Small Church

I forgive myself for what I allowed my life to become, before I was strong enough to fix me. Those who come to Lost Arrow Ranch are enchanted by the beauty around them. A world-class trout stream running through serene meadows edged by oak and maple groves, creates a peaceful experience for those building a new life. A fully functioning ranch in northern Michigan, Lost Arrow strives to create second chance opportunities for those from the toughest of backgrounds. The Payne family devotes their lives to helping others find their footing, using a traditional ranching environment and ...

She’s about to commit the ultimate holiday sin… When I started cheating on my cruel husband, I had one rule for myself: never go back for seconds. Living in a small town and being married to the preacher meant I had to be careful. A single hot interlude was fine, but an affair was a one-way ticket to someone getting caught. I’ve been banging my way through my husband’s friends and colleagues, getting revenge and trying to satisfy the itch my older husband doesn’t even try to scratch. And the more I do it, the more I want… Now that I've had a taste of how good things can be with ...

The Reverend Olympia Brown is offered free room and board on a small cruise ship in exchange for being a guest lecturer, but the dream-come-true trip turns into a nightmare when she learns an elegant and persuasive male passenger is targeting wealthy, single, gullible ladies for personal and heartbreaking gain. Olympia realizes that despite cruise companies' best efforts, they can't always keep their guests safe and happy because for some of life's miscreants a ship is a self-contained hunting ground where the unsuspecting prey are like fish in a barrel. Luckily for all, Olympia makes it ...

No. 7 in the Olympia Brown Mysteries. Olympia accepts a winter contract in a picture-book church on Cape Cod, but someone in that idyllic setting is watching and waiting. When Olympia is trapped inside the old church along with her stalker in a killer New England blizzard, husband Frederick is too far away to help, and the police can't reach her. Olympia becomes both the hunter and the hunted, and only she or the predator will survive the night.

Rev. Olympia Brown has been invited to the island of Martha’s Vineyard to officiate at the wedding of a young woman she christened twenty years earlier. The groom is the eldest son of the sixth generation of the admired and respected island Adams shipbuilding family, and everyone concerned is delighted with the match. As the date approaches, everything is going according to plan...until it doesn’t. In a worst-case scenario, Mother Nature and an alienated and disillusioned childhood friend of the bride coincidentally join forces with near cataclysmic results. ... And the “Best Laid ...

She had never had a relationship this easy, yet so complicated. Living River Ranch, a beacon of love and commitment nurtured by Margaret, Mathew, and their devoted families, has been a haven for countless visitors over the years. Now, as the ranch evolves, it embarks on a purpose-driven expansion, responding to a higher calling to support the burgeoning aspirations of the community's next generation. The ranch's compassionate reach extends to both animals and humans in need, as well as neighboring ranches, embodying a steadfast commitment to rising up whenever there's a call for assistance....

She didn’t want to appear like some lovestruck teen, but honestly, it was exactly how she felt every time he was around. The Cross in the Woods, a cattle ranch entrusted to Rebecca as the fourth-generation steward, becomes a crucible of transformation and romance. Determined to preserve the family legacy and seeking additional revenue streams to sustain the land, Rebecca faces the harsh reality of her self-reliant, loner nature. Seeking help is a challenging endeavor for her, but her prayers are answered one by one as individuals arrive at the ranch, igniting not only the flames of ...

I don’t know if we have that many years left in these retiring bones, but I will walk them all with you,” she said, turning to run her palm along my cheek. “I love you.” Melissa, a brilliant and ambitious researcher, had made the impulsive decision to marry at a young age, just as she embarked on her first research program in Africa. However, her marriage to a driven and opportunistic man proved to be a fleeting endeavor, as he abandoned her in pursuit of a promising job opportunity elsewhere. Now, fate plays a twisted game as he resurfaces, teaching classes at the very university ...

Taking in her lovely face and sweet smile, he knew that he would travel that road and risk everything for a chance to be here with her. The Foster family has breathed life into their ancestral farm by coaxing the beautiful land and cliff side views of Lake Michigan into a majestic golf course known as Bingham Shores. Along with a world-class golf course, the property boasts a century-old restaurant, known for romantic themes and now a mystery. An old Bible found in the restaurant’s attic reveals a treasure map connected to the former farm. As word of the map spreads and speculation of the...

Fawn loved this little community and found that many of the residents were very happy to be active and part of something bigger than themselves in their older years. "The Chalet" is a Christian, rural, coastal resort community where middle to older age adults go to support several summer volunteer projects. These projects include building and improving housing for the needy and serving through the community’s action agencies. Those who volunteer, support each other's spouse losses and other challenges as they work to help the community. Romantic relationships are developed as those who ...

