Sunday, April 30, 2017

School Days




“If you aren’t in Sunday school, 
you have no class.”

Monday through Friday, young people attend school.
Adults attend conferences and training sessions during the year.

On Sunday, each Sunday, all ages 
should take time for lessons from the Bible.


The text book to teach history, morality, politics, social behavior, science, and much more.

The Bible also tells us who God is and who we are.

The Bible is composed of 66 books by 40 different writers over 1,500 years, yet it has one consistent story line running all the way through, and it has just one ultimate author — God.  


I hope to see you in class this Sunday morning!


Thursday, April 27, 2017

Take Your Child to Work Day




Gay, Mom, Donna

Today is “Take Your Child to Work Day.”

A special day for kids—they’re allowed to see what mom or dad does from nine to five.

Every day was go to work with mom and dad day for me. Over the course of my childhood, they owned several businesses. The first one I remember is a dry cleaning establishment located on a corner in a strip center. On each side of the strip center was a vacant field. In this picture, you can see the building to the right. That’s the location of the cleaners.  We looked dressed for Easter in this picture. My sister went daily to my grandmother’s house, but Mom made me entertain myself at the cleaners.  

At the age of four years, I rode a tricycle on the sidewalk.  I’d peddle down to visit the husband and wife—owners of the beauty shop at the other end of the various shops. Those kind owners and clients put up with me. I joined the husband in a nearby chair and we’d read the newspaper. He tells me I said, “The paper says it’s gonna rain today.” He laughed. I had the paper upside down and couldn't read at the time. I learned to read quite well a few years later.

One day I saw the middle steam press left unattended. "Now's my chance," I thought. I placed both arms under the thing and burned them. Whew! That was painful. Kind of dumb for a smart kid, but kids try stuff.  I secretly went to the back where my dad kept the crock jar of Naphtha.  I dipped my burnt arms repeatedly into the cool liquid, and Daddy caught me.  I think he was more than a little alarmed!

Another time I ran through the shop and punctured my barefoot with a nail.  Dad placed me on the front counter where people picked up clothes. He pulled the nail out.  Mother left work and took me to the doctor. A tetanus shot was in order.  I think they had to take me to the doctor quite often due to my inquisitive nature. A baby sitter might have been less expensive.

I remember being petrified as my dad sat me on the same counter and pulled my first tooth. The Tooth Fairy left a dollar, so all was well.



Once I sat in the car and took the cigarette lighter and burned holes in the car’s upholstery while I played the radio.  I was greatly surprised when neither one, mom or dad, gave me trouble over it.  Now that I am a mom and a grandmother, I understand that they were just grateful I didn’t catch myself on fire.

An alteration lady came three days a week, and I'd "help" her sew.  She must have had the patience of Job. It was a dangerous place for a child to play, but I had fun.  I think I learned a lot too. 

Mom and Dad eventually sold the dry cleaners and bought a cafĂ©. Once more, I went to work with them and entertained myself. It was in a different strip center and I was allowed to roam up and down to visit other places of business. My favorite memory is having the cooks make a picnic lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches. I’d sit in the car, listen to tunes and eat.  I imagined all sorts of adventures while I enjoyed my lunch. I suppose I’ve always created stories, now I write them for you to read.

Take your child to work with you, if you haven’t done so already. They’ll have an education, but keep an eye on them. If they’re anything like me, they’ll burn the place down.




Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Do You Have Gnats?


I hate these little buggers.

And they don't like me either.

They attack me on my walks and leave whelps. I spray with repellent, but they ignore it.  A neighbor said use vanilla mixed with water. I'll try that. She said I'll smell good and those little pests will leave me alone. Tomorrow....vanilla.

As I fought the tiny devils today, I thought how life can be like that.  We fight trivial things every day. Eventually we become overwhelmed and the hill becomes a mountain. (Pardon the cliches) But you get the point.

Wouldn't it be fantastic if a touch of vanilla here and there would ward off the daily irritants?

I told you how I once how kept a jar of Zip Lip pills on my desk.



Each time I wanted to spout off at a fellow employee, boss or a client, I'd pop a candy in my mouth. It didn't always work, but it helped.

