Restaurant Spotlight: Zany's

I've been to the local restaurant Zany's for many years. We've celebrated birthdays, my baptism, and just had wonderful meetups with others there. Their food is really good, and I think it's improved from when I went in the past. They've even updated their decor, and the outside building. Everything looks nice and clean. It's a relaxed atmosphere, and I like the feeling. It was in my plans to check out Zany's and blog about it, so I went on a day that I had off. It was really rainy day, but that didn't stop me. I even wouldn't let my social anxiety keep me from their food. I was determined to experience it all once more.

After taking pictures of the building outside, I stepped into the waiting area. It was really busy, but I was seated right away. They gave me a nice, corner booth of the restaurant. If you have social anxiety like me, being in the corner is good. I enjoyed my little corner. I listened to the many people chatting and laughing in the room. I sometimes eat alone, and I can't say that I'm used to it. My anxiety doesn't help, but I'm getting better at eating by myself. This was one of those times. I ordered a lemonade, usually my drink of choice. So good! After that, I ordered from their menu. So many great choices, by the way.

Usually when I order from Zany's, I get the Chicken Fried Steak (which is amazing), but I got the Chicken Alfredo this time. It was my first time trying it. I also chose the soup and toast to go along with it. The soup was a tomato bisque, it was so yummy. The waitress appeared with my meal soon after. She was awesome! Service was quick. So, some of my favorite food is pasta. I was eager to eat the alfredo. It's served with diced chicken breast, pasta, mushrooms, and with a garlic cheese sauce. My meal was heavenly! I'll certainly eat that again next time I go back. If you like pasta yourself, I truly suggest trying it. 💓

After finishing my food, I paid/tipped and left the restaurant. My overall visit was just so wonderful, and I'd like to go back again to try more food. The rain was pouring hard when I pulled out of the parking lot of Zany's. I then picked up a huge, iced coffee at the Java Hut while heading home. If you, yourself, ever want to have lunch with me, let me know! We can try Zany's or another restaurant together. Or something! Thanks Zany's for a fun time. I know I'll be there again for my usual, and also for the alfredo again. Keep up the delicious food! I'm a super happy customer. (go try it - good stuff, you won't be disappointed) 😀

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Winter In Dark Tones

Intro: I had gone on a winter walk. With my camera, I snapped various photos of trees and miscellaneous. I mostly took them of the pine trees we have. I've always admired them since my family planted them there many years ago to create our own little forest. 🌲

Quest Ending: I always like doing photos in black and white, and I hope you enjoy them, as well. I didn't get any special photos that day because there wasn't much to find. But I know Spring is coming soon, and with it, more life. And lots of light, too! Can't wait for it all.

Author Interview: Sharon Chase Hoseley

Author Sharon Chase Hoseley, writes and directs children's plays, is a column-writer for the Lewiston Tribune and has authored Jesus, Lord of my Seasons, A Bridge Named Susan, Crossing the Bridge, A Bridge of my Own and Crumbling Bridge. She speaks for women's groups and has written the Bridge Series concerning the important role each of us has in our influence on others as they walk our bridge with us. Sharon lives on the edge of Idaho, writes to relay God's blessings and walks through open doors to bless others.

Author Sharon Chase Hoseley came to my blog for an interview today.


Welcome to my blog, Sharon!

Thanks for having me, Grace

You’ve written a couple of books. What inspired you to write them, Sharon?

My inspiration came from God and other people he’s allowed to walk with me in life.

I’ve written and published five books. My first book, “Jesus, Lord of My Seasons” was a give-away at a week-end conference I was leading.  It’s free verse about hard times that assures Jesus is always there. The circumstances in each came from people I prayed with while I was serving on a prayer team.

The BRIDGE SERIES began with “A Bridge Named Susan.” She was my mother, a great story teller about growing up on a farm in the early part of the 20th century.  I heard them often.  I wrote her tales in “A Bridge Named Susan.” Life was hard. Her mother was disappointed she was a girl. Farms needed boys to help harvest. There was never a show of affection, love or caring. Susan longed for a bridge of love to span from her mother to her. It didn’t happen. Susan vowed she would make sure her children felt a strong, secure bridge of love. That promise would be fulfilled when she gave birth to Sharon (me) after twelve married years of extreme hardship.

It was important for me to tell how she kept that vow. The second book “Crossing the Bridge”, relates how she shared with me, her bridge of love using the advice of a neighbor, who had twelve kids, as her guide. “Love and be kind, Respect and encourage. Give much, expect much.” Life wasn’t perfect but it was secure and happy. Most of all God was at the center of life.