She was so beautiful with her chocolate brown tresses messily thrown up on top of her head, a clear complexion except for that mole right below her eye that gave her face a touch of complexity. Mitch and Diane Hayworth had lived a life many would envy, full of travels, adventure, family, and so many amazing memories. Now family and friends stood upon this ground they loved so much to bear the loss of these special people that happened all too quickly. The Hayworth family is now faced with hearing the final will and testament of their beloved grandparents, expecting that their parents would ...

“I think if you look around Bingham Shores, you will see a lot of cases where first love lasted a lifetime.” The Foster family has breathed life into their ancestral farm by coaxing the beautiful land and cliff side views of Lake Michigan into a majestic golf course known as Bingham Shores. Along with a world-class golf course, the property boasts a century-old restaurant, known for romantic themes and now a mystery. An old Bible found in the restaurant’s attic reveals a treasure map connected to the former farm. As word of the map spreads and speculation of the treasure mounts, new ...

"You are the biggest surprise I have ever received,” he whispered. The Double K Ranch is just a few minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, nestled in the rolling woodlands of West Michigan. This majestic, yet rustic resort is a place where singles, couples, and families come to experience hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and a world-class disc golf course. Unbeknownst to guests, the ranch is also home to some challenges the owners are struggling with to keep the ranch afloat. Larisa, the middle child of the Baker family, is trying to keep her focus on the upcoming disc golf tournament...

We all know the Church has been around for centuries and everyone has their concept or definition of Church. However, Millennials are leaving the Church in record numbers. Emerging generations are beginning to see the Church as being either irrelevant or not seeing their role within it. Church is being “sold” as a weekly event in a building and people are no longer “buying” it. Do we have a marketing problem with Church or a credible misunderstanding of what it is all together? What is the Church really and how do we fit in? In this book, we will explore: • what God intended the ...

DeShawn lives a high, creative, and promiscuous life in San Francisco. But when he’s called back to his cramped Alabama hometown for his uncle’s funeral, he’s hit by flashbacks of handsome, doomed neighbors and sweltering Sunday services. Amid prickly reminders of his childhood, DeShawn ponders family, church, and the men in his life, prompting the question: Who deserves love?

In a day when successful churches are too often defined by large attendance and excellent facilities, leaders need to regain a healthy perspective on the unique contribution of each and every church. By studying the dynamics of the church at Antioch, today's leadership teams will be encouraged to learn that by surrendering to God-given opportunities their church can accomplish truly amazing outcomes. Each chapter provides background verses, readable commentary, and discussion questions which can be used in planning meetings or retreats. The principles gained provide insight by which every ...

The pastor's wife is missing! Is the escaped felon to blame? Whether living in a rectory, manse or parsonage, life married to a small town minister calls for faith, hope, and charity; plus heaping helpings of tact and the skin of a rhinoceros. New to this life in the small coastal town of Bannoch, Oregon, Naidenne Davidson turns for support to her fellow ministers’ wives of The First Ladies Club. The women share sympathy, friendship and tips on dealing with difficult church members, but when tall, shapely Naidenne catches the eye of an escaped killer, the Club goes beyond mere friendship....

“I just think he is making a total fool out of himself, but then again, it’s one of the things that I love about him… Lost Arrow Ranch is a remarkable place that offers therapeutic horse riding and interactions with animals for individuals who have faced various challenges and traumas. The Payne family has dedicated their lives and careers to supporting those with tough backgrounds, providing them with a second chance. The ranch operates as a fully functional homestead, with a small community living there, including those in traditional roles and those necessary to run the ranch's ...

The warmth, love, and closeness in this moment were wreaking havoc on his insides. Living River Ranch, a beacon of love and commitment nurtured by Margaret, Mathew, and their devoted families, has been a haven for countless visitors over the years. Now, as the ranch evolves, it embarks on a purpose-driven expansion, responding to a higher calling to support the burgeoning aspirations of the community's next generation. The ranch's compassionate reach extends to both animals and humans in need, as well as neighboring ranches, embodying a steadfast commitment to rising up whenever there's a ...

“You love horseback riding, don’t you?” she curled her lip at him. “Is this one of those non-negotiables that would end our relationship before it even starts?” Lost Arrow Ranch is a remarkable place that offers therapeutic horse riding and interactions with animals for individuals who have faced various challenges and traumas. The Payne family has dedicated their lives and careers to supporting those with tough backgrounds, providing them with a second chance. The ranch operates as a fully functional homestead, with a small community living there, including those in traditional ...