becominghistapestry.com/2024/01/30/bring-out-the-boxing-gloves/
Please go to the original post and follow Brenda. She is filled with wisdom, a loving heart and a caring soul.
Month: January 2024
God’s Love Is Stronger
www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/11
I needed this reminder today as my mind just won’t stop reeling with current things going on in my life. God’s love is stronger…stronger than the trials, stronger than the changes, stronger than the fear, just stronger. The hope I have in Him and the patience I have to wait for His answer makes me stronger, too.
Just Read Publicity Tour: DEADLY MOUNTAIN ESCAPE by Mary Alford
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Deadly Mountain Escape
Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Can this officer stop a trafficking ring?
Or will deadly criminals stop her first?
A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
My Thoughts
Along with her trained canine companion Annie, Charlotte Walker makes a formidable and determined deputy when faced with crime. What she discovers in trying to locate a missing young woman is a trafficking ring that endangers her entire community. She also finds help in Jonas Knowles, a young man who left the Amish community and lives alone on a ranch near where the trafficking center seems to be. Jonas is dedicated to helping Charlotte find a group of missing girls and bring the traffickers to justice. This book is non-stop action, plenty of hair-raising scenes as Charlotte and Jonas face danger again and again, from the winter weather, the traffickers and unknown assailants. The plot is compelling and relevant with intense, page-turning twists. The characters are believable and fascinating with complicated backstories and personalities. The entire book was an enjoyable and quick read that I highly recommend. Mary Alford knows how to capture her readers in the story and make them sit on the edge of their seat as they wait for the heroes to overcome evil.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Book Funnel. 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.”
About the Author
Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.
Connect with Mary by visiting maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win a copy of Deadly Mountain Escape & a $50 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for a print copy, ebook if outside US. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
The Whole Earth is Full of His Glory
Isaiah 6.3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. I watch national and …
The Whole Earth is Full of His Glory
Please go to the original blog and follow Kathy Wire. So much wisdom and faith here!
Seek Ways to Serve God
www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/10
Serve while you grow and you end up growing more. I found in my life as a teacher in various states teaching various subjects that nowhere did I grow more in my knowledge and dependence on God than when I was told I would be teaching Latin I in high school. I am trained to teach Spanish and history, but the administrators needed a Latin teacher and said that since I had a background in Spanish (a Romance language) I would do fine. Let me tell you, I studied that subject every night, barely staying ahead of the students. The Latin teacher who was there to help me for about a month left to get knee surgery, had complications and was out for most of the year. So, there was me and a substitute who knew no Latin or any language at all. I did have one human resource, a teacher named David from another school who would answer all of my questions. (I kept a running list.) I also called on God over and over again to help me to understand and to remember the conjugations, declensions and vocabulary that were all totally new to me. My six week class of introductory Latin in high school that I took to help with my SAT scores was not terribly helpful, but David was and God calmed my spirit. I learned by doing. I taught and I learned.
Sometimes, we are called to step outside of our comfort zone and just do what God is calling us to do. This week I have been at my sister’s house in NC. I would much rather be in my warm home in VA, preparing for a visit from my son and his family. She is not especially pleasant to be around since she is not a Christian, wants little or nothing to do with God and seems to have developed a bitter spirit about Him since she is going blind. I have helped all that I can. I have prepared meals, cleaned, ministered to her needs so she doesn’t have to struggle to get up. I have tried to show her that Christians are not sanctimonious and judgmental but loving and kind. Has this been a great visit for me? Not according to earthly standards, but I have been doing what God sent me here to do. I have served. I am not trying to toot my horn or get pats on the back. I am just saying that someone, somewhere can use your gifts, talents and ministry of serving. You just have to find where and how to do it. You will never know true fulfillment here on earth until you are following Jesus’s example and serving, even when the people you serve don’t seem to see or appreciate what you do. God sees and He is smiling at you because you are looking more like His beloved Son every day that you serve others.
