The writer, homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, hiker, sewer, cook, author of Biblical fiction, and devotional writer; all for His glory and by His help.
Sandhills gather like Autumn leaves on woody branch a time of farewells…
Echoes their grand call, sad vibrations fill the air from wet, marshy pond.
Frost clings to morning October shakes its old head… thankful for a rest.
Until Spring, I say… to leaves, visiting birds and warmth wrapped in woolen coat.
P. Wolf
I’m looking forward to this event. Hope to see you there!
All Creatures Big & Small
I had the pleasure of having one of my grandsons go on my morning walk with me. I usually listen to an audio preacher, Pastor John is a favorite, but that morning my grandson and I walked and talked. Every once in a while he would stop to study something; an unusual stone alongside the shoulder of the road, a larger than life pine cone or a brightly colored leaf.
The conversation went on about his day and hopes for it. He manage my pup who walked between us. The dog adores him and lets out squeals of joy when he arrives.
Halfway through our walk he handed me the leash. I watched him wander a little ways off. He bent and tenderly gathered something in the palm of his hand. Then trotted to the shoulder of the road.
“What are you doing?” I questioned.
“Saving a wooly bear from being run over.”
I smiled at the small act of kindness. Remember in each day we have the opportunity to show kindness.
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:8
Tale of Seasons (For those who have seen at least 70 springs.)
I heard a red wing this morning, he sat at top frosty cattail. It reminded me of spring. Here in the Northwood the red wing is one of the first birds to visit my pond.
Chill nipped at my nose, frothy swirls of smoke rose into the morning air. Woodsy swirls, almost bitter from dried wood, warming homes.
A cardinal sat in sunshine next to a fluff of milkweed. White frost lined my road, atop brittle grasses. My heart yearned for spring.
The red wing told me it was, but the comical cardinal told me a different story. One in which half the trees are bare, others fall like rain on dry dark pavement… the end of our autumn.
The air is quite chilled, growing season passed, winter’s around the corner. My life, autumn passed, winter has arrived with few years left on earth. But the promised spring … will come once again to the next generation.
P. Wolf
“One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4
My next release coming up around Valentine’s Day. The manuscript will be off to my editor next week and then a round of four others to fine tune the story. Its journey has begun for kids ages 10-14!
An early Happy Thanksgiving to all!Favorite Photos of October
I caught an arrow in the air, it fell in haste from nowhere. For, sluggishly it sliced daylight I grasped its rod with my might.
A melody drifted in morning air, a lovely tune so simple and fair. My ears heard the simple song, the day would bring no wrong.
The years have come and went, the song lingers from when sent. It remains like a majestic oak, strong, and still forever unbroken.
P. Wolf
Unbroken
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.”
I John 5:3-4
I’m not alone
As prayers lift to heaven, my tears wash me clean. When unsure moments flutter like butterfly wings; I am reminded God carries each unsure thought… and every single tear. I am not alone!
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”
Psalm 56:8
(I had a health situation this summer, but God surrounded me with His comfort.)
Now available on Amazon for kids ages 6-10 or anyone who has ever loved a dog! The story is about a boy, a dog and King David.Fall BloomsMy first novel.
Jemi felt a chill. She shivered. It was as if a damp shadow encased her. Frostiness, unlike anything she had known, seized her small frame. Even the chilly mornings of Dor could not match this sensation. The coolness of the recent rain did not come close to this frigid feeling. For the first time ever, fear of the unfamiliar filled Jemi. The air loomed with unknown gloom and darkness dropped about her.
Jemi’s head throbbed with pain. Worry filled her mind stealing away any peace God had for her. Hadn’t she just been walking along the coast of Dor staring out at TheGreat Sea on her way to collect water? She had hurried to the new well. It had been raining, raining hard. The merchant’s ships had arrived. Rezin asked her to see his camels. What had happened? Where was Dor?
She tried to lift her body from the ground. Pain seemed to flow like blood through her veins. She whimpered. Then with a slight moan prayed, “Dear God, I suffer and need your strength. Please, Lord, fill me with peace as you did for my ancestor Job.”
Jemi’s Noble Quest (Whispers of Messiah): on Amazon
On December 8, 2021 my first book was published through Amazon. I enjoyed the self-publishing process so much that I have published 10 books since that time. They are all Christian based, most are fiction except for a book of poetry and some are for children while most are for adults. If you have a story to tell, create it and publish it.
My inspiration for the series “Teddy’s Tales”, book one is “Visit with a King”. Isn’t he cute?We dot have color yet, but it’s coming soon! This photo is from a few years ago,
They change before my eyes: translucent, transparent telling of coming changes chanting their farewells across the sky.