Did I tell you about the extra miles on the dreaded treadmill as a result of these Zip Lip pills? No? Well...that's a different story. I ate a lot of those sugary things. I hope they made life sweeter for those around me.

Vanilla and Zip Lip pills. A way to fight the little pests in life.




Monday, April 24, 2017

May I Interrupt You?



I had the television on this morning with my Bible in my lap. Hmmm. I decided that wasn't the way to worship. I imagined something like this.

God to Gay -

"Why do you interrupt your devotional time with me? You keep the TV on and only pray during commercials. Would you like it if I stopped our conversation every few minutes to engage in a trivial game show, or catch the news?

"After the commercial, you begin again. But you've forgotten what you were talking about and start over. Kind of rude, isn't it? And you're wasting our time together. I've already heard the beginning of your prayer, so repetition isn't necessary.

"Please turn off the TV and talk to me. I'd love to have your undivided attention.

"Yes, I like hearing snippets during your busy day, and you are to pray without ceasing.  I like that, but please don't put Me in second place to a television show. I prefer first place.

"I love you." 

Sunday, April 23, 2017

What's a Guy to Do?


"The thief had nails through both hands, so that he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so that he could not run errands for the Lord. He could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God; and he took it. Christ threw him a passport and took him into Paradise."  --Dwight L. Moody.


This guy, a thief, was nailed to a cross rising from the ground next to the one Jesus was on.  The dude was captured, could do nothing, but he asked for a pardon from THE KING, and he got one. He had no works to offer and no money to give. He didn't have long to live and no time to serve. Jesus, full of mercy and grace, gave him a new life.

Another man, a thief, was also nailed nearby. He was captured, and convicted. He never asked Jesus for a pardon.

These two men died. One went with Jesus. The other did not.

Make a choice today. Where will you spend eternity?








Saturday, April 22, 2017

The New Bible I Don't Use


My old friend is the blue NIV Study Bible on the right. Rather worn, right?  I decided I needed a new one.

I tried it. Didn't like, it, and now I'm back to my tried and true.

I've written notes in my friend, cried, laughed and prayed with her. I'll keep my old friend until the pages fall out, and then I'll have her rebound.

Is your Bible in the same condition? Like me, you need a new one, but can't give up your ancient companion? Good friends are hard to come by, aren't they? How does the old childhood jingle go?


Make new friends,
But keep the old,
One is silver
And the other is gold.

If you don't have a friend like mine, please get one. You'll never regret it.  Your new friend will become silver and gold.


I'd love you to read the books I've written. Look me up on Amazon

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Mani and Pedi's


I just returned from the nail salon. Relaxed, great massage, but then when I got home, I noticed half the polish gone!

How frustrating? Right? Ever happen to you?   They rush you out before the polish is dry, and even if you're wearing flip flops, somehow the polish rubs off.

At least on three toes.

I called them and they said, "We stay open for you."

Thanks, but I can't go back today. Have you ever tried getting around in the Houston area at peak travel in the afternoon?

Yuk.

"We open at 9:00 in the morning. We fix for you."

"Yeah, that would be great, but I'd planned a trip to Dallas in the morning. I wanted to go north at that hour, not east."

So..........what do I do? Go for the fix? Or wear tennis shoes while I'm gone? 

I'll keep you posted on this major dilemma. Ha. A major trauma is a life or death situation, and this isn't one of them. A friend of mine has just been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Now that's a dilemma.

I'm to go to a book signing in the Dallas - Fort Worth area.  I'll wear shoes that reveal no toes. But it's irritating to have plans go up in smoke.

It's far worse to receive cancer news.






Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Naughty or Nice?


What are you doing today?  Something naughty or nice?





My little angel, Sarah, is a sweet one, but she sometimes is guilty of mischievous deeds. And sometimes her deeds are naughty and hilarious. She longs to wear stilettos.  Red ones. Every time she places them on her feet, she falls down. She's too klutzy.

Angels are part of our lives. Is yours naughty or nice? Sweet or wicked? Funny or gloomy? Normal or strange?

