I realized it–again–this morning, while chatting with the Big Guy. I say “again” because, while the awareness is always there, it is often submerged in the fuss and flurry of everyday life. To paraphrase Albert Camus (since the exact wording of the quote escapes me at the moment), in the midst of darkness, I learned that there is in me an infinite summer.
Deep down, the still, small voice speaks. What does it say? All is well.
And I believe that’s true, whatever events may be unfolding up here on the surface of thought. We are faulty, limited creatures, methinks, mostly blind and mostly deaf to God’s amazing reality. Listen closely–there is a symphony in the warmest breeze and, although the storm may reverberate with brass, it’s still part of the music, isn’t it? It’s the crescendo, the big finish.
Invariably, I find that it’s the simple things that enable me to carry on when the trail gets bumpy: a prayer, nothing fancy or formal, but from the heart– a pet to snuggle with, birds singing and peonies popping and kind friends (like all of you). Writing stories and doing art–it’s all joy. To me, joy is a state of Grace–and it thrives in the very midst of sorrows, be they large or small. Joy is the tremor of pure delight that ran through my little great nephew, at his birthday party, when he realized that there were more goodies in the pinata. All those candies and tiny toys had rained down onto his grandparents’ patio, and yet there was more! The sweet shock of that discovery was visible and, as joy will, it instantly spread to all the rest of us. Joy is the knowledge that, beneath the deepest snow, seeds are stirring, and bulbs are readying themselves for a glorious and vibrant resurrection, come spring–just as hope stirs within all of us, if we’re willing to notice.
Today is my birthday, so for all my good intentions, I probably won’t get much writing done. 
Since it’s also my editor’s birthday (have a happy one, Paula), I might just get by with goofing off a little.
Just this once.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
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HAPPIEST of Birthday Wishes to you Linda – JOY is in all things that God has created!!
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Happy Birthday, Linda and Paula! Have agreat one!
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Many happy returns. Take the day off you deserve it.
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Happy Birthday to both of you, Linda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I pray you have a Happy, Blessed day…all day long and into the night. It ain’t over till it’s over.
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Happy Birthday to you both
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HAVE A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
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Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day!
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Thank you Linda for your uplifting message! I have been going thru a very trying period of financial difficulties. It seems like it all has happened at once! Reading your words reminded me to pray without ceasing, and to try to put my faith and trust in God!
Happy Birthday!!!!
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Linda. Have a joyful birthday!
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Have a great birthday and be good to yourself (and your editor if they are not mutually exclusive).
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Have a wonderful, happy, healthy birthday!!
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Happy, Happy Birthday, Linda!!!
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Wishing you the happiest of birthdays Linda, even in the midst of all your recent sorrows. May God’s Grace always be with you.
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Happy birthday!
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Happy birthday!!! Just had one myself on the 4th and hope your day is as joyful as mine was! Lots of b-day wishes phone calls. Made me feel special and I really wish the same for you. Having just lost a family member and have lost some of my 4 legged family, I certainly feel your pain and sorrow. Prayers for your family and God Bless.
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I’ll share a quote I received this morning “Start each day with a grateful heart”. From reading your post you certainly did. Wishing you a very happy birthday Linda! Enjoy your day with your family and friends.
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Happy birthday, Linda! You bring so much joy into our lives. Thank you.
Billiesue
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Happy Happy Birthday !!!! You bring us joy with your books. Enjoy the day and have some fun !!!!
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Happy Birthday Linda, have a wonderful dat
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Wishing a happy birthday and many blessings in the coming year.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINDA …. PLEASE DO GOOF OFF! WE INSIST!
CHEERS TO YOU!!!!!
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Aww the part in your post about your nephew’s joy made me tear up. So true! I remember that Camus quote making an impression on me in HS. Thanks for the reminder. Will have to look it up again.
Happy Birthday Linda! And many more! XO TY for writing stories that are like my “Calgon take me away”. You brighten my days, and many peoples days, and always will.
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Happy Birthday. Enjoy your day.
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Linda,
Happy Birthday to you! What a terrific day for you to celebrate your life!
