Glorify God

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

One of our main purposes is to glorify God. However, too many people are driven by a desire for personal glory. They seek to be in the limelight and be recognized. If they sacrifice or do good works, they want to be honored for it. Those who are true servants to the Lord will see that He gets the honor and the glory.  

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee" (Proverbs 4:24).

When people use His name in vain or swear, they aren't glorifying God. It grieves Him when His name is used casually and not set aside and honored as special. Warren Wiersbe reminds us in His book, 10 Power Principles of Christian Service, "Doing the will of God from our hearts involves doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, and for the right reason. That reason, of course, is the glory of God."

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another . . ." Isaiah 42:8a).

Wiersbe goes on to say, "Servants who are yielded to the Holy Spirit and filled with the Word of God will be guided to say and do the things that most honor the Lord." What about you? Do you seek to honor God in all that you think, say, and do? Do you want Him to receive all glory and recognition instead of you? May it be so.

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 Westward Home and Hearts

Today, I want to share a special multiple-author series with you. It's been popular with readers for a long time and is still going strong. The first book in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series published on October 15, 2019 by Elaine Manders, the series administrator. Since then, there have been 58 more books published, and they're still coming out. When you find a series with this many books and so much longevity, you know it's special.

My first book in the series, Willa's Woes, published on January 10, 2025. In it, Willa has a series of tragedies and misfortunes and ends up becoming a mail-order bride in Dakota Territory. There, she experiences the devastating winter of 1880, when so much snow accumulated that farmers had to dig tunnels to reach their barns.

My second book, Daphne's Determination, will release on July 8, 2025. Daphne's uncle talks her into becoming a mail-order bride to prove his daughter was murdered by her husband. However, when she gets to Colorado, she's not sure of anything, and solving the crime isn't going to be easy. It's available for preorder now.

Morrow's Mishaps will publish on November 10, 2025, and is on preorder now. On her way to Wyoming, Morrow has one incident after another, and she has no idea why these things are happening to her. Even when she and her friend arrive at Bradford's ranch, there are several mishaps. Is something trying to tell her she shouldn't have come, or is there someone who doesn't want her here?

In Gwendolyn's Groom, Gwendolyn's father is dying, and he wants her securely married before he departs this world. However, the groom he and the matchmaker pick is anything but suitable in Gwendolyn's eyes. Yet, given the circumstances, she might have to marry the man. It will publish on February 11, 2026, just in time for Valentine's Day.

I hope you will check out this wonderful series and consider my four books. One has already published, two are on preorder, and one will publish early next year.

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Patience

. . . the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8b).

As hard as it can be at times, Christians need to be patient. Impatient servants can do more harm than good if they aren't careful, and witnessing won't be as effective. Patience and humility often go hand-in-hand. Arrogant people are often selfish and impatient. They want things done their way and on their timetable.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).

Impatience may be a sign of a hard heart. Such a heart resists the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit and struggles to put its full trust in God. However, Scripture reminds us that patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit and a reflection of Christ's loving, long-suffering nature. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can train ourselves to be more patient.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22).

When we surrender our impatience to God, He will soften our hearts and teach us to wait with grace and trust in His divine plan. The more we yield to Him, the more we will grow in wisdom, compassion, and understanding, thereby becoming effective witnesses of His mercy and truth. How patient are you? You can pray for more today.

Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

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Ivy Hart and The Banker

Fellow author Ivy Hart is also writing in the Men of the West series with me. I am pleased to have her guest-blogging here today. Every book in the multiple-author project is worth checking out, and we hope you'll read them all. I'll let her tell you about herself and her new book in her own words:

Hello, fellow lovers of Christian Historical Romance! I'm Ivy Hart, and it's a joy to share my passion for stories that weave together faith, love, and the rich tapestry of the American past. While I live in Australia, my own great-grandmother was a prairie homesteader (from Norway), and her incredible strength, courage, and unwavering faith in God are a constant source of inspiration for the tales of resilience and hope I strive to bring to life. There's something about the challenges faced by those who carved out lives on the frontier – their reliance on God and each other – that speaks deeply to my heart, and I hope to yours as well.