I like Sarah. She's a bit of everything--all combined into a unique package. In a few ways, she reminds me of humans. We're all capable of many emotions. We're also capable of falling down. The good news is, like Sarah, we can get up, dust our rear off, and start over. 




Monday, April 17, 2017

Live with Abuse?





Many men and women deal with an abusive person. Maybe it's a spouse or a bully at work. Abuse can be more that giving a person a black eye. Words. Gestures. Intimidation. All part of an unhealthy relationship.

Abuse.

Not pleasant is it?

I've seen abused wives who fail to understand their part in the ugly relationship. 

1.  Know it's happening and understand.
2.  Don't participate
3.  Get counseling

A young lady cried into the telephone to my listening ear. "He won't let me go to my uncles' funeral. He's afraid I'll stay in a hotel over night with a man. I'm so sad I can't go."

What? If you ask me, that's crazy thinking. This woman would be staying with family for a family's sorrowful event. 

I listened to another young lady tell me about a night she spent sitting on the toilet lid reading her Bible. Her hubby sat and watched. Every time she nodded off to sleep, he yelled to start reading again. He forced her to sit and read all night long.

Why did these women give in to the men?

Love for the psyco. Fear of the bully. Helplessness. Sense of duty. Low self-esteem. Fear of losing their life.

Now here's my opinion. These guys are both control freaks, but the women don't look at it that way. They have no clue they are being abused. These men say cruel things and forbid their wives to have a life or friends they aren't part of. 

The gals participates in  abuse by doing whatever the men dictate. The guys are happy campers because they rule the roost. The women are miserable and imprisoned. 

These couples need counseling.

Women, if the man won't go seek a professional, you go. Your health and life depends on it. Verbal abuse can turn into physical abuse.

Situations like these are the reasons I've written two books. My prayer is to help women understand they don't have to accept abuse or participate in it.




Review

Book Review
Reviewed by Julie Hodgson for Readers' Favorite

Gay N. Lewis' Clue into Kindness is a story about Georgia, a woman who loves her husband, but he often says things that make her feel sad. He doesn't think before he speaks; then situations arise where he does things that embarrass Georgia or her friends. Georgia is a kind woman and always tries to avoid situations where her husband verbally abuses her. Her kindness goes above and beyond to keep the peace with her husband, but she always feels like she is walking on egg shells! Even her friends do not like him.

Her life and situation change after attending a party at her father-in-law's house. Her husband Alan hears some home truths about his behaviour from his friends during the party. Hearing these things about his behaviour, he tries hard to mend his ways. But could it be too late for Georgia to accept his willingness to change? Especially after the years of verbal abuse she experienced? It is an arduous task indeed for her. Do we love unconditionally? Georgia certainly did, and even when temptation comes her way she is steadfast and loyal towards her husband. She firmly believes that kindness will overcome anything presented to her.

Gay N. Lewis' Clue into Kindness illustrates from Corinthians 1:13 that "love is kind." This is certainly not a romantic novella, but a story of the struggle of love and the power of love to overcome adversity, like a husband who can be cruel in what he says. Verbal abuse is not and should not be acceptable anywhere, and certainly not in marriage. Georgia shows utmost kindness to this, and Gay N. Lewis is adept at describing how Georgia feels and the ultimate changes that her husband would/should go through. A heartrending and well written story.



A new book comes out in June. It's a historical novel set in 1925. Women had less opportunities than at present.  If a husband was abusive, the wife was always at fault. Many still believe that today.

I hope you'll read both books. Give them to a woman who lives with abuse of some sort. Maybe they'll recognize they aren't to blame and seek help.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Joy Comes in the Morning


Easter morning. Day of the Resurrection. Jesus lives.

Have you seen the move, "The Case for Christ?"

This guy, Lee Strobel, is a journalist. He didn't believe the resurrection story, so he set out to prove it wrong.

He went to a lot of trouble. Interviewed many and traveled miles to validate his theory.

He concluded the resurrection is truth.


I'm not amazed God raised Jesus from the dead. God is God. All Powerful.  I'm amazed Jesus came and allowed a cross of shame in the first place. He didn't have to, but He chose to do so...willingly! Wow! That's awesome and amazing.

