THE CORONA VIRUS ~ June Foster ~ Faithful Frida ~ Devotional

The Corona Virus

A Faithful Friday Devotional

from 

Author June Foster

Lives have drastically changed since the advent of the corona virus. You only have to go to Walmart, Costco, or Sam's Club to buy toilet paper, bottled water, cleaning supplies, etc. to witness the ramifications for our society. "Don't leave your house and if you do, don't touch surfaces outside your home." The message potentially infuses fear in my heart. What if I or one of my loved ones catches the disease? Will I have enough to get by?

The Holy Spirit's gentle voice reminds me—He will never allow me to go without. Psalm 37:25 says: "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." But who are his children? The Bible says this in John 1:12. "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." NIV.

I can remember long ago when I called upon Jesus to be my Savior. That means I'm a child of God and anyone else who's trusted Jesus as Savior.

The Lord knows the day we were born, but He also knows the day we will leave this earth. I need not fear death and I need not fear the Corona virus. I trust that He will provide for me—and you, too.

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 11Corinthians 9:8. NIV. For now, I can only praise and adore Him.

Prayer: Lord, I entrust myself and my life on this earth to You. Thank You that You did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Amen.

Author June Foster

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written twenty-two contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She's published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

A HOME FOR FRITZ JUNE FOSTER ~ GIVEAWAY

Hey, everybody! It's

Throwback Thursday here on

Whispers in Purple!

Please Welcome author June Foster as we

 spotlight a book from her backlist ...

A HOME FOR FRITZ

(There's a GIVEAWAY , too! Details below.)

All Brooke Cantrell wants is two weeks to live Brooke Radcliff's life. But the one person who knows the truth resides in the room next to hers at Sunlight Peaks Guest Ranch. When Brooke falls in love with the handsome wrangler who works on the ranch, will her employer's daughter tell him the truth Brooke hides?

Garrett Bowman has finally found peace under Wyoming skies at Sunrise Peaks Guest Ranch. Never again will he return to the demanding corporate life in Seattle, Washington. But will the guests recognize him from the incriminating newspaper and magazine articles eighteen months ago??

                                                                          

Excerpt from the book:

At the clearing near a forest of towering Douglas fir, Brooke Cantrell drew in a long breath of Wyoming air and slowly exhaled. Bushes with red spindly flowers grew in clumps, dotting the open space where she stood. On the northern horizon, the Big Horn Mountains ascended high into the sky, more imposing than any Dallas skyscraper.

A howl charged the air.

Dog? Or wolf? She held the next breath and stood as still as the Indian Paintbrush on the windless day, listening. Had she imagined it?

Rowff. Rowff. Yap. Oww.

A swell of pain pummeled her chest. Only a wounded animal could vocalize such a woeful pitch. What if it was dying? No. She gripped a strand of hair and yanked.

Driven by childhood memories of loss, she crept forward, ignoring all caution. Death had won too many rounds in her life.

Where had the sound come from? The left, the right, straight ahead? She stopped.

Yow, yap.

She darted toward the cops of evergreens. Over another rise in the landscape, a pungent odor, like turpentine assaulted Brooke's nose. She sidestepped the sagebrush growing close to the ground as she skulked toward the mournful cries. She skirted the pond, complete with beavers' dam, then scaled the rising countryside to the forest.

The wail grew more desperate.

What if a dangerous animal waited within the trees? Brooke's knees locked. She had no self-defense skills. Moose and savage wolves didn't exactly roam big-city neighborhoods. She should scramble to safety.

No, what if a wounded pup needed help? One of the working dogs at Sunlight Peaks Guest Ranch? Yet, no amount of help could've saved Rowdy all those years ago—her dog Daddy brought home when Mama died. His furry presence and warm cuddles had seen her through many a lonely day. Rubbing her eyes didn't erase the stinging.

Now at the tree line, she navigated around a couple of fir trees, guided by the sound's source then gasped.

A short distance into the forest, a golden doodle, its paw in an iron trap, writhed and wiggled, then whined and gawked with pitiful eyes.

"Oh, doggie. I'm so sorry." What should she do? She angled a desperate glance in the direction of the ranch, but no one strolled the path. She dared a few cautious steps nearer the dog. In an instinctive urge to comfort the creature, she reached to ruffle its fur then jerked her hand away. The dog might not understand and bite her.

Instead, she lifted her palm in a stop signal. She had to take action. "Just hang on, little guy. I'll find someone to help."

Brooke raced toward the clearing, heart pounding. Not because she dashed in and out of the dense trees but anguish gripped her insides. A suffering animal would continue in pain until she found aid. 

