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Summer is upon us! We’ve been enjoying the gorgeous weather here in Southern California—blue skies and cool breezes. I’m so grateful for longer days of sunshine and the abundance of growing things (my garden is currently blooming with beauty!).

There’s something else I’m grateful for: I’m continuing to make great progress writing the sequel to my first novel, The Buzz @ Chicky-Pie’s Café. As I weave my way through familiar characters and new plotlines, I continue to thank God for the stories He’s placed on my heart and the opportunity He gives me to write.

As we kick off summer, I thought it would be fun to share some mini-stories with you. In The Buzz… Lily suggested to Mell that she bake some “mini-pies” as samplers for the customers at Chicky-Pie’s Café to taste. Well, you can consider these stories as tasty samples of what’s to come in the sequel!

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→ In the mini-story for June, I’m pulling an excerpt from a chapter where Elise climbs to the top of a mountain with two friends. As she ascends, she’s carrying so much more than the weight on her feet. But when she reaches the top, God gives her a beautiful perspective shift that brings a sense of peace:

After our slow trek up the mountain, and a short rest, we made it to Pulpit Rock in ten minutes. The view was spectacular, and I could see why it was called that. It looked just like a preacher’s pulpit. Standing there for several minutes, I soaked in the beauty of the view. As I peered out at the valley and all its lush color, depth, and dimensions, a new sense of perspective stirred within me. There I was, on a small mountain top looking down at everything. I realized that this view is just a tiny glimpse of God’s perspective on us. Not just on me or this valley, but on the whole world with all of its troubles and beauty. It made me think about how God has a better view of my problems than I do.

Getting back on course, we made the turn down the backside of the mountain. The trail began to slope downhill, and the closer we got to the other side, the more I felt the coolness of its shadowed protection from the sun. Hmm, maybe even the down times and shadows in our life can be a blessing in disguise, I thought to myself. 

Rounding another turn downward, our mouths gaped with awe at a waterfall that flowed from a huge rock jutting out high above our heads. Standing inside a rocky cavernous area, we gazed through the cascading wall of water that fell like a curtain of shimmering liquid. After lingering a while in its encompassing peacefulness, we sat, letting the waterfall’s mist refresh and cool us while eating our picnic lunch.

After the hike… I sat for a moment to thank God for all that the day had held. Turning to today’s devotion led me to 2 Samuel 22:2-7, “And he said: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in Him I will trust. My shield and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold and my refuge; I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. When the waves of death encompassed me, the floods of ungodliness made me afraid; the sorrows of Sheol surrounded me. The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried to my God. He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears.” (NKJV)

The timing of God’s word was stunningly accurate to everything I’d experienced and reflected on today.

Whew, I can surely relate to Elise’s closing sentiment; God’s word often meets me right where I’m at, uplifting me and strengthening me in whatever season I’m in. Another thing I can certainly be grateful for! 💜

I hope this mini-story inspires your heart, encourages you to see the world differently, and gives you a sneak peek into all the stories and goodness to come! If you’re new to my blog, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! 

The above excerpt is from my upcoming novel. Get to know Elise and her friends by catching up on book one, The Buzz @ Chicky-Pie’s Cafe! The book is available here on Amazon and here on Barnes & Noble.

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