Author: T.S. Cook

Day 23: That time a big wad of cash came at the perfect time.

One day several months ago, I saw a man who appeared to be homeless as I rushed out of the store with a full cart, including two bags of ice. I prepared for an inevitable conversation and pulled money out of my wallet. (I take cash out in advance based on previous experience. That’s a story for a different time. ☺)

The guy and I had a longer conversation than expected. After he mentioned the Lord and confirmed that he was a Christian, we chatted about the Bible and the goodness of God. I don’t recall everything I said to him, but I remember telling him how much the Lord loves him and that I pray He will tangibly show him.

You guys, right then, a woman handed this man a big wad of cash!!!! Afterward, we thanked God, prayed, and went our separate ways.

Just Blogging It Out! Oh, and don’t even think or say that was a coincidence! 🤨

Day 22: That time the clouds looked like you could sleep on them.

One of the most fascinating sights while hiking is the puffy pillowy clouds. The solid appearance gives the illusion that you can safely dive and bounce on the surface. Of course, you can’t, but it’s nice to look at. 😉

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 21: That time my husband booked the flights. 😪😢😭

I usually book our travel arrangements. In almost 24 years of marriage, I have always sat by the window on an airplane. As strange as it may sound, I don’t do the aisle seat. Why? Because of the inevitable disturbances like potty breaks or getting knocked in the head by various size elbows and backpacks as people walk by. That leaves the middle seat. I’ll sit there, but I won’t like it.

Just Blogging It Out!!

Day 20: That time I decided to make it myself, coffee edition.

I’m sure you’ve noticed the prices of everything have gone up. Since I love creating in the kitchen, I decided to stop buying iced coffee beverages a long time ago. (Unless I’m given a gift card.) Recently, I learned how to make iced Vietnamese coffee. Coffee isn’t a pick-me-up-in-the-morning-because-I-can’t-function-without-it drink for me. 😊😉🤣 No way. When I drink it, it’s a snack. And when I’m writing, I pair my cold brew or iced Vietnamese coffee with pistachios. 😋

The photo includes my cold brew machine, Phin filter, favorite salted caramel syrup, favorite ground coffees, coconut condensed milk, and dairy-free half & half. I also grind my own coffee beans. Not too shabby!

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 19: That time we dog-sat a huge Rottweiler named Sasha.

Sasha was full of energy and wanted to play ball all day long. You can see by the pictures that she made herself at home. It was a pleasure keeping her; we look forward to seeing her again.

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Day 18: That time I realized one of God’s greatest gifts is a deep tissue massage. 😁🤣

Last year, I reluctantly took my chiropractor’s advice and booked my first deep tissue massage. To my surprise, it’s not as painful as I thought. The amount of pressure is based on our preference. It is now part of my self-care routine.

Do yourself a favor and book a deep tissue massage appointment today.

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 17: That time I trusted God as my defender for real, for real.

The situation I’m referring to started in late 2021 and lasted throughout 2022. As Christians, we know (or we should) who our true enemy is. The Bible tells us to abide in the Lord, to pray without ceasing, to forgive, our battle isn’t with flesh and blood, etc. Our Christian walk is a proactive one. The Bible also tells us to walk in the Spirit and lists the fruit of the Spirit. There are so many scriptures that I can list to make my point, but I’m sure you know how to find them. I will focus on three, including the one in the photo.

What happened? Simply put, my character was attacked, and I wasn’t treated well. Poor communication and misunderstanding.

Proverbs 26:11 (NLT) As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.

I am determined to live according to the Bible, but that doesn’t mean I’m not tempted to handle things naturally. (And I’ve certainly missed the mark plenty of times.) Since God knows best, I must trust Him to be my defender. If I trust God, there’s no reason to return to my old ways. I’m no fool!

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 

Do you see why I consider Ephesians my life book? 😉 Through Christ, I was able to look at the situation differently. As Christians, we are on the same team. Peace is always the goal!

This brings me to Psalm 118:6. (See photo.)

There was a time in my life when I would try to defend myself from people who were determined to believe certain things about me. That’s pointless, unproductive, and exhausting. Since we’re all creations, our opinion of others shouldn’t carry hardly any weight. There was discomfort as I worked through the possibility that multiple people would believe this person. Still, thanks to Jesus, I got passed that, too. I am who God says I am.

Thank you, Jesus, for keeping me! You are everything to me.

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 16: That time I saw Sound of Freedom.

A few years ago, I went on a mission trip to volunteer with an organization that rescues children from child trafficking. I’ve never written about it before, and I hardly talk about it because that experience wrecked me. I’m unsure if I’ll ever go on another mission trip and often wonder if that trip was a mistake. Yeah, it really was that deep . . . for me.

After seeing Sound of Freedom today, I know it wasn’t a mistake. I had no plans to see this movie because I knew it would be hard to watch. This topic should not be ignored.

If you haven’t seen it, please see it as soon as possible. And then tell someone about it. Check out the trailer below for more information.

Just Blogging It Out!

Sound of Freedom trailer

Day 15: That time I discovered the perfect color coffee offering the best taste . . . for me. 😊

The cup of joe in the photo was poured over crushed ice. Sweet & yummy! What’s your preferred coffee color?

Shortest post ever!

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Day 14: That time book 2, Heart Exploration, was published.

Last year was challenging for me, and the bulk of the chaos happened around the same time book 1, Discretion of the Heart, was released in March 2022. Through the strength of God, my wonderful husband, and the rest of my praying close family & friends, I made it over that hump.

Fast forward to October 16, 2022, book 2, Heart Exploration, was released. Thank you, Jesus!

It’s a great time to read this series. And yes, you have to read book 1 first. 😊 Click the links to order yours today. Or give someone a gift. 😉

Discretion of the Heart-Book 1

Heart Exploration-Book 2

Just Blogging It Out! Oh, and Happy Friday!