Link for purchase: https://amzn.to/2KzzWdm

Author Bio:

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written twenty-two contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She's published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

About the Giveaway:

Who doesn't love a story with a dog in it? Of course there's a little romance involved, too.

June is offering a free eBook copy of A HOME FOR FRITZ to one of my readers who leaves a comment below with your name and contact information. This giveaway runs for one week from today, ending on Thursday, Feb 27, 2020, at MIDNIGHT Central Time. 

Thank you, June, for being my guest once again. You're always welcome here!

DREAMS DEFERRED BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~ June Foster ~ #giveaway

DREAMS DEFERRED

Book Spotlight

June Foster (and #Giveaway)

Father Matt Hall wants to serve the Lord. School teacher Mary Louise Graham needs freedom from her unforgivable past. They never expect to fall in love.

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takes his breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.

Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.

Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.

Excerpt DREAMS DEFERRED:

Mary Louise's eyes were bright with tears and the hope of new life. Matt savored the pressure of her hand upon his. "Praise God," he whispered, restraining the volume of his voice. If he could, he'd shout the words, sending an echo from the ceiling to the floor. "He's faithful to forgive you."

Before he could react, bare arms reached around his shoulders. Mary Louise's silky hair that smelled of fresh peaches, brushed his cheek. "Thank you."

He dared to hug her in return, his hands wrapping all the way around her. She was so small, unearthing in him feelings he'd never had before—the desire to protect her and provide for her needs. The warmth of her body against his stirred more in him than it should've, and he moved away.

Fingers as soft as the downy pillow on his bed brushed his arm. "I'm sorry. I over reacted. Please forgive me. But I will never regret asking Jesus into my life today."

The stained-glass window with the image of a dove reminded him of God's grace. He rose and offered her his hand. "There's nothing to forgive. I thank God you've found the way to our Savior."

Mary Louise lifted her gaze to Jesus on the cross. "For the first time in ten years, I feel clean—forgiven. I can never thank you enough."

Movement at the entrance of the church called Matt's attention. Someone slipped out the door. A man with the same thin shoulders as Father Nicolas. 

purchase link: https://amzn.to/2N4quQC (affiliate link)

Author June Foster

Author June Foster

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and MA in Counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provided a rich source of information for her novels. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find the path to live godly lives.

June is generously offering a giveaway - an eBook copy of DREAMS DEFERRED. To enter, simply leave your name and email address (e.g: me(at)yourdomain(dot)com) in the comment section below. Giveaway runs for one week from today, ending at Midnight O'Clock Central time, on Thursday, January 30.

   

Fellowship with God ~ June Foster ~ Christmas at Raccoon Creek ~ Giveaway

Fellowship with God

by June Foster

(There's a Giveaway here. See below for details)

Psalms 107: 9 "For he has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things."

Since I asked Jesus into my life and heart, I've made it a practice first thing in the morning to read my Bible, pray, and have fellowship with the Lord. But the other day, something gave me pause. For a brief moment, I stopped praying and asked myself. Am I really communicating with someone or talking to myself?

I opened my eyes but from where I sat on the deck, all I saw was the flower beds and trees in my backyard. I listened carefully but only heard the birds chirping. I sipped my dark roast coffee but could taste nothing else. The only aroma I sensed was the gardenias in my flower pot. Oh, and I closed my eyes and extended my hand. No touch met mine. The obvious conclusion was I can't see, hear, taste, touch, or smell God. Yet the Bible is filled with scriptures that talk about His presence with man. 

• ·        1John 1:5 "God is light, in him there is no darkness at all." 
• ·        James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadow." 
• ·        John 3:16 "For God so love the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

So how can I know Him and have fellowship with Him if I can't connect to Him with my senses? Here are a few ways:

• ·        God's instruction about His will and our lives comes through His word. Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
• ·        God can be known through His creation: a beautiful sunset, the Grand Canyon, the forests and rivers in Washington state, and the exquisite construction of a lily.
• ·        God can be known through other people: a kind and loving friend who shows up at the right moment when we need help, a prayer partner, the pastor of one's church who preaches the message truly needed that week, an innocent child filled with wonder when discovering something new.

Best of all, though I can't see or hear Him now, I know that someday I will be able to and I await that day in joyful anticipation. I Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face."

Book Spotlight - From the back cover:

When love spans the decades

Emily Eason wants to distance herself from her parents' opulent lifestyle in Birmingham, Alabama, and enjoy life in the tiny rural village, Raccoon Creek and her fifties-style home. But after gazing into the little snow globe she purchased from Hardwicke's Drugs and Gifts, she finds herself transported to another time—her grandmother's era.

