Today’s devotion is a little different than normal. Its more of a verse and a list of thoughts on the subject…I hope you enjoy!

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
John 15:13
(King James Bible)

We all have Heroes…two of them in fact. The first I plan to talk about it more of a group than an individual…a group of individuals.

He started out wearing his usual clothes, that of a farmer or a blacksmith, a miner or a clergyman. Perhaps he went into the field of battle in that same attire. Eventually, perhaps some kindly woman took the time to make a uniform of Continental Blue to show which army he belonged to.

As the years passed, his uniform changed in style and shade. Some wore blue, some wore gray. Some fought to keep America united, some fought for the Rights that united America. Both fought and died for what they believed was right. Our country has never been the same since. It never will be.

Today, his uniform is much different. It is camo, of various colors, shades, and patterns. His hat has been traded in for a helmet, his musket for an M16. Instead of a horse, he takes a HUMVEE or a BRADLEY.

His battlefield is no longer on American soil but in the deserts of the Middle East.

But one thing has not changed.

He is willing to die for you to be free. Some of his brothers in arms have paid the price for you. And he is ready if it’s his turn this time.
 
Our second Hero also was willing to die for you. In fact, He did.

He is the mighty Creator.

The Prince of Peace.

The Alpha and the Omega.

The First and the Last.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The All-Knowing One.

The One Who listens when we cry out to Him and calms our fears in the midst of the storm.

And the beautiful thing is, He never changes. His motives, thoughts toward us, His Gift of Salvation, none of it has ever changed.

Jesus Christ gave up His throne in Heaven, His Glory and the very presence of God, to come to a sin sick world and live a life as 100% man and 100% God. He lived under the authority of His earthly parents and submitted to their care…when He was the One Who kept them breathing. He preached for 3 years, sharing the Gospel as only He could. He suffered through an unjust mock trial, severe scourging, and the unthinkable agonies of the cross, laying down His Life for our miserable souls. He was buried in a borrowed tomb and of His own power raised Himself to Life on the third day. He did all that for you, so that if you would admit that you are a sinner and repent of your sins, you could spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Two Heroes. One died for freedom. The Other died for your soul. We didn’t ask either of them to do it. But they voluntarily gave their lives for us. What are you gonna do with the gifts they are offering to you?

Thank God for the American Serviceman and the Blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
 
Have a Blessed Memorial Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I'm so excited, I don't even know where to start! I've been waiting for this story to release ever since I found out it was even being worked on. And when Kassie asked me to Beta? I was over the Moon! I was so excited to share this with all of you and so honored to participate in her blog tour! So without further ado, let's jump right in! (Points to you if you caught that I used Jump on purpose XD)

Where to even begin! This book made me laugh one minute and cry the next! It was such a touching story. The part that really got to me was when Layla was reading letters written to Mavericks mother...I've talked with a gold star mom on multiple occasions and she read me a similar letter...such a touching scene!

Andrew is probably my favorite character. I mean, he's a Ranger and a runner...and he's such a compelling lead.

That's not to down play Layla and Ranger and Jaydon though! This family is so sweet together and the dynamics of their relationship...and the tragedies that pull them tighter are so heart-breakingly beautiful!

The message of the story is so powerful. Hope, perseverance, God's hand in our lives and the desire to honor our heroes...ah! I can't say enough good about this book. And there's even a Police Officer line in the story! And of course, the balloons...

Because the story does deal with war injuries and PTSD, I would recommend this for 14+ for understanding. The book is clean and all, and there are no gory descriptions.

O To Be Like Thee still has my heart, but this book...nope, can't even compare them. They are both so good!

*I received an e-book copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own*

What inspired this story, especially the aspect of a double amputee?
Well, the story’s inspired by {a song} which isn’t about the Army or amputees unless you’ve got an imagination. XD The whole double-amputee part kind of just happened. I just wanted to bring together a three-legged dog and an amputee in a story. It was just an image I had in my head I wanted to write about.
 
What is one thing you want your readers to take away from this story?
There’s usually more to a person’s story than meets the eye. Maybe you’ll never know it. Maybe you will. People may be struggling in ways you will never know, and some heroes aren’t so obvious. And—maybe my favorite line of the story—you never know who’s trying to make a hero proud.
 
What has God taught you through the writing Tattered Wings?
If He tells you to do something, don’t give up. Not-so-little-known fact: I didn’t really want to write Tattered Wings. It’s my stubborn story for a reason. But not giving up is one of the themes of the story…and I’m so glad I didn’t give up on it. Because when you don’t give up, it will be oh so worth it.
 
How has your perspective on life changed through writing this story?
(how did she come up with these) Y’know, that’s a good question. Yeah, maybe the answer’s I’m more determined than ever not to give up. Or maybe the answer is that you can actually navigate between both the civilian and military world and it won’t always make sense and that’s okay.
 
Tell us about Maverick (just anything you want, girl). *He's a side Character that is never on scene in the story*
He’s my reckless Texas cowboy named after Lane Frost who loves animals and is such a softie but he will fight with a vengeance when he needs to because he’s basically a working dog at heart. (Don’t tell him I said that.)
 