When the Holy Trinity formed creation way back when, Jesus knew this would happen. Did He look forward to living as man? He knew a cross was in His future. Did He dread His final hours on that ugly, cruel cross? Did He anticipate the joy of God resurrecting Him from a dead, buried earthly body?

I know certain things will happen in my life. I don't know when, but I understand these events will take place. Do I dread them? Yes, I do. 

Disease, departure of loved ones, divorce, death, financial ruin, old age, all these are common to man. Many of us dread them.

Jesus, as a man, yet He was God, enjoyed life on earth in human form. He prayed to the Father to "let this cup pass from me." That indicates He dreaded the cross while he enjoyed life in human form. He understands our fears, our dread doesn't He?

Yet, He had the joy of anticipation of resurrection.  As He looked forward to the future event, He was able to endure the present one.

We can follow His example as we await events to come.

Rest assured. Joy comes in the morning.




Friday, April 14, 2017

Angel Wings


Here's a picture of me with my little niece. Isn't she cute?  Notice the angel wing necklace I'm wearing? MY friend Delia Latham gave it to me. Delia is an author and editor. She's edited many of my Sarah books.  I love to write humor and fantasy, and Sarah is a misfit among angels.  Gay N. Lewis

I also write for the Texas Hill Country. I'm a southern girl and I shared a recipe. A really good one. I don't make tea cakes, but my grandmother from Alabama did. Yummy.  I wish I had one right now with my coffee.

Check it out.  I think you'll like it.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Cherokee Texas

What can you do in Cherokee Texas?







See some beautiful Texas country...among other fun things.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Hi, I'm Gay Lewis. Nice to Meet You.


Here I am on July 4. I love holidays, except this one is a hot duzzy down here in Texas. Uncle Sam and I are cool inside. We share the same birthday, Old Uncle Sam and me. We were in Gruene, TX. The name is spelled funny and pronounced Green.  You should go there. Great place. George Strait sang there before his famous days.




I write books. You can find them on any book seller. They are available in eBook, print, and some in audio.

I also write for the Texas Hill Country online magazine. I travel often to Austin from Houston. Here's an article I wrote about the fascinating places along the way. You may see me at one of these today if you're nearby.


Hope to see you soon down here in Texas! I'd love to say howdy.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

I Love Cowboys


Hot Cowboys On Horses | sexy cowboy Pictures, Images and Photos:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/222646775301342852/


Those men in boots, hats, and jeans are a real head turner for me.  They work hard and they've got muscles to show for it.  They treat ladies with respect, but when it comes time to make love, they do it in a way that's so soft and tantalizing, a girl's heart sings.


All cowboy's are special...interesting...sexy, but Texas cowboys are extra heavy in the "have it all" department. At least to me, but I like 'em from everywhere in America.

I wrote about one. Have you read it? Josiah is a winner and then some. He's a Texan. Every woman wants a man like Josiah.  

I thought you might like to hear Josiah's side of meeting Emily and Sarah. The angel is disguised as an elderly Estella in this novella. Angel Sarah accepts missions on earth to bring couples together, and her assignment from the Commander in The Heavenlies on this undertaking is to introduce Emily to Josiah. She just didn't expect to do it in a bizarre Texas blizzard at Christmas.


When you sit down with a book, imagination takes over. In my mind, Josiah is a handsome hunk, much like the guy pictured blow. In your mind, you might picture him with a scruffy beard. However you see him, believe me, he's a sexy cowboy.  Most of the time in Texas, even in winter, a cowboy can go without a shirt, but in this story, he definitely had to have a winter coat. When the time came for Emily to see Josiah without a shirt, hmmm, well? She was in for a treat. Right?


https://hotmuscleboys.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/cowboy070.jpg


