Photo Quests: Busy Bees

Intro: I stepped into the summer air to take photos. I wasn't sure what to exactly expect. I mean, flowers for sure, but not bees, especially not a bumble bee. But I came across one - which I was excited about. I watched it work among the cone flowers. A busy bee!

Quest Ending: I discovered some honeybees, as well. All of them hard at work. I loved seeing them flit from flower to flower. While summer isn't my favorite, I do enjoy the little moments like these. They make the heat more bearable. Thank you so much, bees!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Book Spotlights: Arrow

Synopsis: Arrow

It was late in the day when the exploratory team headed by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stumbled upon the native village of Yaxtoin, along what is now called the Clearwater River, on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. The explorers announced their arrival in dramatic fashion, wrecking one of their canoes in the rapids just below the village. Aided by a nearby native resident, they dragged their wet belongings onto dry land and set up camp. The date was October 8, 1805, and place now called Arrow had just been discovered. The expedition enjoyed the hospitality of the villagers that night and stayed until October 10, when their provisions were dry enough for travel. On their return trip in 1806, they presented a Jefferson Peace Medal to Chief Cut-Nose of Yaxtoin. In 1898, railroad construction crews would find this medal, wrapped in buffalo hide, in an indigenous grave at Arrow. With the opening of the Nez Perce Reservation to outside settlement, Yaxtoin became the bustling railroad crossroad of Arrow Junction, Idaho. At one time it boasted a steamboat dock, church, school, and store. It was upon this incidental stage that a community of shared cultures lived, loved, suffered, and rose above its own human drama. Longtime Arrow resident and author Pam Thorson has spent nearly three decades researching the rich history of this community. In this, the first of two volumes, she presents her discoveries.

You can find this book in kindle and paperback on Amazon and at ...And Books, Too!

About: Pam Thorson

Pam Thorson is a nurse, full-time caregiver, speaker, and author of four books: Song in the Night; Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver; Arrow: the History and People of an Idaho Community, and Blood Falls. She is a regular contributor for the Christian music website CMADDICT.com. Pam lives in the Northwest with her family. You can also find her on Facebook and her website bloodfalls.net. 

*Grace Thorson* Some of my local photography is included in this book.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Intricate Creations

Devotional: Avoiding Sin

Avoiding sin. It's what we all have to do. I've found myself trying to avoid it. Recently, I came to the realization that I needed to change. That doesn't mean I don't feel guilty when I sin, I do. It eats me up inside. But I sin again. Do the same thing, feel guilty. It came to the point where I was done. With God's help, I was going to change. I didn't like feeling controlled by whatever sin I was encountering. It made me feel awful, and I hated it. I knew that any sin that came into my life, had to be avoided. But I couldn't do it alone.

With God by my side, I've made some massive decisions. I was determined that I wasn't going to give into whatever temptation this world had to offer. It didn't matter what it was, even if it was small, I've tried to cut back. I've made some good decisions recently, too, which I've been so proud of. I know that God forgives us of our sins, and I love Him. I don't want to hurt Him, so I'm trying to be better. I know that I can be, so I'm not going to give up. I'm going to fight any temptation that comes my way. And I know I can do it.

Like the verse says, I'm going to watch my heart. I have to protect it from myself, the world, and the enemy. Because I want good things to flow from my heart. I want to be able to reach people. I don't want to show them bad ways and bad thoughts. I should be careful how I live. People are watching. Ultimately, I want to give some encouragement and hope to those that are also struggling with sin. It can happen. You can break those chains. But only with God's help. I certainly can't do it without Him. He's always there for me.

Like me, if you want to avoid sin, I would pray and read your Bible. Memorize scripture that'll help with the temptations you're facing in life. You can stop. You can be better. I've recently given up on some of my own problems and life has been easier. It's also freeing. There's nothing like it. Now, this doesn't mean, of course, that we'll never sin again. But we can fight back. We can do something. You can avoid sin. It's possible. Just stay close to God, and don't give up. Lastly, watch your heart. I know you and I can do it.

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." - Proverbs 4:23 NASB

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Business Spotlights: Hobby Lobby

It was July 4th. I went shopping with my Mom that day. Since it was a new place, we decided on Hobby Lobby. I had heard good things about Hobby Lobby, and so, we both went to check it out. Going in, I was especially eager for their Autumn decorations. I know. I know it was still summer. But when summer comes each year in my life, all I can think about it Autumn. And of course, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's just my favorite time of the year. Anyways, we made our way in and walked down the aisles. So many things to look at! I was overwhelmed with excitement. Mom felt the same way.

