The General Store in 1880 Town

Because the general store was so important to the life of people in an area, it was often the first business established. In fact, towns often grew around the general store. As the name reflects, these stores carried a wide variety of merchandise, based on their customers' needs. If they didn't have something in stock, they could often order it.

General stores were used for more than shopping, however. It also served as the social hub of the community. People came to these town centers to talk, catch up on the news, linger, and even play a game of checkers on occasion. Families received personal attention where they could browse or hand the store owner a list to be filled. Many general stores also contained the post office.

The general store in 1880 Town in Midland, South Dakota, is typical with its window displays and well-stocked interior. There are shelves filled with goods and glass display cases with jewelry, knives, and guns. Tables hold fabrics and folded dry goods. Tools have their own section. There's so much to look at that going there can be entertainment in itself. I can't remember a Western novel I've written that didn't have a general store, and I'm sure that will continue. They are crucial to that time period.

_____________________

 A Miracle Book

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible (Mark 10:17).

The Bible is a book of miracles. Beginning in Genesis through Revelations, we see them. But in many ways, the book itself is a miracle. It was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It was also written on three different continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. There were about forty different authors from many walks of life, some of which were shepherds, kings, military leaders, tax collectors, fishermen, doctors, judges, priests, and prophets. 

Thy word is truth (John 17:17b)

They wrote from many different circumstances and locations, including homes, palaces, prisons, the wilderness, and in exile. Yet, despite all the diversity spanning around 1,500 years, the Bible gives us remarkable consistency. It all fits together into one story that shows us who God is, points to the coming of His Son as our Savior, and tells us about Christ's teachings and sacrifice.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16a).

How could this be? Because God is the real Author. These earthly authors were called to be the scribes or penmen for the Holy Spirit who directed them all the way. Look at the prophecies and visions that came true. Could this have happened without divine direction? When you open your Bible to read and study, you have access to the knowledge and wisdom you need to live the best life possible. You have the words of Almighty God.

_____________________

 Saloons in 1880 Town

Continuing the series of blogs on 1880 Town (see last month's blog), most Western towns of any size had more than one saloon. 1880 Town was no exception. Some towns, such as Deadwood, South Dakota, had more saloons than all other businesses combined. Writers, including me, often use these sites in their Western novels. 

The first such establishment named a saloon began in Brown's Hole, Wyoming, in 1822. These early saloons were often hastily thrown together and didn't look like what we think of today as a stereotypical saloon of the West. Even years later, most of them were crude and often dirty, unlike the fancy, pristine places we usually see on TV or in the movies. 

However, saloons to attract a wealthier clientele did exist, especially in the later years. One of the saloons in 1880 Town is a good example of this. I will leave you with photos from the Longhorn Saloon in 1880 Town, Midland, South Dakota.

______________________

 

Choosing Worldly Things 

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19).

The Bible is clear that we cannot put more value on worldly things than spiritual things and please God. Paul tried to make this point in his letter to the Philippians. He says those who overly value earthly things are enemies of Christ and headed for destruction. Christians shouldn't be seeking worldly success.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

This doesn't mean that Christians won't be successful. God does bless His children and enjoys doing so. But it's like the love of money. Money itself is not evil, but "the love of money is the root of all evil." Success is not wrong in itself, but seeking worldly success above God certainly is.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).

Jesus tells us that no one can serve two masters equally. They will love one more than the other. We cannot love and serve both God and the world because their values are opposed to each other. We must make a choice. Will we seek the things of this world or the things of the next?

. . . whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4b).

______________________

Zoe on Audible

You may remember when Zoe published, I explained that the Audible version would be delayed because I decided to wait for the narrators I thought would be best for this project to become available. (See blog.) They finished the project, ACX approved it, and it just became available for purchase.

Zoe on Amazon

Zoe on Audible

Emma Faye

When a book has many different male and female roles and a variety of voices, I try to find dual narrators, both a male and a female. I have used Adam Skousen before to narrate several of my books. He's one of the most professional, talented narrators I've ever worked with. I recently learned that his wife also narrates, and I contracted for both of them to produce Zoe. I'm excited with the results, and I think listeners will be pleased.

Adam Skousen

Zoe is set on the Santa Fe Trail with plenty of adventure and challenges. Join Zoe and Clay on their perilous journey and unexpected developments, and listen to these talented narrators bring the story to life.