If trees could talk what would be said of their transformation? Would willows weep or birches balk as their leaves are wisp away?
Maples seem to chatter in wind; while oaks remain stately and only rumble, rattle, roar as autumn exits clinging to their crisp leaves till spring.
My life could be as those sturdy oaks torn by stormy winds on darken days, as seasons change by hand of God I choose to cling to Him until spring again!
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place; What is man that You think of him, and a son of man that You are concerned about him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!” Psalm 8:3-5
DREAMY MOON
Full robust moon, dreams of traveling far; Orville and Wilbur knew as they took flight.
Brilliant round moon, that lights my nightly path, I have dizzy daydreams to take the plight of flight.
Light of nighttime moon, created on day four God set you in the sky before dreams of flight.
Shine full moon in the great expanse over all the earth as man dreams of flight.
For all the moons that hung in the sky; it is man who’s crowned with glory and majesty.
P. Wolf
“On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the world’s first motor-powered airplane flight. On that historic flight, the Wright brothers’ aircraft, the Wright Flyer, reached an altitude of just 8 feet and traveled a distance of 120 feet. Little did anyone know that just 66 years later, parts of that very same plane would travel much higher and much farther — all the way to the moon.”
Things are hopping in my household. Grandkids are about three times a week, garden maintenance daily, )mostly trying to get rid of daily rain) and baseball (a lot of baseball with 4 grandkids playing). But the biggest news is, I am close to releasing my new children’s series “Teddy’s Tales”. As you can see from the photo above, he’s quite the pup. Watch for the new release, coming soon on Amazon.
If you want to keep up with my daily inspirational writing or know about my books following me on Facebook: Patti Wolf Scribbling Spiritual Sand.
Now for Poetry
WISCONSIN RAIN
Drip, drip, drip down the roof Sprinkle, spray, slush over summer blooms Dribble, dabble raindrops mixed with dew Splashes, slides, seeps in saturated earth Drizzle, drizzle, drizzle down my roof
(We are officially 7 inches above normal in rainfall here in Wisconsin. When it rains it pours. Farm fields have become ponds. Root-rot fills potted plants. The grass seems to grow hours after cutting it. Yet, we’ve seen few misquotes. I think they have drowned.)
POEM 2
I cherish a summer stroll as darkness settles in. What do you enjoys on a cool summer evening?
Chaotic chatter sung with glee, echoes summer’s forest plea; rowdy, restless rooks just jeer.
Cardinal, Towhee, Robin three; chaotic crows it’s time to flee leave our dear woods clear.
I need no eye to see the gay festivity and jubilee; of a clutter, flutter so dear.
I love listening to birds when I first wake up. They are God’s sweet alarm clock in the morning. However, yesterday as I napped the bird’s chorus was wonderful. I miss them during Wisconsin’s winter months.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
I enjoy an unexpected sky shot. As I took this photograph my focus was on my grandson and his fish. It wasn’t until after I was viewing yesterday’s photos I realized the power of those gathering clouds.
I recently read: “The heavens not only show God’s creation but actively declare His glory. The skies themselves speak to His craftsmanship, a daily, continual testimony of God’s power and splendor.”
Even in the sky, which is an umbrella over us, God’s sovereignty is seen. He who gathers the rain also collects our tears. From sunrise to sunset God is available to the searching soul. May the sky remind you that God is watching over all His Creation.
I have been a part of a service called BookFunnel for almost a year. However, I am for the first time joining one of their promotions. This is what it does:
“The Promotions board on the BookFunnel dashboard can help you find new readers! When you cross-promote with other authors in your genre, your book is exposed to new readers that are searching for books just like yours.”
“Each author in a promo is asked to share the promo with their own mailing list and/or social media platforms, which sends lots of reader eyeballs to the promo. Your readers can discover new books that are right up their alley, and your book is seen by all of the lovely readers sent by the other participating authors.”
As I work through this new endeavor, I am looking for your support. I have needed to learn SO many things since I started as an indie author four years ago. Sometimes everything blurs into a messy watercolor painting, but I’m ready! All I want to do is write, but that is not possible in an author’s indie world.
Monday I will be part of a children’s promo. My last children’s book “ Let Them Rise” will be part of a group of books available to readers. I took a sneak peek of the other books and some look very interesting.
If I do everything correctly, I will be promoting other kid themed books which could be added to your ebook devices. If you see fit, feel free to repost this, or that, information. I will be sharing on my public FB site, on my private FB Scribbling Spiritual Sand and my WordPress Blog http://www.wolfsrosebud. com.