I'm so excited to introduce you to my newest novel, The Banker, which released on June 5th, 2025! This story is part of the Men of the West multi-author series, and it plunges us into the heart of Liberty Ridge, a Kansas town carved from the rugged landscape in 1890. It’s a place where dreams are forged in the fires of ambition, but also where the earth yields both riches and heartbreak. When a devastating mine explosion rips through the community, it unearths not just raw seams of earth but also the simmering tensions and deep-seated prejudices dividing the settlers and Irish immigrants. Amidst this wreckage and despair, Caleb, our banker who is wrestling with his own doubts, finds himself drawn to Charity, a photographer of unwavering strength and resilience. Their shared grief and commitment to rebuilding their shattered town ignite a spark of hope and a burgeoning love that defies the odds. But as they search for answers and strive to heal their community, they uncover a web of deceit threatening to consume them both. Will their love bridge the divide and bring justice to light, or will the secrets they uncover shatter the fragile peace forever?

Writing The Banker was a journey into the heart of a community grappling with prejudice, loss, and the search for redemption. I was particularly drawn to exploring how faith can sustain individuals and a town through immense trials, and how true healing often begins with small acts of courage and compassion. Charity's profession as a photographer using the dry plate methods of the 1890s was fascinating to research, imagining her capturing the fleeting moments and resilient spirits of Liberty Ridge. Having arrived in town on a desperate search for her missing brother, Samuel, Charity finds her life taking unexpected turns. The story delves into the difficult path of mending old wounds, as settlers and Irish immigrants must find common ground, and how one man, Caleb, seeks to rebuild not just a bank, but trust and unity through faith in action. As Caleb and Charity navigate the aftermath of the town's trauma, their connection deepens, leading to moments where the future hangs in the balance: They walked on, the path narrowing slightly, forcing them closer together. This closeness feels right. Natural. Like coming home, Caleb thought. Their conversation turned again, circling back to their hopes for the future... Listening to her, seeing the passion light up her face, Caleb felt a growing sense of dread mix with his admiration. Her roots here felt so new, so fragile compared to the pull of her past.

"Are you… are you planning to stay, Charity," he asked, the question hanging heavy in the crisp air. He tried to keep his voice even, banker-neutral, but failed. It came out hesitant, laced with an anxiety he couldn't hide. Now that Samuel is safe and recovering… now that Thorne is dealt with… what happens next for you?"

 Charity stopped walking, turning to face him fully. The sunlight caught the auburn highlights in her hair. Her expression was open, searching, her eyes filled with a complex mix of warmth and sincerity that made his heart hammer against his ribs.  "I don't know, Caleb," she admitted, her voice soft but clear, achingly honest. "I truly don't."

She looked around at the creek, the trees, the vast blue sky overhead. "I've grown so fond of Liberty Ridge," she continued, her gaze returning to his. "More than I ever expected. I feel a connection here… to the people, their resilience, their kindness… to this land, its rugged beauty…" Her voice dropped slightly. "And… to you." A faint blush rose on her cheeks, but she held his gaze. "There's a purpose here I never felt back home."

He took a step closer… "Charity," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, rough with emotion… "I… I don't want you to leave."

I pray that The Banker touches your heart and offers a story of hope and enduring faith. Look for it now!

Blessings,

Ivy Hart

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ivy-Hart/author/B0DBJ2HTWR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558923212484

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Submit

Submit yourselves therefore to God (James 4:7a).

Submission is hard for us. Ever since the fall of Adam, which unleashed sin into the world and gave people an inherent sinful nature, we have wanted to be in control. The world teaches us that we'd better take care of number one, a selfish attitude that doesn't help.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

However, without submitting to some kind of authority, chaos prevails, anarchy takes over, and no one is safe. The best thing a Christian can do is submit totally to God. We know we can trust Him; He knows everything, which we don't. Submitting to Christ doesn't mean subservience but freedom. It's liberating to let someone manage our lives who knows what He's doing.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Becoming God's servants and serving others brings a level of satisfaction and contentment that nothing else can. Being directed by God and in His will is a wonderful feeling. As Warren Wiersbe writes in his book, 10 Power Principles of Christian Service, " . . . obeying God's will and serving God's people is one of the highest honors possible in this life." Give everything to God today.

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Men of the West

This wonderful Western series has seven books already published and a few more to come. If you enjoy adventure, real heroes, romance, and happy ever afters, you'll want to read them all. Each book features a worker in a Western town to give you plenty of variety. Check out the multiple-author series, Men of the West.

My book in the series, The Miner, has already published. On his way to pick up supplies for the mine, Lorne Merritt discovers a pretty young woman alone and looking lost. Addie Shea came to Dakota Territory to live with her father, a prospector, but he’s been killed by a claim jumper. Knowing it’s not safe for her to be on her own in Deadwood, he befriends her, but then the attempts on her life begin. Who is doing this, and what can Lorne do to help keep her safe?