The third book is my jumping on “A Bridge of My Own”. After high school graduation, I walked my bridge to college, found my bridge to be wobbly, insecure, confusing and going nowhere. I made some bad decisions and married a man I hardly knew. 

The bridge saga continues in “Crumbling Bridge” which fell apart no matter how I struggled to repair it and walk it.  Eventually the marriage collapsed. I turned back to my mother’s safe bridge and found she still loved me and invited me to walk on her bridge until I could strengthen my own.  

There are many people in life with whom we travel their life bridge or they walk on ours. Some help build a strong secure place and others tear life apart and leave rubble. Only God can make the kind of bridge we seek. He allows others to influence us, but our ultimate trust must be in Him.

What do you love most about writing?

I, like my mother, thoroughly enjoy being a story teller. It was one of my strong gifts as a Kindergarten teacher. I could hold the kids spellbound. Now I put stories on paper and hope they will have the same effect on readers.

How do you grow as a writer?

I have a wonderful writing group who’ve greatly influenced my voice, style and editing. We are a group who writes many different genre’, but are able to critique and advise each other. I’ve also attended many Christian Writer’s conferences, listed to many speakers, done on-line classes and had some great editors. I try to put all this into practice.

How do you hope your readers feel after reading your books?

My hope for all my books is that the reader will enjoy the stories, see themselves in similar circumstances and understand God is the Great Bridge Builder.

Do you have a new book that you’re working on right now?

Yes, I thought I was finished with the Bridge Series but my son said, “No, Mom. You haven’t told your readers how you got your joy back. You can’t leave them wondering if there’s no hope.” So, I’m 9,000 words into “The Bridge to Joy.” It will be a little different format. I’m taking each person, circumstance and institution as a little book within a book and showing how they helped bring joy back to my life. Of course, it was God using each of these.

What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?

I enjoy all kinds of books if they’re well written and the author has good skills in dropping information for the climax all through the book. I like twists and turns and surprises. My least favorite is romance. They’re too predictable.

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

I have these verses that I’ve claimed in different circumstances: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgement; Isaiah 60:22 I am God. At the right time, I’ll make it happen ; Psalm 18:24 God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes ; Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (I like the Message version)

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

Writing is a gift. I’m excited to use my gift. I’ve been given the opportunity to write for the Lewiston Tribune’s Golden Times. I love how God has wired my brain to look at life a little different. Sometimes the simplest things will turn into a great story. Keep your eyes and ears open for your next inspiration.

Randomly Fun Questions:

What is one unique fact about you that most people don’t know?

My strangest job was analyzing 5 year old through adult’s sleep patterns and helping dry-up bed wetters. It was very rewarding—especially when adults could finally sleep dry or get themselves up at night.

We all seem to have collections of one item or another. Is there anything that you like to collect?

I’ve been blessed to get to travel all over the world. You can’t bring home the big things so I get a refrigerator magnet for each place I go.

Have a favorite dessert you can’t resist eating?

Ice cream – my favorite is banana split.

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

Email: shoseley8@gmail.com
Facebook: Sharon Hoseley
Facebook: Bridge Stories

Thanks for being on my blog, Sharon!


Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Following The Fence

Devotional: Love Your Enemies

Some, or a lot of us have enemies. They're the ones trying to ruin our lives. Or even worse, destroy them. And maybe some of us wish for justice to come swiftly for our enemies. We also might begin to hate them ourselves. Remember, the hate that drove them to hurt you can drive you to hate them back. Are we supposed to hate them, though? No, we're not. We're actually told to love them. And it doesn't matter what they've done, we can't hate.

Jesus is our example of what to do when we're surrounded by our enemies. Do we hurt those with the same hurt they gave us? We'd be like them, and we don't want to do that. Will your enemy stop harassing you if you show them love? I don't know, but all we can do is try. Because of Jesus, we're different from our enemies. We're actually told to love those that persecute us. I know that's hard, but it releases us from their earthly harm.

It's important to know that they can't take that freedom from your spirit. They can't make you hate them. Nothing that they can do will keep you from being loved by Jesus. Watch out, though. Satan may try to use your enemies to hurt or kill you, but he won't win. You may face hardship, but Jesus has you. All we need to do is love. Love everyone we can. Give your love to anyone you come across. It might just change their hearts.

