjoy it!

Live simply God's way!

DMM :o)

Simple Sustainable Living

Today, on a impromptu trip to my library, I picked up a book called The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour. As a Simple Living enthusiast, I'm quite excited to venture through its 311 pages. On a flip through, I accidentally read too far and learned how to kill a chicken.

EEK!! For a vegetarian, I will forever have the text and drawing burned into my retinas. You should warn a person! LOL For all those opposed to the partaking of chickens, you may want to avoid page 121. :o)

So far, I've learned how to grow rice, millet, carrots, beets and how to make mustard from scratch. (My husband will be excited about that!)

Through my reading, I've considered constructing a chicken coop and acquiring a few fowl-y friends to assist me with my scrambled egg habit. But, I'm concerned about city ordinances and wastes. Anyone have any insights?

I'm really feeling led to further pursue ways to guard God's creation. Sustainable living, recycling, and thinking before I buy items are ways I can affect our world and keep it in tip-top shape for Jesus. What are some ways you and your family help out our world? Let me know by leaving a comment. Together, we can come up with new ways to fulfill our obligation as stewards of God's kingdom.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

God put us in charge of His creation. Let's do our best this week to do our part.

In Him all things are possible!

DMM :o)

Simply Be

I'm having one of those God days. One of those days where I "decide" to let God lead every step I take.

And, it's killing me.

Evidently, God wants me to sit and be with Him. Not read a book. Not memorize scriptures. Simply be with Him.

Did I mention it is killing me?

As you can see, I resorted to writing about it. :o) Why is simply "being" so difficult? Is it hard for everyone or just me? Are other people able to sit and pass the time with nothing to do without a flitting thought except for God's whispers penetrating their flawless minds? This sitting and reflecting and being is the hardest thing I've had to do in a long time. Why is reflecting so hard?

Maybe I'm too scared of what I may reflect on?

The past mistakes, the regrets, the so called friends who weren't that seem to always pop up when I have a quiet moment in my brain. (I wasn't always a Christ Follower to shed a glimmer of light on the memories.)

This is called healing as hard as it is to swallow. Healing grows new cells, dispenses with the old and makes a new shiny me to reveal to the world. Healing is good. Even though I have this scab that doesn't want to heal, and I keep picking at it like a three-year-old.

Sorry for the visual. LOL

Are you going through a healing today? Trust me. Simply "being" in God's presence may seem hard at first, but when you are sitting on your Daddy's lap cradled in His arms, through His love, all the old bruises go away. He is good. Thank God for Him!

Simply BE today. It is Friday after all.

Love to you my brothers and sisters in Christ~

Dawn Michelle Michals

Simply Me

I returned on Monday from the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Minneapolis. What a glorious gathering of writer's for God. I will forever remember the fun I had, the friends I made, and the God moments that will transform my life forever.

Of all the classes I attended and lessons I learned, one stuck out to me: Allie Pleiter's Late Night Chat on "Getting It Done." Allie taught me the Finding Nemo personality test, and believe me, it was eye-opening. Here is the gist: Marlin's are goal-focused and stay on task until the goal is complete. Dori's (oh, sweet Dori's) tend to be more spontaneous and a little more "all over the place," but in the end get the job done allbeit scattered in bits in pieces throughout the day instead of in one long haul.

God made me a full-time writer in May. Since then, I've had dreams of a writing schedule. My "writer" self would sit firmly in my desk chair from noon to four every afternoon creating prolific prose destined for greatness and transformation. However, my "human" --who tends to lean more toward reality than my "writer"-- would write for a few precious moments and then flitter and flutter away from the computer screen to play with cats, wrestle with dogs and wander into the front yard to see what the flowers had been up to that day. In a nutshell:

I am not a Marlin. I am a wanna-be Marlin trapped in a Dori body.

And now oddly, as I embrace my inner Dori, I've completed tasks, e-mailed e-mails and accomplished astoundingly more than I would have trying to be who I am simply not -- A Marlin.

I am who I am. In that illustrious quote from Popeye the Sailor Man falls all the love, imagination and grace that our Father could pour out in one vessel.

You are who God made you. Fearfully and wonderfully made as shocking as that may be. Be it. Embrace it. And love your inner Marlin or Dori. You and the world will be the better for it. Simply be YOU! Thank you, Allie, for revealing my Dori-ness and letting it shine.

With a task complete, I am off to flitter and flutter. :o)

DMM

Congratulations to Leanna Ellis and her new book Lookin' Back Texas

A devoted wife and mother must return to her hometown of Luckenbach, Texas, to help her mother plan her father’s funeral. Trouble is – he isn’t dead! And neither are the secrets she buried there years ago.

No, I'm not switching from Simple Living, Christian Style to country songs and funeral parlors, but I wanted to shift focus for a moment to congratulate my friend on the publication of her second book.

That's right! It's finally out and on bookstore shelves! My friend and fellow Texas writer Leanna Ellis' new book, Lookin' Back Texas is ready and waiting for you to pick up your copy today.

To learn more about the book, read the first chapter teaser and see a fun trailer, click here.

Congrats, Leanna! May this be the first of MANY more to come.

God bless and READ ON!

Dawn Michelle Michals