Lance Hardwicke is the pharmacist and owner of Hardwicke's Drugs. Four years of pharmacy school didn't allow for much of a social life. Gorgeous Emily Eason, nurse and resident of Raccoon Creek, has captured his attention more than once. The next time she comes in the store, he's determined to ask her out. Perhaps go to Birmingham to see the Christmas lights in his brand-new orange and white '53 Pontiac Pathfinder.

Can love span the fifty-year gap standing between them?

About June: 

June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her contemporary romances. June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. Find June at junefoster.com.

purchase link:http://tinyurl.com/jjz2a3x

social media links: 

junefoster.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/junefoster

https://twitter.com/vjifoster

https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster



About the Giveaway:
June is offering a free eBook copy of Christmas at Raccoon Creek to one of my readers. Just leave a comment below with your name and contact info (e.g: you(at)yourdomain(dot)com) so we can contact you if you win. 
Giveaway runs for one week, ending Friday, December 21, at Midnight CST.

  

What Weere You Thinking? ~ June Foster ~ devotional

What Were You Thinking?

James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves therefore to God." Our choices, our words, our activities, our relationships. (I'm still working on all of this.)

But for me, thoughts are the hardest to surrender to the Lord. The Bible offers help. 

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

I'd like to take each Biblical adjective and flesh it out. What exactly is Paul referring to with each word? A few examples.

True. I had a short conversation with my friend about her opinion of my novel. I mulled her words over until I fumed. I found myself exaggerating what she'd really said. And her words were merely constructive criticism. Don't I always appreciate helpful advice from friends and readers? Fact check: remember what she actually meant and not what I'd conjured up in my mind.

Noble means polite, decent, gracious. Dwelling on my best friend's faults isn't noble.

Right means accurate. Yes, my friend had spoken accurately, not with criticism but with love.

Pure. Purity of thoughts. (I struggle with this one.) Every critical thought about others, every mean-spirited conclusion I make about another, every covetous desire. I ask God to help me not entertain them, but instead fill my mind with wholesome or clean thoughts.

Lovely. Dwell on the beauty of nature. Concentrate on what God sees in another and not their shortcomings.

Admirable. Could be the checkout girl at Wal-Mart isn't very friendly, but she's fast and efficient. Think about her commendable skills.

Excellent. One of my relatives is a gossip, but her home is always organized and clean. Dwell on her ability to keep house.

Praiseworthy. I can't say anything good about some of our politicians, but God is in control. Center on the Lord's goodness.

My mind is a wild horse at times. But if I rein it in and take Philippians 4: 8 to heart, I'll do better.

Now, let's take a look at June's recent release

Back cover blurb:

If there's one thing Nadia Maguire knows, Jon Maguire robbed her of a godly marriage and left her in financial ruin. The night he was killed in an accident, guilt threatened to suffocate her. She wasn't sorry he died.

When Nadia accidentally sits on a stranger's lap in the graveyard where Jon is buried, she's horrified to learn the good-looking guy with salt and pepper hair is her new boss.

Jared Abrams is a widower who longs to move on. He's intrigued by the beautiful woman who puts God first in her life. But as their friendship grows, an unexpected obstacle separates them—his daughter Sarah. No one can replace her mother. Especially not Nadia Maguire whose son harmed her in high school.

If Nadia can't find the funds to get her house ready to sell, she'll have to balance two jobs with no time left to nurture a relationship with the man she loves. Will she and Jared find a Harvest of Blessings or a season of drought?

purchase link: https://tinyurl.com/yah8fbjr

 About June:

June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. 

She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her contemporary romances. 

June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. Find June at www.junefoster.com.

A Devotional Within a Devotional ~ June Foster ~Giveaway

Scripture Comes Alive: A Devotional Within a Devotional

by June Foster

I love the Bible app on my phone because there are an abundance of devotionals available.https://www.bible.com/ For example, some of the devotionals can be found under categories such as peace, joy, love, anxiety, healing, anger, hope, depression, and on and on.

I chose the topic joy and have learned so much. With the wealth of scriptures in this plan, I read each, thinking of its relevance in my life.

For example, "And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 is one to ponder and take to heart.

The author, Craig Denison, (https://www.first15.org/) sites Psalm 16:8-11:

 "I have set the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices. My flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make know to me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." 

Wow. I'm reminded to take each one of those words to heart.

