Each day I return to the source of my encouragement, the Word of God. Here are the jewels that I found today. I pray that they will encourage you just as they have encouraged me.

I recently got an apron as a prize from an online book group. I don’t wear aprons generally, but I have it in the drawer if I need to be covered and protected from splashes and such. A devotional I read today compared an apron to God’s Armor that we wear to protect ourselves. Then, part of my Scripture reading today was Ephesians. It spoke to me of the protection God has for His people, not just during the crisis today, but every day. Like the apron that I have set aside, if we don’t wear the armor of God, then it does us no good.

So, my friends, I’m praying that God will help me to wear boldly the Armor of God and to be ready to fight spiritual battles against the enemy of our souls. Yes, what we are fighting now is physical, but I also think that it is spiritual. How many people will cry out to God in their despair during this time? How many will turn against God because they don’t understand His love and character? As His children, we represent Him to the world. Not many are out and about these days, but as Sue said wisely in her post, we meet people on the internet and therein lies our current sphere of influence. Wear your armor, my friends, and take the Word of God to a lost and dying world. We don’t know what tomorrow may bring, but we do know Who holds tomorrow.

I am reminded of this quotation from my daily devotional:

Mountaintops inspire us, but valleys mature us.-Nicki Gumbel

I looked forward to the conclusion of Rowan’s story for months and I was not disappointed at all! This is a satisfying ending of Rowan’s quest to find the secrets that her family has hidden from her for years. She is joined in her quest by Sheriff Billy Brannigan, a hero unparalleled by others in his determination to help Rowan and to keep her alive. I really enjoyed discovering the secrets along with Rowan and following the twisted turns of this tale of a strange family history that is still affecting Rowan’s present. I was happy to find out more about Rowan’s background, especially her mother. I was angry at how inept the FBI seemed in protecting her, choosing to treat her as a suspect instead. My favorite character was Rowan, of course, because she was the central character, one who showed ingenuity and spirit in the face of grave danger. My favorite secondary character was Charlotte, a true friend to Rowan, who is ready to sacrifice all for her. I highly recommend this book to all readers of romantic suspense. Although it is the conclusion of a series, this book can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This book is available to day at your local bookseller and online. Here are links to purchase:

Amazon: The Darkness We Hide

Barnes and Noble: The Darkness We Hide BN

I have got to start by saying that many times over the last couple of days, I have been close to tears. The whole Coronavirus and all of the news coverage, along with my husband’s reports to me once I have turned off the news, have led me to be anxious and upset. So, time to refocus. God is in control and nothing is going to happen today that He and I can’t handle together!

I have started a new gratitude journal as I face the challenge of each new day. I hope that you will all join me in this endeavor. As bad as things are, and the President says that it will get worse, there is always something for which we can be thankful. I am especially thankful for my husband who is my companion in all of this and who has taken such good care of me for the last five years since I had a stroke. I am thankful for being able to pick up a prescription at Walmart without going into the store. I am thankful for grocery pick-up also, again without going into the store at all. I am thankful for my cat Daisy who seems to sense when I am down and cuddles with me. I am thankful for my sister who shares my love of reading. I am thankful that each of my children and grandchildren is healthy now and that I can see them via technology. I am thankful for God who loves me in spite of my doubts, depression and weaknesses and calls me to His side to be refreshed, again and again.

Yes, the days are hard and sometimes seem long. But, God….You complete that statement. There are so many of these statements in the Bible. Just when you think that the situation is hopeless, but God….

Blessings, my dear friends and readers, for a day filled with hope and gratitude. That is how I am approaching today, so I pray that you will join me.