The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

 

Hi all! In case you can’t tell, this guy is my favorite author! He writes the BEST stories, and his stories are the ones that motivated me to write. His style is simple and sucks you right in! 

He has a new book coming out November 4th this year. I was given the honor of reading it early and reviewing it. This is an awesome story. You will love it! You can preorder it on Amazon or at Books-a-Million, Target, or Walmart. There is also an e-book and audiobook version. This is a must-listen!

Here is my review:

“In this novel, Richard Paul Evans uses his usual creative way to carve out a masterpiece from a story of grief, pain, and despair. The Christmas Story is a book you won’t be able to put down. There are many unexpected twists and turns in the story that leave you with a need to know what happens next. It is a beautifully woven picture of hope that our world needs right now. It’s a reminder that there is still love, kindness, and help around us, and that God is closer than you think.”

Order your copy today. It would also be a great Christmas gift! I’ve ordered several copies for my family and friends 

Holiday Blues

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are my favorite time of the year. I enjoy seeing family and friends, and I love admiring the beautiful, festive decorations. For me, there is a warmth and comfort in seeing the glowing lights strewn about inside and outside homes.

The holidays can also be hard for some people. They can be a reminder of harder times or the loss of a loved one. We like to remind each other that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, and it is. As we say, Jesus is the reason for the season. This season, I want to take it a step further, especially for those who are hurting.

When God sent Jesus into the world as a baby, His purpose was so that Jesus would save the world through his death. I am so grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice for you and me. Because of Him, we have the opportunity to be with God forever in heaven one day. 

But what about now you might ask? What about now, in the middle of my mess? When Jesus ascended to heaven after he rose again, He left us someone very special. And with that, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). We have been given a special gift. God dwells within us every day, as the Holy Spirit. That means God is ALWAYS with us in EVERY moment. He sees every tear, He hears every cry, He feels your heartache, and He knows your loneliness. His Spirit will strengthen you, protect you, and encourage you. He will provide you with people in your life that you need. He is carefully watching over you.

You are not alone. He loves you. 

When God feels far away

 

Life’s daily distractions can crowd out the feeling of God’s presence and drown out the sound of His voice. Perhaps, you can relate to this statement? In my half century of living, I have felt this way a number of times. Despite my routine of early morning daily devotionals and time with God, I have still found there to be long periods where God seems quiet or distant. There are actually moments, when even though God has proven His presence in my life over and over, that I still doubt if He’s there. That’s so ridiculous on my part, but that’s human nature—to doubt.

I am so thankful God is faithful, even when we are not. I have been dropping to my knees in prayer lately really yearning for God’s presence. I’ve been asking Him to heal our country, to open our hearts to Him and His love, to heal our diseased and broken, to defend and protect the defenseless, and to show me what He wants me to do.

James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Talk to Him, throw on some worship music, believe that He will never leave you, even when He seems quiet. In the last week, I’ve really reached for Him, and I’ve been still, and I’ve just believed He hears me and is there. While driving yesterday, I was deep in thought. Glancing upward, I caught sight of a sudden rainbow in the sky. I immediately knew it was from Him—just reminding me that He is with me and He hears me. Tears flooded my eyes, and I felt such peace. 

Today, I just want to tell you, specifically, you, that God loves you and longs to wrap His loving arms around you. He is nearer than you think. 

Not today

 

Life can be hard. It’s moments of sadness, pain, deflation, heartbreak, embarrassment, loss of confidence, loss of willpower, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness that can become overwhelming. We all have them.  We don’t want them or ask for them or even deserve them most of them time. We just live in a broken world, and so, without fail, the enemy marks each one of us for these disappointments and failures. The enemy, the devil, is clever and conniving. He wants to steal any joy you might possibly have.  John 10:10 calls him a thief and says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” 

For some of us right now, these hits may feel like they are happening daily. The car broke down and it’s going to be extremely expensive to fix it. You got in a fight with your spouse or best friend. A good friend said something that hurt your feelings. A loved one passed away. You lost your job. You just found out you have a disease. Your child is sick. Your spouse left you. You’ve lost confidence in yourself. You’re just so lonely. Your heart is broken, and you really miss someone. A plan fell through. You’re not appreciated for all the work you do. You feel like you work so hard but don’t get anywhere and feel hopeless. You worry about your loved ones.

