Welcome to Day 6 of the Thankful Hearts giveaway! Just as a reminder – You can keep up with all the posts in the giveaway series by clicking on the Thankful Hearts giveaway graphic in the sidebar. More chances to win each day!
Today, we’ll hear from Misty Beller with some sweet memories of her grandparents.
Family has always been special to me. Growing up on a small farm, where my grandparents and cousins all lived on either side of us, many of my earliest memories involve happy family traditions. Nana and Papa kept ponies for the grandkids, and walked a dirt path into the ground around the house as they taught us to ride not long after we’d learned to walk. And in my adolescent years, when I was frustrated with Mom or Dad? Off I’d slip to Nana and Pop’s house. There I would find a refuge, whether it be helping Nana in the yard, watching Pop work in his shop, finding hidden treasures in the attic above the garage, or just sitting in the barn with the horses.
Nana taught me to sew, attempted to teach me to paint, and instilled in me a love of plants and natural healing. I see her influence woven into the fabric of every book I write. She is truly the most creative woman I’ve ever met, and I’ve often said she has more creativity in her little finger than I possess in my entire body.
And Pop? He can make anything. Truly. He completely renovated the crumbling 1880s farmhouse they purchased. No matter what it was, he could fix it or build it. He taught me to change my oil and oversaw my work each time I serviced my own cars. He made every frame for my grandmother’s award winning paintings.
But now in their 80s, Nana and Pop face a new set of challenges. Bodies don’t hold up as well as they once did, but if it’s possible, my grandparents mean more to me now than ever. Maybe I have a better understanding of how special they’ve always been. Maybe it scares me to imagine life without them (and maybe I’m crying as I write this). But as I think through the many blessings God has placed in my life, a picture crystalizes in my mind of a little brown-haired girl in tattered hat and cowgirl boots, standing between her Nana and Pop, with a smile that stretches from ear to ear.
One of the books included in the Thankful Hearts giveaway is Misty’s upcoming December release and the first book in her Sweetwater River Tales seris, A Pony Express Romance.
After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express seems like the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster’s beautiful sister, it seems he may be within reach of the happy life he craves.
Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River valley seems like confirmation straight from God.
But when the Express shuts down and Mara’s family home is in peril, the danger looming over Mara’s life may not be half as destructive as that threatening her heart.
Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family–both immediate and extended–is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
Connect with Misty on her website, on Facebook and Twitter.
Comment on this post by answering the question below and then head over to the kickoff page to claim the new entry for today!
Question for giveaway entry: What are some memories for which you’re thankful this year?
Tomorrow we’ll hear from Mary Connealy – plus another chance to win!
My Gran taught me to sew and knit too and the other granny taught me to crochet! Such great memories
Oh, that’s wonderful, Melony! God gave us special gifts in our grandparents. 🙂
sweet!!
I am thankful for the memories of holidays as a kid. With our large extended family.
i always wanted a large extended family, especially at holidays. My hubby was blessed with one and has such wonderful holiday memories with his cousins!
Oh, yes! There’s such a blessing in meeting together with cousins and aunts and uncles for a holiday meal. So many wonderful memories! My grandparents have huge pecan trees in their yard, so every Thanksgiving growing up, we would rake the leaves and jump in the pile. Can’t wait to do that next week with my own kiddos and nieces and nephews!
FUN!!!
I have happy memories of my granny and grandad, time spent at their house having my favourite meal of beans, they both died many years ago so its good to have time with family.
my grandparents were so special to me as well & the source of some of my most cherished memories!
Oh, Ann, those memories sound wonderful! Sending you a hug, dear friend!
Sending a hug back to you Misty, looking forward to your book, my husband has a serious operation coming up soon.
praying for you and your hubby, Ann!
Thank you Carrie,been praying for America for unity.
Thanks, Ann! We’ll definitely be praying for your husband! And thank you for praying for our country. We need all the prayers you can send up! I’m thankful for wonderful British friends like you!
indeed!!
What a sweet post, Misty! I’m impressed you can work on a car. They taught you so much. Cherish them!
Yes! Every day is a gift, at this point. So thankful God placed them in my life!
