Photo Quests: Adding The Irises

Intro: I was outside in the warm sun taking pictures. I seem to do that a lot. So, while I was out, I scoped out the irises. I knew there were a couple blooms, so I added them to my own collection (my photos). They're always so beautiful, and I'm pleased that I preserved them.

    

    

    

     

Quest Ending: Every spring is a wonderful season when the irises bloom. They're one of those constant flowers that come back, bringing with them a sense of hope. That's kind of how I feel about the irises, and I'm so glad that I could preserve their life in my photos. 

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Author Interview: Laura L. Morgan

                                                         

Laura L. Morgan is a middle school English Language Arts teacher in Lewiston, Idaho. She has been married to her fellow adventurer, Trent, for thirty-three years, and has three daughters, three sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. She loves family adventures in God's beautiful creation: hiking, boating, hunting, camping, and fishing. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and photography. She lives on a semi-farm with many animals, rabbits being her favorite, and enjoys the time she is able to spend in the last frontier of Alaska.

Author Laura L. Morgan is on my blog today for an interview.


Welcome to my blog, Laura!

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

 I am a high school English teacher and have been in education for thirty-six years. My husband and fellow adventurer, Trent, and I have been married for thirty-seven years. We have three married daughters and nine grandchildren. We just found out another is on the way! My favorite activities are reading and writing, but I also really enjoy photography. We live on a semi-farm and rabbits are my favorite pets. Seeing whales in Alaska makes my day. Being active in ministry is something important to us. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and love adventures and the outdoors.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

I love the creative process and holding my very own book in my hands is an amazing experience. I also love alluding to some fun or tough events from my family’s experiences in my stories. I have had a lot of fun meeting people from all over the country through my book events.

How did you first pursue writing as a whole?

I have loved reading and writing for as long as I can remember. As a child, I wrote stories and made my own books. I journaled extensively and penned many poems as well as a few short stories. I had the idea for the plot of my first novel for many years. I started writing it four or five times, but it was never what I wanted it to be. Then, while teaching realistic fiction to my seventh graders, I wrote a scene in one semester and another the next semester. Lightbulb moment! These became two chapters. I then went back and started writing the story from the beginning. It all finally came together!

You’re the author of a series called, The Adventures of Rogan Chaffey. How did it all come together? Could you describe the writing process and story inspiration for the series?

 I realized I wanted to set my stories on an island in southeast Alaska. We had been visiting there for about fifteen years and my oldest daughter met her husband there, married, and had kids. We built a cabin next to their house and visit every summer. It is such a unique lifestyle up there and I felt it was perfect for adventure novels. My next task was to come up with the theme. I wrestled with this but settled on, “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” for the first novel. I felt it was a universal question, and it helped me work through my mother’s death after a long and painful battle with cancer. I have trouble coming up with perfect names for my characters— probably because I am a teacher and have pre-conceived ideas about names and their connected personalities.

What is your newest book #3 about in the series?

Truth at Crossbones Pass deals with how important truth is in our lives. There’s a lot of relativity out there and the implications of believing a lie are consequential. Of course, my main character, Rogan, and his friends have all kinds of Alaskan adventures along the way.

Can you share any details surrounding your next project?

Book #4 in the Adventures of Rogan Chaffey series is at the swirling-around-in-my-head-while- life-is-too-busy stage. I’ve started doing some initial research. The theme will be about God’s promises and provisions. I’m centering it around my favorite Bible verse, John 14:27 and the idea of peace. Rogan will have to wrestle with his lack of peace and his challenged trust in God.

There are many great Bible verses out there, but which of these apply to your journey in life?

Hebrews 10:35-39 is significant to me. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised…But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” God is always faithful, and even when we feel like life is too hard or things aren’t working out the way they should, God is in complete control.

Laura, have any closing thoughts, writing tips, or advice to share with us?

I hope writing isn’t a dying art, especially with AI now on the scene. I would encourage anyone with interest in it to be a lifelong learner, use the creative brain you were gifted with, and write! Develop that writing muscle. Not everything will be your favorite piece of work, but it will be a glittering tile in the mosaic you create.

Randomly Fun Questions:

What is your most favorite color and why?

Blue! Not sure why- maybe growing up under a Colorado Rocky Mountain blue sky.

Would you rather go to outer space or the bottom of the ocean?

The bottom of the ocean- except for the fact of being under all that water, ha ha. Under the water is very peaceful and calm, and I love the beauty of the plants and animals. Trent and I are certified scuba divers and enjoyed diving when we were younger.

If you could sit down with any author, who would it be?

That’s a tough one. I like Gary Paulsen’s style of writing. My debut into reading Christian romantic suspense was Dee Henderson with the O’Malley series. Those would probably be my top two picks.

How can my readers best get in contact with you or follow you on social media?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramorganauthor/  https://www.facebook.com/laural.morganauthor/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauralmorganauthor/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laural.morganauthor3709 
Website: https://www.lauralmorganauthor.com/ 
Email: LauraLMorganAuthor@gmail.com

Thank you for stopping by, Laura! 


Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: So Many Daisies

Devotional: Care For Your Animals

Animals are a part of our lives. Whether you have a pet, or you help rescue them, they're a constant friend. One might even walk into your life and into your home. No matter how we come across them, they require our care. Some more than others. If you have a pet in your home, you can attest to how much joy and love they bring into our hearts. I'm no different. I have a cat. His name is Kenji. He's my baby. I may spoil him a bunch, but he's well-looked after. I care for him each day. He gets his breakfast in the mornings, his Temptations treats throughout the day, and some catnip in the evenings. I always look forward to seeing him and spending time with him after work. I make sure we have lots of time together. 💓

Now, God gave us animals, and I'm sure He enjoys them, as well. How could He not? He created them, after all. For us, we were meant to have dominion over them. I'm not talking about control, power, or ruthlessness. We're supposed to watch the earth and its inhabitants - this includes all creatures. And sad to say, I don't think we've done a good job. We've messed things up. Some animals have gone extinct because of overhunting. I can list a couple that have. Not to mention, how the cruel have treated our domesticated animals. They're all meant to be protected. God gave us this duty. Remember, He made them. How could we not want to take care of His creation? We've got to do better for them - for Him.