Enthusiastic and Boiling Over
www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/9
You know when a pot is boiling over, it affects the area around it. The stove eye and the surface of the stove get wet, sometimes with the sticky stuff in the pot. It is evident that the pot has boiled over because you can see it. If we are “boiling over” for the Lord, it should be plain for others to see.
The other truth I got from this devotional this morning is the meaning of enthusiasm. In Greek, it comes from en (in) and Theos (God). We can be enthusiastic about God all the time if we remain “in God.” When I am visiting my children, I am all about spending time with the family there, playing with the grandchildren, talking to the adults, sharing laughter and fun. When I am with God, which should be all the time, I need to be “all in,” dedicated to spending time with Him and enjoying my time with the Lord in fellowship. God is only a prayer away, a whisper, a look up and a deep breath in. I pray for more enthusiasm in my life for the things of God and less concern about what is going on around me. I hope you will join me in that quest.
Keep the Steam Going
www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/8
I confess that I need to light the fire within me and keep going strong for God. I do remember when I was a new Christian and nothing could stop me from telling others about my newfound faith. These days, I find myself thinking of the repercussions of sharing with others before I actually even open my mouth. May God give me the boldness and passion that I once had because the people of the world are dying without a Savior and my silence may have eternal consequences for them.
Admitting Weakness Brings Strength
It is never easy to admit that you need help, that you can’t do it alone. But I have found when I stop struggling by myself and just honestly tell God that I cannot do it alone, He shows up on my behalf and I am stronger than I thought I could be. In the natural world, that makes no sense, but in God’s world, it makes perfect sense. He wants us to have a relationship with Him and what better way to have a relationship than to admit to God that I am weak and He is the One who makes me strong in the battles of life? The song I sing to my grandchildren, that old favorite of parents and grandparents everywhere, “Jesus Loves Me,” includes the spiritual truth of God being strong for us. If we are independently going about thinking we can do everything without God, He has no reason to show up for us. It is when we call on His Name and admit out dependence on Him, it is then that our battles are won and our weakness flees. We cannot be dependent on God and totally independent at the same time. We have to let go of our pride and turn to the Almighty God, the Creator who made us, the One who knows all of our needs before we call on Him, and confess that we cannot make it one more day on the battlefield of life without His help. Then, we gain a valuable lesson and the victory that we crave over the enemies that assail us. We call and He answers, not because of what we have done or who we are, but because of Who He is and all that He has already sacrificed for us that we might know Him. Don’t be like the stubborn toddler who loudly proclaims, “DO IT MYSELF!” Lean into God and let Him know that you are counting on Him to help you out, and He will.
Help for the Weak
Admitting weakness isn’t the trendiest thing to do in today’s culture. But if you’ve found yourself feeling weary, overwhelmed, or unsure of yourself, there’s good news:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Romans 8:26 NIVFor those of us in Christ, we’re not in this alone. God’s Spirit is working in us and through us to accomplish His purposes—even when we don’t see it or feel it. He’s bringing things to mind, putting people in our path, and stirring up our hearts with that which matters to Him.
So the pressure to do it all, have it all, and be it all is off! You don’t have to rely on yourself. You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t have to be the one to keep the world from falling apart—that’s God’s job.
You don’t have to be confident in yourself to be confident in your God.
God’s Spirit helps you to pray. God’s Spirit strengthens your heart. God’s Spirit intercedes for you when you’re lacking the words.
God’s Word says that His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and it’s actually in our weakness that He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
You have a Helper who meets you in your vulnerability, offers you His strength, and refuses to leave you stranded or scrambling on your own. You can trust Him to help you, to guide you, and to offer you His strength when you are weak.
