My mother was a saint. Not perfect of course, but sanctified, made holy by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Four years ago today, she left her cancer-riddled body for the peace and glory of heaven. I miss her. My dad and siblings miss her. Our extended families miss her. But I know without a doubt that we will someday see her again, and in that I rejoice.

When I was a child, Mom was my hero. I loved her open arms, her wisdom in teaching us to love God and His Word, and even her tears when we kids pushed her too far. I always wanted to be just like Mom.

It was many years before I understood a small part of her pain, the hurt she tried so hard to hide. My mother carried deep wounds from her youth that caused an insecurity that haunted her the rest of her life.

In spite of that, because she knew the love of God, she was a woman of joy. She expressed her joy in songs of praise and worship. Mom had a beautiful voice, and she loved to sing songs from her heart. And oh, how she loved Jesus! In Him she found the steady Rock she so desperately needed, and her deepest desire was that her children find that Rock, too. Because of her prayers, teaching and example, we did - all five of us.

Some time ago I was taught that in the Orthodox tradition saints were honored not on the days of their earthly birth, but on the day of their entrance into Heaven. So St. Nicholas' Day, December 6, celebrates the day he died. Because in reality, death is the doorway to eternal life. I love that!

Therefore, I propose that November 13 be known and celebrated as St. Laura's Day in honor of the home-going of this loving saint, my wonderful mother.

Happy St. Laura's Day, everyone!

The weather had been dreary, and so had my mood. As low as the clouds dripping rain, I couldn't seem to find joy the last couple days. Too much disappointment, too many stresses, too little sleep -- I found myself asking, "God, where are You in this? I thought this book was Your plan, but nothing is working!"

The two places I'd thought would be best for local book signings had not worked out. One was an outright "No" at least until 2013, and the other simply didn't respond. Rejection hits hard.

So on the way into town this afternoon, I begged my heavenly Father to give me courage to try again. I had "just happened" to notice an article in the paper about a book signing by a local author at Coles Books in the mall this coming Saturday. "Well, maybe it's worth a try," I'd thought. But I didn't expect much.

But I went into the mall anyway, book in hand, and went to Coles. The manager "just happened" to be at the till when I arrived, and she at first said they were too busy to hold a book signing before Christmas. Then she "just happened" to change her mind.

Now I am thrilled to announce that I will be at a table at the entry to Coles in the Village Green Mall from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, to sell and sign copies of "Melody's Song."

On the way home, as I was thanking God for what He'd done, I remembered I'd "just happened" to read 2 Timothy 2:13 yesterday: "If we are faithless, he will remain fiathful, for he cannot disown himself."

Is it a coincidence that the sun broke through the clouds as I drove home praising my wonderful Father?

How about you? Have you experienced some Godly "coincidences" lately? I'd love to hear about them!