The enemy lurks and waits for an opportunity to attack us when we are weak.  He pounces on us and beats us down so that we are so low we won’t rise again—at least that’s what he wants. It’s during these times we have to recognize what’s happening and remember not only who we are but whose we are.

Not only are we special humans put on this earth for a purpose, but more importantly, we are children of the King of Kings. Yep, we belong to our Father, God, the One above all others. Isaiah 43:1b says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” I don’t know about you, but for me, those are my fighting words against the enemy.  When he is beating on me and my family, I take my warrior stand and remind him that I belong to the King of Kings and he can just back off.

So when you feel like you’re under attack, remember whose you are and that He fights for you. You tell the enemy, “Not today.”

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.” Ephesians 6:12

New Novel Coming Soon

 

NEW NOVEL COMING SOON

NEVER GONE

Denise Janette Bruneau 

25-year-old Ellie Beaufort moves home to Guntersville, Alabama to live with her father. She has just graduated from college and will be teaching high school biology at her old high school. Her father has been her only parent, since her mother died giving birth to her.  

 

She has mixed feelings when she finds out her high school sweetheart and ex-boyfriend of several years, Tucker Jackson, is moving back to town to teach and coach football at her school. They broke up when he took a football scholarship across the country. Now, he has declined the NFL draft to come home and take care of his ailing parents.

 

Ellie’s father suddenly passes away after she returns, and she makes some discoveries that lead her to believe that her mother is alive. By chance, Tucker receives her deceased father’s cell phone number when he goes to get a new local number upon his arrival to town.

 

Ellie still texts her father out of grief and pours her heart out to him. Tucker is receiving these messages and is afraid to let her know because he doesn’t want to be intrusive, and because he knows she is still angry with him for letting their relationship go. Yet, he uses this knowledge to get close to her again.

Ellie has trouble trusting her heart to Tucker but slowly opens up to him, because she craves family and connection, and he is proving to be trustworthy this time around. What will happen if Ellie finds out about Tucker’s betrayal? Is there more to her mother’s story? This is a tale that will pull on your heart strings.  If you believe in forgiveness, second chances, and selfless love to bring all things together for the good, then this story is for you.

We really are created in His image

God sees

This year, I started reading the Bible in chronological order using the You Version Bible app.  I’m reading it with my friend, Graci, in Idaho, and the two of us are having a great time discovering new truths and facts about the Bible, about the stories, and about God. Well, maybe not new, but more like we are actually thinking about things we never thought about before or just forgot about. 

One thing, recently, that came to my mind was how we really are made in God’s image. I mean, we all wonder what God looks like. We know Jesus came in human form, and He looked like us. In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” None of us can really imagine what our mighty God looks like, but we can be sure that He experiences all five of the senses He gave us.  

God sees. He sees color and pays attention to detail.  He puts blue in the sky, green in the grass, ocean blues in the seas, oranges, pinks, and yellows in the sunrise and sunset.  Back in Exodus, He even paid attention to minor details when the curtains were to be made for the tabernacle. “For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen-the work of an embroiderer-with four posts and four bases.” Exodus 27:16. For the priests garments, He said, “Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.” Exodus 28:5.  What detail!

God smells aromas

God loves wonderful aromas. Exodus 29:18 says, “Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.” Next He says, “From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the Lord, take one round loaf, one thick loaf with olive oil mixed in, and one thin loaf. Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and have them wave them before the Lord as a wave offering. Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the Lord, a food offering presented to the Lord.” Exodus 29:23-25. Song of Songs 2:13a says, “The fig tree forms it’s early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.”

God can taste

It just hit me that perhaps God eats food. I mean, why didn’t this occur to me before now? He made us in His image, and we eat food.  He loves the aroma of a well-cooked offering and of bread.  In Luke 13:29, it says, “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Of course, the bread of God is probably quite different from what we’re used to. John 6:33 says, “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Jesus ate meals with His disciples.  He fed the people who followed Him many times, sometimes with just a few fishes and a few loaves of bread. I’m sure God doesn’t require anything, but I do wonder if He enjoys a good meal?

