Life Watch

On October 31, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

Our son’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer a month ago and given only a few months to live. Last night, our son contacted us to tell us that his wife was heading to PA as her mom was not expected to survive long. So began what I was calling the “death watch.” But, in all actuality, Patty is a dear believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, so it should be a “life watch.” She will be leaving this earthly life soon, with all of the trials and pain that she has had recently, and entering into a new life with her Lord and Savior. We here who know and love her will miss her face, her cheerful demeanor all the time and her sweet cards that she sends. But we are not without hope that we will see her again someday.

Our son contacted us again this morning and told me that Iris, our autistic granddaughter, is having a rough day because her mom was not there to put her on the bus. If you know anything about autistic children, they crave routine and get very upset if that routine is disrupted. A few weeks ago, my husband had to go to the school to get Iris because she would not stop wandering the halls, crying and screaming and refusing to be consoled. Although we live over an hour away, Harry rushed to be there for Iris, took her out of school and spent the day consoling her. Why was she so distraught? I think it was because she had been spending every weekend saying “goodbye” to her grandma and she didn’t understand or like what was happening. So, prayers for Iris and all of the family would be appreciated at this time. We are waiting now for the next communication to tell us how we can help and what our son wants us to do for them. I have done laundry in anticipation of traveling. My husband is going to pick up medications that he needs before we travel. Meanwhile, we are praying. I am praying that Patty’s deep physical suffering is not extended and that the God of all comfort will be right there beside Melissa and her other family members. I especially pray for her dad, a humble and loving man who has spent over seventy years with Patty.

Again, we are not without hope because we know that God has provided eternal life for those of us who believe in Him and accept His free gift of salvation. But it is never easy to say farewell, so for that reason I ask for prayers from anyone who believes.

The following are the verses that God gave me this morning to comfort and strengthen me. If you are facing the loss of a loved one, may they also comfort you as you realize the truth of God’s word stands forever.

Never Weary

On October 30, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I don’t know about you but all of the news, the health issues that keep coming at me, the demands of my time from others and just life in general has me worn out. I wake up in the morning, thank God for a new day and get up. But what I really want to do sometimes is pull the covers over my head and not even face the day. I was encouraged this morning by my devotional in which I read that God never gets tired.

God understands my deep bone and soul weariness and He doesn’t chastise me or tell me worthless platitudes about things getting better. Instead, He assures me that He is not tired or reaching out to me and He is still strong on my behalf. So, if you are feeling a little buffeted by the waves of life, then grasp hold of this Scripture. God hears, understands and never gets weak or weary. We can count on Him to always be the same even when the world around us seems to be shifting in ways we don’t like. God is good…all the time! And because of His goodness, mercy and never-changing love, I can face the small challenges of life and reach out to others who need an encouraging word.

The Faithfulness of God

On October 29, 2023October 28, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture, Song3 Comments

God’s faithfulness is a central theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Here are a few verses that I found that have spoken to me in the past and continue to minister to me now.

And finally, a song that I hope will bless you as you spend time worshipping our faithful Father today:

Faithful-Chris Tomlin

Of Books and Libraries

On October 28, 2023October 27, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Anyone who knows me knows that I love books and never leave home without at least one. I have books surrounding me. They are on the table next to me, the shelves around me, the shelves in the living room and even in my bedroom. I have collected books for years. I also gift them frequently to others whom I know will appreciate the story that is within. As a bibliophile, I like visiting libraries. In fact, each of the twenty-five times we moved, I was not totally content in the new place until we had visited the local library. I guess I just wanted to assure myself that there was one in some of the remote locations in which we were stationed. I also enjoy looking at photos of unusual libraries around the world. Here is one in Stockholm:

Look at all those books! Can you imagine visiting such a wondrous treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment? But there is something even better.

John completes his gospel with these words. Everything Jesus did could not be contained in all of the libraries in all the world. Amazing claim, isn’t it? But if you think about it, it is so true! Jesus is still working in lives today and if each of us who is touched daily by His love and grace keeps a journal or writes a poem or a letter, anything that is written about what Jesus has done, then that could be added to the “library” of what Jesus has done and is continuing to do.

Yes, I love books, but I also love the fact that God loves each of us so much that He provided a record of what He has done for us and even includes prophecy about what the future will be like. All of the adventure, mystery and historical books in the world cannot compare to the magnificent story of God told in His Holy Word, the Bible. It is a love story without comparison and it was gifted to us. Each of us has a part of that story that we carry around in our hearts. Some of us share it with others in writing, adding to the library about Jesus a testimony of what He has personally done in our lives and how He has changed us.