At the end of the devotional, the author writes of Paul's prayer to the Colossians. As I read it, I pictured the first century apostle with eyes closed and bearded face bowed down. He seemed to place a weathered hand on my shoulder, "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy."

I could see him and hear those words. What a blessing to start the day with! You can read the scriptures in the same way as well.

About the book:

All Brooke Cantrell wants is two weeks to live Brooke Radcliff's life. But the one person who knows the truth resides in the room next to hers at Sunlight Peaks Guest Ranch. When Brooke falls in love with the handsome wrangler who works on the ranch, will her employer's daughter tell him the truth Brooke hides?

Garrett Bowman has finally found peace under Wyoming skies at Sunrise Peaks Guest Ranch. Never again will he return to the demanding corporate life in Seattle, Washington. But will the guests recognize him from the incriminating newspaper and magazine articles eighteen months ago?

When Garrett's dog, Fritz, is in grave danger, an intriguing guest helps Garrett get his golden doodle to the vet. As Fritz heals, he whines and begs until he can lay his head in Brooke Radcliff's comfortable lap. Fritz has fallen in love, but so has Garrett.

If Garrett discovers Brooke's secret, will he walk away from her? If Brooke learns Garrett's true identify, will she turn from him like all the others?

 Purchase link: https://tinyurl.com/ycjfrd7q  

June Foster

About June:

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. Her characters find themselves in tough situations but overcome through God's power and the Word. She writes edgy topics wrapped in a good story. To date, she's seen seventeen contemporary romances and several short stories published. Find June online at http://www.junefoster.com

Giveaway:

June is offering to give away an autographed copy of A Home for Fritz to one commenter on this post.Winner will be drawn on Saturday, June 16. Be sure to leave your contact information where you can be reached if you'rethewinner. 

Friday Morning Devotional - June Foster

Prayer for Others

by June Foster

I like to take time in the morning to read the Word and spend some time with the Lord. Then I pray for friends and family. Some, if I'm not sure of their salvation status, I lift them up before the Lord and reinforce my prayer with 1 Timothy 2:4. "The Lord wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

As each person drifted through my mind, I prayed for them. Then I hit a brick wall. One I'd prayed for multiple times in the past, came to mind. But tragically that person had died of cancer several months ago. The thought hit me. I could no longer pray for the individual. There's no hope after death.

Only God can judge a heart and only He knows where my family member is today. Maybe that person made a profession of faith earlier in life or on his deathbed. It wasn't for me to know. But the reality of the situation struck me. We only have this lifetime to receive God's grace through our Savior Jesus Christ. After death it's too late.

I think the situation has helped me to pray even more fervently for others. Ephesians 6:18 says to pray on all occasion with all kinds of prayers and requests. Salvation is a serious matter. Keep praying for others who may not know Him.

Sharing June's new release: Prescription for Romance

Pharmacist Stephanie McCoy grew up in an opulent home with an aeronautical engineer father who never had time for her and a socialite mother who put clubs and charities before her daughter. Now as an adult, Stephanie's looking for affirmation—and affection in the wrong place. Only thing, the guy she pursues is a Christian with solid moral values. When her mother becomes ill, Stephanie can't imagine life without her.

Scott Townsend teaches history at the high school in Oak Mountain, Alabama, and lifts weights after school hours. His younger brother borrows a large sum from Scott's father then disappears. But after Scott's sibling returns penniless, Scott is furious at his parents' acceptance of their wayward son. When Scott is invited to a welcome-home celebration, he drives to the house but refuses to come inside though his father pleads with him.

After Scott confides in Stephanie about his bitterness toward his brother, the beautiful pharmacist offers Godly encouragement he never expected. Can Scott relinquish his pride and forgive his brother? Will Stephanie find faith in Scott's God and allow Him to heal her heart? The sequel to Letting Go, this story is loosely based on the Biblical parable of The Prodigal Son.

About June:

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. June's book Give Us This Day was a finalist in EPIC's eBook awards and a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for best first book. Ryan's Father was one of three finalists in the published contemporary fiction category of the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards. Deliver Us was a finalist in COTT's Laurel Awards.

 June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Ryan's Father is published by WhiteFire Publishing. Red and the Wolf, a modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, is available from Amazon.com. The Almond Tree series, For All Eternity, Echoes From the Past, What God Knew, and Almond Street Mission are available at Amazon.com. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. 

 Recently June has seen publication of Christmas at Raccoon Creek, Lavender Fields Inn, Misty Hollow, Restoration of the Heart, and Letting Go. Visit June at junefoster.com.