God hears

God hears. Psalms 66:8 says, “Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard.” God loves to hear our voices lifted in worship of Him. Not only does God hear sound, but He also listens to us and answers us.  God was going to destroy the Israelites after bringing them out of Egypt. Moses had climbed Mt. Sinai to talk with God for 40 days and nights. God wrote the Ten Commandments at this time. He saw and heard the Israelites build and worship a false god, a man made gold calf.  His anger burned toward them. He was going to destroy them. Exodus 32:11-14 says, “But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth?’ Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’ Then the Lord relented and did not bring on His people the disaster he had threatened.”

God bestows touch

Touch is referred to in the Bible many times.  Early, in Genesis 3:3, it says, “…but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Hebrews 11:28 describes how the destroyer passed over the firstborn of the Israelite children in Egypt, “By faith He kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.” Jesus healed and blessed people through a simple touch. Mark 10:13a says, “People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them…” Luke 6:19 says, “…and the people all tried to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.”

God feels

We are created in His image.  We see, smell, hear, taste, touch…and we also feel. He’s instilled in us the ability to love, because He first loved us.  We can’t quite grasp how much He loves us, because it’s unfathomable.  His love for us is so great, it’s unconditional, and it’s undeserved…but there it is. I try to imagine why, and then I think of how I love my daughter. She could commit the worst sin against me, and I’d still love her.  I’d die for her.  That’s what God did for you and for me.  That’s how much He loves us.  We are precious to Him. It is an honor to be made in His image. It is an honor to be loved by Almighty God.

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

This morning as I was driving into work, I became a little frustrated as this elderly man pulled in front of me driving at a leisurely pace. I couldn’t go around him, because I needed to turn soon from my current lane.  Exhaling a big sigh, I resolved to just be content at this slower pace, and then we stopped at a traffic light. As I stared at the truck in front of me, I noticed the cute, white-haired man in front of me, and then I saw the bundle of flowers next to him on the seat. 

It’s Valentine’s Day, I thought to myself.  I wondered who those flowers were for and where he might be going to give them to her. I pulled myself out of my own self-important task of hurriedly getting to work, and I wondered what his story was.  My thoughts wandered….Was he taking those flowers home to his dear, sweet, elderly white-haired wife? Perhaps, he was instead taking them to her in a nursing home. Oh dear, what if she has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t even know him? Or what if he is visiting her on this special day in the cemetery?

It cheered my heart to see his love for whomever these flowers were for, and it reminded me that in the hustle and bustle going around about us all day long, the most important thing we can do is love others. He reminded me to slow down, take a deep breath, and tell the ones who are important to me that I love them.

Share your love.❤️

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

I Peter 3:8

Pictures from December 2023 Book Signing

 

 

Thanks to everyone who came out to my book signing! It was a success, and I had the best time. It was great to see so many familiar faces. I feel blessed to have so many kind friends and loyal readers. Now, onto the next novel, Never Gone!

Be the hands and feet of Jesus

 

This is a picture of our dog, Zoey, seven years ago when we first saw her at a pet store.  She was the only dog there, and she was a rescue.  As my husband and my young daughter, who was six at the time, stood beside me, we listened to how she and her brother were found in a ditch on the side of the road a few weeks previously.  Her brother had been adopted the day before, and now here she was so sad, lonely, and forlorn.  She wouldn't even look at us through her glass display. I couldn't imagine how anyone with a heart could leave her there, and so, we didn't.   

We are very thankful for her.  She is a sweet girl, has much more energy now, and we've decided she must have PTSD from some stressful event she experienced as a puppy.  Whenever a hot air balloon flies over our house, she becomes Houdini and escapes out of our fenced-in backyard.  We tried to escape-proof the yard, but she still gets out. We still haven't figured out how she does it.  Fortunately, we've been able to get her back each time. She has brought us much joy.

After I adopted a third puppy, my husband wouldn't let me go near any kind of farm with puppies or pet shop or dog breeder anymore.  I guess I can't blame him.  Those puppy eyes get me every time. I have to admit, I'm not even a dog person, or, well, I wasn't, and I'm still tempted to bring home another one.

During this time of the year, it's a good time to pause and be thankful for all that we are blessed with.  I'm thankful for my family, friends, health, home, job, food, ability to have fun (social events), freedom, that I live in the U.S.A., and that I can worship God freely.  I'm thankful for God's great love for me.  

