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Ah, glorious and fickle spring!
As I type this newsletter, I can’t help but share our weather. Six days ago, our temp was 64°. Snow is in the forecast for tomorrow (Friday), and then snow and rain for Saturday and Sunday. Typical NW springtime weather.
Dare I complain? Idaho’s warmest summer day, 111°, occurred on 7/19/1960; 7/21/24 was 108°. No, I won’t grumble about the cooler temps! 😊
I am, however, excited about the upcoming weeks. Fully rested, here’s TUCKER to tell his TAIL:
This chair might be a bit small for my 90 lbs., but I love it. I take every opportunity possible to climb in and curl up. Especially after last week…
Bert and Erma’s oldest daughter, her hubby, three of their grandchildren, and two of their granddogs (my pals Buddy and Lucca) visited last week. I stayed right under Erma’s feet while she prepared some of the family’s favorite Italian foods (meatballs, stuffed shells, and marina sauce). For some reason, Bert kept Buddy, Lucca, and me outside while he made breakfast. As everyone sat around the table, Bert passed a tower of round golden cakes on a plate. Melted butter and brown liquid oozed over the edges, making my mouth water. My pals and I weren’t allowed to have any, so we drooled all over the windows.
The day did get better. Because our people ate so much, they took us for a long walk. Once we got home, we were rewarded with homemade peanut butter treats. We took wonderful naps afterward.
Well, until next time, happy tails to you! :)
See more info below…
PASSOVER. I love the visual this word gives. Imagine preparing for a trip to a faraway place you’ve never been. That night, you must follow explicit instructions to prepare your meal and your home. A sound of rushing wings passes over your door. As relief fills you, the wails of those who bowed to other gods chills the night.
Notice the difference between the first Passover, which sent the Israelites out from Egypt, and the one that brought Jesus in to Jerusalem.
GOOD FRIDAY. Thank you, Jesus, for Good Friday! For the horrific spiritual, physical, and emotional pain You endured to give us eternal life. The movie Passion of the Christ depicts a heart-wrenching visual of Jesus’ suffering prior to and on the cross.
Jesus’ sacrifice reconciled us to God and gave us eternal life … if we believe.
EASTER: Look! The tomb is empty!
Aren’t you so thankful the plan of salvation didn’t end with Jesus’ death on the cross? To “He is Risen,” our response is “He is Risen Indeed!” But do we appreciate the power in those words? “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Rom. 8:11, NKJV)
Could anything be more wonder-full!?!
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
As the weather warms, summer wear begins to appear. I’m ever reminded of my minor degree in nutrition, but I don’t always make unhealthy food choices (PLEASE TELL ME I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE!!!). Here are a few easy-to-make and good-for-you dishes:
*Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake
If you love blueberries and cottage cheese, this dish is for you! I love the amount of protein and fruit in every bite!
*My Smoothie Recipe:
In a blender, add:
¾ cup water
¾ cup Almond milk
2 Tbsp. Almond or peanut butter
1½ scoops protein powder, 1½ scoops collagen powder, 1½ scoops Superfood powder
2-3 cups frozen cherries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. – your choice
2 Tbsp. chai seeds
After completely blended, stir in 2 Tbsp. flax seed
(enough for 2-3 people)
*Depending on your dietary restrictions, these might be delicious and healthy ways to start the day. I can’t guarantee you’ll fit into your bikini, but you might enjoy breakfast a bit more. 👍😊
As an avid reader, I have high hopes for my growing stack of TBR (To Be Read) books. I completed my list of Christmas novels before January 1, 2025 (wahoo!). Did you?
Here’s the most recent stack of Kindle and paperback books I’ve read while on the treadmill (is it just me or does the mention of that word sap your enthusiasm?).
Gilded Girl by Pamela Kelley
https://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Girl-Pamela-M-Kelley-ebook/dp
An interesting historical fiction, good writing, and several twists and turns.
The Lord Is … A Prayer and Devotional Guide by S.D. Simms
https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Prayer-Devotional-Lessons-Father/dp/1962862631/This author brings God's word to life in everyday situations. A wonderful boost to your walk with Jesus and a gift everyone will appreciate! Beautifully written and inspiring!
The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+bookshop+by+the+bay+pamela+kelley&crid=2NC4EOIGIYf you like Pamela Kelley’s novels, you’ll like this one too. A little romance and a lot of wine. Easy to read. Set in beautiful Cape Cod with new and familiar characters.
Snowflakes & Second Chances: A Heartwarming Contemporary Christmas Novelette by Mills, Diann
https:/ /www.amazon.com/s?k=Snowflakes+%26+Second+Chances&crid
Romance, intrigue, and faith. A quick, fun Christmastime story sure to have you on the edge of your seat and rooting for love.
Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=texas+forsaken+sherry+shindelar&cridFrom its opening page, this historical romance has your heart pounding faster than horse hoofs on arid Texas soil. Intriguing tale of betrayal, loss, heartache, a hoity-toity buffoon, and love.
The Gettysburg Letter by Craig, Patrick E.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+gettysburg+letter&crid
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this historical novella. The characters intrigued me, the writing was good, and I found myself thinking about the tale long after “The End.”
Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks
https://www.amazon.com/Whatever-Takes-Split-Time-Sisters-Novel-ebook/dp
I wasn’t sure I’d like a time slip novel. But the author seamlessly weaves the two different stories/time periods, shifting between hope, all is lost, and whatever it takes.
The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+happiest+man+on+earth&crid
If God hadn’t put His hope within the human soul, Eddie Jaku’s story would appear as far-fetched as fiction. The gift of friendship, the will to survive and succeed, and the ability to forgive transcends each page of this non-fiction book.
A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Million+little+choices&crid
My book club and I read this with differing reviews. We agreed the writing was impeccable, compelling. The plot had good twists and turns but lacked believability at times. Definitely worth reading, and I’d love your opinions!
Shepherds for Sale by Megan Basham
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shepherds+for+sale+book+megan+basham&crid
An eye-opening book naming names, substantiated by solid information, and revealing the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Disturbing truths.
Stay tuned - I’ve got a fresh stack of good books to complete by my next newsletter.
Speaking of books…
Journaled with Love, my own Romance novel, will be released on June 25, 2025! Please check my blog posts for more details. Subscribe, sign up to be part of my team, and enter to win Amazon gift cards!
https://merryheartink.substack.com/publish
Below are three months’ worth of ideas and activities to keep you and your loved ones busy! Enjoy!
We’re expecting our fifth grandchild in May. So thankful to once again experience the gift of life in our family! Stay tuned for more info…
Calendar information for April, May, and June are from: https://www.wincalendar.com/Holiday-Calendar/
Oh, and don’t forget to fill your jar with happy notes each day. 😀