If you're facing a battle today, know that you're not alone. Unfortunately, we're constantly bombarded by hate. In this world, we're told to look down on others. Don't fall into the same trap. And be careful. You don't want to become someone's enemy. Be a peace-giver instead. Love all that come in contact with you. Be like Jesus to those that hate. We can only change the world with our love. Make it a radical point to love your enemies. 

Be radical. Love those that hate you.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those that hate you." - Luke 6:27 NASB

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson

Blog Update: What Would You Like To See More Of?

Winter is still here. January was a surprise, however. It didn't really snow during then. January and February seemed to switch places. It's been bitterly cold here, and it's even supposed to snow some more. While I like Winter, I'm eager for Spring. Once Winter is over, I think everyone will be more settled. I, myself, will find the warmer days easier. And with the change of seasons, I'll be more active in writing. I'd also like to do more photography when I can. I'm just excited for the new changes, and I actually can't wait for them all.

With so many changes coming, I wrote a post especially for that today. What would you like to see more of? Do you like my devotionals and photo quests more than the other posts? What do you prefer? Or what would interest you? I'm ultimately looking to adjust for my readers to see what does and doesn't work. If you have any ideas, be sure to leave your comments on this blog post. The comments will be really helpful in me being able to see what everyone enjoys. I want people to like my posts and find encouragement from them.

As for the blog itself, it'll soon to turn into a website, plus my blog, of course. The pages on here have been updated for the time being. With the Facebook page, I've created images to share there each day. I don't really plan on using any other social media space. At least, for right now. In my writing, I'm working on some poems, and the book, as well. I try to find extra time for all of this - which is something I don't always have. But I want to pursue my writing and maybe, a little photography. We'll see what happens in the next few months.

If you have any other ideas, please let me know. And if you'd like me to spotlight your business, do a book review, or anything else, send me an email at: thewanderingwithgrace@gmail.com

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: A Winter Walk

Intro: It was a cold day, and there was no snow. I went for a short walk to take pictures. I could hear the coyotes yipping somewhere in the canyon. I even found an old nest. And plenty of leaves. So many of them. I had to pick one up. I realized winter was leaving.

Quest Ending: I discovered an Iris trying to grow amidst the fallen leaves. Spring was truly coming. Walked around some more and found the trees inspiring. Took a few more photos. The cold was affecting me, so I stopped my walk and went into my place. It was pleasant.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Guest Writer: Author Carmen Peone - Heart Full of Recipes Cookbook

Guest Writer: Author Carmen Peone
Subject: Heart Full of Recipes Cookbook

Thank you, Grace, for having me on your wonderful blog! It’s always an honor.

A Heart Full of Recipes Cookbook

Last month, the idea sparked—a collaborative cookbook with fellow sweet and Christian contemporary romance authors, a delicious prospect. I knew I'd be pressed for time, but the idea excited me, and I'd seen other authors successfully pull it off. 

I volunteered to gather everyone’s information and organize it in Canva, the popular design tool for creating everything from social media posts and book covers to flyers and presentations—a favorite among writers. 

After a flurry of emails—dozens, maybe even hundreds, okay, not that many, but it felt like it, a plan finally emerged. A testament to the first-time effort. Whew. We were getting somewhere.

Canva was a lifesaver. I used my three pages as a template and saved tons of time. 

Throughout the first three-quarters of January, a steady stream of submissions arrived—book covers, recipes, book quotes, back cover copy, photos, and book links, each adding to the growing collection. At first, the sheer scale of the project felt overwhelming, a wave of anxiety washing over me, but I knew it was something I had to do. 

After talking with God about how I felt, I swear he said, “It’s okay, Carmen. I’ll work out the timeline. Trust me.” Trust him. Sure thing. Yeah, I can do that. And just like that, a wave of tranquility washed over me, calming my racing thoughts and soothing my anxieties. Whew.

As the information trickled in, I started to gather everyone's details, each piece adding to the yummy puzzle. Creating the cookbook filled me with a quiet joy. We proofed, corrected, and proofed again.

Finally, the cookbook was completed, its pages filled with delicious recipes and beautiful photographs. 

I’m so happy I tackled this project, blending our characters together with a recipe and a book.

Want to know more?

A Holiday Cookbook by Sweet and Christian Romance Authors

Do you ever love characters so much that you don’t want to say goodbye?

Authors do too!

After months of getting to know our heroines and heroes, their likes and dislikes, their habits and dreams, fears and successes, it’s safe to say, we want more. This cookbook is a way we, sweet and Christian authors, can share our characters with you once again.

