triangle association of freelancers

Poet Talk with Sarah Merritt Ryan – Prolific Pulse Press Podcast

Sarah Merritt Ryan and I had a lovely visit, sharing about her new release "My Soul to Keep" and so much more! About the Book:My Soul to Keep is a deeply personal and spiritually resonant collection of sonnets that explores what it truly means to walk with God through the darkest seasons of life. Written primarily from a Christian perspective, these poems offer an intimate portrait of faith — not as a smooth and effortless journey, but as a living, breathing relationship that is tested, stretched, and ultimately strengthened through suffering.At the heart of this collection is a profound truth: hardship does not have to destroy us. Long-suffering, when carried in faith, becomes a crucible that deepens our connection to God and shapes us into something more resilient, more compassionate, and more whole. Faith here is not static — it ebbs and flows, wavers and steadies — and that honest portrayal makes these sonnets feel achingly real.Many of these poems are written from a woman's perspective, and several speak with quiet courage to the wounds left by broken relationships and the pain inflicted by others. Yet even these most tender and difficult places are held within a larger story of survival and grace.What ultimately distinguishes this collection is its vision of the final destination of enduring trial — not merely survival, but praise. To give thanks to God in the aftermath of suffering is portrayed here as both an act of healing and an act of liberation. Praise cleanses the heart of bitterness, loosens the grip of the past, and opens the soul to receive what God has always intended: wholeness, peace, and renewed purpose.My Soul to Keep is for anyone who has ever wrestled with God and refused to let go.Get your copy: https://www.prolificpulse.com/sarahmerrittryan

woman s face — Photo by Isabella Mariana on Pexels.com

It’s that time again to share the Ten Things of Thankful and I have so much, I am bursting at the seams!

1. I am seeing April 15 in the light at the end of the tunnel.

2. Loss of 1# this past week. And the new plan is working well. I am getting my nutrition in without feeling deprived.

3. I made it to Chapel Hill and back without too much trouble. Challenges with anxiety have been looming, but I am gradually getting better. Let’s hope the treatment continues to help. I have back up, but don’t like to use it.

4. My teeth are closer to being fixed. I had to chuckle at the doctor when she was helping the student. My phone was in my lap and I have a Wonder Woman sticker on the back. It’s not just the way to claim my phone, but also represents my belief that all women have the ability to view themselves as Wonder Woman. Anyway, the lady doctor gasped and said “Oh! Wonder Woman!” That helped me feel assured I am in good hands.

5. Easter is around the bend and my daughter will be coming here for a few days.

6. My “niece” had a sweet baby boy on March 31. Zackariah Nathanial is beautiful! He greets his sister Savanna and she’s in love with her little brother. It reminds me when my little brother, Jeffrey, was born, when I was 5. It was a real live baby doll!

7. It’s National Poetry Month and I have been writing a new poem every day. Here is the latest: I Am Jealous of Leo

8. Now that it is finally April I can look forward to the Triangle Association of Freelancer’s Conference. I am most looking forward to the class presented by none other than Jaki Shelton-Green, NC’s Poet Laureate.

9. I’m still going strong in the 6SS challenge, blog hop. Check my latest post Stolen: One Heart

10. Nancy Lee Badger featured my book on her blog Where Happy Ever After Takes the Road Less Traveled

So, there you have it!!

Would you like to join the Blog Hop for TTOT? Here’s the LINK