Just like sad, lonely puppies who need love, warmth, shelter, food, and someone to care for them, there are a lot of people in our world who don't have these basic things that we take for granted. Yesterday, I was reminded of just how blessed I am to not have to think about my next meal.  My daughter and I have started an after-school drive-thru Starbuck's thing.  We get our favorite drink and listen to Taylor Swift as we drive home.  It's our bonding time.  Yesterday, I had some extra time before I had to pick her up, so I went to Starbucks first and ordered our drinks through the drive-thru.  As I rounded the corner after paying for the drinks, a teenage boy about the age of 15 stood in the parking lot and hesitantly started to flag me down to stop for a minute.  He was in jeans and a hoodie sweatshirt and boots and had his hood pulled up over his head.  He didn't look menacing, but my first reaction was one of fear and uncertainty.  What does he want? Is he going to hurt me? What if I stop?

I actually passed him because of my uncertainty.  As I passed him, he made no move toward me and in my rearview mirror, I saw his head drop down as tears streamed down his face.  I stopped.  I feel certain that God tugged at my heart in that moment and told me to help him.  I rolled my window down and motioned for him to come to the car.  He approached hesitantly.  I looked at his face.  His nose was running and there were two streams of tears rolling down his cheeks.  My heart ached for him.  In my motherly voice, I asked, "How can I help you, babes?"  For context, I always use a term of endearment for all kids, "babes, dear, sweet girl, sweet boy, etc."  He seemed embarrassed and wouldn't look up at me, but he answered, "Do you have a couple dollars I could have?"  I replied, "Sure." Then I asked, "What's wrong?"  He replied, "I'm hungry."  I was stunned and felt heartache for him. People in our neighborhoods, kids, really do go hungry.

I happily handed him some money, and I told him that God hasn't forgotten about him.  I just wasn't sure what else to say.  He thanked me and walked directly to the pizza joint that was across the parking lot we were in.  I was still reeling with a little fear from stopping to talk to him. This kind of thing just doesn't happen to me.  I went home last night and couldn't stop thinking about him.  I wondered, How long had it been since he'd eaten?  Is he homeless?  Did he sleep outside last night--it rained and it was cold? Where are his parents?  The one question still plaguing me now is: Should I have done more?

Maybe yes and maybe no.  I do believe that God presents us with opportunities to be His hands and feet in this world.  If I had been Jesus, I would have walked up to this boy and met his needs and made sure he knew he was loved for who he was.  It can be scary in this world to do good things for others sometimes.  Evil lurks around us, and sometimes our good deeds are rewarded with people turning on us.  

What I have learned from this is that I will continually pray for God to show me how to help people.  I ask him daily to present me with people who need my help and need to be reminded of His love for them.  I tell God that I trust Him to keep me safe in my endeavors to care for others because there are SO MANY people out there who need our help, even if it's just a little money for food, or a little food, or help finding shelter, or an invitation to church, or just a reminder that God hasn't forgotten them.

I'm going to keep my eye out for that young man over by Starbucks from now on.  If I see him again, I'm going to ask more questions and see how I can help him more.  This Thanksgiving, give thanks for the basic things you have because they really are BIG things.  If you can send a turkey or a ham or a turkey dinner to a family that needs help, do it.  Be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

Book signing!

 

COME MEET AUTHOR

DENISE JANETTE BRUNEAU!

 

I’m a writer, doctor, wife, mom, daughter, sister, dog mom, breast cancer survivor, and child of God. I write novels in the genre of sweet, cozy romance with Christian themes that will touch your heart and reach your soul. 

 

I’m a medical doctor, trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I work full-time as an OB Hospitalist. My professional affiliations are mostly in the medical realm, but as an author, I claim to be a member of the Bluegrass Writers’ Coalition and Author Ready, which is a group orchestrated and run by wonderful author, Richard Paul Evans. 

 

There are three published novels to my name: Lavender Sky, Finding Home, and Heart Chimes. I’m working on a fourth novel called, Never Gone.

 

Being a compassionate doctor is what I want to be known for. It matters to me that I show God’s love to others through what I do. The same goes for the novels I write.  

 

 THERE WILL BE GIVEAWAYS!!!

 

WHEN? Friday, November 3, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

 

WHERE? Layton Hills Mall, 1201 N. Hill Field Road, Layton, Utah 84041

 

At: FOR THE LOVE OF

 

QUESTIONS: (385) 888-0881, https://www.4theloveofgood.com

https://www.denisejbruneau.blogspot.com

https://www.denisejbruneauauthor.Storiad.com

Fall again

It’s that time of year again. Can you believe fall is here? It’s at this time each year, I find myself a little weary from all of the summer activities. I want to slow down a bit, sit on the front porch, and take in the brilliant colors of the season. 