All the books are themed and can be read in any order, but once you start, you'll want to finish them all. At only $2.99 each for the ebooks, this is bargain entertainment. And some of them, like mine, are also available in print, KU, and on Audible. They'll make great summer reading.

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Sacrifice and Service

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

We know that we are going to have some trouble and problems in life. Everyone does. But if we surrender our lives to God, He will bring good, even from the difficulties. They can develop us, make us stronger, and grow our faith. They refine us for better service.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Jesus set the example for His followers to sacrifice for the sake of others. He gave of His time and energy to help those in need. The strange thing about this type of sacrifice is that it brings a special sense of well-being and satisfaction. In the end, we feel as if we've gained more than we've given.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

When we live in praise and thanksgiving to God and service to our fellowmen, we are following in Jesus' footsteps. We'll also find ourselves happy and fulfilled in a special way. God will guide you in the ways he wants you to serve. The key is to be willing and ready. How willing and ready are you?

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Newspapers in Early Western Towns

Another important business in any Western town was the newspaper office. Not only was it an important source for news and community updates, but in a place where entertainment was limited, it served that purpose too. Some Old West newspapers had interesting names, such as The Tombstone Prospector, The Pick and Drill, The Epitaph, and The Territorial Enterprise. In 1880 Town, in Midland, South Dakota, the newspaper was called The Western Star.

Depending on the size of the town and the situation, the newspaper might be published often or at longer intervals. Of course, the cities and larger towns tended to have daily papers, and in the smaller towns, they came out weekly or sometimes less. In the 1800s, most newspapers in the West came out weekly. Sometimes, the editor/owner did most of the work himself, and some had a staff, the number depending on the size and financial resources of the newspaper.

In my novel set in California in 1888, Tessa's Time, Tessa's uncle owns a newspaper, and she writes for him under a pseudonym. However, although she enjoys the newspaper work, she really wants to be a novelist, and she continues to work on her manuscript. She's sent to interview the new violinist who's come to San Francisco for the summer, and she's surprised by how much he impresses her. But can she realistically continue her career plans and be courted, and would he want that? Most men she's met don't approve of their wives working.

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Christian Service

. . . for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great (Luke 9:48c).

The Bible is clear that Christians should be about service -- service to God and service to one another. All of God's people are to become disciples and minister to one another. Of course, we aren't all called to serve in the same way. Some serve in positions where they are easily noticed, while others remain in the background. Both are important servants if they are following God's will for their lives.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

Although Jesus was a King, the Son of God, he modeled how to be a servant. The Romans and many people of that day considered being a slave or servant very demeaning. However, Jesus taught the opposite. Those who have been servants on earth, obeying God's call on their lives, will receive the greatest rewards in heaven. And contrary to what the world believes, those with a servant's heart are the happiest people on earth. It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and this is talking about more than just money.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

Paul was another example of a servant. He gave up an important position with the Pharisees to become a servant of Christ after His experience on the road to Damascus. Rumors had it that he was positioned to become the high priest of the Sanhedrin. By becoming a servant, he sacrificed much and went through great hardships and difficulties to serve others. He went from the luxuries of an important leader in Jerusalem to roughing it as he trekked to remote regions and strange lands on his missionary journeys; yet, he was happier and more content than he'd ever been.

We can serve wherever God plants us. How much of a servant are you?

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The Bank in 1880 Town

Of course, the bank is an important part of any town. In 1880 Town, the reconstructed Western town in Midland, South Dakota, the bank stood as a solid building with the church sitting several yards behind it.  Banks were essential to the businesses in the area as well as to the citizens. Bankers were often considered leaders in their communities.

In the Wild West, banks were also targets for thieves, and bank robberies were always a threat. However, the actual attempts were rarer than Hollywood leads us to believe. Because banks were in busy towns, and the money was well protected at night, thieves often found it easier to rob individual travelers, stagecoaches, and trains.

Although I've yet to write of a main character who's a banker, banks appear often in my Western novels. Here are some examples for you to check out:

Willa's Woes - Willa faces bank foreclosure, so she becomes a mail-order bride.

Solomon's Secret - After Solomon is robbed and left penniless, he eventually takes a part-time job at a bank.

Inman's Impersonation - Unknown to Inman, his brother is involved with bank robbers who tell the law that he's part of their gang. When he runs, he sets off a string of events that he'd never imagined.

Simon's Shame - Simon's harsh, judgmental father owned a bank.

