Deep Dive from a Slick Roof

A purge, a plunge, and and a BOOK GIVEAWAY

Friends,

2024 bred clutter.

For you, too?

I deleted twenty padded lines from this post, right along with the other stuff I’ve tossed in recent weeks.

Files shredded.

Things donated.

Holdings stripped, time reclaimed, space found.

Feels good.

Now my mind’s scrubbed,

my heart pliable as dough.

Barefoot on steep shingles mossed and slick with rain,

I’m about to leap.

There’s an untold story down there.

If you’ve made the jump with me before, you know how this works:

You’re invited along as I write this new novel. Some Saturdays I’ll hoot about progress. Others, I just may wail. Fun regardless, I hope!

Always, I’ll update you on my word count—as I aim for eighty-five or ninety thousand words.

Too, I’ll bring you beauty in pics of PNW wilds and wildlife; publishing updates (What the River Keeps releases August 12); book reviews and giveaways, insider nuggets and early reader opportunities.

If you haven’t already, will you subscribe? Take the plunge with me?

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Now, from my archives . . . for you. 🧡

Winter fringe. (On Jake’s Pond: this spot was the inspiration for my opening scene in Leaning on Air.)

"True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever." –Isaiah 40:8 MSG

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Gambrel.

(Walking Barnhart Road with dogs a while back, during a break in the storm.)

“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them.”—Luke 12:24

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When you dot your eyes.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15-16

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Exposed.

"He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart." —1 Corinthians 4:5

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Finally,

📙 📙 📙 FROM MY BOOKERY . . . a new GIVEAWAY:

Begin the year with this: 52 Prayers of Blessing for Women—Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s final gift, released last fall, a while after she flew to heaven.

Here’s the gist:

In 52 Prayers of Blessing for Women, Lucinda Secrest McDowell offers words of strength and comfort to inspire a closer connection to God. These beautifully written prayers provide a weekly blessing to celebrate God's love and presence in your life. This book will encourage women of all ages and spark prayers of blessing for others as well.

The prayer book is more than merely a collection of prayers; it is a treasure trove of blessings for all circumstances. Each daily entry features several Scripture verses followed by a blessing.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell (1953-2023) was passionate about embracing life—both through deep soul care in Christ and living courageously to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engaged both heart and mind, she was passionate about helping others choose a life of serenity and strength. Lucinda graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is the award-winning author of 15 books.

The 52 Prayers of Blessing for Women is perfect for women who pray Scripture as a blessing over others. Entries will delight the prayer warrior in your circle and equip her with the words to bless those she prays for.

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If you’d like to win a copy, plant the word BLESSING somewhere in your reply by Friday, January 10. I’ll announce the winner in my next Saturday Letter.

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Hope 2025’s off to a good start for you.

Can’t say that’s true for our neighbors. 🙄 They began the new year sparring AGAIN about the clothes she’ll wear in their garden.

Every spring she digs in her heels. 👠👠

Love,

Cheryl

Watching Nature, Seeing Life: Through His Creation, God Speaks.