Meet Cowboy Josiah
From: Sarah and the Cowboy’s Lady
By Gay N. Lewis

My name is Josiah Kenyan and I live in central Texas, halfway between Dallas and Austin.. Last winter, during a bizarre ice storm, I met two interesting women at an isolated convenience store. One was about my age—a knockout. A man would have to be blind not to notice her. An older woman, who I guessed was the grandma, tottered in with the beauty. Grandma acted a bit wacky, and I thought she might be senile. She found out I was a rancher and then wanted to know if a horse had ever kicked me in the head. After a few more comments, I decided this cute little granny might be from another planet.
I wished them well and we said our goodbyes. Turns out that the young woman’s car wouldn’t start. The roads were frozen, the hour was late, no hotels were nearby, and it was Christmas week. I had no choice, and neither did they. I took these ladies home with me. I’m a bachelor, but my grandmother lives with me, so I assured the ladies that we’d be properly chaperoned.
I discovered Emily’s fiancĂ© had broken their engagement and she’d lost her job—all on the same day. Texas men don’t treat women the way this guy did. I wanted to saddle Pedro, ride into Dallas, and teach the bozo some basic Texas manners. Emily said the former boyfriend was from Pennsylvania, so I decided to leave Pedro in the barn.
Road closures kept us inside for days. In short order, I fell in love with Emily Stanton.
As weird as it sounds, Emily had just met Estella a few hours earlier in Dallas. So here we were. Stranded strangers at Christmas. I found both women enchanting.
We ate Grandmother’s Mexican casserole one night by the fire. Estella had never tried the dish, but she ate it with gusto. I was in love with Emily and enthralled with Estella.
Something odd always happened when Estella was around, but she was lovable. You should’ve seen the guy who came to take her home. Talk about peculiar! I’ll never forget him or Estella. You wouldn’t either if you met them.
That snow storm changed my life. Emily doesn’t know it yet, but I’m planning a Texas Bluebonnet wedding when the thaw comes.


Scalloped, Cheese, Casserole
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Grandmother’s Mexican Christmas Casserole

Ingredients
12 eggs
1 lb. sausage, cooked, drained, crumbled
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheese, shredded
1 box croutons
1 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp. Dry mustard (optional)
2 tsps. hot sauce (more if you like spicy) Grandmother uses the brand, “Hell on the Red, extra hot," but other brands will work. Texans love spicy.

Mix all ingredients, pour into greased 9 x 13 casserole. Bake at 350 for about 30 to 40 minutes.


This treat is only 2.99 on eBook and Amazon

Monday, April 10, 2017

Southern Memories




Do you like to cook? Bake?


Cake, Chocolate, Dessert, Food, Fork 

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

I don’t, but my mom kept goodies available. I remember coming home from school and eagerly slicing a piece of Devil’s Food cake. I loved that cake but could never decide if I preferred the Seven Minute White Frosting or the chocolate icing

Pie, Pebre, Food
Photo courtesy Pixabay
Have you ever had fried pies hot from a skillet of butter? Scrumptious. Mom made them from dehydrated fruit. Apricot was my favorite. I’m guessing she hydrated the fruit, prepared it with sugar, pureed it, and then filled homemade pie crust. I wish I had her recipe, although I doubt I’d make them. The two pictured above look and sound similar to mom's. These pies are southern favorites, and maybe I'll get the nerve to try one of the recipes.

 Strawberries, Strawberry Shortcake
photo courtesy Pixabay

Another phenomenal treat on hot Texas days was to open the refrigerator and find strawberry short cake with fresh whipping cream. Yum.

For a time, my family lived in Irving, Texas. Mom and Dad lived a short distance away in Arlington, Texas. My hubby loved to eat at moms and we’d make the trip several times a week. He always did something for her—paint a bedroom, wallpaper a spot, etc. He loved to work and she enjoyed rewarding his labors with foods he fancied.

I have deep, southern roots. My mom came from Alabama and my dad's folks came from Tennessee. I'm a native Texan, but I'm a southern girl at heart. 


Here's a fun quiz. I got 'em all right, don't ya' know.

My books feature southern lifestyle. Oh sure, they're all set in Texas, but I've had many comments about how southern they are. I live in Houston, so I guess South Texas will have to do. Have you read any? No? Well, please do. Here's the link to Amazon. You'll find them at other fine book sellers too.


