Month: October 2021

Light and Darkness

On By vickleaIn Scripture13 Comments

“If the room in which you are sitting is dark and you hold the only flashlight, who is at fault?” ~Dr. Denison’s Forum, October 4, 2021

Think about this quotation. I don’t know about you, but I have been guilty of going around blaming everyone else (specifically the liberals) for the problems in our nation and around the world. Then, God spoke to me through Dr. Denison’s Forum the other day and I haven’t been able to get out of my mind the fact that the world is a mess and I have a flashlight to shine light on its darkness.

This is what is happening today. Satan is bolder than ever, roaring around and establishing himself as the ruler of this world. Well, we already knew that, right? But what we have to keep in mind is the fact that he is desperate to wreak as much havoc and destruction and to take as many people to the lake of fire with him as he can. And he knows that his time is short, so just as when we know we are running late, he is running around frantically and creating mayhem. What are the Christians doing? If you’re like me, you have been wringing your hands and crying out to God, “Do something, Lord! Don’t you see what is happening here?” Hmm. Well, God gave me the answer. He sees and wants me (and each of you) to shine our lights on what is happening, to point out evil and not to cower away from our responsibilities. If we are watching for evil, we will recognize it when we see it and be able to stand against it.

I was appalled when I read this morning in my daily news blurb that the DOJ and FBI have been unleashed against parents fighting school boards who are pushing Critical Race Theory. These parents are doing what parents should be doing, fighting for the minds of their children not to be indoctrinated by false teachings; unfortunately, the power of the government is standing against them. So, what are we to do? Gird up! Put on the whole armor of God and stand. Shine our lights so that others may see the truth. God does not create divisiveness and such false teachings that promote it. God desires unity, peace, love, serving and forgiveness.

Light and darkness? We have to choose. Do we want to live in the dark and be silent, even though we know we have the light? Or do we want to boldly turn on that light and show the world what is really happening and what they are missing in their lives? If the message about Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind is filling us, then we should be overflowing with it. Not in an angry confrontational way, but in the way in which Jesus confronted evil. He calmly spoke the truth and moved on to the next place that needed to hear it. I’m preaching to myself here because in my own frustration against the current tide of evil, I have had a tendency to grasp the light closer to myself instead of letting it shine. I have not wanted to be condemned by a judgmental world because of my faith. But I am realizing more and more that it is not the world who gets to judge me. God does. He wants me to shine His truth to a people who need to hear it. Light vs. darkness? Light wins every time! There may only be a small glimmer of light at first, but then if we all shine our lights of truth, the light will overcome all of the darkness. That’s what I want to do. My personal beliefs and attitudes towards the evil in today’s society will not make a difference because few people really care what I believe. But maybe, just maybe, if I share the truth of God’s Word, someone will listen and a life will be changed. One more light to shine. One at a time, we can make a difference.

My prayer for you is that the Scriptures above will become a reality in your life and that together, we can shine lights into the darkness of this world. God bless and keep you safe, bold and ever brighter daily.

Review of LABYRINTH OF LIES by Irene Hannon

On By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This second book in the “Triple Threat” series definitely deserves kudos for being captivating, intriguing and intense. Irene Hannon has written a brilliant and insightful page-turner that was as fast-moving as it was complex. This book has a tightly written plot with plenty of suspense. There are numerous characters, all of whom are remarkably realistic. The theme of drugs is definitely relevant and the fact that the author uses code names for the perpetrators up until the climax added to the edginess of the story. I enjoyed the simmering romance between Cate Reilly and her former love interest, Zeke Sloan, and rooted for her to forgive him his past transgressions so that they could move on together. This is an addictive and satisfying addition to the genre of romantic suspense, with the author’s unique style showing in every chapter. Written with clever twists and enticing dialogue, this is one not to miss and can be read as a standalone. My favorite character was Cate’s roommate at the posh Ivy Hill School, a young girl named Kayla who lacked self-confidence but who changed as the book progressed, maturing as her character should have. The book was a fascinating character study of why people choose to do evil and was thought-provoking at times. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a fast-paced and well-crafted mystery, with more than a hint of romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. 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.”

The action in this book is intense, but it is a clean Christian read suitable for all who enjoy a good romantic suspense novel.
For information about the author and her books, please visit her website at http://www.irenehannon.com

Happy Release Day to Irene Hannon! You can purchase her book today at any of these online retailers or at your favorite bookstore:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Powells

Google Play Store

Christian Book

Baker Book House

Bookshop

Target

Indiebound

Many thanks to Revell for allowing me to participate in the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to read and review Christina fiction that I can recommend to all readers!

Get this book today and get wrapped up in a thrilling romantic suspense!