Forget-Me-Not Cookies by Fern - Fern's father also owns a bank. She hates it when her parents send her to an academy miles away, but it turns out for the best.

Taking Stock - Set during the stock market crash and bank foreclosures at the beginning of the Great Depression, banks play an important part in the story.

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Christian Character

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).

Our Christian character is an important aspect of who we are in Christ. In a Yale lecture, Phillips Brooks said that "the great purpose of life" is "the shaping of character by truth." Someone once said, "Reputation is what people think we are; character is what God and the angels know we are." Warren Wiersbe explains, "People with character have integrity; what they say and do comes from a heart fully dedicated to God. Integrity means inner wholeness; we're not trying to fool others (hypocrisy) or fool ourselves (duplicity)."

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live (Proverbs 4:4).

In the Bible, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Mary, Jeremiah, and Paul, among others, had character. Character means making God your top priority and seeking to please Him above all else. For a Christian, Scripture and prayer play an integral part in this. Attending a Bible-believing church and having fellowship with other Christians also helps. The foundation of a godly life is character, and it's anchored by the daily decisions we make.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

Wiersbe tells us that "the deterioration of character is an 'inside job.' We drift from God and fall into sin, and then we try to avoid responsibility by blaming others or pleading extenuating circumstances; . . . The erosion of character usually begins with neglect: we stop reading the Word, or worshiping with God's people, or taking time to meditate and pray. . . . The process is deadly: first the drifting, then the secret sinning, then the hidden eroding of character . . . ."

Let's make sure we build our Christian character and never fall into intentional sin.

*Parts taken from 10 Power Principles for Christian Service, Warren Wiersbe.

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 The Post Office in a Western Town

The post office played an important role in any town, but especially in the West, where people felt cut off from much of the country and more isolated. The post office allowed them to keep in touch with family that might be far away and conduct business they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Before the telegraph, the post office was about the only means of remote communication, and although it might be slow, the mail usually eventually got there.

The post office stood in a prominent place in 1880 Town in Midland, South Dakota. In many Western towns, the post office was located in a store, but others had separate buildings, as seen here. These buildings tended to be small structures, but since the mail was handed out regularly, they didn't need a large building.

Post offices often had a bulletin board as well. This was another way to distribute information. They might contain wanted posters, upcoming events, community information, or other news.

In any Western novel about mail-order brides, the post office served an important role, and I have quite a few mail-order brides novels. Below is a list that you might want to check out.

Mistaken Bride
The Writer's Rescue

Willa's Woes

Beckett's Brides

A Match for Marshall

A Match for Cord

A Match for Silas

A Match for Merle

A Match for Milton

A Match for Reece

Aida

Candace

A Christmas Snow for Sadie

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 Light or Darkness

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Have you noticed how the dark can encourage negative thoughts? The what-ifs, uncertainties, and doubts often come to us in bed at night. Yet, things often appear much brighter in the morning light, both literally and figuratively. Darkness flourishes on making us feel frightened and alone. The first words God spoke in the Bible are "Let there be light." It is a fact that light dispels darkness. 

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).

Darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. It is the same in our spiritual lives. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Satan wants to fill our lives with his darkness, but he can't do it when we have Jesus -- when we belong to Him. So, let us cling to our Lord and not let darkness have a chance in our lives.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Jesus ushered in a new age. Now, believers no longer have to carry the burden of the law, but we can live free and at peace under grace. This makes it much harder for darkness to inch back in. We get to trade our sinfulness for His righteousness. His sacrifice on the cross covers us when we allow Him to be the Lord of our lives. Let's choose to live in the Light.

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth (1 John 2:8-11).

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The Lumber Company in Old Western Towns

In the fast-growing West, lumber companies became an important business and building supplies in high demand. Most Western Towns had a place to buy lumber, and some had other related businesses, such as shingle and siding companies, as well. 

This was also true in 1880 Town in Midland, South Dakota, which I've been sharing with you since our trip there. Since the largest part of a lumber company was the wood stacked outside, the most prominent building housing wood supplies in this town was the shingle and siding company. Of course, there were a general store, hardware store, and other places to buy some building supplies as well. 

I also have connections to the lumber industry. My paternal grandfather owned a sawmill in the Appalachian Mountains, and my father worked for him growing up. Later, His older brother bought it, and Dad worked with him for a while. In my novel, Noah's New Bride, Noah Elder is a lumberjack in Oregon. But near the end of the book, he retires from that rugged life to become the owner and operator of a lumber company -- still related to the lumber industry but more conducive to a man with a family. 

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