Ah, Misty – I had a couple of tears also while reading your beautiful post since I grew up with many of the same memories as you. I was raised amidst farms and farmers on both side of the family – my father and grandfathers, as well. My father has always been able to construct or repair most everything, just as your grandfather – lawnmower, cars, household items – and also built the farmhouse my parents have lived in since I was 3 years old, as well as built or helped in the construction of about 30 others. My grandparents have been gone for a number of years, my father just turned 95 years old last month and has lost all but a very tiny bit of his strength to cancer – my mother must now help him do everything, including dressing. But I’m grateful for his longevity, my family’s farm legacy and the beautiful memories I have/will have!!
I look forward to becoming acquainted with your writing, Misty!!
You have a rich heritage, dear friend!
Oh, Bonnie, what a special life! Wonderful, wonderful memories. 🙂 I’m sending you a sniffly hug!
Misty, My grandparents both passed many years ago, and I still think of them often.
Now as a grandmother and great- grandmother I cherish all of the memories of raising my children and the great memories of my grandchildren who are starting their own families. Time passes so quickly I want to treasure them all the more.
time does pass so quickly, doesn’t it? Too quickly sometimes
Yes, Jackie, you have the right approach. Your children and great-grandchildren are so blessed!
I am always thankful first and foremost for my Heavenly Father and for my family and extended family.
Amen, Debbie! Our Heavenly Father is the best blessing of all. 🙂
amen!
This is a great post, Misty. My Mamaw taught me how to can vegetables, make jams, and a few other things that are becoming “lost arts”. Those are things I will always cherish.
Oh, Steph. You just brought up some happy memories when you mentioned canning! We made lots of preserves and jams, and pickled peppers, and even canned meat. But I have to say, that time we tried to make our own canned pickles was a little like the Andy Griffith episode! 🙂 Every one of those memories I cherish!
My great grandmother trying to teach me to crochet even though she was left handed and I am not. Plus my grandparents taking us fishing. The ladies that I took care of who taught me more about how to cook from scratch. Playing with my grandchildren. Teaching my grandchildren to fish.
my sweet grandma tried to teach me to knit … it didn’t work out so well but we had lots of laughter anyway haha!
Wow, Jan, such a wealth of wonderful times! I got the warm and fuzzy shivers just reading your post. 🙂 Isn’t it wonderful how the simple times are often the best?
I have many wonderful memories of my maternal grandfather. He was so kind and loving. When I would spend a couple of weeks with them during the Summer, he would take me to breakfast at the local diner on Main Street.
that sounds like my maternal grandfather too! We always did breakfast together at diners 🙂
Oh, yes. Special times together. My dad would do something similar with us on special days. He’d take us to town for a gravy biscuit, sometimes one-on-one, sometimes with my older brother, too. Now he does the same thing with my daughters.
Being a first time Grandma 🙂
my parents are loving that as well!
Oh, Jocelyn, congratulations! I can only imagine how wonderful that is. I’m sure you’re building a treasure trove of memories for this next generation!
I am thankful for all the good times spent with my best friend and her daughter this summer. We have so much fun with her when she is on summer vacation.
That does sound like a lot of fun!!
That’s wonderful, Dianne! Friends are the treasures we get to choose! And it sounds like you’re making wonderful memories. 🙂
I’m grateful for all the memories I have of growing up in a large family. There were 9 children, and if we got tired of each other, we’d go a block up the street to my aunt’s house. She had 8 children, and we could always find someone to play with. We lived in a town, but we were on the outskirts, and it had a rural feel. My parents and my aunt and uncle are all gone now, but my siblings and our cousins are all still very close.
I love that you have such great memories of growing up with a close extended family!!!!
Oh, yes, Winnie! There were only four of us in my family, but we were (and are) so close! 9 children sounds like heaven! I love how God hand-selects our families for us. I’ll bet you could tell some stories!
My parents had hard childhoods and taught me that you can overcome hardships. Thanks for this giveaway.
Marilyn
Amen!
You come from a strong legacy, Marilyn. I love that you’ve let God use it to shape you into His plan for you!
I am thankful for all the memories I have of my mom and my sister. We all miss them very much, especially at the holidays but are very thankful we will see them again someday. They both really enjoyed Christmas and we remember them as we continue some of our family traditions.
Christmas is a wonderful time for cherished memories
I’m so glad you’re carrying on the traditions, Pam. That loss is something I fear, but I’m trying not to let the fear paralyze me. Every moment is a treasure, but there will also be a wonderful reunion one day!
There are always things to be thankful for – my family, my friends and the chance to do what I love. This year, I am thankful for the first Christian Fiction Readers Retreat!
ME TOO!!!
Amen to that, Annie! I love your outlook. 🙂
I’m grate for the memories of new babies in our family, and young newlyweds in love. Good to see life goes on.
Awww yes!
Yes! Babies are one of God’s best gifts to us! And the new life means more memories to create!
I have a two year old whose shenanigans have inspired a following of facebook/instagram friends of my hashtag #toddlerlife. My favorite was when she decided to grab on to the garage door as it was going up to hitch a ride to the rafters. Thank goodness I was right there, although I think she gave my grandma a heart attack!
Haha!
Oh, you have your hands full, Heidi! I’d love to hear more stories!
I’ve recently had several of the “memories” things pop up on Facebook from my past posts this time of year and nearly all of them have been silly or funny things that my kids have said or done. It’s been fun to be reminded of the stories and share a laugh with them about it now that they’re older.
I enjoy that too! It’s fun to see what was going on 8 years ago, etc. and how we’ve all changed lol
Oh, fun! I love how some of our technology today makes it easier to save the memories and revisit them now that time has added “perspective.” 🙂
Misty, your post has brought back so many wonderful memories of my grandparents, most of us called them Mom & Dad. My grandfather was well into retirement when I was born and he died when I was nine but oh the fun I had with him. He gave me coffee soaked crackers when I was a teething baby, then my own coffee cup by the time I was two, yes it had mostly milk in it but I was drinking the good stuff by age 6, he let me put as many little saccharin pills in to sweeten it. I liked how they bubbled. There were a ton of us always running around, he had twelve children five by his first wife then seven by my grandmother. He was stern and we were expected to follow his rules but he was also very gentle with us when we were little. My grandmother was the strongest, most faith-filled woman I’ve ever known. She put up with all of us, fed all of us and made sure we went to church. She sewed dresses for all the girls and was always taking in or letting out clothes for someone. (I was not blessed with her sewing talent) Most importantly she covered us in constant prayer. She has been gone fourteen years, I miss her every day.
This summer I was blessed to be injured while visiting my sister. Blessed? Yes, because I was hurt my daughter and 2 grandsons age 7&3 came to help take care of me and visit. I had not seen them in two years. We made so many new memories together. They both have asked when they could come to Aunt Liz’s and read with me on the couch. They also still talk and giggle about Grammy being a sofa sleeper. I could not go up the stairs to the bedrooms so I slept on one of the couches.
i love these memories, my friend!
Love those memories, too! Especially the way you’re making more with new generations! I can relate to the faith-filled grandmother. I grew up in a strong Christian family, but Nana was probably the strongest influence on me. If I ever sneaked over to their house early in the morning, I’d find her with her nose in the Bible praying the Scriptures over our family and friends. People came to her almost every day for prayer. What an amazing legacy!
Less stress.
Amen, sister! That’s one of the things I love about writing historical fiction. They did have stress, but not always the crazy fast-pace we live today that creates its own level of stress. 🙂
celebrating with the grandchildren.
Oh, yes! And I know those grandchildren are thankful for you!
I have so MUCH to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Although my parents and grandparents are gone, I have precious memories. Our last son is in his second year of college, so we have an almost empty house after 40 years of marriage. I’m thankful to see each of our 6 kids find their special talents. I’m thankful for 6 beautiful, healthy, and fun grandchildren. Mostly, I’m thankful to know and trust in God’s love for me.
i love this, Becky! Thank you for sharing 🙂
What a wonderful legacy, Becky! 40 years of marriage…six well-raised children. Such blessings!
I am most thankful for family times. My niece has been such a joy to be around. I love it when I hear her call me Aunty Sonny.
Oh, yes! Isn’t it amazing how a pet name can make you feel so special?
nieces and nephews are just the best, aren’t they?
I’m thankful for all the new memories made with my grandparents-in-law; even though I’ve known them less than six years, they help fill the void left by my grandparents who are already gone. And they’re great to play cards with, even if Grandma generally wins!
Hahaha!!! I love it!
Rachael, God’s given you a treasure, indeed! I’m a firm believer that true family is not always connected by blood, but always connected by love! So glad you’ve been gifted with such wonderful family!
Favorite Memory? I’m gonna say the births of my three healthy boys. They were a trip raising. But I survived and so did they.
haha!!
