Hello and Welcome Back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold blog!

In my previous post, I mentioned that I was traveling to Daytona Beach, FL for NCA/NDA national Cheer and Dance competition. My son is the Dance Director at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and his teams were performing. 

Well, we brought home a Gold (1st place - National Championship - His 19th and SFA's 24th); a Silver (2nd place) and two 4th place in their division! 

I told you we'd be getting back to regular posting beginning this week and I'm happy to oblige you with a special guest post by Steve Osborne, author of Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb.

Welcome, Steve, Please tell us why you wrote Beyond Chance...
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​When I was challenged to examine the evidence for Christianity, I was stunned.

I didn't grow up doubting God—I grew up not thinking about Him at all. For three decades, I had dismissed Christianity without truly examining it. When someone finally challenged me to look at the actual evidence—not the caricatures I'd constructed in my mind—everything shifted.

I discovered that my arguments against God were built on false assumptions. I had believed that:
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-Faith requires checking your brain at the door (It doesn't)
-Science has disproven God (It hasn't)
-Evolution explains everything (It can't)
-The resurrection is a fairy tale (The evidence says otherwise)

Part of my journey to faith was learning that true faith is not the absence of evidence but the courage to follow it to its ultimate conclusion.

When we do, we discover that reason and revelation are not enemies but companions, pointing to the same truth—that we are the work of an intelligent and loving Creator.

Writing Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb, has been more than an exploration of science. It has been a journey of faith, reason, and wonder.

My goal was not merely to argue that God exists, but to show that the world itself bears witness to His presence. The evidence for design, purpose, and intelligence surrounds us—from the birth of the cosmos to the intricacies of DNA, from the emergence of humankind to the resurrection of Christ.

The deeper I investigated science, the more I saw the face of God behind it.

Sharing that passion—especially with Christians who are intimidated by science—is part of the driving force behind the book.

How Wonderful! Sounds like an amazing read. Please share with us a blurb and how we can find out more about you and your book.

Sure, Thanks. Here is the Blurb...

Find the answers in Beyond Chance

Where did the universe come from?
How did life begin?
What makes humans so different?
What explains the empty tomb?

From the birth of the universe to the rise of life, from the mystery of human uniqueness to the empty tomb of Jesus, the evidence tells a story—one that challenges the idea that everything we see is the result of blind chance and instead reveals the radiant majesty of its Creator.

In Beyond Chance, scientist and former atheist Steve R. Osborne, PhD, invites readers to examine the clues woven into the fabric of reality itself. Why did the universe begin at all? Why are the laws of physics so precisely tuned for life? How did the first living cell arise with astonishing complexity already in place? And why does the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection refuse to fade?

Rather than asking readers to abandon science, Beyond Chance follows the evidence. Drawing from modern cosmology, molecular biology, human origins, and historical analysis, Osborne presents a clear and accessible case that design—not unguided nature—offers the best explanation for life, humanity, reason, and meaning. Science does not erase God—it reveals Him.

Written for thoughtful skeptics, curious believers, and anyone asking life’s biggest questions, Beyond Chance challenges a culture told the universe is silent. It argues instead that the cosmos is speaking—and that its message points beyond chance to purpose.

Folks can read an excerpt when they sign up to receive my newsletter or a sample on Amazon.

Below is my bio...
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Steve Osborne, PhD, is an experimental psychologist who has published peer-reviewed research. Once a skeptic himself, he began a personal and intellectual journey that led him to embrace Christianity as both rational and true. He served as a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation and a guest reviewer for two peer-reviewed scientific journals. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from Arizona State University and his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego, where he graduated with highest honors. His book, “Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb,” integrates discoveries in cosmology, biology, and archaeology with biblical theology. He lives in Northern California and continues to write, teach, and speak on issues of faith and reason. Find out more by visiting his website.

Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb can be purchased at Amazon for Kindle (FREE in KU!), and in Paperback.

Read a Q&A with me HERE.
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Thank You, so much Steve, and many thanks to Gina @TheAdamsGroup for sharing your book with us. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this, and all future projects.

Hope you enjoyed Steve's visit friends and that you'll check back often as I continue to share spiritual teachers, preachers, philosophists, and books with you on Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold.
PamT

It is with great pleasure I bring you another guest post! Please welcome my friend, Barbara M Britton to our blog with some beautiful sentiments on God's Word.

​Take it away Barb...
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Thanks Pam!
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God’s Word never ceases to amaze me. Even though I know a Bible story well, there are always details that deepen my faith. 
My latest release covers six stories in the Gospel of Mark that show the power and compassion of Jesus. In Jesus, we have the Son of the Most-High God, and someone who was fully human. Jesus never sinned, but He needed to take care of His physical self. 

This week I studied two other Bible heroes, who like Jesus, prayed to God in good times and challenging times.
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Let us start with Jesus. While Jesus is listening to His disciples debrief on their exploits of evangelism, so many people are disturbing them that Jesus says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV)

If you know what comes next, Jesus doesn’t find rest right away. He and the disciples feed five thousand men, and the women and children with them. Preparing a banquet for thousands is not restful. Afterward, we are told that Jesus made His disciples get in a boat and go on ahead of Him. What did Jesus do? He went up on a mountainside to pray. (Mark 6:46).

Jesus knew prayer with the Father was critical to staying focused on His mission. He may have had to multiply loaves and fishes first, but He didn’t forget to talk to His Father.

Likewise, when Nehemiah received word that his home city of Jerusalem was in ruins, he “mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heavens.” (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV). Nehemiah also prayed while in the presence of King Artaxerxes. Long prayers or short prayers, Nehemiah stayed connected to God. He would need that connection to complete the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall while facing enemies from outside the city and from within.

And then there is Daniel. I taught this story to a group of elementary girls this week. I thought I knew this story by heart. Daniel is thrown into a lion’s den because he doesn’t stop praying to God. An edict had been given that everyone had to worship King Darius alone.

Daniel continued to pray at least three times a day to God. (Daniel 6:10).

The word that caught my eye regarding Daniel’s prayer life was uttered by King Darius. Before throwing Daniel into the lion’s den, something he didn’t want to do, the king states, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16 NIV).

When the king goes back to the lion’s den in the morning, he asks something similar, “has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20). Did you catch the word that stood out to me? Daniel prayed to God and worshiped God continually. People noticed, even the king.

Daniel’s prayer life affected the king and his new decree declared that everyone in Darius’s kingdom must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. Amen!

These accounts in the Bible encouraged me to pray to God more often.

I don’t know what you are facing in your life. Your days may be smooth sailing in a boat, or you may be facing your own den of lions. Pray continually and consistently to God. We need to stay connected to God and focused on His sovereignty and compassion.
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As you read Scripture this week, notice other prayer warriors in God’s Word. If you have a favorite, share it with us.

Discover the life changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study.

Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother.

A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or even a book club.
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Barbara M. Britton is an author of Christian Fiction who loves to bring little-known Bible stories to light. She has taught the Bible in church and schools for thirty years. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.

I'm late posting today but better late than never. Right?! 

There is SO much going on for me right now but I'm determined to keep up this, and my other, blog(s) even if sporadically.

Last year, I shared with you my love for Kathleen Cameron, her book, Becoming the One and YouTube channel. 

Today let me tell you about her second book, The Best of Yourself. I wouldn't call this book a contiuation of Becoming the One and you don't have to read them in order. What I would call The Best of Yourself is a guide to connecting with the truth of who you are and a deeper revelation into manisfestation work.

Filled with nuggets of gold and journal prompts to help you truly discover the depths of Your SELF, this book is a must read for anyone on a personal development, personal and spiritual growth journey. It is available on Kindle, in Paperback, Hardcover and Audio (FREE with your Trial Membership!)

I have loved and admired Kathleen for nearly two years now and finally took the leap to join her House of Manifestation (HOM) Community and become an affiliate marketer for HOM. You can discover for yourself how valuable this program is by attending the weekly HOM Tour HERE!

If I can be of service to YOU in your personal or spiritual journey, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
​PamT

As I step (sometimes quite awkwardly) into my “sunset years,” I notice that my values have changed—dramatically, in some areas. Priorities have executed a distinct about-face. Wants, needs, desires…all shifted, or shifting. Things matter less. Family is all-important. God is everything—first and last, beginning and end, over and above anyone, anything and everything else.

I kind of like the new outlook. It makes for an easier, more relaxed and satisfied, far less stressful existence. Why is it that most of us don’t reach this level in our mental, emotional, and spiritual outlook until we get…well, let me just say “rich in age.” How much sweeter life would be if we could arrive at this quieter, more peaceful mindset when we’re young! I can think of a lot of mistakes I made that might have been avoided.

Then again, without all those “mistakes”—you know them, the off-the-beaten track, lost and confused days that seemed unending and incredibly lonely. The heartbreaks and bumps in the road that looked like mountains at the time. Bad decisions and wrong moves. Lacking those experiences, would we ever gain the wisdom to enter our sunset years with any degree of grace? I’m inclined to believe every little and large experience we encounter is part of God’s plan. We need the tears that follow heartbreak to help wash away the pain—or, at the very least, to clear our vision so we can see how desperately we need God. We learn from the fallout after bad decisions. We gain directional aptitude after taking enough wrong turns along the way. Our faults and failures all serve as steppingstones. Learning experiences. Hard-earned moves forward on the path to becoming who we are in our latter years.

So we spend time feeding experiential knowledge into our psyches. Growing in wisdom. Becoming. Becoming the person God is shaping us into—someone in His perfect image. His precious child, whom He has taught—through example, discipline, and gentle persuasion—that being like dear ol’ (heavenly) Daddy isn’t a bad thing at all. It’s a beautiful goal, attained by difficult, hands-on experience, sometimes undertaken in the dark. A goal worthy of reward—and let me take a quick second to affirm what I’m sure you already know—our Father knows how to bestow the most amazing rewards on His beloved children!

As I worked my way through the years that led to this milestone, I took note of a few experiences that brought sunshine into my life. I jotted down a few of the lessons learned along the way and combined them into a little book called Morning Rendezvous. It’s a collection of Devotions and Musings from My Heart to Yours. I think you’ll enjoy the read. You may laugh a time or two. It’s possible you’ll shed a few tears. You may find that you learn some of the same lessons I learned, because I share them with you as clearly and concisely as I am capable of writing.

I hope you’ll pick up a copy. And then I’ll look eagerly forward to hearing from you. I love it when readers share the blessings they find within the pages of my books—all of them, but most of all Morning Rendezvous because…well, that’s the whole purpose of the book. To teach others easily a few things that I learned the hard way. And, quite simply, to bless you.

So…be blessed.

Thank you, Pamela, for the opportunity to spend a little time with you and your readers. It’s always a pleasure, and you’re a blessing.

Morning Rendezvous blurb:
A short collection of devotions and random musings by Inspirational Romance Author Delia Latham. Within its pages is a heaping heartful of love, hope, faith, encouragement...even a bit of humor. Grab your Bible and a cup of something warm and soothing. Make yourself comfortable, and come on in. Prepare to be blessed...

A world of sweet romance with a whisper of angels’ wings. Readers can count on a touch of the divine in DELIA LATHAM’S sweet, inspirational novels and novellas. An award-winning, best-selling author, Delia is both traditionally and self-published, with over thirty novels, novellas, and short stories to her credit. When this author isn’t spinning words into fictional worlds, she offers editing and proofreading services, as well as book cover and marketing material design. After calling California home for half a century, she moved to East Texas with her husband a full decade ago. And there the old CaliTexan couple will live happily ever after…

Follow Delia on Facebook.
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Visit her website.

Sign up to receive her monthly newsletter, Brushing Wings, and receive a FREE copy of Love Comes Lately, a short story from the Love at Heart’s Haven series, co-written with Tanya Stowe.

THANK YOU So Much, Delia for sharing your lovely thoughts and beautiful devotional book with us!

I'm sure my readers and friends enjoyed your post as much as I did.

If so, Friends, get your copy of Delia's devotional book, Morning Rendezvous at AMAZON.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and remember serenity comes with grace and grace builds upon grace given and grace received.

Something to think about!
PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

I remember reading the best-selling book, "The God Chasers" by Pastor Tommy Tenney, and even today, I wonder... Are there any God chasers in the Catholic Church?  How about the Baptist or Methodist or Full Gospel churches?

I'm not talking about Church goers or man pleasers, but God seekers. 
 
The Bible says that "God is no respecter of persons." 
 
Why are we? 
 
There are seven things God hates, one of which is "one who sows discord among the brethren." 
 
Why do we?  Why do we judge and criticize those who are not of the same "faith" as we? 
 
Jesus said, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” I try to live my life by that Scripture as well as my own personal motto which is: Don't mock what you don't understand.
 
Many of us used to wear bracelets that encouraged us to think W. W. J. D. We spout the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” We don our pins and proudly display bumper stickers, crucifixes and key chains, but how often do we really consider what Jesus would do in our situations?  How many of us talk the talk but don't walk the walk?

Even Jesus praised the Canaanite woman for her faith. Why can't we praise each other? How many of our church doctrines and church laws (regardless of the denomination) are Scriptural based but man enforced without the love, mercy, and forgiveness commanded of us by Christ? 
 
Why have we made love and forgiveness a job instead of a joy?  
 
How often do we approach the altar of God with sin in our hearts, minds and lives?  How often do we really repent whether through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or on our face before God?  How often do we go to church without really going to God?  How often do we seek the approval of man, or seek God's hand and not His face?  How often do we really worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, instead of ritual and tradition?  How often do we put church over God?  How often do we really minister to Jesus?  Do we sit at His feet, seek His face, serve Him with our whole hearts or do we become enslaved by what we once loved?  How many of our priests and ministers have lost their reverence for God and simply perform rituals?
 
Some say the Catholic Church is the one TRUE church, started by Jesus, but how often do Catholics practice what they preach?  How often do we fast and pray other than lent?  Do we really hunger and thirst for righteousness?  How often do we fast from negativism and feast on the positive? 
 
What about you?  What about your church? 
 
I AM NOT writing to judge or condemn any religion or denomination - I am writing to encourage ALL people, all religions and denominations to become more lovingm more forgiving, more accepting.

In other words, to be more like God.
 
So, let us pray.... Dear God, we cry out to You.  From the bottom of our hearts and the depths of our souls, we repent of our judgements and ask your guidance on changing our minds and hearts to love our neighbors as ourselves. Open the floodgates of heaven, Lord, and make us one heart, one mind, one in our desire to be an instrument of Your peace, a vessel of Your love, a fount of Your wisdom, a channel of Your blessings and a conduit of miracles. AMEN and Thank YOU.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

Get your copy of The God Chasers at Amazon in Large Print Paperback, Audio (only 99c with your Audible trial membership) or on Kindle