Greetings, friends. You know what they say about April showers? Well, we are expecting showers for the next several days. But the trees and flowers need it. I never complain about rain. And, I’m late with this post, but there’s a reason.
My daughter and son-in-law went to Broken Bow for the weekend and I have been with the girls and two dogs all weekend. I swear these kiddos stay busy every day. I do my best to keep up.
It’s been a great week with lots of things happening. Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics launched on Tuesday and I am thrilled to see some positive reviews already showing up. That’s the icing on the cake, and especially to see that readers are enjoying my granddaughter’s poetry contributions. Here’s a picture of her holding the book the day it came in. I love the look on her face!
If you missed the first stop on the blog tour at C.S. Boyack’s place, you can see it HERE.
This week, I’ll be visiting with Robbie Cheadle and Audrey Driscoll, so come back for those!
One reader mentioned in a review of Fringes, Heartstrings, and Lyrics, that I often write about horrible people associated with Christianity. I’d like to talk about that for a minute. I am a spiritual person, but I do not associate with any religion. I’ve seen too many things happen behind the cloak of religion to have any faith in it. I do believe in Christ’s true teachings, because he taught love and tolerance, not fear and hatred. He also taught that the kingdom of heaven resides within each of us, not anywhere outside. So, while I occasionally write stories with some characters who are terrible people only concerned with what the church may think of them, it’s because of my own experiences. I have been exposed to folks (even some family members) who were inside the church every Sunday on the front row, but outside the church, they were abusers, cheaters and liars. Therefore, I am not a believer in, or a follower of any religion. There’s hundreds of them and it’s big business. Am I tainted? Perhaps, but it comes from my own experience, not something I was taught. Maybe that clears it up? Or not? I’m happy to talk about it. I have a deeply personal connection with Spirit daily. I also believe each person should do what is right for them and what gives them peace in this life. It all comes down to the beautiful golden rule. I choose kindness and love over dogma.
Okay. I’m stepping off my soapbox and apologize if I’ve offended anyone.
I found this bit of inspiration I want to share with you.
I’m sharing this beautiful Unicorn card with you today and hope you take the advice to heart.
Thank you for letting me visit with you a bit and wish you a great week ahead!
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Congratulations on your launch, Jan. Your views on religion are really interesting. I thought I was the only one. Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate your comment, Charlie. I am finding that a lot of folks have the same “awakened” view of religion. Thank you for visiting and commenting!
Family time is always restorative even if you don’t see it up front.
You are so right, Craig. Thanks for visiting!
Congratulations, Jan – lovely to see your granddaughter holding your book
Thank you, Toni. I loved including some of her poetry in the collection.
Congratulations for the great launch of your book, Jan! I agree with your thoughts on church organizations. Have a blessed week. 💖🙏
Thank you, Tim. I hope you have a great week ahead as well!
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That smile on Sydney’s face! I know you’re proud of her, Jan. Can’t wait to get started on your new release!
I loved how excited she got when I handed Sydney the book. 🙂 Thank you for your comment and I hope you enjoy the stories!
I have a problem with organized religion as well. The hypocrisy we’re seeing now is appalling and sickening. I’m glad your new book is off to a great start!
Thank you so much, Liz. I truly appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment.
You’re welcome, Jan.
I don’t think folks have to be part of organized religion to have a spiritual relationship with God. Love the quote. See you next week.
I absolutely know it, John. Our relationship with God is personal and within each of us, not based on any religion. Thank you so much for your comment and I’m looking forward to visiting at your place next week!
Jan, I am completely with you! I have a very strong belief but it has nothing to do with any religion. That is not offensive at all. It is simply openness for everything with the ability to adjust.
Thanks for that quote… had me nodding. And thank you even more for the unicorn. That’s right what I need after another night of bad sleep. The card has such empowering vibes already.
Have a great week, Jan 💖
I knew someone besides me needed the message on the Unicorn card, Erika. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment! Hugs!
I am happy I was at least one of them 🙏Thank you, Jan💖
I don’t know where that person got that from. Crazy. Just blow that off. Love the picture of Sydney with the book. I just love her poetry and the window into what lies deep inside. She’s a published author now!! Enjoy your day. I love you much, sister.
That came from the self-righteous father in A Promise – A Promise Kept. Unfortunately, both you and I knew people like him. Thankfully, not everyone is that way. It’s just a fiction story. I loved Sydney’s proud face when she held the book. It made all the difficult formatting worth it. 🙂 Love you, sister. Thank you for stopping by!
Sydney looks so excited and proud, and she should be! It’s a wonderful collection.
I don’t think anybody will take offense at your sharing in your fiction about your experiences with horrid church people. I don’t.🙂 It’s terrible that you had religious people in your life who were abusers, cheaters, and liars. It wouldn’t be right to pretend those things didn’t exist. In fact, those are the sorts of people who need to be exposed and called to the carpet and stopped. They give the gentle, generous, loving church-goers a bad name.
You are So right, Priscilla. It makes me think of the saying about one bad apple spoiling the whole bunch. Thankfully, I have met some churchgoing people who are genuine and kind. And I know my attitude comes from my background and being forced to participate in something I knew was wrong. I’m still seeking my balance for sure. Thank you for stopping by and for your wonderful comment. Hugs!!
Jan, this is beautifully said.
I really relate to this. I’ve always felt more at home in a spiritual space, where faith is something you feel rather than something you’re told to follow.
That quiet knowing, love at the center of everything, and what lives within us matters most. Those are the parts that have always resonated with me.
I’m really looking forward to capturing some of that spirit when we spend time together on Friday.
Thank you for stopping by, Kelli. Yes. that quiet spiritual space where we can “feel” the connection is best for me. I am looking forward to visiting with you on Friday as well! We will have lots to talk about. 🙂
Congratulations Jan. Your new book looks fabulous. What a beautiful picture of your granddaughter! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Balroop. Thank you for visiting and commenting!
I’m so with you on this one, Jan. “I do believe in Christ’s true teachings, because he taught love and tolerance, not fear and hatred.” Although there are many good people who belong to religions, there are many who use it as a front to cover up bad things. Sad but true. Your granddaughter’s picture is wonderful. She looks so proud. xo
You are so right, Darlene, and I certainly do believe there many wonderful people who belong to religions and I completely respect that. I loved the look on Sydney’s face holding the book. 🙂 It made my heart happy! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hugs!
Congratulations on your book launch, Jan!
Thank you so much, Jacqui! It’s great to see you back!
Thank you. I was in church for most of my life till the preacher we respected passed. Then two brothers took our church. The wife of one attacked the daughter of the previous pastor and these pastors told us to submit to them. At that point many people left the church,
I understand, Emma. Things like that can happen. But for each of us, we have to hold onto what we know is true and keep faith in Spirit. Hugs!
Hi Jan, I am the same as you. I don’t believe in the manmade religious structures as they have agendas that do not match the spiritual messaging. I like the unicorn card. I’m trying to rest before I have to go back to work next month.
Thank you for your comment, Robbie. And YES! Rest before going back to work. You’ve certainly had some adventures.