Oh, I bet they were a trip! I have three girls, which bring their own type of fun. 🙂 I can’t imagine how loud and joyful your home was!
I got to make a last-minute trip (as in, decided in a matter of hours) to see my sister get married. It was so nice to be with my family again, even if it was just for a long weekend!
I know that refreshed your spirit!
I’m so glad you were able to go! That definitely falls into the category of “priceless” moments. 🙂 I’m sure those memories are wonderful!
This will be the 3rd Christmas with my grand-girl so I have sweet memories of her first Christmas and how her little eyes lit up at all the pretty packages. Oh the wonder of the world through little children!!
You’re so right, Trixi! I love how every year is different and more special as children discover the wonders of Christmas. Times to treasure!
This will be my nephew’s 2nd Christmas and yes – the wonder of the world through his eyes is so fun!
Memories of holidays with my Gramps, who is gone to heaven now but still with me every day. 🙂
I’m so thankful you have those memories, Bekah! And one day, you’ll be with him again. Blessings!
i have sweet memories like that of my grandparents too 🙂
I was blessed to have my Mothers parents close by for much of my growing up years. I remember riding my bike over to their house and Grandma always having cookies or some sort of treat for us.
I am also thankful for their godly influence. I remember them hosting 5 Day Clubs for the neighborhood kids each summer.
That sounds wonderful Patty! You were indeed blessed to have them.
Wonderful memories, Patty! What a blessing to have that foundation of Godliness in your family!
i was blessed to have my mother’s parents nearby while I was growing up, too, Patty! Such special memories 🙂
I’m thankful to still have my mom with us this year to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. She is 89 and still loves to cook and bake a little on her better days. I live with her and can see the changes she is going through as she gets older. She loves seeing all of her grand and great-grandchildren. Some of them we don’t see but once or twice a year. There are still five of us kids plus spouses and their kids, so there is quite a bunch of us when we are all together.
Oh, yes, Donna! How wonderful that you get to be right there in the middle of it, treasuring those final chances to make memories!
that’s so sweet! She sounds like a great lady!
Since my husband and I are quickly approaching the empty nest stage, for the first time in our 24 years of marriage we have been able to travel this fall by ourselves. Since I immediately had two step-children when we did marry, I am still in awe of how fun it still is to be making memories with my husband.
Awww I love that!
How special, Rebecca! We had our first daughter about ten months after our wedding, so I know what you mean! Blessings as you enjoy this time!
My favorite memory this year is when my family and I went to Tennessee for summer vacation and we actually spent some time as a whole family and had a great blast
Oh that sounds delightful!!!
That does sound wonderful, Kirsten! I love times when the whole family is together. 🙂
Thank you Misty for sharing such beautiful memories. I could picture them.
My favorite memories involve traveling with my family. A few of my favorites involved cross-country road trips. One of the best was for the whole summer with my dad and my step mom for my high school graduation. I was a little bummed at first about not getting the chance to beach it all summer with my friends, but I made many new ones all over the U.S. I hope and pray I can one day do a similar trip with my son.
How wonderful, Kelly! I have similar memories of cross-country road trips with my grandparents. There’s nothing quite like it, is there? Blessings!
Thank you for your post. I was just reminiscing the other day about Christmas at my grandparents’ house. Us grandchildren would stand by the old pump organ and sing Christmas songs. When my sister and I would stay with them after school, we’d play that organ–pumping the feet pedals and pushing the tone buttons in and pulling them out again. We will be celebrating the second anniversary of my grandmother’s passing in a few weeks. So many good memories of her.
I’m so glad you have those memories, Mallori! What blessings. 🙂
Oh what fun memories!
I’m thankful for the many children in my life. What a blessing to be a part of not only my own children’s lives but also those of my nieces and nephews and the children of my close friends. It’s such a privilege to watch all these little people grow and mature.
So true. Even having no children of my own, I have the blessing of being a part of most of my nine nieces’ and nephews’ lives. A privilege indeed b
Yes, Beth! You are blessed indeed!
I am thankful for so much. So many family and friends. Getting to meet a lot of my online friends and new friends this summer. Such a fun time at Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. And then earlier in the summer taking our daughters on a dream vacation to London and Paris.
I’m still so glad you were able to make it to the CFRR this year!!!
Oh, that does sound like a dream vacation! What amazing memories you made!