Until next time, smile. You never know how much your happy face will mean to someone.







Sunday, April 9, 2017

Sunday Morning Church


Beautiful, isn't it?

Sweet.

Holy.

Where will you worship today?

Did you know that 4 out of 10 people in America never think about God?

Sad, right?

Yet, when one person comes to know God in a personal relationship,
All of of heaven rejoices.

Majestic in Magnitude!
The effect of one.

Find your church today.
Make Heaven sing!


Friday, April 7, 2017

Life's Problems Explode

Fire, Explosion, Danger, Hot, Flame

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

I woke up to news that the United States had bombed air strips in Syria. 

Thirty minuets later, I received a phone call stating my daughter had experienced a serious setback with her illness. The daughter's crises led to one phone call after another as I tried to take care of the immediate situation. 

During phone calls, I checked Facebook. A lot of friends have serious disease and they'd made prayer requests. Some fight cancer, other strokes, a few have marital problems and financial stress.

The world can literally blow up in a matter of seconds.

So can our personal lives.

Bad things happen to good people. 
Good things happen to bad people.
Both blessings and troubles are common to mankind.


Now here's the thing.  God is big enough to take care of the Universe and small enough to live in our hearts. While He's looking after people in the other part of the earth, He's also looking after each of our personal needs. He may take time to resolve issues, but He will resolve them.


"Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1.

So...........cheer up Gay.
Cheer up cyber friend.

God's got this.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Who's Listening?

Yada Yada, Board, Insignificance
Image courtesy of Pixabay



I wish I knew who said this, but I don't. It's a good quote, so I want to share it with you. "Be careful who you vent to. A listening ear is also a running mouth." If you know the author of this little ditty, please tell me.

I've discovered the only listening One who will not turn around and hurt you is God.  He hears, forgives and loves. He's never in a hurry to tell the bad stuff about you. He keeps secrets.

Sarah tells Him her secrets, asks forgiveness, and goes on. Like me, she forgets to correct the bad habits, but she tries.



I write faith and humor. Sarah: Laney's Angel is the second book in the series, but they each stand alone. I'm not sure why it's on sale for $2.99, it was $3.99 for the eBook. So a bargain price.

It's available in eBook, print, and audio.  If you haven't read Sarah, please do so. This is a good place to start.



Wednesday, April 5, 2017

What Are You Recycling today?


Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Recycling is a big issue, and who doesn't want to save the planet?

The capitol city of Texas, Austin, has many codes regarding what, when, and where to recycle. Recycling is a big deal, and a violator can be fined for ignoring codes.  


I have an Austin friend who works for a company that rids homes of unwanted creatures, but the policy is catch and release. If he sets a trap for an armadillo, or other such mammal, he must drive for miles and release the rodent. This same guy killed a rattlesnake on an elementary school ground and I asked if he'd broken the code. He wasn't sure, but he'd taken a chance. He wanted the kids safe. I say good for him. Who wants to catch and release a Texas rattler? Not me, and I don't want the thing around kids either.

Now to a serious note. What do you recycle in your mind? Do you wake up and tell yourself you're stupid, ugly and unsuccessful? You're always gonna be a failure? 

Do you rehash all your mistakes?

If you're like me, you do this at times, and it's not a good recycling mental program. We should remind ourselves we're God's creatures and He loves us. Throw away the bad but keep the good.

God likes the code of praise. Praise for Him and praise for you. He loves and appreciate you, so why shouldn't you appreciate yourself?

I'm not the best cook in the world, but I'm getting better in my older age. My sweet hubby doesn't compliment me much. I made a chicken enchilada casserole last night. I made it up, but it was tasty. Hubby ate two helpings but never said he liked it. 


I told myself I'd done a good job. Why not? Compliment yourself when you deserve it. Most of us find it too easy to condemn ourselves rather than praise an accomplishment. By the way, praise yourself mentally.  People don't care for self-aggrandizement, but it's okay to quietly give yourself approval. Do you keep the bad stuff? TRY GOD'S RECYCLING CODES 

PBG Insider: Gay N. Lewis Introduces her "Sarah" series

Sarah at Christmas