Walking through, I noticed that the store was huge. It made me a little nostalgic because JCPenney used to be there in that same place. I used to do a lot of my shopping at the old JCPenney. It was my go-to place for clothes. Now, it's Hobby Lobby. While I miss JCPenney, I was and am happy to have Hobby Lobby. Hopefully, it'll bring more business to the mall where I live. Because there just isn't much left. I don't know if other malls are suffering the same way, but they used to be the place to visit when I was young. When most of the shops left the mall, I rarely stopped by. With Hobby Lobby here, I'll be more frequent. 💓

While looking around, I noticed there were Bibles and Christian books. I know that the owners of the Hobby Lobby chain are supposedly Christians. I think that's so awesome, especially to see that they had books and Bibles. This was comforting to see! And they had so many other products to look through. I walked with my Mom through the aisles. We found so much! I picked out a glass with a lid and straw - which was pink (one of my favorite colors is pink). I also grabbed a popcorn bucket, because my most-loved night-time snack is popcorn! We were both pretty satisfied as we plopped items into our cart.

I found some nice home-decor items for my place, too. I got a mat that has a bird design on it. A bird picture to hang on my wall in the living room. A lovely art piece for my cherry blossom bedroom. I got a few more things, as well. My Mom did, too. She found some items perfect for her. After a while, I kind of wandered on my own. I was eager to check out the Autumn stuff, since I knew they had it out. Indeed, when I found that section, I was in a wonderful mood. I picked out two candles and a few more things ready for the end of August (that's when I decorate). My Mom joined me. We were done shopping.

We left Hobby Lobby feeling good. Our first impression was that it's fun and a great store to find useful things for the home. I plan on shopping there a lot, especially for holiday stuff. I can see myself loading up the cart with Autumn, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations. To be honest, I can't wait to go back. I'm already planning in my head when that will be.

So, yeah, I hope you enjoyed our first visit to Hobby Lobby. I was elated to be able to have some shopping time with my Mom. I'm sure we'll go together often to Hobby Lobby. It was the first of many trips to the store, I'm sure. And go, yourself, if you have the chance!

Thank you, and don't forget to follow this blog and on my Facebook page here.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Discovering The Moon

Intro: I woke up at 5 am. I looked out a window and saw the moon was still awake. I grabbed my camera, and I took photos of the moon as it began to hide behind the hill. I was excited even though I didn't know how they'd turn out as my past ones weren't good. 

Quest Ending: The photos didn't turn out how I'd like, but I thought they were okay. I'm sure that someday I will get some awesome photos of the moon. I just don't know when or how, even when the moon seems to escape me every time. But I'll see you again, moon!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Book Spotlights: Out from the Shadows

Synopsis: Out from the Shadows

"I heartily recommend this book for anyone and everyone who deals with disability in the family!" - Joni Eareckson Tada (Joni and Friends International Disability Center) 

This collection of thirty-one devotions by nurse and veteran caregiver Pam Thorson draws from the author's own experiences to pull back the veil on the unique joys and challenges of caregiving. Each devotion reveals a fresh look at Jesus' call upon our lives as we care for others.

You can find this book on Amazon in paperback.

About: Pam Thorson

Pam Thorson is a nurse, full-time caregiver, speaker, and author of four books: Song in the Night; Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver; Arrow: the History and People of an Idaho Community, and Blood Falls. She is a regular contributor for the Christian music website CMADDICT.com. Pam lives in the Northwest with her family. You can also find her on Facebook and her website bloodfalls.net. 

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Stories Among Roses

Devotional: The Power of Prayer

Prayer is more powerful than we think. In the spiritual realm, it's how we communicate with God. And not only is it essential for connection, but also for our closeness to the Heavenly Father. I see it as talking with someone I love, but with true reverence. We often, ourselves, see it as a way to ask God something. There is nothing wrong with asking, but I believe it has to be more than that. I like to talk to God, but I don't always listen. I try, but my mind is always going. I'm practicing to still my thoughts and my heart for His voice.

When I was a young girl, I prayed often. I prayed every night. God answered a few of my prayers. I had wanted a horse, so I prayed for a black one. A friend of ours that had horses asked me and my parents if I wanted a free horse. And he was black! I couldn't believe it. It was truly a gift. Another prayer was answered when I was much younger. An outside cat of ours went missing one day. I prayed for that cat often to come back, and he did two years later. These prayers being answered strengthened my faith. I would pray little prayers for something that I had lost, I would find it and thank Him. I thanked Him for everything.

