Sitting on my porch as the sun greets the Texas hills – Jolene Navarro
Hola, from the Texas Hill Country. Jolene Navarro here. Just got in from my morning walk and ready to chat.
Sometimes we are in such a hurry to reach a goal, to get through today we miss the simple joys around us.
Worry and guilt. Anger and bitterness.
These are a few of the things that can steal life’s joy. We start to think if we get this or go there or if this person would only…..
At times finding joy in the every day can be a challenge. I believe it does take intentional thought and planning. Starting the day with a favorite verse. Sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee as the sun makes its appearance. Not a morning person? The sun set is a beautiful thing too.
Texas wildflowers in the Hill Country – Jolene Navarro
A single wild flower brightly reaching for the sun.
In my July 17th/August 1st release, Texas Daddy, the heroine, Nikki Bergmann has a secret she has kept since she was seventeen. This secret comes with massive guilt. For over ten years, she has avoided her three sisters and father. Because of this, she has lost the simple joys of life.
The hero comes into her life through his daughter. I love watching a character develop and grow.
To live in our true essence instead of fear is a great gift.
On a side note, the digital form of Texas Daddy is on sale for 1.99. Not sure how long this will last. If you pre-order, it will be on your Nook, Kindle, any tablet or phone on Aug 1st. I think this is a pre-order sale and it will go back to 4.99 at the time of release. The print book is in stores now.
A SOLDIER’S SURPRISE FAMILY my fall 2017 release is also on sale for 1.99.
Reading brings me joy. I love a good pull at the ol’heart strings. A sweet romance that takes me away is a true pleasure. How do you bring joy into your life? A baby’s giggle or a moving song?
Texas Hill Country – Jolene Navarro #upbeatauthors
I have joined a group of authors that want to spread joy so, at the start of each week we post something positive. You can find them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at #upbeatauthors. Next week it is a positive quote. Do you have a go to quote that gets you through hard times?
Texas Daddy – Jolene Navarro
If I use your quote, I’ll send you a print copy of Texas Daddy. (Or an ebook Aug 1st if you roll that way).
The Cowboy’s Second Chance
Being a devoted dad is former bull rider Adrian De La Cruz’s top priority. So when Mia suffers a rodeo injury and winds up recovering alongside Adrian’s first crush, Nikki Bergmann, he becomes even more protective of his daughter—and his heart. Nikki is back in Clear Water solely to recover, and he knows she has no intention of staying. But as the bond between Mia and Nikki grows, Adrian can’t help falling for her once again. Until Nikki’s long-buried secret comes to light, and Adrian must decide if he can forgive the past, or face a future without the woman he’s never been able to forget.
Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to hearing your ways of finding joy or a positive quote.
Jolene’s life, much like her stories, is filled with faith, family, and all of life's wonderful messiness. She knows that, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that holding hands and dancing in the rain never gets old. She loves creating stories of love and faith in her much loved Texas.
Hi Jolene! Even during difficult times I remember ” LAUGHTER is the best medicine.” Laughter lowers stress and anxiety. Laughter be if it’s the respiratory system. Laughter improves emotional health. Laughter is a super food. Because it strengthens the immune system. Little kids know it best. My six month old granddaughter laughs when I blow raspberries on her belly or bouncing in her jumperooo! Twenty years ago laughter got through a difficult year (house fire, father had a stroke with 3 kids, being pastor’s wife and full time teacher). “This is the day that the LORD had made. Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it.” Notice the Psalmist doesn’t say just when we feel like it or when life is at its best.” Be HAPPY! Happiness is a choice!
Laughter benefits the respitory system.
Hi Jolene. Great thoughts, thanks for sharing. I find joy in spending time with my husband and 2 boys, being outdoors in nature, watching that ‘aha’ or light bulb moment when a student discovers something, listening to great music. It is easy to get caught up in the drama that can fill daily life and miss the big picture- thanks for the reminder to look for joy:)
Blessings:)
I totally agree! I don’t know if you can be sad or angry while you are laughing. I think it might be impossible – laughter is all good for you and your body! Thank you so much.
I love the outdoors. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you see that! lol. I teach art and seeing a student light up over something they created is pure joy. Thank you so much for stopping by.
LOL I knew what you meant. :)
Some days, we simply need to CHOOSE to dwell on the blessings. We need to choose joy.
We visited old friends for a few days back in June, and laughter was the name of the game. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed SO hard so many times in just a couple of days! What a blessing!
I don’t have a quote because I can never remember them. :)
Very uplifting post, Jolene. I have several scriptures I quote/claim each day! And always read my note, a quote from A. Voskamp, “whatever goes bad today, God will work it for good…it’s what God does.”
Thanks for the info about some of your books!! And for your giveaway! I am an avid reader.
I do believe it is a choice. ..not always an easy one. And there are times that grief or even anger is appropriate. But finding joy is good
I love giggles, especially baby giggles! I volunteer for the nursery during church in hopes of hearing one :) I keep a couple of thoughts in my mind – I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and God will never leave me or forsake me.
Hi Jolene. We all need more positive in this life as there’s lots of negative in the world! Here’s one I’ve seen lately and really like, it sure can help one get over a bump in the road:
FAITH: Forwarding All Issues To Heaven :-)
Kind of like the scripture that talks about casting all your cares on Christ for He cares for you! :-)
That is a great quote. It helps to remember that always. Thank you for stopping by.
They are the best! You can’t help but smile. Thank you sharing! <3
Yes, we have to turn it all over but sometimes we just hang on to it. We never seem to learn. LOL Thank you Trixie