I apologize for not commenting lately. I’ve been busy trying to get ready to start a new endeavor in my life tomorrow, Wednesday. I have been offered a J-O-B! Wasn’t sure I wanted to go back working for “the man,” but I’m guessing it’s time to contribute financially towards my retirement again. I’ve had several years off and tried to get my own “thing” started but failed miserably. Learned a lot, but that doesn’t put any moo-laa into our bank account and my hubby really isn’t feeling too warm and fuzzy about my “learning experiences!”
I want to thank you for the gift I received a week ago! I’m feel so fortunate to have a signed copy of “The Marriage Pact!” I read everything on my nook, so I can keep this copy nice and new on my bookshelf. I have read every one of your books to date and have loved each and every one of them. I can’t say that about any other author out there. I’ve started reading a trilogy by Meredith Wild, The Hacker Series. It’s ok but it’s not about a really sexy cowboy! bummer!
Again, thank you so much for the generous gift and keep writing!
Laurie
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Happy birthday Linda and Paula. Having. A great one and enjoy it. It’s a special day. God bless everyone.
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Your words are so meaningful today. I sincerely hope that my storm going on right now is near the big finish. Not quite ready to call it a symphony with a crescendo. :-} God is control and his will is best for sure.
Hope you have a wonderful birthday and pamper yourself.
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Thank you for such a uplifting message today Linda I needed that. Hope you and Paula have a Happy Birthday, y’all just need to go and goof off today. I hope the little one is still getting stronger everyday!!
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Happy Birthday! Spend your day your way.
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Many Happy Birthday wishes coming your way. Hope it is the start of a wonderful year for you. Much love to you today, and every day Linda.
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Happy Birthday! Enjoy a day off! You deserve it.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Everyone is entitled to a goof-off day,may you enjoy yours.
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Happy Birthday and many more!
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Enjoy your day! It is like you to find some hope in a quote from Camus, the author of “La Peste”, “La Chute,and some other existential writings that in the end show man as finding the light at the end of the tunnel. Hane a wonderful bday! Cheryl. Ps. I loved “The Marriage Pact”
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Have a joyful birthday, Linda! Blessings.
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Have a very happy birthday. birthdays are meant to be treated as a special day, so go out and do something fun! Be spontaneous, go see a movie, have dinner with friends
, and just enjoy the day
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HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And here’s to many more!
Hugs!!
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Happy Birthday Linda have a great one
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You are an inspiration to all of us! Enjoy your birthday. We all wish you many more.
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I love how God works in a multiplicity of ways. Your blog spoke clear to my heart from God and I’m sure others were touched by it as well. It is well with my soul…..glad it’s well with yours too. I truly hope we hear more on the Creeds and McKettricks in the future. These families are dear to us readers and I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting more. Perhaps there are other families though that are yet to be dreamed up and stories woven. Perhaps there’ll be movies or tv series on them or others. I so love to read and plan my days and holidays around it as it’s a highlight for me and not just fiction either. Praying for your very sick young friend and for you as you give voice to so much we all hold dear, old-fashioned, good-sense values. Birthday blessings! Lizzy
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Happy Birthday!!!! Linda. Here is to good health for you always.
Blessings,
~Laska
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Happy Birthday Linda!!! Enjoy your day
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Happy birthday Linda. I just finished The Marriage pact yesterday. I enjoyed it very much and put my reviews on Amazon B&N and Goodread last night.
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Happy happy birthday Linda!!! Hope you have a Great and blessed one!! I certainly enjoy your words of wisdom!
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Happy Birthday, Linda !!! I hope you have a Blessed day filled with love and happiness !!
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You are so right joy is under it all! Ps 31:5b states “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
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Have a Very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Hope you have a good day. GOD bless
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Happy Birthday Linda! I hope you have a blessed day and thank you for your lovely words. They were uplifting to me.
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Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I hope it is a joyous day for you!
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Happy Birthday! and good wishes to you.
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Linda, my family and I have experienced very difficult times the past three months and I can so relate. I have missed many of your posts recently due to all that has been going on. I have returned to see you doing much as I am — on one hand emotionally exhausted and looking for the good and happy on the other. I wish both you and Paula a wonderful birthday. And I send you a big hug . . .