If you have the power, you can help animals in need. There's so many ways we can get involved to make a difference. Volunteer at an animal shelter, donate money, purchase much-needed food, and volunteer to help spay/neuter cats. You can also train dogs, clean out horse stalls, and get the word out there. Don't forget to care for your own animals, too. I spend time with my cat each day, playing and giving him treats. I do it because I love spending time with him, and also because he enjoys it. He looks forward to this time together. Of course, we always have night-time cuddles, too. Contrary to what people believe, cats do like to interact. So, don't forget to spend time with them. They'll like it, and you'll treasure the memories made. Animals are a crucial part of our lives! 🐱

God loves His animals, but He gave us the job to look after them. It's our duty. It says in scripture that God knows when a sparrow falls. He knows when one of His creations dies or is hurt. But He gave us the responsibility to look after them. It's an important job. We can't take it lightly. I wish there was more protection out there for life. Surely, we could come together. But often than not, this doesn't happen. If only. If only we could actually watch over this world and its inhabitants. The interesting thing is it wasn't supposed to be this way. We were all meant to coexist, and someday we will with His creation. I look forward to this. In fact, I can't wait. There will finally be peace, love, and protection over all living things. Someday. It will happen, but until then, we care for His creation - our animals.

Care for your animals. Care for His world.

"A righteous person has regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel." - Proverbs 12:10 NASB

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Memorial Day: Freedom Poem

Freedom
by Grace Thorson

Freedom is a treasure,
That we must protect,
From haters of freedom,
Who don't understand its measure.

Freedom is always just,
That we must treat everyone equal,
Otherwise, we would lose freedom,
And crumble into dust.

Freedom is a gift,
That we must use truthfully,
If it's not, then we will be dealt with severely,
Because, otherwise, judgment is often swift.

Today, I pray that we remember the soldiers that gave their lives for our freedom. Because of that, we must protect freedom. It's a precious gift bought by many. And if we don't use it truthfully, we must be careful. It's not a thing to throw away or use with recklessness. May we always treasure our freedom. And let's also extend it to those who need it. Ultimately, thank you to the soldiers that gave everything. You're true heroes and forever will be.

Poem is from my book, Butterfly Wings. You can find it at andbookstooonline.com or on Amazon in both paperback and kindle. Thank you and may everyone remember. 💓

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Restaurant Spotlights: Koi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi

I first tried Koi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi last year with my Mom. It was for Mother's Day. We both really enjoyed the food. I got the Yaki Soba with beef. (we also got the Gyoza - which is my favorite appetizer). Since that first meal, I've been wanting to go back. So, I recently set up lunch with my friend Cheryl. She hadn't tried their food yet, but she was excited about it. And I just couldn't wait to eat there again. I already knew what I was getting. It was the same thing as last year - the Yaki Soba with beef. Just so good! 💓

On that day, I got there first and secured a booth. I was super hungry, and I couldn't wait for food. I knew that my friend was coming soon, so I ordered an appetizer - which was the Gyoza. My friend arrived soon after. We both shared the Gyoza. After that, we ordered our meals. She got the fried shrimp Tempura, and I got my Yaki Soba with beef. We didn't have to wait long as the food came quickly. I gobbled up my food, or rather ate half of it, since there was a lot. I knew I'd have it later for dinner. My friend liked hers and was pleased!

We saved what was left of our meals and put them in some to-go-boxes. My friend, Cheryl, is a great encourager and friend. She followed my blog on here as well as on my Facebook page. I hope we can eat at some more restaurants as I review them for my blog. 💙 After spotlighting Koi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, I definitely recommend trying their food. I plan on going back and getting their Udon. I'll make sure to write about my next experience there. When you try out their food, be sure to try their Gyoza and Yaki Soba (Oh, and the Mochi ice-cream, too!). To be honest, I'm sure I'll be back soon! It's my new favorite place!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Book Spotlights: A Poem From Butterfly Wings

Today, I thought I'd share a poem from my book. Butterfly Wings is a personal collection of 30 poems and devotions. It's my first book. At this moment, I had an idea to offer a poem to my readers on this blog. I hope you enjoy the poem! There's 29 more within the book. All different themes to them. The book itself is a project born out of sorrow and joy. I felt like I needed to write it for anyone that needed hope. And I really enjoyed putting it together. 💙 This is kind of a secret, but I may write a second one. I'm going to pray about it first!

No Fear

I used to live in fear,
Would often shed a tear,
But no more this year.

No fear, I have rest,
Not from me, only the best,
From Heaven - this is a test.

No fear, He has me,
I already know, can see,
That I just have to be.

No fear, I'm loved,
But it's from high above,
Didnt' have to force it - shoved.

Finally, the quiet is here,
No more fear, not even a tear,
Peace - see, breathe, and hear.

I'm done, it's all over,
Clean from this; perfectly sober,
From the pain - no more, Grace

If you'd like to read the rest of my book, you can find it at the bookstore ...And Books, Too! It's also available on Amazon in paperback and kindle. Plus, if you'd like to learn more, you can visit my pages for my book and my ministry. Thank you! Really appreciate your support.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson