Tribute to Mama by Teresa S. Mathews

Mama for all the things you did for me when I was just a child; 
I’d really like to tell you thanks and to see your pretty smile. 

I would love to show you a million ways just how much I care, 
one more hug, one more kiss and or just some time to share. 

Mama, if only I could see your face, my joy would be complete, 
or hear you call my name in prayer, that, would be so sweet. 

How did the years go by so fast, how did they slip away? 
How did we not have forever, our goodbyes to say? 

Now you’re up in Heaven living without a care; 
seeing all your loved ones and talking to Jesus there.

Thank you, Mama for telling me about God’s salvation plan, 
so when it comes my time to go I’ll meet you in that land. 

Mama I sure do love you and I just wanted you to know, 
I will carry you in my heart, no matter where I go.

Teresa S. Mathews © 2018

I lost my sweet mom in October 27, 2016, it was right at the time I had found out I had breast cancer. I am so grateful for the fact that mom and dad had taught me about Jesus so I knew I had a refuge to run to when it felt as though my life was falling apart. It had only been a little over 15 months since I lost the love of my life, (Carlton) to cancer.

With my faith in God I was able to come out on the other side, then November 4, 2017 my precious mother-in-law was called home suddenly. That was another blow, since she had always been my other mom. I felt as though she was the only other person that knew the depth of grieve I felt when Carlton passed. 

Today I am feeling the loss of two great women of God, who truly lived the Proverbs 31 life, Flossie Sharpe and Shelby Mathews.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

FLOSSIE SHARPE
JAN 14, 1927 - OCT 27, 2016

SHELBY MATHEWS
APRIL 25-1939 - NOV 3, 2017 

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews Crisis Shot by Janice Cantore

CRISIS SHOT by Janice Cantore

Tyndale House Publishers,Inc. (Sept. 5, 2017)

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

In this book one of her new series, In the Line of Duty, Janice Cantore tackles a subject that has been all over the news lately; a police officer has to make a quick decision in a dangerous situation and sadly someone loses their life. 

Tess O'Rourke is a wonderful example of an outstanding officer, she quickly rose to Commander of the East Division of Long Beach, California, and hopefully one day she will be the first female Chief. Sadly, that dream is snatched away when she shows up at a call where a fellow officer is under attack and to save his life she is forced to shoot an unarmed teenager. 

One blogger with a beef against the police, paints a target on Tess's back and doesn't give up until he has people angrily questioning the shooting even after Tess is cleared of any wrong doing. Forced to resign from her job, she leaves behind her beloved city to be Chief in the small, quiet town of Rogue's Hollow, Oregon. Tess thought this peaceful town would be different from the fast pace of Long Beach but she soon finds out even a quiet town can harbor murders, drug addicts and kidnappers.

Janice Cantore being a retired police officer, knows firsthand the dangers officers face every day and she handled this heated subject extremely well. Through Tess's story you can see an officers point of view, since the media never wants to tell the complete story. Janice also knows how to write a story that will quickly pull you in, and Tess's story did that to me. The characters were quite intriguing; a dedicated Pastor, whose wife is fighting cancer, an overbearing Mayor hounding Tess's every move, a young woman that the whole town has given up on, and of course, a handsome Sheriff's Deputy that is more than happy to help the new chief.

I have been reading Janice Cantore's books for years and I have never been disappointed and I can't wait for book two of this series to come out. Thank you, Janice, for yet another satisfying read!

***Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for supplying 

a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!***

GIVEWAY: Ms. Cantore has graciously offered two paperback copies of this wonderful book to two blessed commenters. Leave a comment, along with your email so we can contact you if your name is drawn. US RESIDENTS ONLY

Overcoming Difficulty with Praise by Teresa S. Mathews

I know all of us at some time in our lives have faced difficulties; whether it be sickness, finances, death of a loved one or many other things that can come to mind. You probably all know my situation these past three years and know how hard it has been for me to keep going. I am so glad I can say I have had the Lord taking care of me every step of the way. There are so many things we can do when going through trials; pray, read the Bible, fellowship with friends and family but I think praise should be high on the list.

When terrible things happen it’s so easy to fall on our face before GOD and begin to plead for mercy for our situation, that’s how we have been taught. It’s in our nature to call out for help, which is what our Father wants us to do but the one thing most of us forget to do is Praise Him during the storm.