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Happy Birthday today and happiness everyday!
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Happy Birthday Linda!!! Aren’t we happy to be able to celebrate in any small way.
I’m sorry for your recent losses but I believe you are at peace with all. We learn to continue on.
Keep up the good work. Love reading you posts as well as your books. Always look forward to new ones coming out.
Thank you and enjoy your birthday and many, many more.
BJ
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Happy Birthday Linda and Paula! You deserve a day off.
Enjoy with friends and family.
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Have a great Birthday.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA! MANY HAPPY BLESSINGS!
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Happy birthday Linda. May you have many many more blessed ones.
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Happy Birthday Linda. I think you got the one I was supposed to have. I couldn’t wait for June I came in May instead.
Hope you have a GREAT YEAR no matter what number it is.
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While I wish you the happiest of birthdays your parents couldn’t have picked a better day. Today is my 47th wedding anniversary.
So BIG HAPPYS to both of us. Wishing you so many more
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Happy Birthday. Enjoy your day and continue to discover something new.
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Happy Birthday to both of you!! Tomorrow is a new day, a new sunrise and another day to write. Enjoy today – none of us know how many there are left for us. God bless!
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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
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Happy Birthday to you! I hope you have a great day.
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Happy Happy Birthday to you Linda! Happy Birthday to Paula as well! Hope you enjoy your day to your liking!
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Happy Birthday Sis. You are truly a blessing.
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A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Linda and Paula, have a wonderful one. I hope it brings you lots of Joy! Sometimes it doesn’t take that much for the JOY!
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Happy Birthday, dear person. Thanks for sharing your innermost thoughts and spiritual tidbits with us. It’s a beautiful day!
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Happy Birthday May your Day be filled with only good things
Cathy
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Hi Linda, hope you have a great birthday. Best wishes for many more happy ones.
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Proud of your attitude,Linda. And the way you turn a phrase,you would think that you were a writer.
STAY STRONG.
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Happy Birthday! Hope it is overflowing with JOY!!!!!
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So inspiring. Go for it girlfriend….you deserve a little goofing off time.
Evelyn
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The very, happiest of birthdays to YOU, Linda! And may the best of everything in this great universe of ours come your way always.
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Happy Birthday and many more blessings to follow! Hope you have a wonderful day!
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Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Linda, Happy Birthday to you, and many more. That is me singing that to you. I wish i could. Hope you had a wonderful day. God’s blessings on your special day and always.
Joy is what you do that you enjoy doing. Your writing is what you enjoy doing because you can tell it in your books because you are such a great author. You also enjoy your animals because you make them a part of your family. Also Happy Birthday Paula.
Blessings to all. Pray that everyone is okay.
As always your friend,
Norma
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Yes we find God in all places. You don’t need to be in a church to have a talk with him. I learned that with the song by Stevie Wonder called Have a Talk With God on the album Songs in The Key of Life. It is the simple things in life that you give thanks for.
Enjoy your birthday!! Have a special meal with family & friends. Have some cake & ice cream.
Do not worry about writing.
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My birthday is this month too. It is the best month for birthdays.
I am glad you found some joy.
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Enjoy the celebration of your birth with friends and family. Look forward to the year ahead with all that Our Lord gives you. Have a Great Birthday!
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Hapy, Happy Birthday!
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Happy Birthday Linda.
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Happy Birthday Linda.
From Linda
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Happy Birthday, Linda and many more! Today is my mom’s 90th Birthday as well! Enjoy the day!
Bridget
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Have a great birthday. If there is one day we should be able to goof off it is our birthday.
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Have a very Happy and blessed birthday, Linda. I just finished
The Marriage Pact and really liked the ending. Sure do miss
the Mckettricks and Creeds, tho. Thanks for the powerful
message in your blog today. MEW
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Happy Birthday! My the sun always be shining on you
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Happy, Happy, Birthday. Hope it was great and full of joy!
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Happy, happy birthday, Linda! So much is happening around and within, I love it that you see the sun (moon and stars) through it all. Happy birthday! Happy year ahead!
