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01 December 2016

Noela's OWG Farewell

You’re invited to join us here for an Aussie Barbie (BBQ) to celebrate my four years here on the Overcoming With God blog and to say farewell!


As 2016 draws to a close, so will my time as a reviewer on the wonderful OWG blog. I had been receiving nudges about this from the Lord for over a month and finally He told me to stop procrastinating! He reminded me that good intentions don’t bring us into God’s blessings—only obedience does. The foremost reason I’m leaving my beloved OWG blog is to spend more time with the Lord and in His Word. Health issues have always taken much of my spare time leaving very little after other activities and reading/reviewing, in seeking God. God willing, in the future I hope to share in writing a devotional book or two as that has long been a desire of mine. Perhaps you’ll see me back on OWG as a guest! My last review post will be at the end of the year with my Favorites List of 2016.

I’d like to thank all authors and readers for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for the innumerable blessings you’ve given me by your friendship, kindness, and encouragement! Please find me on Facebook if you’re not already a friend there. A huge thank you also goes to my blog partners, Diane Flowers, Teresa Mathews, Marian Baay, and Bonnie Roof. You girls have become forever friends and have brought so much love and joy into my life. Last but not least, I can’t even begin to fully express my gratitude and thanks to the amazing Carrie Fancett Pagels for listening to God and believing in me those four years ago when she invited me to join her at Overcoming with God. Thank you Carrie for the smiles, friendship, guidance, and prayers!

Aussie Barbie
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And now, let’s have some fun at this AUSSIE BBQ! Grab a plate to fill with some snags (sausages), lamb chops, a juicy steak, and don’t forget the charcoaled onion that always gets burnt! Be generous with the tomato sauce (ketchup). Then add your salad from a variety on the table nearby where there’s bound to be a potato salad. Find somewhere to sit and enjoy, and share some memories you have below of my time here, or maybe something you love about Australia!  
       

Kookaburra snagging a snag!

There's bound to be more ants or mozzies than Kookaburra's visiting at the bbq! And these are such beautiful birds, I'm sure we'd allow them to get away with it. :) 




Backyard Cricket
Backyard cricket is great fun when you have a few friends over for a barbie! The rules can be lenient but the most important one is that if you hit the ball over the fence, you're out! Here's a pic of Allen taken on Australia Day earlier this year. And no, that's not our national headwear, haha! Have you ever played or watched a game of Cricket?

I hope you've enjoyed this little taste of Australia! God bless!!
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THANK YOU GIVEAWAY: I have a little giveaway (pictured above) for someone who leaves a comment below. I put this together as a special Aussie thank-you for your support and friendship over the years. Know that you are appreciated! I hope I have led many to read some pretty incredible books that have blessed and encouraged you as much as they have me! 

CFP: We also have another giveaway! One reader will receive a copy of one of the many books Noela has reviewed over the year (USA only unless the book is available on Book Depository internationally)!


88 comments:

  1. NOELA it's so hard to believe it's been four years since you joined us on the blog and now we are telling you goodbye. I'm so grateful GOD sent you to be a reviewer on OWG but I'm more thankful He put you in my life. I can't wait to see what GOD has planned for you and I can't wait to read that book you are going to write. Big hugs and lots of love to you. :-)

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    1. Teresa, you have been one of my greatest blessings in joining OWG! I never knew when I joined that I'd also be gaining a real Southern sissy! :-) Hugs and thanks for everything, especially for being wonderful YOU!!

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  2. Praying for nothing but wonderful things to happen in your future. I love devotionals and can't wait to read yours! Hugs and God bless.

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    1. Thank you SO much Debbie, you always have been such a great encourager! I just pray He will use me however He sees fit, but I do hope the book will happen too. :-) Hugs!!

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  3. It's been so wonderful reading your reviews and watching you grow as a writer over the past 4 years. I've also seen you behind the scenes as it were, and I wonder if people realised the effort and inner strength it took for you to produce your reviews when you were suffering from debilitating health problems. It's been awesome to watch your dedication to the blog, and how you have touched people's lives in ways you may never even know. It's made my heart happy to see you surrounded by such wonderful friends, and I'm sure you'll be very much missed on the blog. I'm excited to see what God has in store for you next, and I shall be eagerly awaiting a signed copy of your devotional when it gets published. No pressure. ;) Love you my friend.

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    1. Aww you're making me tear up, Jenny! ;-) Thank you for your kind and heartfelt words. I am extremely blessed to have you in my life. First book goes to you, lol. Love and appreciate you so much!!

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  4. I am sure gonna miss your reviews and hanging out with you on OWG blog and in our group! What a blessing you have been to all of us, Noela, especially me! May God bless you as you walk in obedience to what He has asked you to do!!! Love, hugs, and healing my friend!

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    1. Dear Carrie, this truly was one of the hardest things I've had to do! I will admit, I wrestled good and hard lol, but in the end needed to be obedient. I leave the blog knowing I'm not leaving my friends but I will still miss OWG so much!! I love you Carrie, thank you for everything. You're amazing!!

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  5. Noela, I credit OWG for introducing me to you and I can't imagine not having you as a friend. Love the chats we get into and SO hope that one day the chats will be in person instead of on facebook. Love you, my sweet friend, and pray for God's richest blessings as you move forward in the next chapter of your life. I, too, await that devotional with anticipation. Hugs! :)

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    1. Ditto, Angi, love knowing you and love our chats, too! Thanks heaps dear friend, I really do appreciate your sweet words and prayer. Hugs!!

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  6. NOELA! You will be sorely missed, my friend. I understand your desire to be obedient to the Lord. That's what makes you such a fabulous friend, mentor, writer and sister-in-Christ! I know God is going to bring you many blessings and I hope to read anything you write. I have a certain fondness for devotionals! I will be on the lookout for a spot on your promo team ;) Lots of LOVE and HUGS to you!!! Now give me a big juicy almost-done steak with a side of tater salad and sweet tea, and I'm good to go! MWAH!!!!

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    1. Anne my friend, how blessed I am to know you AND to have had your wonderful support over the years!! Love you girl!! Enjoy your steak and tater salad, but I oops I don't have any sweet tea handy! ;) But hey, just bring some with you, I know of a few others that would appreciate that, lol. Love and hugs and many thanks!!!

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  7. As it's midnight here in Aussie Land I'll be heading off now to catch some Zzzz's, but I'll be back in the morning to reply to everyone who leaves a comment. Enjoy yourselves and THANK YOU so much for coming by!!

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  8. My dear Aussie. How I'm going to miss your spunky and riveting reviews. Although I may save some money now, because every time I read your reviews I just have to run to Amazon. Lol! We have had such good times on OWG and made so many wonderful friends and memories. God bless you in the future and all that you endeavor to do for Him! I don't know if our paths would have crossed if not for OWG, and I'm so thankful that they have and that we will continue to be lifelong friends. Love you, my sister!

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    1. I have so much to be thankful for in being with OWG for the last four years, and one of those is that we had the opportunity to get to know each other! You're a friend for life and there's not many greater blessings. I want to thank you here also, for being an enormous inspiration and support on OWG! Much love!!

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  9. It's here we met, Aussie. :) I'm glad we did. Love you, my far away friend!

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    1. Hey Dutchy, I'm so glad I joined when you were a part of the team! It's a privilege to know you. I also have you to thank for helping me get my head around Blogger when it freaked me out, lol. Those days seem so long ago! Love you heaps!!

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  10. Aww Noela, you're such a sweet friend! I'll miss you on here but we still have Facebook to chat! I know God has bigger and better things planned for you! Like that book He wants you to write and spending time with the grandkids. Love you, Noela! Hugs and blessings, my friend!

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    1. I've loved getting to know you Regina! So thankful for all your support towards me and the rest of the OWG team!! And now we both have precious grandkids to enjoy and dote on! Love you too!

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  11. Noela, I am so blessed to have met you here on OWG and loved your reviews! I will miss your sweet spirit, uplifting and encouraging posts. May you be richly blessed as you follow God's leading in what He has for you. I too look forward to reading your devotional. Love to you my friend. Blessings, Tina

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    1. Tina!! What a beautiful soul you are, so full of encouragement and love. It's been an enormous pleasure to get to know you through OWG also!! Lotsa love and big hugs to you! Thank you!!

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  12. Noela, I'm sure God has good things for you in your future. I enjoyed your posts and wish you and your family all the best.

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    1. I really appreciate that Dianne, thank you so much!! God bless you!

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  13. I wish the best Noela! Was fun being a cowgirl with you! I fully understand what your saying about time. As I get older(60) this year I am trying to change things in my life. I believe we all need more time with God.I have really enjoyed reading your reviews. Look forward to a book of yours someday soon. May God bless and watch over you and He show you the path He has for you and fills the desires of your heart. Love and God Bless <3

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    1. Being cowgirls together in Murray Pura's 'The Painted Sky' was SO much fun!!! Thank you so much for your sweet words, and I completely agree that we all need more time with God. Love and blessings, Diana!

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  14. Sweet Noela! My Aussie friend and booklover! You will be GREATLY missed from this blog, but am so grateful for your friendship and will see you around facebook :) It's the end of an era as you leave OWG, but you are cherished and loved.....so glad you'll have more time to focus on God, writing, and being with your family :) Looking forward to your best book list end of this month and praying you will still have plenty of good books to enjoy in 2017 and beyond!! Thanks for always being such a blessing just by being you, hugs and smiles to you!
    Love Kara
    *not an entry*

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    1. Kara, aww you're so beautiful, thank you! It's been a huge blessing to know you and I'm really glad we are connected through FB. Blessings and hugs!!

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  15. Sweet friend, I am in tears reading all these notes from friends and knowing you are leaving OWG. But you will never leave my heart. I've been so blessed to get to know you these last few years and will miss your awesome reviews and support of authors. Please stay in touch online and let us know how you are. I will pray for strength for you, both physical and spiritual, and that the words the Lord has been preparing you to write will bless us all. I cannot wait to read your devotional. Be well, sweet Noela and know you are LOVED!!

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    1. My life is all the richer for knowing you dear sweet friend!! I love how God brings special people into our lives that we really 'connect' with, you truly are one of those. I love YOU, your sweet spirit, and your incredible stories!! Thank you so much for your beautiful encouragement and prayers!

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  16. Oh my goodness!!! Had no idea, but I understand the obedience thing. Sometimes God calls us from what has been a wonderful ministry because He has something even greater ahead. I know that is true for YOU. So glad we are still FB friends. Hope to continue to see you around. You are always a blessing!

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    1. I'll definitely still be around, but maybe just a little less in 2017 than I am now. :) Whatever happens in the future is up to God, for now all I want is to be focused on Him! You, sweet friend, are an enormous blessing to ME and I'm sooo grateful we have connected, Connie!!

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  17. Noela, you will be missed here on OWG, but how exciting is it to see what He has in store for you now?!?!?!? It will be fabulous! Enjoy the new ride! <3

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    1. Thanks, Robin (in NC)!! :D It's always been a joy to see you pop in on my reviews! And yes, once I got over the initial shock of my decision to leave OWG, I then became really excited as to what God might have in store! And now, I'm just looking forward to this busy Christmas season being over with so I can really reconnect with the Lord! :)

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  18. Forgot to add, I love your little Koala! The package is adorable! Thanks for sharing! rw620 AT aol DOT com

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  19. I'll miss you here, Noela, but we'll still meet on Facebook, and for that I am thankful. Your review of Nila's Hope thrilled me, and making your 2015 favorites list was a highlight for me. I hope your time of rest will also be a time of renewed health, peace and joy. I look forward to your devotional book whenever it appears. May God's blessings enfold you as you follow Him.

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    1. Kathleen, thank you SO much for that!! You're so lovely! Oh, Nila's Hope just really grabbed me, I loved it!! God bless you sweet friend!

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  20. Noela, I am gonna miss your reviews. Always so insightful. Oh, and I'll miss you, too! Just a litte. LOL. Seriously, it won't be the same around here without ya. I know we will stay in touch and see each other often on facebook! Love you, sista!

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    1. Lol, thanks Heather! :) Yep, I won't be straying too far. I'm really enjoying Love, Lies, and Typewriters atm and as usual, it's stealing my sleep hours ha. Dropped the Kindle last night when I finally fell asleep while reading. Again! Love you!!

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  21. Noela, I loved reading your reviews. You're such a blessing to authors. You'll be missed so much! But I do understand your reasons for leaving. I pray for abundant blessings for you and your family.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Alexa, and for your prayers! Even though I haven't had the time to read all your stories to review, you have always been an amazing support. You are really appreciated!!

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  22. You will be greatly missed, Noela! But I applaud you for making the time to fulfill your dream of writing a devotional! I wish you all the best. You have truly been a blessing to me, and I'm sure to a lot of other authors. God bless you! He is faithful. Love and hugs from me.

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    1. Melanie, that means so much to hear you say all that, thank you! Ohmygosh I love your stories, lol. Keep on writing those fabulous happy ever afters!! Love you!