I welcome the coolness of the air, and it reminds me that this is a new season. If you’re weary, like I am, take some time to rest and enjoy the beauty God put into this season. Maybe, He’s calling you to take some quiet time for yourself and to be with Him.

And don’t forget to be festive and decorate!

Writing buddies

 I sat out on my back deck tonight as I worked on my newest novel, Never Gone. This story is slowly unfolding in my mind as one of choices removed, regrets, loss, and then connection and forgiveness.  I’ve thrown a little mystery in there as well to add to the storyline. I can’t say more now, but maybe these two can. They are my writing buddies❤️

If Charlie and Gracie won’t tell you anything, I look forward to sharing more with you soon about Never Gone.  You’ll love this story!

The Kindle Book Review

 

Check it out! Lavender Sky has been featured on the Kindle Book Review!

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/

Lavender Sky trivia! Play to enter for a chance to win!

 

     

Play Lavender Sky trivia now. Answer all five questions right, and you’ll be entered to win one of the two prizes above. There will be two winners. Send your answers to me through the contact form here on my blog site or you can PM me on FB/Instagram. I will let you know if you answered all five questions right after you send me your answers. Contest ends September 30. Winners will be chosen then. Choose wisely!

1. What nickname did Delaney give to the hot ER doctor?

A) Doc Hollywood

B) Doc Hottie

C) Doc Sapphire

D) Doc Smokin’

2. Ben is particular about which drink?

A) Mountain Dew

B) Coke

C) Iced tea

D) French press coffee

3. Which agency got involved with Finn’s case?

A) FBI

B) DEA

C) IRS

D) Immigration

4. Ben saves Delaney from what?

A) Drowning

B) Fire

C) Car accident

D) A fall

5. Delaney fails at installing something because she is too emotionally distraught to focus. Ben comes along and comforts her by taking her into his arms. Then he completes the installation for her. What does he install?

A) Fuse

B) Vacuum filter

C) Car seat 

D) Refrigerator light

Small faith

 

The mustard seed is very tiny. In fact, it measures only 1 to 2 millimeters.  Here it is pictured in a child’s hand:

In Matthew 17:20b, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

I always thought I needed big faith to accomplish God’s will and His plans for my life. But really, what He’s telling us here is that we just need a little faith, even the faith the size of a mustard seed, and nothing will be impossible for us. However, our faith is not in our faith, but in our God. God wants to do limitless great things through us. We are not adequate in ourselves, but our adequacy is in God.

God wants to do great things through you. All you need is faith in Him—even small faith.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Have a great day!😊

Reunion

 

Every year, my girlfriends, Jen and Katy, that I went to medical school with, meet me in Florida, and we spend at least four days together reminiscing and catching up. Some years, we bring our families, but this year, it was just the girls. We met recently and had a blast!

From our welcome to the hotel, to our spa services, to our pool time, to nature walks, and to dinners, we had a wonderful time together. 

 

                                                                                                      

 

We were able to spend needed quality time together away from our busy medical schedules, just resting, talking, and hanging out. It was sheer joy! Not only that, but I was able to see friends in Florida I enjoy catching up with at the hotel. I’m so blessed with such wonderful friendships. Can’t wait for next year! I truly have the best friends, and I thank God for them all!

Celebration

 

September 9 marks 24 years of survival for me and 7 years of survival for my mom from breast cancer. My husband and daughter took me out to dinner to celebrate the life God has granted me beyond the age of 30.  Isn’t He awesome? I’ve been so blessed, and I’m so grateful for his mercy.

We enjoyed a yummy dinner at Ruth Chris and lots of laughs. The restaurant treated me to a sweet dessert with a wonderful message. 

I’m so thankful for my loving husband and sweet and silly teenager. They keep me laughing!

Yesterday, I was able to celebrate with my mom over lunch and grocery shopping. We were living large!  Celebrate each day and be thankful!

Would you like to read this book? Excerpt from Lavender Sky

 

A short, fun “About Me” video! Enjoy!

 

A hello from me and a chat about Lavender Sky