Welcome!

Happy 2023!

There’s something wonderful about a new year. It ushers in new hope, new resolutions, new diets! We face this year with added hope that we can move on physically. No more COVID. Dare we even hope? In January 2020, my mom said, “I have a good feeling about this year.” Little did she know what was just around the corner, or that she would lose much of her independence because of dementia.

We never know what a year will bring, but we can know one thing: Our God is always, only good. That sounds like a good book title! It is, and if you haven’t read Shelly Hamilton’s book, “Always, Only Good,” it would be a great start to this year!

What’s new for me? I’m not sure, but I do hope to become more regular with my podcasts. If you haven’t listened in or subscribed, check it out: Beyond Common Sense podcast. Many of these recordings are NOT posts from this blog site, so drop on by. (and I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask for a LIKE. 🙂 )

(And for you who have joined my emailing list but haven’t gotten any emails, that would be my fault. Perhaps effort number three will be successful sometime in the future, but as of now, I just can’t seem to get that venue up and running! Sorry!)

Did you choose a Bible verse yet for this year? Mine is 1 Peter 5:10:

But may the God of all grace,
who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after you have suffered a while,
perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Some of you may not know that my mom passed away on December 17th after a heartbreaking battle with dementia. The Lord gave me the verse above while going through some of the most difficult moments. Her battle is now over, and I’m so thankful for the time we have to care for her in her home. It was her wish and we were able to make that happen. God’s process of perfecting (completing, not making me perfect! IMPOSSIBLE) my character, establishing me by planting my feet upon my Rock, strengthening me through the difficult times, and settling my heart with a peace that passes all understanding took a deep dive these past two and a half years and I’m anxious to be able to share many of the lessons I learned along the way–a way that was truly beyond common sense!

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Take a look around. Do you need a little encouragement or maybe a kick in the seat! 🙂  You’ll find both here! Pick up a devotional. Whether you’re looking for a workbook style, a daily devotion, or just a topical study, there’s something for everyone on my Devotional page.  Or maybe you are looking for a great read. Christian historical fiction is my favorite read.  I love going to real places with real people. If that’s for you, check out my Christian Historical Fiction section. Like short stories? Want to see Bible characters with a little more meat on their bones? I’ve written on Joseph’s servant, Abigail, the thief on the cross, and the woman at the well, just to name a few. I’ve also collected my posts into three volumes called Snippets.

GRANDMOTHERS! and moms! God’s Fishy Bank is my first children’s book.  It’s one of my favorites. Our little fishy friend tells his side of the story of Peter fishing for taxes! My newest children’s book is called Pip and Pop–Joy in Serving Jesus.

Beyond Common Sense is a place to “come apart and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Those are the words of Jesus to His disciples–words that we all need to hear! So, take a look around and make yourself at home!

Because of Jesus, Wanda