The next time you see a beautiful library, remember that all of the works of Jesus are too many to be contained in it. Then, start thinking of all He has done for you and be grateful. And maybe write a few things down as a record for others to read and marvel at…what a mighty God we serve!

Power

On October 27, 2023October 26, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I am easily irritated during stormy weather because we live rurally and our electricity goes out pretty regularly. Sometimes, we are in the dark for hours, sometimes for days. Once, during a tropical storm, we were without power for almost two weeks. I don’t like the dark or the inconvenience of having no power for anything.

Worse than losing electricity is to not be plugged into our power source of life itself.

Through being plugged into the source of our life, strength and hope, we get the benefits of endurance, patience and joy. We don’t have to worry about storms knocking us offline because God is only a prayer away.

God is always right there even when we wander off the path and away from the source of our power. He is ready and willing to help us plug back in, get renewed energy from His Holy Spirit flowing in us and then He enables us to reach out to others and share the power He gives us with them. The current of God is flowing in us, through us and out to others. That’s the kind of power that we never have to worry about losing!

God, Our Glorious Refuge by David Ettinger

On October 26, 2023 By vickleaIn Re-blog, Scripture1 Comment

ettingerwriting.wordpress.com/2023/10/26/god-our-glorious-refuge/

Please go to the original post and follow David.

God Knows

On October 26, 2023October 25, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture, Song3 Comments

God is totally aware of what is happening in Israel. His great Day of Judgment is not here, but it could be approaching. Are you ready?

Blow the Trumpet-Gaither Vocal Band

Taught to Teach

On October 25, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Why do we learn new things? Is it just to satisfy our own curiosity or desire to know something? That could be part of the reason, but I think we are taught so that we can then teach others.

Paul is speaking to Timothy, his student and almost a shadow of his ministry. He told Timothy to take the truths Paul had taught him and teach others. But the cycle doesn’t stop there because Paul continues that the people Timothy teaches will, in turn, teach others. That’s how a big fire starts…one small stick at a time.

A Verse to Ponder

On October 24, 2023October 23, 2023 By vickleaIn Scripture, Song2 Comments

If you’re like me, sometimes you wander away again. But the Good Shepherd won’t let us wander too far away from His loving arms. I’m so thankful that I’m safe in the arms of Jesus and pray that many others will come to know that secure feeling, too.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms-Chris Rice

Review of SHADOWS AT DUSK by Elizabeth Goddard

On October 23, 2023October 22, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

Series: Missing in Alaska, Book 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense
ASIN: 0800742052
ISBN: 0800742052

Synopsis

Detective Trevor West is determined to find the sister who went missing in Alaska over a year ago. Bush pilot Carries James is determined to track down the person who murdered her closest friend. When the two join forces and skill sets to solve these mysteries, they’ll discover they are connected in ways they never imagined.

My Thoughts

The setting in the wilds of Alaska invited me into the pages of this book and the plot and characters kept me there all the way to the end. The premise is that Trevor West, a detective from Montana, arrives in Alaska with the sole purpose of finding out what happened to his missing sister Jennifer. Jennifer left behind photos but no other clues about her strange disappearance, so Trevor seeks the help of intrepid bush pilot Carrie James. Carrie has just suffered a devastating loss when her mechanic and best friend Isaac is murdered, so she agrees to help Trevor follow the clues in the photos if he will help her find who killed Isaac. The hunt is on, for Jennifer and for Isaac’s murderer, but it is not without peril to the determined duo. Just when I thought things were calming down, something else happened to bring danger closer to both Carrie and Trevor and anyone whom they question. Something strange is going on in the wilderness and the trail these two follow is scattered with bread crumbs and false leads. The plot is fast-paced and heart-in-your-throat thrilling as they get closer to the bad guys who are set on taking them out before their deeds are uncovered. The plot is believable and completely engrossing, with an addictive mystery as well as a developing romance. I enjoyed getting to know Trevor and Carrie, but I especially enjoyed some of the native characters like Elias and Rip, men who are not afraid of danger or taking chances to help others. There is an underlying faith element in the story that is the glue that holds it together as the lives of the main characters are being ripped apart. The plot threads are intricate and masterfully woven together into the stunning landscape of Alaska. With sharp writing and authentically riveting details, the author tells a story that is rich and intriguing. I cannot wait for the next book in the Missing In Alaska series, although each book can definitely be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her review team. In addition, I purchased two copies, one for myself and one for a gift. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”