Thank you for coming along on this new endeavor. Have a great Friday.
Summer Has Begun“Such a wonderful book! Highly recommend! Biblically based truth is ingeniously and talentedly interwoven into a story that even has a little romance!”
In dabbling darkness, bleakness becomes bliss a crescendo climbs a full moon’s shadow across the World. A full moon in lunar phase iridescent, illuminates beyond shades of twilight Earth. ‘tween the shining sun, marvelous moon, appears as a generous circular disk against inky orb.
Rules Around Water & Kids
This is near and dear to my heart. Please, if there is only one thing you read today review these water rules for your children’s sake.
Adult Supervision
Always swim with others.
Set water safety rules.
Swim in areas with lifeguards.
Always provide constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers.
Watch all children and teens swimming or playing in or near water, even if they know how to swim.
Designate a water watcher when you are in or around water. Never use alcohol or other drugs during water-related activities.
Remember to supervise young children around water when water play or swimming is not part of your plan.
Wear a Life Jacket
When on a boat, raft, stand-up paddle board or inner tube
When swimming in open water like a lake, river or the ocean
When playing in or near the water and on docks (for young children)
Learn to Swim
If you don’t know how to swim well, find someone to teach you. Learn to float and to tread water for at least 10 minutes.
Make sure your child learns to swim. Upgrade their swimming skills each year.
Check about lessons at your local pool or life-guarded beach.
Know the Weather and Water Conditions
Always enter shallow and unknown water feet first.
Watch for uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
Cold water can kill, even on hot summer days. Stay close to shore. Rest if you are cold or tired.
Obey all safety signs and warning flags.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Learn first aid and CPR.
Bring a cell phone with you or know where to find the nearest phone.
Dial 911 in an emergency.
Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger. Reach out to someone in trouble in the water while holding on to something stable. If you can’t reach them, throw them something that floats.
Reposted from Seattle Children’s Foundation
What does it mean to shine your light for Jesus?
“According to Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells his followers to “let your light shine before others” so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God in heaven. “Shine” means to give off or reflect light.” Jesus is our example and the perfect Light to follow. How can you glorify God today? Find just one way to shine your light today. The world can be a dark place.Evening Path I love to meander down gravel path, as I ponder and pray; calls chirping frogs, echo night songs while fancy fragrant blooms cluster, cling to evening’s way. Barron feeder, abandon birdbath, vanishing sun ray, bustling bullfrog bogs last of day prolongs; I wandering vagrant so silently sing farewell to day. Stars seem to hum, a silent, sublime display of Northern Lights fame is this the sky’s wrath? Brilliant colors stoke a tremendous thing which God made before sunlight’s ray. Morning has come; long night’s away as I walk the same gravel country path. No frogs do croak, a chorus of birds sing, aromatic blooms fade on this a new day.
Note: Photo courtesy of my neighbor taken over my property last Saturday. I was fast asleep.My next kids series, “Teddy’s Tales, A Visit With the King”. A story of a boy, a dog and King David coming out later this summer.One cookbook connects them all… Joann ~ Book Five in a string of heartfelt inspirational stories, featuring different women throughout the decades from 1920 to 2020.
Twenty-four-year-old Joann Kincaid’s life ambition is to one day run the family’s general store in Pecan Grove, Louisiana. It’s 1965 and the times may be a-changing, but Joann’s father is stubbornly hanging on to old-fashioned views about what he wants for his daughter. She’s just as determined to prove she’s a capable businesswoman.Some Favorite May Photos
If I could paint a landscape of spring, to reveal the magic it can truly bring, it would be of forsythia’s brilliant show where yellow blooms abundantly grow! Of a carpet of green after months of tan; cool, curly blades of grass, budding leaf, and new flower bulbs deep in dirty sand. Warmth in the fresh air as if to know its lifeblood helps makes all things flow. A-flight of flocks of birds which sing, soar skies; oversees them as does a king.
If I could capture the blessings of spring, of a life lived in Christ and what it brings; it could take weeks or years to show, it would be glorious with fruits that grow, it would reflect on Jesus Christ the man, it would not be freed from trials or grief, though it is difficult to understand or know. There’s a godly peace that comes to flow; even in sorrow one can hope and sing praises to our returning Creator and King!
P. Wolf
THE WORD
Desert wind howls like a lost pup, sands of time fall like spring rain as my soul hungers for renewal, eagerly.
Dryness is good in the season of floods where earth is too saturated and foundations begin to crumble.
Damp garment hang in warm breeze flapping, fluttering, flirting in the wind, but the soul should not be tossed about.