Never Give Up

On By vickleaIn Scripture9 Comments

I’m a firm believer that since God has left me here on this earth after numerous physical challenges, He has me here for a reason. In my devotional this morning, I read that the writer has passed his “best by” date. Honestly, I had never heard old age expressed that way, but after some thought, I decided it’s accurate. There are many things I can no longer do, but there is so much still left that I am able to do. My physical limitations are there but so is my determination to get things done. I cannot take a bath anymore because it’s way too hard to get out of the tub. But, oh, the nice hot showers I enjoy! I cannot read a book and watch a TV show at the same time because my brain no longer likes to multi-task. But I can still enjoy both, just separately. (Although I must state a disclaimer here that my favorite TV show is now Christian music.) I cannot always remember why I have gone into a room, but while I am there, I occupy myself doing something else that may need to be done. You get the idea. As we age, we lose a lot of abilities, but one of the things I have gained is my thankfulness for each day that I awaken and my eagerness to see what the new day will bring.

I truly believe this Scripture, that my Spirit is being renewed daily as God draws me closer to Him. Today, I go to my new nephrologist, the one I requested since the previous one lacked empathy and compassion. I have no idea what the new doctor will be like, but I know that I prayed before I chose him and expect that God will work through him to help me keep my solitary kidney going for as long as possible. Meanwhile, I am thankful that I have a new doctor to see, thankful that my weight is down some and I have been able to eat a little better lately. Mostly, I’m thankful to be on the earth at this time, just where God wants me to be and I’m looking forward to finding His new purpose for each day that He has given me.

I pray that you will find the peace in your spirit today that you need to face whatever the day brings. Remember that the “best by” day may have passed, but that doesn’t mean you have lost your purpose or your usefulness. If you’re still here, God wants to use you. Be open to His Spirit and let Him tell you just what you can do for Him and His Kingdom today.

Have a blessed and awesome day in the Lord. Be your best. Do your best. In Him and for Him, you are the best you that He made. Be blessed!

Remembering

On By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

As I have aged, I have discovered that I am not as capable of remembering things from the past as I once could. The fog of having had a stroke has not helped, so that has been my go-to excuse when someone says, “Remember when…?” Most of the time, I honestly don’t remember. But one very important thing that I want to always remember is God’s steadfast love for me and all of the miracles that He has performed in my life.

One of the ways we can recall all of God’s wonderful acts on our behalf is to testify about them, to friends, at church, in a journal. Just put the words out there so that others can share in the joy you had when you saw God working on your behalf.

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is healing from my stroke. In January of 2015 when I had a massive stroke (the occupational therapist told me that it was a 19 out of 21 on their scale, whatever their scale was), I could not move most of my right side, could not speak without stuttering and lost my memory for speaking Spanish. The OT encouraged me that the brain is made in such a way that it would find new pathways to get around the ones that had died when I had the stroke. Well, she didn’t say it, but I did, in my mind. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and God would make a way for me to function again. I had to practice walking, telling my legs to take steps until it became natural for me again. I practiced reading, much more slowly than I had ever done before, but I could do it. And I got out old Spanish books from my high school years and practiced my Spanish. Oh, yeah, and I couldn’t write except for illegible scribbles. My physical therapist was a real gift from God. He had been my therapist after my knee surgery and my broken elbow and when he saw on the schedule that a patient was coming in who had had a stroke and saw my name, he told me he didn’t know what to expect. So, with love and patience, he worked with me in all ways possible. He brought out a whiteboard for me to practice writing on. I did OT puzzles and other exercises to build my dexterity in my hands. It amazed me that my left hand was faster than my right because my right had to be trained again. After about three months, I was able to return to teaching part-time and by five months after my stroke, I was working full-time and discharged from PT. Amazing, right? God is the God of miracles and He gave me back my speech, my ability to walk and my ability to use and teach Spanish. Some would say, “Well, of course. The OT said that your brain would find new pathways.” There is no “of course” to it! My PT said that my progress was like a miracle because I progressed so rapidly. To this day, I know to Whom to give the credit for my recovery. God gets all the kudos because not only did He make me to begin with, He healed me when I had an unimaginably scary stroke. I will admit that sometimes my brain fogs and I know that’s the sign that I need to rest, to pull away and just be quiet, whether that means napping or going to bed extra early. But I continue to be amazed each day that I awaken because I know that it is God who loves me enough to allow me to still be here on earth. Since my stroke, I have had four new grandchildren born, and I am so blessed to be able to meet them and get to know them. In fact, Penny was born only a month after my stroke and I told my PT that I needed to get better so I could go meet her. I did! I met her in March, when she was only a few weeks old. Why am I writing all of this? I’m writing my testimony for me to remember and for you to know what a miracle-working God we serve. I am thankful every day for my life that He gave back to me, and I hope that each of you is thankful for all that he has done for you.

I am so thankful! God is no respecter of persons and what He did for me, He can do for anyone.

“You Are Faithful” by Hillsong Worship