If you could meet one of your characters, which would you want and what would you say to them?
I think I’d want it to be Layla, just so I could tell her the one thing she’s not sure she wants to hear: I know and I’m sorry. Everything’s gonna be okay and you are so brave. And by the way your dog is super cute, not that I’m biased.

(adds under my breath: “I know what I’d really want to say to a character. This is for you, Maverick.”)

*Reads that line and tears up...*
 
What piece of advice, based on your experience with this book, would you give writers?
Write the story that’s in your heart. I don’t care how hard it is. Just write it. Somebody needs to read it, and somebody’s heart will break in the best way possible over it. Don’t compare your stories to each other. Just don’t. You’ll still love them all, I promise.
 
How can we reach out to people like Layla and Andy?
In this essay I will…. X’D Just kidding. There’s a lot I could tell you. But at the end of the day, be respectful and just be a friend. Andrew’s struggles are a lot more visible than Layla’s. Saying not to treat them any differently isn’t helpful when they’re so unlike the average person you meet on the street. But don’t ever treat someone like they’re from a different planet just because, say, they’re a double amputee. Just say hi. How you doing. Crazy weather we’re having, right? And by the way…thank you; we really do appreciate it.
 
Okay, what inspired Isaiah?
(Fun fact: I don’t think I’ve shared this story before.) Okay, so I needed a battle buddy for Andrew, and Isaiah’s story just grew from there. My crazy Southern kid is based on a soldier from Alabama who was working the gate at Ft. Hood, saw my mom’s West Virginia license plate, and made it his personal mission to faithfully tell us “ROLL TIDE” every time he saw us. That was, one, how we found out WV was playing Alabama in the Super Bowl, two, how the poor boy earned the undying title Private Roll Tide, and three, how we ended up with a soft spot for all things Roll Tide. A good five years later, if pre-deployment Isaiah isn’t so Private Roll Tide… <33
 
Parting thoughts? (Literally, anything you want😉)
(First thing that came to mind; couldn’t resist and it’s kinda fitting…) “All we ask is that you don’t forget, ‘cause the war’s not over when the fighting ends—haunted souls and memories, Airborne Ranger Infantry.”

I'm not crying...<3

Okay, so that is it for now! Click here to purchase the eBook and here for a print copy!
Have a Blessed Day!
Rangers Lead the Way!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello, and welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! Today I’m continuing a tradition I started 2 years ago, listing some of the top things I’m thankful for this year!

*Life! This year more than ever, I have come to appreciate the gift God has given us by giving us breath! Thank God for pro-life parents and siblings! Thank God for Eternal Life found in Him! And Thank God for caring about every sparrow (and every unborn baby)!

*Family! Family is one of the greatest blessings God gives us! I am blessed to live in a large family (Dad, Mom, 7 kids, 2 brothers-in-law, and 6 nieces and nephews!) with potential to explode the population of the United States as the rest of us marry and have kids 😉 I can’t imagine life in any other family!

*Friends! God has blessed me with so many good friends over the years, and this year, I’ve learned that taking them for granted is a big mistake. You might not always be as close as you were. Life comes along, and people tend to drift away and make new friends. Enjoy the time that you have together!

*America! I probably say this every year, but hey, I love my country! I cannot stress enough what my country means to me! She’s the greatest nation on the planet, and I am humbled that God chose to allow me to be born here!

*Our Military! Yes, this is another repeat, but this year, I met a sweet young author, and she has opened my eyes to a little more of what our guys go through daily.   It’s heartbreaking seeing exactly how PTSD affects every serviceman in one way or another. It doesn’t always show in flashbacks or nightmares, though these definitely happen. There’s the guilt complex, mood swings, the “100-yard stare” or the everyday memories of that horrifying experience they went through. We owe them a great debt, not only for risking their lives and giving their time to protect us, but sacrificing a “normal” life so we can keep ours.

*Music! This year I got to attend the Majesty Music Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. And believe me, this conference gave me a brand-new appreciation for Godly music! Such an encouragement!

*Conservative Values! My family has always taught my siblings and me to seek God when it comes to anything in life. What does God say about Marriage? About Life? About Capital Punishment? Because in the long run, it doesn’t matter what man thinks. It matters what God thinks. I praise the Lord for parents who have guided me to God’s views of the world around us, and the conservative values taught in His Word!

*The Pro-Life Movement! Speaking of Conservative Values, I am so grateful for those who are willing to stand up for the unborn, the mentally handicapped and the elderly! Just this year, I was blessed to begin working for Pregnant Options, a website that allows women in crisis to find the Care Center closest to them. These Care Centers help them prepare to be a mother, offer classes on Motherhood, provide medical services, and if needed give referrals to adoption agencies.  It’s a blessing to see everything these centers provide to those who want to choose life for their child! And it’s a joy to help with the editing of articles that have potential to save lives and offer hope to those in hard situations!