Delightful it is to sip a glass of hope as a season of abundance arrives; this is what it is like reading the Word.
P. Wolf
SRING PINES
“In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.” Ezekiel 17:23
Wind whistles through stately pines, as a red-tailed hawk cautiously soars spring gusts, blowing from south winds.
Whistles a distance train trailing country rickety roads bound on southern paths; as spring peepers day-in-and-out whistle.
Pines sway, swing, sweep; perched hawk rest for a minuscule moment mesmerized by shadow dancing in solemn, stately pines.
As wild wind whistles through pines, the mountain in Israel will bring forth the throne of the anointed Son of God.
(One day, maybe soon.)
P. Wolf
Author Update
Here is a peek into my upcoming book, “Fearless, Fervent, Flourishing Faith”.
“In between years of homeschooling and feeling homelessness I found a deeper purpose for my life. I wasn’t literally without a home, but my flourishing home was empty. I didn’t get it. For years I had prayed regarding the up and coming years of “empty nest”. Yet, my nasty nesting materials were poking the life out of me.
I was lost and lonely. I had no purpose anymore. My husband was still employed and my children were on their way of making lives for themselves. For me, I was the rotten egg left in the woody nest with no one to incubate my stillborn life.”
Each of us have moments like I had where our faith is attacked. May I encourage you to look to God for direction. He has purpose for us through changing seasons.
Author news update:
I just started creating “Fearless, Fervent, Flourishing Faith”. I’m excited about writing a non-fiction book. Let see where God takes me as I share my spiritual journey.
For now, I travel an editing path. I will be working on the first book in my new children’s series “Teddy’s Tales, A Visit With the King”. This book is targeted towards ages 6-10. It’s a story of a dog and a boy who learn character building traits from the beloved King David.
“Beatrice” is touching the lives of readers. Reviews are slow. I found out from many people that they are uncomfortable leaving a book review or just don’t have the time. Authors appreciate input from their readers.
My first book released earlier this year “Abigail’s 40 Days” is feeling a bit lonely on the book shelf. It is such a wonderful story of a life transformed during moments of grief. Abigail finds herself walking with Jesus’ disciples who are on an exciting journey in search of their risen Savior. Will Abigail leave her sorrowful mission to seek true hope?
Enjoy the unveiling of spring. Have a great month.
Christian Author Patti Wolf here to share a bit about what’s happening in my world.
My First Children’s Series
In a few days, it will be 3 years since I published the first book of the series “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures”! Happy Birthday “Stormy Seas”.
Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures
Most of you aren’t reading books for children anymore, but you may have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or a neighborhood child who would be perfect for this my early reader series “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures”!
Here’s a self-interview:
How did “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” happen?
I had just finished my adult debut book, “Jemi’s Noble Quest “, and my 9 year old granddaughter wanted to read it. Since she was a little too young for my new book I told her I would write a series with her as the main character. Isn’t that what an author who is a Nana would do?
What are the stories about?
Each of the three books have a different biblical theme and character quality which I tried to instill into the reader’s lives. There’s a lot of dramatic play. Kids love that. I included lessons from the Bible shared by Alexis to her younger brother, Ollie, and you. More to come about each book later this week.
Why write Christian Women’s Fiction and Christian based children’s books?
Well, it takes a lot for an author to create a book, even more for an indie author (self published). I just needed a breather between writing styles so I mixed up my audiences. I’ve worked with children for over 40 years and have a teacher’s heart. I hope to help them in their life journey and draw them to Jesus.
What’s next in my children’s world of books?
I just finished the first book in my new series “Teddy’s Tails”. We won’t meet Alexis, but will fall in love with an adorable dog. This series is also an early reader and best for children under 10. I expect it to be released this summer.
Also, Alexis will return in a four book series as a super sleuth! She will be much older, but her passion to live her faith will shine through each story. Since I’m new to writing a mystery, I would appreciate your prayers.
As a writer, I want to stretch my abilities despite my age. I just turned 70! Wow, that went fast. Come back to hear more about each Alexis Ann book!
Teddy’s Tales Children’s Series
Pondering Poetry
As promised, I will continue sharing my writing process this week. Today, I’d like to focus on poetry.
Poetry is an expression of emotions regarding the world around the writer. It can be inspired during joyful times or times of loss. As an artist paints a picture with a brush, a poet uses a toolbox filled with words to paint a different type of picture in the minds of their readers. Poetry can be free flowing or very structured. Though there are rules, a poet has the freedom of expression as they see the world.