We each chose a character from one of our books and shared one of their favorite dishes.

We hope this gives you fun new ideas for a special meal, including dessert, for a loved one. 

How would you like a copy?

I’m offering a free download of the novella for a signup to my newsletter.

Don’t miss out!

https://bookhip.com/BXMGTSV

And just in time for Valentine's Day, the month of love, whether it be a significant other, a parent, a child, a grandchild, or a friend.

I hope you enjoy your gift!

Blessings, 

Carmen

Guest Writer: Author Carmen Peone

About the Guest Writer: Carmen Peone is an award-winning author. She has won the Willa Literary Award, a Will Rogers Medallion Award, and the LAURA Short Fiction Award. When she isn't writing, she can be found on her horse, on the water, or in the woods shooting nature photos for her daily haiku poems. You can find all of her books on Amazon, her website here, or at ...And Books, Too! (andbookstooonline.com)

Her Books:

Connect with Carmen:

Website and Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Thank you for being our guest writer today, Carmen, and for sharing this novella with my readers. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! 💓

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Still Holding On

Devotional: We Will Continue To Grow

As Christians, we can face harsh persecution from the devil and anyone that considers us as enemies. And of course, the hardships of this world cause strain, as well. Nothing in this life is easy. In fact, no one is given immunity. Not one of us are invincible. But do you know who is? God. When life is deafening, we can depend on Him. Collectively, as one in the faith with other believers, we only grow stronger. Nothing can stop His love from growing. 

I gain great encouragement from knowing that God has complete control. He's been here since the beginning of time (and even before). He can do anything, and He won't let His people be defeated. As one, we can never stop. We won't give in to the enemy. The devil can try all he can, but it won't work. Sure, he'll cause havoc, but he's not God. As much as he wants to be, he'll never take over. Christians will only grow, with nothing to stop them.

We're all warriors here. In this battle, all we have to do is love Him, and protect ourselves with His Word. He'll take care of the rest. With His love, we can all grow like an Iris, not even letting the cold destroy us. His warmth is all we need. The devil may try to cause us to wilt. But God is and always will be with us. And as one, we're sure to spread His love to everyone. Our growth cannot be stopped. And even throughout all of time, we're still here.

We remain, and we'll keep going. The world may harm us at times, but we're strong in the Lord. We'll win any battle forged against us. Take this as hope, my friend. God won't let His people be destroyed. In fact, we'll most likely only grow stronger. Together we can make a difference. We can win the war, but we can't do it alone. We need each other. Only then can we win the war against our enemies. And the devil won't ever win. He can't stop us.

We will continue to grow.

"The righteous person will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courtyards of our God" - Psalm 92:12-13 NASB

Do you need prayer? Send me an email at: thewanderingwithgrace@gmail.com

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Blog Update: Exciting Stuff Ahead

There are changes to the blog. Two new pages to discover. One of them is what I'm currently reading, and the other is My Ministry. I haven't updated the My Ministry one yet, but it should be done sometime this week. I also have an email address specifically for my blog. You can send me an email on the Contact Me page, so that's easier. Because of that, I got rid of the contact me form on the right sidebar of this page. I also plan to change my blog URL address next month. I can't wait to turn it into a website and not just a blog. 

Another thing I took down was the daily Bible verse originally on the right sidebar. It's now on my Facebook page here. I'll post daily Bible verses on the Facebook page instead. The Book of the Week will remain and be updated weekly. Besides those two things, I'm also going to make minor changes to the other pages on this blog. If you can think of a page that I should have, let me know! I'd love to hear it. So, yeah, and because I have a specific email address now, you can email me private prayer requests. You can email me here.

For the Facebook page, there's daily Bible verses and also quotes. The quotes will be daily, as well. They used to be every other day. Just so many exciting things ahead. I'll be getting back to some more fun with my posts, as well. I plan on trying a few restaurants and other cool places. In general, I'm hoping that this spring will be a good one as I keep going with my writing and photography. Last year was incredibly hard, so my hopes for this one are tentative. And I'm taking it one day at a time. Because that's all I can do sometimes.

If you have any ideas for pages, blog posts, or anything else, let me know. I'd love to hear them. And if you're an author or business owner, send me an email here for inquiries. My focus for this blog, soon to be website, is to bring hope, comfort, and joy to my readers (and fellow wanderers). I still struggle myself, and I know what it's like. I pray all these changes will bless my friends, family, and strangers. Thank you for following my blog/Facebook, and for your comments, I greatly appreciate them.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson