Lyn Cote Asks Do You Volunteer?

 I’m always amazed and pleased at how many Americans give not only monetary gifts but give of their time. In the past, I was active in volunteering at my children’s school and I still volunteer at my church. And my husband volunteers six times a month at our local food pantry. Helping others, I believe, is automatic for most Americans even little kids help out their communities. 

My latest series, titled: New Neighbor Lane, features three Habitat for Humanity projects in a small mythical town of Hope, WI. The Scoop on this new Series!

Small town Hope, WI, is happy to welcome Habitat for Humanity volunteers building homes on its newest street, New Neighbor Lane. But each family helping build their new house, needs more than a structure to live in. Past hurts, such as financial hardship, abandonment, loss of family members or painful divorce have left them hurting and doubting God’s love for them. But God isn’t finished with them. He has plans for them, plans to prosper them and not to harm, plans to give them hope and a future.

Come along and face the heart challenges of these families. Triumph with them as they move forward in faith with hope for homes of their own and new love in their hearts. Come visit New Neighbor 

Lane!

 Book 2, Rosa's Forever Home, is on sale for a limited time. 25% off!

A little boy  chases a stray dog into the path of a cement truck. This heart-pounding meeting brings two wounded souls together. 

Rosa Santos, a single mom, has come to the groundbreaking of her Habitat for Humanity house. When a handsome volunteer, Mark Chambers, puts himself in harms way to save her seven-year-old son, she can barely thank him, her heart in her throat.

 From then on Rosa and Mark’s paths keep meeting. When they work together building her house and when he coaches her son’s Beginner’s Soccer team. Rosa suffers from her own hurts but the gray smudges under Marc’s eyes tug at her heart. What secret pain bedevils this good, kind man?

From a USA Today Bestselling author, a heartwarming story of love, faith and God’s healing power. And the joy of furry friends! Why not download today? Click here for more info.

Bell Ringing - It's all in the Family

My brother started bell ringing for the Salvation Army about ten years ago. Dave is a friendly guy and has no problem talking to strangers, so it was an easy fit for him. Once he realized how much he liked it, he decided to have some fun and asked his wife to make him a Santa suit. He usually starts growing a beard in July so by the time the Christmas season rolls around he looks like the real thing—even the belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly is real.

But he didn’t stop there. He bought an elf costume for each of his two adult daughters, Becky and Katie, and at least one accompanies him on every shift.

Not only does Dave have a lot of fun, but by the time his shift is over, his kettle is full, too.

Katie, Dave and me at Cub Foods in Forest Lake, Minnesota

A couple years ago, he started asking me to help out and I promised that I would do it once I retired.  I am retired now and this is my second year of bell ringing. Our usual spot is in front of a busy grocery store. Our favorite shift is the day before Thanksgiving. Dave rings the bells (one in each hand) and I hand out candy canes to everyone who donates. I am amazed at how generous people are—many people stuff $5, $10 and $20 into the kettle. Some people hand us cups of hot coffee and others simply thank us for volunteering.

I can see why Dave likes it so much. On the upside, you meet a lot of interesting people while working for a good cause. On the downside, you’re on your feet for several hours, it takes perseverance when the temp drops, but all-in-all, it really is a rewarding experience.

 ~~~

USA Today bestselling author, Denise Devine has had a passion for books since she discovered Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder in second grade. She wrote her first book, a mystery, at age thirteen and has been writing ever since.

 

You can visit Denise at her website at www.deniseannettedevine.com or her Amazon author page at https://amazon.com/author/denisedevine

 

Merry Christmas, Darling at Amazon.com