I was talking to someone a couple weeks ago, trying to encourage them by quoting a scripture we probably all know “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5. Afterward I looked up that verse to reread it and the first part of it hit me like a ton of bricks; “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have…”

WOW!! I have read that verse over and over and quoted it probably hundreds of times but I never put the whole thing together like I did that day. Let me break that down the way it hit me. I shouldn’t look at others that are having what appears to be the time of their lives and wonder “why can’t I have their easy life?”  Hmm…I’m supposed to be happy with all the problems life has thrown at me?! REALLY???  SERIOUSLY??? Lord, are you sure that’s what you meant?!!

Let’s look at the whole verse; ^“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  KJV

Let’s try the NKJV and see what it says; Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Maybe we should try the NIV; Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Isn’t that something? Even with the wording changed around a little bit the meaning is the same; Don’t fret your circumstances, or wish you had a different life, Jesus is right there with you for the endurance! 

Does that come as easy as it sounds? Not always, and that’s why I believe that’s where praise comes in. There are so many encouraging scriptures that back that up but I’ll only share a couple.

Romans 5:3-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Going through difficult times is not something anyone likes but we have to trust that GOD is going to work the situation out for good. When we come to terms with that and begin to praise Him it will draw us closer to Him in ways that would not have been possible if we had that “easy life” we craved; take it from someone who knows!

I would love for you to share in the comments some of the scriptures that have helped you in difficult times. I also find music to be a great tool to use to in my praise. I've shared some songs have blessed me through the years.

Sword of the Matchmaker Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

Sword Of The Matchmaker 

by Debbie Lynne Costello

Forget Me Not Romances,  A division of Winged Publications
  

5 Stars*****

Once again Debbie Lynne Costello takes us back to the enchanting times of Ladies in Waiting and Knights in Shining Armor, but this particular tale has a slight twist. The beautiful heroine in this story is not some timid young Lady awaiting a handsome Knight to ask for her hand in marriage, she is protector of her clan! 

Penelope Beatty, hated that she, a brave warrior of her Scottish Clan had to set foot on English soil to seek help from a man she didn't know but since her father's death she had nowhere else to go. She had come a long ways and would not give up until she finds Hamon Godfrey. Instead Penelope finds herself surrounded by a group of soldiers led by one very arrogant Knight by the name of Sir Thomas.  

Thomas Godfrey was usually a man that was straight to point when confronted but there was something about this tall Scottish beauty that made him smile. Perhaps it was the men's garb she wore or the fact that she thought herself a warrior, perhaps even his equal. When Penelope asks to speak to his father, Hamon, he can't resist having a little fun at her expense.  

Taking Penelope to his father's grave and seeing her reaction makes Thomas realize he needs to hear her story. Afterward Thomas vows that as the eldest son he would be willing to help her. Thomas then takes Penelope back to meet Lord Royce and Lady Brithwin at Hawkwood and something inside tells him things will never be the same again.  

Debbie Lynne Costello is a very talented writer of stories that flow beautifully through out. I loved Penelope and Thomas' story, and it was good to see Royce and Brithwin from Debbie Lynne's Sword of Forgiveness, book one of this series. I have read both books, and I think you won't have a problem reading this as a stand alone but I promise you will also enjoy Sword of Forgiveness. There is also a third one in the wings and I can't wait to read that one, too! Thank you Ms. Costello for this truly enjoyable read!

Blurb:

Penelope Beatty made up her mind long ago she would live and die a Scottish warrior not a wife. But when nearly all her clan is killed and she is betrayed, she loathes doing the unthinkable, but must seek the help of an Englishman who owed her father his life.

Thomas Godfrey never married, but when a Scottish warrior lass shows up needing his aid, he finds her both annoying and irresistible. But the last thing he wants is to marry a woman who fights alongside him. If he was going to marry—which he isn’t—it would be to a soft, submissive woman. But when the Lady Brithwin meets the Scottish lass, she’s sure she’s found the perfect match for Thomas and nothing is going to stop her from seeing a summer wedding.

GIVEAWAY: A copy of Sword of the Matchmaker (if you have purchased the book you can choose one of Debbie Lynne's other books). Leave a comment to be entered.

  

Purchase link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sword-Matchmaker-Debbie-Lynne-Costello-ebook/dp/B071919DNN/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews "THE NOBLE SERVANT" by Melanie Dickerson

The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson 

Thomas Nelson Publishers

 

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews 

5 Stars***** 

Once again the beautiful Queen of fairly tale retellings, Melanie Dickerson, has breathed new life into an old classic by the Brothers Grimm, The Goose Girl. 

Magdalen of Mallin, can’t believe she has been chosen by the handsome Duke of Wolfberg to become his bride, after all it has been two years since their brief meeting and she wasn't sure he even remembered her. She, the daughter of a poor baron, whose own mother has nothing good to say to her, is finally going to be able to save her country from the poverty and starvation that has threatened them since her father's passing. 

On the way to meet her charming husband-to-be, Magdalen is betrayed by an evil servant who makes Magdalen trade places with his daughter. Arriving at Wolfberg, Magdalen hopes the Duke will realize the deception and rescue her, but as soon as she arrives at Wolfberg Magdalen is forced to tend the geese. With her identity stolen and no hope in sight of a rescue, Magdalen’s sadness is lifted somewhat by the friendship of a handsome shepherd who tugs at her memory as someone she should know. When Magdalen glimpses the Duke of Wolfberg, something seems amiss, why does the shepherd look more like the Duke she was to marry than the man claiming to be the Duke?  

 This story was enchanting from the beginning to the end, with lots of intriguing characters, including quite a few that were nefarious, but what’s a good fairy tale without a few miscreants? Reading fairy tales as a kid was always a favorite for me. Dreaming of happy ever afters with my own special prince would always bring joy to my heart and now as an adult rereading these stories brought to life again from the imagination of Ms. Dickerson is even more thrilling. I cannot wait to see where her next adventure leads me. You can never be too old to yearn for a happy ever after! 

***Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for providing a copy 

of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***

GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment and your email address and you could be the blessed winner of a copy of this exciting tale that Melanie has graciously offered for our weekly giveaway! US RESIDENTS ONLY PLEASE!!


I was going through some funny old pictures and found my own version of Magdalen and her sweet shepherd; myself and my husband Carlton. I had to share them!  :-) 

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews "BEHIND THE SCENES" by Jen Turano

BEHIND THE SCENES 

By Jen Turano

Bethany House  

Review by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again Jen Turano has penned a tale guaranteed to entertain and delight and I will go so far as to say, tickle your funny bone. This is book one in a new series titled Apart From the Crowd and it was filled with many interesting characters of whom are a part of New York's High Society. Our lovely main character Permilia Griswold had her debut later in life than most young ladies and the only place there seemed to be for her was with the wallflowers, and so the fun begins!

“Wallflower,” most young ladies born into wealth would rue being called that but not strong-willed, independent Permilia. In fact it fit her purposes quite well, no one would ever think she was taking notes at all the balls and publishing them in the local paper under the pen-name Miss Quill. So, Permilia trying her best not to be noticed while taking notes, sees a terrible accident in the making, rushes to help and being the epitome of her usual gracefulness, is almost flattened by a falling object until she is rescued by Asher Rutherford.

Asher Rutherford, a well standing member of society despite being the owner of a department store. Most of his influential peers think it odd that a man of his family's wealth would stoop to running a business, thankfully no one knows the real reason and he would like to keep it that way. As Asher is making his way through the crowd at the latest ball his attention is caught by none other than the feisty, beautiful but somewhat awkward Permilia Griswold. That was the beginning of an interesting evening filled with all types of adventure, intrigue, and even an overheard murder plot. And if you were to believe the report published in the paper the next morning, Permilia and Asher were the talk of the ball, but not necessarily in a good way! 

If you haven't read one of Jen's books yet, let me encourage you to do so. From start to finish you will be thoroughly engrossed with her lively characters and their even livelier antics, and I promise you will find yourself laughing out loud on more than one occassion! I always finish up Jen's books feeling like I was a part of a grand adventure! 

***Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion***

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email address and you could be the blessed winner of a signed copy of this exciting book that Ms. Turano has graciously offered. US RESIDENTS ONLY. 

***For those of you who have never read one of Jen Turano's books here is the links on Amazon to two of her free e-book novellas. ***

AT YOUR REQUEST

GENTLEMAN OF HER DREAMS

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews Tea Shop Folly by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Tea Shop Folly, by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Tea Shop Folly

By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews 

5 Stars*****

In this heartwarming story, talented author Carrie Fancett Pagels takes us to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Kentucky where she introduces us to Lillian "Lilly" Smith. Lilly is taking care of her beloved widowed mother that is deathly ill, and four younger sisters. Not only is food running low for the family but so is Lilly's faith, until she receives a mysterious letter beckoning her to Michigan.

After arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and meeting with her Aunt Lillian's lawyer, Lilly finds she has been named the sole heir of her aunt's sizable estate. Thankfully her aunt has included a helpful list of suggestions for Lilly to follow; with going to the bank and buying new clothes at the top of that list. As Lilly goes into the local mercantile, she runs into the most handsome man she has ever seen.

