A THANKFUL HEART ~ Why I took off a year from writing

Last Fall I became very ill with bronchitis, which became acute bronchitis. By Winter I had pneumonia and was eventually put in the hospital and given a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

I was told I had a beating heart of 20% and went for a heart catheterization.

When I met the heart Dr. who would be doing the procedure, he asked if he could pray with me.  I said yes because I know all things are possible with God.

We prayed and I was so blessed he had.  When we began the procedure he smiled and told me I had 0% cholesterol or blockages.

I knew that was God, nothing I had done.  I could barely even walk at that time, let alone breathe.

The Dr. told me now I had to become stronger so my heart could catch up.

As hard as it was I knew I had to stop writing until I could get well.  I did however continue to read/edit, read/edit, etc.

For some that might seem silly, but for me I put myself completely into my characters minds and situations which is pretty much exhausting like running a few miles, not to mention the research.

I began light exercise again, walking more, but mostly taking time to rest.  I also made it a point to spend all the time I could with my family.

My mom, stepdad and even my oldest daughter came out from California to spend Easter with me.

A few months later my Dr. appointment showed an increase to my heart to 40% of a beating heart.

My last echo cardiogram showed a strong heart with over 55% of a beating heart which is in the 55-75% normal range.

Yes I believe I received a miracle that day even if I had to put in the effort to help. God doesn't always heal us instantly and most importantly we have to receive the healing in faith.

I plan to resume writing Legend of the Mer IV in January.  Thank you to my fans who have been so patient with me.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  There's always something to be thankful for.  :) 

Signs of Fall in the Blue Ridge Mtns

The leaves are turning and the temps are lowering here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This is a view of my backyard I took a few days ago. I love to watch it change from green to orange and then scarlet.

One of the first things on the menu is my Grandpa McLain's beef stew.  My mother always made it and now I make it to keep down the chill in the air.

Just add a piece of crusty sough dough bread and there you have it.

Hope wherever you are this Fall you have warmth, good food and the closeness of your family and friends.  ;)

Finding Joy in the Journey: LEGEND OF THE MER ~ Seahorse Lullaby (Re-post)

Reposting a poem for summer  ;)

Finding Joy in the Journey: LEGEND OF THE MER ~ Seahorse Lullaby: Within my book (Legend of the Mer) there are two songs that the Mermaids sing.  One of them is called the Seahorse Lullaby.  I was nearly r...

THE GOOD LIFE ;)

THE GOOD LIFE

If you've ever read my Legend of the Mer book you will hear the above three words mentioned.

My character Lana has some challenges in her life, but all in all they have led her to The Good Life.

You might say that pretty much sums up my life as well.  Not only did my family move from CA to VA in 1995 giving up all we knew and many we loved.

I survived cancer in 2008/2009. Went through years of radiating and a few surgeries as well.  In some ways you might say I've become a warrior and have overcome many battles.

I'm still struggling with some of my health issues, but when I look back from where I've come to today I can truly say I have lived The Good Life.

What do those three words mean; a life filled with love, laughter, family, friends, sometimes tears, overcoming adversity, contentment in a life of mediocrity or even mountaintop living, and most of all faith in my Creator to see me through.

My husband John has also been right there beside me all the way.  My daughters and grandchildren have encouraged me as well as other family members.

I'm currently writing the fourth book in the Legend of the Mer series and you might say the Prentis family as well as extended members of the family are enjoying The Good Life as well.

An early Spring in Virginia

Many of our flowers and tree blossoms have been frozen and heated and frozen again for weeks here in Virginia this early spring.

I'm hoping my pink and white Dogwoods will have some bloom in the end.  If any of you have read my book The Hart of Telendaria you'll know I'm especially fond of them and the Wisteria around the property.

I suppose there is some metaphor in this; perhaps we are too eager for things and we need to take a pause now and again to make sure it's the right timing of a matter.

I am hopeful for Easter this year, perhaps because of the back and forth with the weather.  Somehow Easter for me is the beginning of spring and the renewal of all things.

Happy Spring  ;)

Re-blog St. Patrick A Pirates Tale

Source

Not many people realize St. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland, in fact he was born in Britain.  Some say he was born into a privileged family with his father being a deacon and minor local official.

It was at the age of 16 Pirates kidnapped him for a ransom and carried him away by ship to Ireland.

He spent six years working as a herdsman and depended upon his faith to see him through; apparently his father didn't pay a ransom for his son.

One night he had a dream which told him a ship was ready to return him to his family.  He escaped his master and found passage to Britain.

He nearly starved and had a second brief captivity before he was reunited with his family.

In the Confessio, his spiritual autobiography he tells of another dream where he's given a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."  As he read it he seemed to hear a certain company of Irish beseeching him to walk once more among them.

He had doubts of his calling, but in the end did return to Ireland with confidence in the Lord to see him through.

After many years of service, Saint Patrick died in Ireland having fulfilled his calling.

For more amazing facts about Saint Patrick, his faith and his love for the Irish people, check out Encyclopedia Britannica which was the source for most of my information; also My Holiday Ireland St Patrick's Day

The Symphony of Spring

The Symphony Of Spring

The earth sleeps in quiet slumber

Beneath the frozen ground

Most of the leaves have fallen

Frosty mornings without a sound

All await their Creator

To conduct His symphony of Spring

 The tendrils long for the dance

They listen for the birds to sing

The new saplings are eager

To stretch forth their limbs

The Rhododendron waits in anticipation

to stretch forth her stems
The Hydrangeas await the warmth
The sun will soon shine its ray
The hard ground will unlock
Upon the appointed day
When the Creator conducts
His music will ring
And all the earth will rejoice
And join in the symphony of Spring
- Sheri L. Swift
2/3/17

  

  

A SEASON OF ILLNESS

My Sweetheart doesn't like it so much when I brag on him, but he outdid himself yesterday.

I've been down for a few weeks with bronchitis and he's pretty much been taking care of me.

Last night he made this delicious roast, potatoes topped with sour cream, carrots, brussel sprouts with craisins and drizzled balsamic vinegar.

He also made this scrumptious cherry pie with Truvia baking blend.

I have to admit, I've been pretty spoiled these past few weeks.

For any of you who have read my books you'll know he's my Aidan and my Titus.  ;)