Shannon here: Paula Mowery shares insight into her real life romance plus a chance to win an e-book copy of her latest contemporary romance, The Crux of Honor. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated June 20 – 23 to enter the drawing. Deadline: July 2nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Paula:
The Romance is Still Alive
My husband and I have been married for twenty-six years. Like many other couples, we are always finding ways to keep our marriage fresh and show each other our love for one another.
About four years ago my husband, who is a pastor, got together with one of his pastor-buddies and they created a marriage retreat for our churches. This is a wonderful couple of days to focus on one another.
One of the retreats, the female speaker gave out little red teddy bears. She explained that several years ago when she and her husband had attended a marriage retreat, one of the speakers had given out a similar stuffed animal. The purpose of the bear was to surprise your spouse with putting it in different places as a reminder that you are thinking of them and love them.
One morning I found the little red bear strapped into the passenger seat when I left for work. I smiled and began thinking of where I could stash the bear next for my hubby to find.
It has been several months since we’ve exchanged the bear. I actually hadn’t thought of it for a while.
In May I traveled to Black Mountain to Ridgecrest to be on the faculty again at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I lugged my things up to my room and unzipped my suitcase to pull out a few things to hang up. As I pulled out the top article the little red bear was tucked into the side, smiling up at me.
Okay, I swooned. That’s the only way to describe it. My hubby had thought to hide that little bear in my suitcase before I left without me knowing it. I could immediately hear him saying to me, “I’m thinking about you and love you.”
To some people the exchanging of that little bear might sound silly but not to me. It’s true that little expressions of love are often more meaningful than some huge expensive gift.
Now I’m just waiting for the perfect opportunity and place for that little red bear to show up for him, letting him know – I love you back!
About Paula: Paula is a pastor’s wife, mom to a college student, author, acquiring editor, and speaker. No matter the hat she wears, she strives to honor God’s plan even if it means going out on a limb and leaving comfort zones. Reviewers have characterized her writing as “thundering with emotion.” Her book, Be The Blessing, won the 2014 Selah Award in the novella category. Paula enjoys reading and reviewing Christian fiction, writing Christian romance and devotionals, and helping other authors realize their dream of publication.
Learn more and connect: Paula’s Facebook Paula’s Blog
About the book – The Crux of Honor: Chelsea Wilson’s life is a constant reminder of what living dishonorably looks like. At every turn she continues to prove her mother’s shunning must be deserved.
Dr. Kevin Alley returns to the old home place to establish his medical practice. After running into Chelsea, he knows his love for her is still strong.
Chelsea is ousted from her small rented room when her mother bursts in, proclaiming Chelsea’s pregnancy.
Kevin takes Chelsea in, giving her space to live on the upper level of his house.
When Chelsea’s baby displays life-threatening symptoms, Chelsea must face her mother. Secrets unfold about Chelsea’s parents. Can Chelsea and Kevin uncover the secrets linked to Amish heritage in time to save the baby? Can the two find love together despite their history?
The Crux of Honor is part of a series from Prism Book Group focusing on the Love Chapter in the Bible and examines the phrase: love does not dishonor.
Question for Readers: What small thing has your mate, family member, or friend done for you that meant so much to you?
Come back June 23rd for Paula’s character interview!
My daughter Emily knew how much I needed a day out of the house so she treated me to a great play I had wanted to see
Sometimes it’s just the little things that end up meaning so much. Thanks for stopping by, Shelia.