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  23. I think your Aussie Barbie BBQ beats my American one any day of the week! You will certainly be missed but what a joy to be able to buy YOUR book when the time comes! Was just telling the ladies at Bible study how much I love devos ❣️ You have so much to give & I can't tell you how you've blessed me. So excited to read this new chapter of your life. Hugs & prayers & love! And please keep those pics of those grands coming!

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    1. All I know is, I'd sure like to try your American BBQ! ;) Not to mention, share some tea with you on your gorgeous cabin porch!! Laura, your writing has been such a HUGE inspiration to me and I know, will continue to be! Thank you so much for your love, friendship, and support. Much love back, and yes, those pics will continue!! :)

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  24. I was literally thinking about you the other day and now to see that you are moving on--it's bittersweet really. I love that you are following your peaceful path, but I am selfishly sad that I won't get to read your reviews any more. You are a bright light to so many and I can't thank you enough for all you do and have done. Bless you, dear friend! Hugs always!! <3 Amber

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    1. Aww Amber that's so sweet, thank you!! <3 Both you and your writing fill me with such happiness!! :) Love, hugs, and blessings sweet friend!

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  25. Aww, we will miss you! I always look forward to your reviews on here. I love all you ladies! Best of wishes in Aussie land, my dear lady. :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Susan!! We love you too, and ALWAYS have appreciated your support and friendship! Hugs!!

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  26. Noela, I'm so excited to see what God does with your obedience. Praying blessings on you as you start a new path. And thank you so much for all the warm encouragement you've given to so many. You are a very special person!

    Love,
    Regina

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    1. Bless you Regina, and thank you SO much for your kind words!! <3 What a journey it's been, and I'll always be forever grateful for the friends I've made here, like yourself. Love always!!

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  27. Hello from a very, hot sunny QLD.

    You will be missed. I wish you well.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Mary, I'm in this very, hot sunny Qld too! Where do you live? Thanks so much Mary, you've always been a faithful supporter of OWG and we are very thankful for you! Hugs!!

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  28. Thank you for four years of informative reviews. You will be missed. Thanks for the generous giveaway
    JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com

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  29. I am sorry to see you go. I have enjoyed your reviews. Thank you for the giveaway.
    MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  30. Please accept my deepest gratitude. You have always given precise and objective reviews. God Bless you and yours.
    MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  31. This is bittersweet! I will MISS you here at OWG! I know the heart-struggle you went through trying to seek God's perfect will, and I'm so happy you have peace about your decision. I know the girls will miss you terribly, as will the many authors whose lives you touched. Thank our loving God for Facebook and Facebook Messenger! Now those are words I never thought I'd say. :D OWG will always hold a special place in my heart, because it's where I met you and stole your name, and then became a friend for life. As for seeing you back here as an OWG guest, of that I have not doubt! Love you, girlie. PS, love that picture of Allan, too!

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    1. My sweet bestie, you were right there with me through that struggle and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for lending your ear and praying along with me to this point. Not only did I begin my journey on OWG with a review of your book but it was through that very review that led me to joining Carrie and her angels. Once I found out what Carrie did, I actually sent her a message or email asking her to read over the review because I wanted it perfect for you! :) I don't think I've ever told you that! So for me too, this blog will always be special for also helping to bring us together. Love you!! Thank you for being a forever friend! Oh and I should thank you also for those times I ran to you for editing help!! ;)

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    2. No, I didn't know all that! What a great story. As for editing help, you know I'll always be available to you. xoxoxo!!!

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  32. I am sending best wishes your way. Wishes for tomorrow and wishes for today. Precious moments, great times, fun adventures lay ahead, days of getting up early and days of staying in bed. Good luck, dear!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you Melanie for all those wishes!! I'm pretty sure you've been with me just about the whole time. I always appreciate your comments and encouragement, and I hope I've sent some awesome books your way!

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  33. Oh my sweet Aussie friend. I have already missed so much time since hurting so much with my arm. it hurts so much not on computer much anymore. Have give up on the docs to find whats wrong. I have loved getting to know you and wishing I could visit you in Australia. What fun that would be. While you are talking to GOD you might ask HIM if it can be HIS will that HE might cure my arm. Sometimes I think I can't stand it another day. I have loved reading your reviews and will miss them. Thanks for the BBQ. Take care and GOD bless you always. I will try to find you on FB. Hear is some ((( Hugs ))) and much love. <3 Maxie

    Maxie

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    1. Maxie, you can be sure I'll be praying for you!! Hubby will, too. It makes me so sad to hear of you in all that pain. Maxie, I'm glad you enjoyed the BBQ and I'm so thankful you came by to say 'farewell', because you are VERY special to me and all of us here on OWG! Much love and a big (gentle) hug!!