Theodore Reynolds an engineer working on the Sault Ste Locks was suffering from the blinding pain of a migraine when he comes in contact with a slender auburn-haired young woman, as they both are entering the mercantile. Without his glasses on and in pain, he isn't able to tell much about her except that she is gracious and kind when she insists the store use her carriage to take him home with the suggestion for him to drink a cup of chamomile tea.

When Lilly gets to her aunt's house she is awed by the beauty and size of it but when she gets inside she is surprised at all of the beautiful teacups and saucers she finds. As Lilly sets about organizing the clutter, she is shocked to see the handsome young man from the mercantile at her door. It seems he wants to buy his mother one of her Aunt Lillian's old teacups. Stranger still, he asks her to brew him a cup of tea. Goodness, it's as though he thinks she has opened a Tea Shop!

Ms. Pagels has certainly penned an absolutely adorable tale. There is lots of history included from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the surrounding area and goodness there is plenty humorous scenes between Lilly and Theo. It made for quite a reprieve from the usual Saturday afternoon, I enjoyed every moment spent reading it.

Giveaway: Leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win an ebook or paperback copy of the book. Tea Shop Folly is also on sale this week on Amazon and available FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers!

Joy To The World by Teresa S. Mathews

This time of year, life can be very stressful with all the shopping and partying and gift giving but when you are dealing with the loss of family members and sickness it can be especially trying. This is the second Christmas our family has celebrated without my sweet husband Carlton and the first after losing my mom in October. I am also in the middle of radiation treatment for breast cancer. Yes, this year has been a little difficult for me and my family but through it all I still love Christmas, especially the music! 

As a kid, I grew up surrounded by music, from my mom’s singing and my older siblings playing various musical instruments and singing, to my dad “loading-up” the record player listening to his favorite Southern Gospel albums. Our house was one that resonated with music! From the time, I was big enough to talk I was begging for a piano, and even though Daddy didn’t have a lot of money, he believed that GOD would provide one, and He did!! I started piano lessons at the age of five and I have never stopped playing. 

Christmas music has always been dear to me, who doesn’t feel better when you hear the upbeat tempo of Joy To The World or for the kids or the kids at heart, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer?! Music can certainly make a difference in your life, when you are feeling down it can lift your spirit. I know with all I have been going through it certainly has helped me. Paul in the book of Ephesians, Chapter 5, verse 19 wrote “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” 

Paul was a man that penned most of his work while in a damp, nasty dungeon, if this worked for him, it will work for us. So, if you are like me and are going through sickness or the loss of a loved one or maybe life has worn you down, try Paul’s advice. No Excuses, GOD doesn’t care if you aren’t the perfect singer, or if singing just isn’t your thing, find some music and let it speak to you. 

Another part of that verse in Ephesians talks about giving thanks for ALL THINGS! Yes, even after losing my sweet Carlton to cancer and now going through cancer myself, I can still find a reason to be thankful. I have made it a habit to say “thank you Lord for all your blessings.” No matter how bad things are, you can look around and find someone who is having a harder time than you. When you praise GOD in the bad times, you are showing Him that you trust Him completely and that is what brings joy to your life and isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Below is some of the Christmas Music I enjoy listening to.

My Version of I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

The Piano Guys Carol of the Bells

Lauren Daigle Noel

And when I need something a little upbeat

The Brian Setzer Orchestra Jingle Bells

Merry Christmas from the Overcoming with God Bloggers

Teresa Mathews' Five Year Anniversary on OWG Blog!

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Diana L. Flowers, Teresa S. Mathews

I can't believe it has been FIVE years since Teresa S. Mathews joined us here on the Overcoming with God blog!!! Diana Flowers, who sadly will be leaving us soon, introduced me to Teresa. Later I was blessed to be able to meet Teresa in person and we've gotten together again when I go to South Carolina (like in this picture)! Teresa has become a lovely special friend. 

Teresa has been through a lot in the past couple of years. She's lost her beloved husband, Carlton, and she is valiantly battling breast cancer and about to begin radiation treatment. I think she'll need some real flowers later, but here are some virtual ones for now!

Teresa is our poetess and writes fabulous God-inspired poetry in addition to beautiful reviews. In the new year, Teresa will continue to periodically write poems and reviews books here on OWG blog.

Some may not know this but Teresa and Carlton were music ministers. Teresa is a talented singer and pianist. Here's a link to Teresa's YouTube channel: click here


Giveaway: Leave a word of encouragement or a prayer for Teresa to be entered to win a secret Barbour book collection (paperback -- USA only)!