Because I've seen the power of prayer, I believe God can create a gift or a miracle in anyone's life. He also answers a lot of our smaller prayers, as well. If we're full of humility, patience, and love, He can do anything. Prayer is powerful. Don't underestimate what God can do through your prayers. I remember praying for a dear friend and relative of mine to become a Christian. I prayed each night. My Mom purchased a Bible for her. I gave it to my friend. She was elated! I found out later that she had given her heart to Christ. God can answer any prayer with a yes. Now, sometimes He doesn't. It's hard to accept that.

I've seen some prayers not answered with a yes, and it's been heartbreaking. I had to give up some dreams. But I understood. God knew better. I know He always does. I just have to trust Him. But that doesn't mean I should give up praying. Keep praying. You never know what'll happen. For myself, talking to God has been one of my favorite things in this life. And I'm so thankful that He gave us a way to connect our spirits with Him. Remember, our prayers are a special gift. A gift that can bless us and others. God can answer any prayer, too. Don't ever think your prayer is unimportant or too big. Just keep praying. 💓

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

A Day In My Life: Celebrating Fourth of July

I woke up early but then went back to sleep. I got up at around 9:00. I chose to take the morning slow and enjoy the day. The weather was cloudy and sunny. We were expecting it to rain at some point that day, but it never did. It's pretty dry here, so rain is a blessing. I'm glad it was cooler that day, though. I didn't do much in the morning, but I did get cleaned up. Around noon, I helped my family. After that, I was really excited for the afternoon. I discovered that Hobby Lobby was open. My Mom and I had planned to go at some point. I was especially eager because I had never been to a Hobby Lobby. I had only heard things about it. Plus, it was a new store in town! In the early afternoon, we headed out to see it.

   

We arrived in the parking lot and walked into the mall. I won't write about our experience there, because I'm saving it for a post next Monday. So, if you want to read about it, come back on Monday! Once we were done shopping, we got into my car. I had to have a coffee, so we drove through Java Stop, which I keep calling it Java Hut for some reason. I drove through and got a 32oz Iced White Chocolate Mocha. It's actually my favorite coffee in the valley where I live. I sipped on my delightful drink, and we headed home. Once there, we started preparations for dinner. I also stepped outside to admire the flowers. I took a few photos of the cone flowers - they're so pretty! The bees were out and about, too. I then followed Dad to the grill. There, I visited with them while he grilled. Food looked good!

The food was finished cooking! I fed my brother dinner and then ate mine. My brother had a steak, and I had two pork chops with huckleberry bbq sauce that I had purchased from the bookstore at ...And Books, Too! It was amazing! I highly recommend getting some for yourself. After dinner, I joined my parents out on the deck and ate watermelon. It was the perfect way to end dinner. Once we were all done, my Dad and I lit some sparklers I had purchased from a place selling fireworks. We didn't want to do any other fireworks this year, because of the dryness. However, sometimes we just do fountains, because they don't leave the ground. I'm kind of glad we didn't do it this year, though. Satisfied. We were all pretty tired. Reflecting back on it, the Fourth of July this year was quiet and pleasant. We had a nice little party together with just my family. So thankful for what we have! 💓

I've learned over the years, that the simplest is the best. I don't enjoy being in large crowds or around loud noises. Fireworks are fun but can be too much. I'm glad we did something different that day, too, in going to Hobby Lobby. Maybe we'll make it a new tradition as my Mom and I love shopping. What did you do for Fourth of July this year? I hope it was nice and memorable. I honestly got the idea to do a day in my life for Fourth of July this year. I thought it would be fun and make for some interesting content. I know that a lot of people seem to like reading or watching what someone does in a day. I actually really enjoy this kind of content. And I want to make mine good, so that you're able to come on a journey with me. It might not be super adventurous, but I like sharing my life with you, friends. 💙

Let me know what you think! 😀

But I digress. After watermelon, I got back to my place. At Hobby Lobby, I had checked out their cat section. They didn't have much, but I did find a tunnel for Kenji - my cat. I didn't know if he'd like it since he's picky with toys. I set it up in my living room and allowed him to explore it. He stepped into it. He was curious. That was a good sign. I've found him in the tunnel for a bit, but he hasn't used it a lot. I think he'd like it better if I grabbed a toy and played with him on or in the tunnel. A while passed, and I went to bed for the night. It was a good day. I got to spend time with family. We made some memories together. If you'd like to see more posts like this, let me know in a comment. It was awesome to take you all on this journey, my fellow wanderers. If you'd like to see more, I'll most likely do more! 💖

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson