Good Morning and Welcome back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold blog!

When I began this blog my intention was to share with you books, spiritual teachers and lessons I've learned throught my life and spiritual quest.

We are all on a journey to remember WHO and WHOSE we are. Meaning, to come into the full realization that we ARE God's children. 

It is my belief that EVERYONE is God's child. 

Now, I know what the bible says and what's been taught to us over the last two-thousand-plus years - but in all reality what we've been taught is not that old. The bible as we know it, came into being in the 4th century AD - but I'm not going to get into a debate about all that.

There is enough of that going on and all it does is cause "discord among the bretheren" which is an abomination to God.

If you've followed me for long, you know that I read all sorts of books in my quest to become more like God. More aligned with God's true nature which is Love and more open in my thinking.

The book I'm sharing with you today is one I have already read three times since I purchased it on March 4th. 

It is that deep and it is not only about money.

Ms. Silver outlines an eight-week plan to help us realize that, "it's ALL God's money." In fact, everything we have belongs to God and that we can live in peace knowing that all of our (true) needs are abundantly met in amazing ways.

She gives us 5-steps to begin our practice and then goes deeper into each process/practice until we completely surrender every thing to God and are fully guided by Him.

I've been a student of the Law of Attraction / the Law of Sowing and Reaping for decades and I know how powerful the mind is for "creating your reality," but let me tell you, this book gives you full permission to let all of that mindset and identity work go and just BE in alignment with the Spirit of God within you and allow this unity to transform your life.

No more vision boards. No more affirmations - although PLENTY of prayers! No more trying to feel like it has already happened, or you've already received whatever 'it' is when you have no clue how that should feel!

Simply Surrender Every Thing. 

One thing that really grabbed me was the concept of being an "old soul." Ms. Silver says to stop reading or listening to anything about "getting more, having more or being more. Because if you've tried and tried to get more money and found this hasn't worked, you are NOT a failure. You just might be an old soul."

She says that being an old soul means that you are born to align with Love's will and serve something "beyond the ego" and that as you shift from demanding and chasing, abundance will come through you.

I could go on and on about the nuggets of gold in this book, but I'll just say one more thing...

Before you purchase It's Not Your Money, please know that Ms. Silver uses various terminology for God (EX: God/Lord/Divine/He/She/Infinite Goodness/LOVE/Flow/Shakti) stating that the name or gender you use should be personal and comforting and is simply a term for what is "incomparable and unnamable."

If this bothers you, don't waste your money.

BUT if you can let go of all preconceived notions of Who/What God's Name is and read this with an open heart and mind, this book will change your life.

I mean seriously, even the bible has over 100 names for God!

I plan to do more posts on how my life has transformed by reading It's Not Your Money, but for now I wanted to introduce it to you.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

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

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" ™

Hi, Pamela. Thank you so much for including me on your blog. I was excited to get the email about opening up to guests about their lives and faith. Our walks are vast and varied while remaining connected with the thread of salvation. I’ve been a Christian for thirty years. There were no shouts and trumpets. No visitations from angels or flashes of light. Only a conversation between me and God about where I’d been and where I wanted to go. Since that moment, my life has been not only on paths, but roads, highways, and even wandering through the woods. The only constant was that no matter where I found myself, Jesus was beside me. 

I’d like to share a story about my first mission trip to Appalachia.

I’ve visited inner cities, worked in food kitchens, and collected food and clothing. Then an opportunity arose to visit West Virginia. The primary focus of the group was similar to Habitat for Humanity. Those who were able were assigned to rescue a nearly uninhabitable house.

 (*Note to reader* Many, including me, have a vision of what unlivable is. Most have no idea of how some people live. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking. It taught me not to feel guilty of the blessings I’ve been given, but never to take them for granted.) 

My “job” was to be a version of housemother, cooking for a group of about thirty and handling any problems that arose. This was in my wheelhouse. No problem. I’d also agreed to help with vacation bible school and other outreaches because why not, I was doing “the Lord’s work.” 

You know what, Pam. Wrangling thirty Christians is not much better than herding cats. We’re not perfect as believers, only saved by grace and mercy. I found myself stressed and wondering what I’d gotten into. My temper was short. Exhaustion led to discouragement, which pointed the way to self-pity. After another clash of someone messing around in “my” kitchen—not God’s kitchen—I left and went for a walk. 

A few minutes later, I found myself on a wooden bridge leading into the nearby park. I stopped and leaned, looking down into the water, questioning my decision to come here. I wasn’t making a difference. I hadn’t accomplished any “missionary” things, i.e., leading people to Jesus. In fact, I was probably getting in the way. 

After a full bathing in woe-is-me, a younger woman approached asking if I was okay. My response? “Of course,” with probably a bit more attitude than acceptable. She only smiled and leaned next to me. 

We ended up in a long conversation. The gist? What does the Lord require of you?

Is it to make sure everyone has and appreciates your food? He fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish. 

Was it to be everywhere doing everything? Be still and know He is God. It wasn’t my job to be everywhere doing everything. He is the One who is in control. One of my favorite verses came to mind. What does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? I wasn’t doing any of this. 

We eventually said goodbye. I don’t know who this woman was. I never got her name. But I learned more from her than from any person I’ve ever met. I went to minister to others. Instead, I was ministered to. I learned more about walking humbly. I learned that it’s not about me. 

That was many years ago, and I returned to this place often in the following years. I never saw her again. But the lesson I learned carried me to a better relationship with God and other Christians. Do I sometimes forget? Yes, I do. But when it happens, I turn around. Because you see, I realize it wasn’t because He left me to my own devices. No. It’s because I wandered. 

Because of some medical issues, it’s been a while since I’ve been back to this town. But this November, I’m returning with a small group to distribute 240 Thanksgiving baskets to those who need them. Do you want to bet I’ll be looking for her?

Hebrews 13:2 New King James Version: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels.

*Update: We distributed 260 Thanksgiving Baskets this year and received enough donations to refill the food pantry. I had concerns since the signups last year for baskets were about 150, almost double this year, but I kept repeating loaves and fish. 

Although I did not run into my Angel Lady, God certainly provided!

Ephesians 3:20: "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."

D. V. Stone is known for her engaging and captivating storytelling, often weaving elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure into her novels. Her official website, dvstoneauthor.com, serves as a central hub for fans and new readers alike to explore her literary works, learn about upcoming book releases, and gain insights into her creative process. The site typically features detailed book descriptions, author blogs, and exclusive content such as interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at her writing journey. Additionally, visitors can find information on where to purchase her books, sign up for newsletters, and connect with DV Stone on social media. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to her stories, dvstoneauthor.com offers a comprehensive and inviting space to immerse yourself in the world of DV Stone’s imagination.

Thank You, SO Much, DV for sharing your awesome story with us today! Boy, angels have sure been getting some recognition on here lately LOL!

I hope you enjoyed DV's message as much as I did, friends and that you'll come back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold every 2 weeks for another beautiful, faith-filled message.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and remember... You are never alone because angels surround you.