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  34. Enjoy your retirement Noela. ;-)
    Luke

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    1. Retirement? I can retire?? Lol, maybe just from the blog but that's about it! ;) Thanks for popping by Luke. Will just have to tell you about those toe-curlers on my timeline now.. ;)

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  35. I will miss reading your reviews Noela. Good luck in your future endeavors.
    I know what it is like to feel that nudge then wrestle with God over the decision to leave a group. In the end His plan is always better than what we could even imagine.
    It would be wonderful to see you here as a guest.
    Thank you for blessing us,

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    1. Andrea, thank you so much for that! I appreciate you and am so grateful for you. God bless you!!

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  36. I will miss your wonderful reviews, Noela. I am so glad we are friends on Facebook! Stay healthy and we look forward to your guest appearances. :)

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    1. I'm really glad we are FB friends too, sweet Betti!! Thank you so much for your wonderful support over the years!! God bless you!

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  37. You will be missed here! Blessings in your endeavors ;)

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    1. Thanks heaps, Christine! I really do appreciate that. God bless you!!

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  38. Oh Noela will really miss you on OWG blog! Have come to love and look forward to your reviews,plus you've helped me find a lot of good books! God bless you !! (Will stay in touch on FB :) )

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    1. I'm SO happy to hear I've helped you find plenty of good books to read and be blessed by, Lynne!! I'm gonna miss being here too. See you round on FB! :)

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  39. NOELA, you are a lovely blessing! I will miss your exquisite reviews. May the Lord continue to pour out His blessings on you and your family! (((((HUGS)))))

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    1. How sweet you are, Caryl! Thank you so much for your constant support, encouragement, and especially your friendship!! Hugs!

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  40. I'm sure going to miss your beautiful reviews, Noela - but so glad I will still have the pleasure of chatting and keeping up with you online. Your sweet spirit, encouragement, dedication to your responsibilities amidst your pain, prayers, and godliness have spoken "volumes" to me!! I'm looking forward to written "volumes" of devotionals from you - when God gives a vision, He fulfills it just as He did for me with the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat this year. Trust me, there is no greater joy than one such as this being fulfilled - I'm so happy for you and this exciting new chapter in the book of your life!! Praying for you - love and hugs my fellow OWG Angel and sis-in-Christ!! I'm grateful for the blessing of your friendship!!

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    1. Aww thank you dear Bonnie. Wow, if anyone was an inspiration my friend, that would have to be you! I'm so glad you got to fulfill your desire and vision this year, even with all you are going through! God bless!!

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  41. Noela, I wish you tons of fulfillment and joy on your new path and pursuits. God bless you and thank you for your support, friendship and reviews. May you be as richly blessed as you have blessed others. Best wishes and hugs!

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    1. Lisa, how I love your writing!! :) Thank you soo much for your blessings. Love and hugs!!

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  42. Noela ... this just breaks my heart, my sweet friend ... for me and for OWG! But I rejoice with you that you're heeding God's direction for your life. And I will be one of the first ones to buy that devotional, my friend, so get crackin'!!

    Love you and miss you already!
    Julie

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    1. Sweet Julie, I will never EVER forget the joy, love, and encouragement you have blessed me with over the years on here!! And I'm not sure there are books more impacting than yours. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for everything, especially for being you!! Love you always! <3

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  43. Oh , I have loved reading many of your reviews and enjoyed our friendship so much. You have always been here to encourage me and to share with ! I am there with you about Julie's books, my all time favorites for sure... Just won 3 of them a few weeks ago and Jules was so nice to sign them and write in them to me !!! I have been doing some praying and seeking direction in my own life a lot lately and I am so very happy for you as you seek him and follow the path he gives you !
    Love you Much Sis
    Linda Marie

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    1. Thank you Linda, and congrats on winning Julie's books! Awesome early Christmas pressie! :) Praying you get the direction you're seeking in your own life, too. Hugs & Love!

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  44. Noela,
    Thanks so much for all of your fabulous reviews and for blessing us through your part in the OWG blog!
    Wishing you all of God's very best in your new adventures!
    ~Alison Boss

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    1. Alison, I really appreciate you coming by and for blessing me by your comment! I wish you all the absolute best, too. God bless you!!

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