*Books! Good books! This year, I have read so many good books, whether it be a physical copy, eBook, or audio, there are so many good books out there! I love a story that challenges me personally in my spiritual life or in some other aspect (getting organized, writing advice, etc.). I also love an informative book. Like a biography, history, or even a cultural study (like The South Was Right! There is so much more to this book than the title reveals!) But there have also been those books that didn’t turn out so great…the ones I couldn’t finish. Which makes me appreciate the excellent books even more!

*Cooking! This year, I’ve actually gotten to play around in the kitchen a little bit…and nobody has died, and nothing has caught on fire 😉 I have cooked in the past, but Sarah is our main cook, so getting the opportunity to try my hand at culinary arts is always fun! Chicken Gyros anyone?

Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I’m so excited about today’s post! Kassie introduced herself to me earlier this year, and I have enjoyed everything I’ve read from her thus far. So when I had the opportunity to help her with her newest project, I jumped at the chance! And today, Kassie is revealing her gorgeous cover with the world! But first…a little information about this project!

The synopsis:
 
Some scars can't be seen. And some can't be hidden.
 
Layla Trent's life is pretty much perfect, except for the little matter of a dog of her own-- and maybe a brother. So why does a random nightmare of a princess dress, a hospital, and a stranger who's definitely not her daddy feel more like an aching wound? And can a broken, glassy-eyed puppy somehow help her release the pain she didn't even know she was carrying?
 
Corporal Andrew Reyes has proven he has what it takes to be the best-- a US Army Ranger. But when a double tragedy rocks his world, his resolve is shaken to the core. What's left for a man to live for when he's lost everything he ever wanted to be? And is the sudden appearance of a teenage girl with a three-legged therapy dog a cruel joke or a divine appointment?
 
Some scars can't be hidden. But some don't need to be. 

Kassie’s bio:
 
Kassie Angle is a teenaged Christian author, cowgirl, therapy dog trainer, stereotypical INFJ, and Army girl to the core. Her first love, i.e., debut novel, O to be Like Thee, swept her unsuspectedly into the world of indie authors. She tries to use her stories to fill the silences in literature, helping more people understand the world of the Army and showing how God heals the broken-hearted. You can find her and more of her writing at SoldierGirlStories.com.
https://soldiergirlstories.com
 
And just because Kassie has been annoyed with this question so much, I will clarify that this book is definitely not a romance! The soldier is older than Layla, and there is absolutely no romantic hinting in this story at all.
And now that you’ve been so patient, here is the beautiful cover!

Isn’t it perfect? I just love it so much! And the story (as far as I’ve gotten to read) is so good! I can’t wait to get my own personal copy of this beauty!

That’s it for now! Have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I love America. I’m sure you never would have guessed that, lol! But yes, I am a proud American citizen and I thank God for allowing me to be born in the Greatest Nation in the world. (Shouldn’t everyone be able to feel that way about their home?) Today, I want to share a book list of 5 books for Patriotic Americans!

1. Let’s Roll by Lisa Beamer
I promise I won’t fangirl over it here. If you haven’t read my review, you can do so by clicking here. This book helps you put modern American patriotism back into focus. It reminds us of why we are at war in the first place and what we as individuals need to do to keep our country great.
 
2. & 3. Battle Heroes: Voices from Afghanistan/War Heroes: Voices from Iraq by Allan Zullo
Want your eyes opened to “boots on the ground” operations in the Middle East by the best fighting force on earth? I don’t care if you are a mature adult, this middle grade book needs to be read by you! The youngest I would suggest read it would be 12, since it is a war book. While sensitive, it’s still intense. This book puts a story with the random things we hear about the war. Ever wondered what goes in to defusing an IED? What exactly are native translators capable of, besides translating? Who are the guys serving our country? What are they like? Do they really have a life besides the military? Just read it, please. (Needs minor editing, nothing major.)
 
4. O To Be Like Thee by Kassie Angle
I know, I know, I talk about this book all the time. But it’s because it is so good! Please, just pick up the book and allow yourself to dive in to this fictional but true to life story. I mean, Kassie has grown up in the Army, so I’m pretty sure she knows what she’s talking about 😉
 
5. Behind Enemy Lines: Under Fire in the Middle East by Bill Doyle
Okay, so if you’ve ever wanted to read/watch Lone Survivor but wouldn’t because of the language (like me!), you need this book. (I mean, I would probably read it if someone else had edited it, just because I still have a few questions, but that’s just me. But I seriously doubt I could endure the movie, even if the language was edited out. Some things are better read than watched 😉) Among the 8 stories of valor in the Middle East is one titled Operation Redwing…and this was my introduction to Marcus Letrell and the Navy SEALs that served with him. Well, I had read an article about his buddy Danny, but I’d never heard the story of how exactly he died or what happened to his friend that made it through the ambush. Well, now I know! This was written on preteen level, so it’s comprehensive, clean and still quite jarring. Don’t read it right before bed, just saying. But, if you want to gain a deeper understanding to the conditions our boys are going through over there, pick up this quick read and let the story pull you in!
 
So that’s it for today! Now, hurry along to your library and find these books. Except for Kassie’s. Just order a copy. That’s what you really need to spend your money on! 😉 And no, she didn’t tell me to say that. She knows nothing about this post.

Have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22