_______________________

Loving God's Word

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

One of the most important things a Christian can do is read and study the Word of God. It is crucial for many different reasons. Yet, to begin with, it may appear dry, irrelevant, or too complicated. This is what the enemy wants you to think. It's to his advantage to keep from reading the Bible, and he'll try to convince you that it's not for you. However, I promise that if you stick with it, you'll reach a point where you hunger and yearn to read it.

And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).

Reading God's Word changes your attitude and you begin to have a new perspective on life. The importance of the temporary things of this world starts to fade, and the eternal, spiritual realm becomes more valuable. We develop a stronger relationship with our Lord, and that brings peace beyond all understanding.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

If God is important to you, you'll want to know Him better. The best way to do that is to listen to what He says to you, and you can find that in His Word. It's fine to start small. Read just a few verses a day or one chapter a day. As the days pass, you'll find yourself looking forward to this time. Christians have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and He'll be glad to help you. Give yourself the gift of knowing the Lord on an intimate, personal level. Read His Word every day.

______________________

 Gypsies in My Next Book

I've been blessed to be able to travel extensively, and I was surprised to find gypsies in most European countries. Personally, I encountered most of them in Ireland and Spain. This sparked a special interest in their lifestyle, and when I started publishing books, I always knew I wanted to include gypsies sometime.

The first "sometime" came with my next book to be published, Carmen's Wedding Dilemma. In the novel, Carmen's father is falsely accused of a crime in Spain, so he and his family leave their gypsy camp in the middle of the night and sail to America. Carmen is born several months later, and the family ends up owning a horse ranch in Southern Utah. I'll be writing more about their story later.

Link to Carmen

The gypsies in Spain are called Cale (Kah.lay'). There, as in most places, gypsies have historically experienced prejudiced and discrimination. They may be barred from entering certain establishments, and it was hard for them to find gainful employment if people learned of their backgrounds. Because of this Carmen's family hides their heritage.

______________________

Like a Pickle Analogy

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

Traditionally, women across America would be making pickles about now in the past. First, the cucumbers are picked, cleaned, and any bad spots removed. This is what happens to Christians when their sins are washed away by Jesus' blood because they accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? (Luke 14: 34-35).

The cucumbers are then soaked in a brine solution. Salt is a preservative and also helps purify. Once a person is saved, he or she continues to be sanctified — made holy, concentrated, or set apart for God, especially if he or she stays saturated in the Word. It's an ongoing process that helps us grow and become more Christlike. 

In this world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b).

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

After the brine solution, the cucumbers are rinsed and then blanched or dipped into boiling water to kill any impurities that might remain and cause them to spoil and not be edible. Christians aren't immune to problems, but God can use troubled times to make us stronger in our faith and get rid of stumbling blocks that hold us back.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

In the Greek, baptizo means to immerse.  A Christian's baptism symbolizes they belong to Christ. They die to their old selves and become a new creature in Him. It's basically one of our first acts of obedience. Both the salt immersion and the final vinegar solution preserves cucumbers, making them crisper, changing their taste, and transforming them into pickles. The Holy Spirit also transforms ordinary people, making them new, better, and ready for service.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).

_______________________

Merle and Vanessa

When Vanessa decides to write to the matchmaker, her one stipulation is that she wants to move from Pinyon Falls and the people who dislike her. What happens? Mrs. Sinclair sends her Merle Warner, who has no home of his own and wants to settle in Pinyon Falls. Just when the man begins to grow on her, an English earl arrives, and with the possibility of becoming part of the nobility, Vanessa is unsure of what she should do.

I had to create a new character for Mrs. Sinclair to match with Vanessa, and I knew he needed to be a strong man to withstand Vanessa's manipulations and stubbornness. Merle has made plenty of money traveling around the West as a real estate speculator, but he's tired of that life and wants to settle down with a family. The moment he sees Vanessa, he knows he's in for a challenge, but he looks forward to it. He suspects underneath the hard facade she shows to the world lies an insecure woman who's looking for the same things he is. However, he meets opposition he didn't expect, and his task becomes even harder if not impossible.

 A Match for Merle released today (7-1-2024). I think you'll want to see how Vanessa begins to gradually change, and then a shock causes her to make a major turnaround, but has it come too late? I found seeing things from her point of view, although distorted at first, fascinating; and I think you will too. It's available in paperback, Kindle, KU, and Audible.

Link to A Match for Merle

____________________