Book One of Scribbling Spiritual Sand was released last autumn. My book “Nature Poetry” is written to reflect the created world. This book is a collection of my recent poems. It follows through the four seasons here in Wisconsin. Each poems strives to also bring encouragement from the Bible with a thoughtful verse.
Poetry comes to me at many times of the day, but usually while I’m in nature. The changing of seasons, a sunset in winter or critters in the woodland all help for words to emerge. I love to expand my vocabulary and find it fun working in rhythms. Poetry is a weekly exercise for me. I also love finding scripture to work with my poetry.
Below is an example of a photograph which inspires my poetic writing.
NEW DAY, NEW WAY
The owl’s hoot draws loooong, it fills chilled air with skillful song; for the hands of time are strong under darkness, nothing’s wrong.
His music drifts drowsily in morning air, sleepy eyes blink without a single care; new notes linger long with fussy flare. Now two, a handsome feathered pair.
Day’s arrived, advanced along its way, morning breeze stirs trees to sway, forest friends awake, it’s time to play for no longer it the owl a threat, it’s day.
as thoughts of day fill restless mind ponder ways to sacrifice, seek to find ways to hinder what you want; bind your desires and ambitions to be kind.
Spring in my backyard:
Still there’s a slice of ice encasing the marsh as glass; stiff, sharp becomes a screen protecting you from prey. Visions of rich, dense duck weed and brown, earthy tuffs of marsh grass huddle waiting for cloudless sky. But morning chill tells another story of early spring.
Buried deep you rest. While scent of spring plays a game of hide and seek; you find no aroma of wild rose only unscented seeds from brown, barefaced bundled of reeds and cat-tails spinning, dancing atop silvery layer of ice; your roof-top sky light. Your throaty call echoes beneath; stiff in the icy entrapment.
Yet, this is your woodland nest here life and death linger in stiff pools of decaying waters with microscopic bacteria; so minuscule even your bulgy protruding eyes unable to find them. Your passion overriding all, your mission drives you forward as your need to seek a mate becomes all; this is why you were created and it consumes your very existence.
A warning, when the ice melts cranes and geese are waiting to have you as a tasty meal. Sing quickly, call out rhythmic chips, chatter and chants; for somewhere she waits past all still danger to dance awhile as it has been written in the book of “Spring Peepers Logs of Love”; for now the image in ice is only you!
“These all wait for You, You may give them their food in due season. You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.” Psalm 104:27-29
Spring’s Night Call
Calling, calling chirps and whistles muffled in weeds, muffled in messy mud in stillness of night under a cloudless sky; sneaks passed a sly scarlet fox fixed on his next prey loitering under empty trees; hooty owl now speechless staring down thoughtlessly, drowsily as head bobs against prickly pine in still of murky night.
A single voice echos in kettled March marsh, knowing a choir of spring peepers will come to add vibrate voices in a springtime victory
P. Wolf
May we be vibrant for the Lord,
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty Psalm 29:3-4
Update on Apron Strings Series
Our first four book lineup for “Apron Strings”!
Book three, “Priscilla”, came out in March. Here is my review: “Many might not be able to relate to growing up on a farm. In the story of Priscilla we experience the struggle of a farming family. A lot hasn’t changed since farming in the 1940’s, families still work together as they struggle against odds. Jenny has done a lovely job of presenting Priscilla in a real and believable way.”
Book four, “Beatrice”, will be released on April 9th. I loved writing this story which took me into 1950 to do my research. Much of it was from the memories of my mother’s recollection of those years. I hope each of you will enjoy the story of Beatrice.
Still there’s a slice of ice encasing the marsh as glass; stiff, sharp becomes a screen protecting you from prey. Visions of rich, dense duck weed and brown, earthy tuffs of marsh grass huddle waiting for cloudless sky. But morning chill tells another story of early spring.
Buried deep you rest. With scent of spring playing games of hide and seek; you find no aroma of wild rose only unscented seeds from brown, barefaced bundled of reeds and cat-tails spinning, dancing atop silvery layer of ice; your roof-top sky light. Your throaty call echoes beneath; stiff in the icy entrapment.
Yet, this is your woodland nest here life and death linger in stiff pools of decaying waters rich with microscopic bacteria; so minuscule even your bulgy protruding eyes unable to find them. Your passion overriding all, your mission drives you forward as your need to seek a mate becomes all; this is why you were created and it consumes your very existence.
A warning, when the ice melts cranes and geese are waiting to have you as a tasty meal. Sing quickly, call out rhythmic chips, chatter and chants; for somewhere she waits past all still danger to dance awhile as it has been written in the book of “Spring Peepers Logs of Love”; for now the image in ice is only you!
These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Patti Wolf 