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Happy Happy Birthday, Linda! June 10th is our 25th Wedding Anniversary! My birthday was June 4th, my 50th! Us Gemini must stick together. My dear friend Jeanne`, who died last year from breast cancer had a saying “Don’t Postpone Joy!” I agree and I am trying to practice this! God Bless!
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Happy Birthday. Hope your day was special and you have many more.
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Happy Birthday.. Enjoy your Day !1
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Happy Birthday!!
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Happy birthday The world is a more interesting place because you were born and followed your destiny to become a writer. I was so moved by your thoughts on joy today. They resonated in my spirit. Thanks so very much. I was a weekly winner last year righ ton the week of my birthday. It made my birthday so special and I thank you again. I will always treasure the book I got.
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Happy Birthday! To all who were blessed with a life on this day.
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Happy Birthday!!
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Happy Birthday Linda… Wishing you all the goofing off your heart desires.
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So glad to see your mood is joyful on this happy day, and that you listened to that still small voice telling you to Celebrate!
Slowing down to listen is a gift in itself.
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Linda , I hope that you had an outstanding Birthday yesterday , & may I say , if the next two books are as good as the Marriage Pact , you have Three More Winners !!! May the Lord Bless & keep you & yours .
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Happy Birthday dear Linda. Keep the cowboys coming!! Just starting on the Marriage Pact, can’t wait, love all your cowboys!!
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With 98 comments to plow through, I doubt that mine will make much impact, but Happy Birthday anyway. I always enjoy your books. If I don’t know what to read next I turn to the tried and true. Thanks!
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Sorry I’m a day late, but I wanted to wish my favorite writer of all times a very Happy Birthday. Sorry for your recent losses. I will be praying for you.
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Happy, happy birthday. Glad you treated yourself to a day off.
I LOVE the music analogies and immediately thought of the references to music in the Psalms. God is with us whether it’s the gentle breeze, the thunder, or taking us to heaven in the whirlwind. Beautiful writing!!
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Linda, You words touched my heart so that I had tears in my eyes. You are such an inspiration to me and, I’m sure, many others. Happy Birthday to a very special lady–and ,I feel, my good friend
Many Happy Returns of the day,
Clare
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Happy Birthday Linda ! Hope you had one fantastic day !!!
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Although tardy in timing, my wish for a joyful year to come for you is no less sincere. Happy Birthday, Linda!
May you find all you need in our awesome creator who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. As one of my beloveds who has graduated to the awards ceremony waiting for all of us at the end of our present journey used to say to me “remember, the sparrow sings not because he’s happy, but because he has a song.” You, Linda, even in times like these touches many of us and adds verses to our chorus…thanks!
Happy Fathers Day to all as well!
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Linda, i hope and pray every thing is okay with you. I pray that you are okay and that there isn’t any thing wrong with you. You are so important to us and we miss you so much. We enjoy your blog a lot and we get a lot of good information from you on your blog. God blessings to you! You are in our prayers, take care of your self.
Happy Fathers Day to all fathers out there.
As always your friend,
Norma
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I was just thinking the same thing, I hope all is well.
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Monday, June 16, 2014
Linda,
I had written a rather lengthy belated birthday wish a few minutes ago; but, I had filled out your form correctly and it wasn’t able to be sent to you. Thus, I unfortunately lost my message to you. However, the gist of it said that I already have “The Marriage Pact” on my IMMEDIATE BOOKS TO GET LIST; but, don’t want to order it until I know how long you anticipate it will be until Volume 2 in the Brides of Bliss County will be released. I don’t want to have read and loved Volume 1 and then come to find it’s going to be until next year sometime until Volume 2 is released. I’ve tried to discover this information on your website; but, have had a hard time finding out if you stated how many Volumes may be in this Series and when they will be released.
Once again, I hope you had a very pleasant and happy birthday and best wishes to you in all your endeavors in the coming future.
Sincerely,
Cindy
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Linda, i sure hope and pray that you are okay. You are loved and missed a lot. Praying for you and blessings to you.
As always your friend,
Norma
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Belated happy birthday sweet Lady. Mine is the 24th, I have found June babies sensitive ans artist, hope you had a good day.
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Happy Belated Birthday Linda, hope your day was filled with many blessings and hope you got to goof off a little.