Review of THE TANGLED TALE OF THE WOOLGATHERING CASTOFFS by Sharon J. Mondragón
ABOUT THE BOOK
ISBN-13:9780825448201
Publisher:Kregel Publications
Publication date:01/23/2024
Pages:288
SYNOPSIS
A humorous, heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the power of community
Fair Meadows Retirement Community might as well be a country club for most of the retirees enjoying the pool, golf course, and book clubs. But for the caregivers whose family members reside upstairs in the special Memory Care Unit, vacation is over.
Comforting these caregivers is exactly why the Woolgatherers group has formed. They make prayer shawls to support those affected by the heartbreaking reality of not being recognized by a loved one-people like Sam Talbot, who has been barely existing since his wife moved into Memory Care. He finds that his life has lost all color and meaning without her.
That’s something the Woolgatherers can’t bear to see. Flirtatious Jenny Alderman, cranky crocheter Edna O’Brian, kind Rose Harker, and the rest of the prayer shawl group weave him into the circle. Sam has no idea how he got tangled up with them, and he’s no good at knitting. But when one member talks him into taking up his wife’s old crochet hooks, he discovers that this one small gesture might just have the power to heal his life—or even save it.
Full of Sharon Mondragon’s characteristic humor and heart, this book wrestles with the loneliness of being the forgotten spouse of a dementia patient, moving past the fear that the spouses often face into the love and compassion that can make all the difference.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My Thoughts
This novel is so much more than a great and entertaining story! It is a primer on how to really see people and how to touch the lives of others with prayer and prayer shawls. The plot is about the Woolgathering Castoffs who meet twice a week at their nursing home in order to knit or crochet their projects together. Each project is a prayer shawl for a person whose live has been affected by “Old-Timer’s Disease.” As the ladies and one gentleman gather together, they share their expertise with the craft and their life experiences with one another as well as with visitors who come to see their loved ones. The story was heartbreaking at times as some of the characters were rebuffed by their loved ones who had no memory of them at all. But is was also filled with hope as the group joined forces to help those feeling rejected and invisible. I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought possible since I had never read a book by this author before. This is an extraordinary look at the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and the special love it takes to be committed to the person suffering from this disease. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, all of whom were portrayed realistically with flaws and many of whom needed to get in touch with God again. Although it is hard to choose just one, I think my favorite character was Edna, a woman who is a resident with a heart full of hurt who holds her wounds tightly tucked inside but who faithfully attends the meetings and teaches others to crochet. The plot moved along at the perfect pace for the story being told, one of redemption and God’s love as well as the love and forgiveness of others, but especially one of hope in what seems like hopeless circumstances. This novel rates as one of the best and most faith-filled books I have ever read and its simple truths and lovingkindness of the characters will long stay with me as a practice we could all exhibit more often. The author will be added to my list of “must read” authors as the lessons I learned from this book are priceless and the memories of the wonderful character development amazed me.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this boo from the publisher via Netgalley. 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.”
PURCHASE LINKS:
More about the Series
This is the second book in the Purls and Prayers Series. The first book, if you like to read books in order, is pictured below along with the purchase link. Enjoy!
Review of THE MISSING WITNESS by Allison Brennan
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Missing Witness : A Quinn & Costa Novel Allison Brennan
Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller (#5)
On Sale Date: January 23, 2024 9780778369653
Hardcover
$30.00 USD
Fiction / Thrillers / Crime 416 pages
When a key witness goes missing, Quinn & Costa must find her before a killer silences her for good…
Detective Kara Quinn is back in Los Angeles to testify against a notorious human trafficker, finally moving past the case that upended her life. But when the accused is shot in broad daylight, the chaotic scene of the crime turns up few reliable bystanders. And one witness—a whistleblower who might be the key to everything—has disappeared.
After another person close to the case is killed, it’s clear that anyone who knows too much is in danger, and tracking down the witness becomes a matter of life-and-death. But as explosive secrets surface within the LAPD and FBI, Kara questions everything she thought she knew about the case, her colleagues and the life she left behind months ago.
Now with FBI special agent Matt Costa’s help, she must race to find the missing witness and get to the bottom of the avalanche of conspiracies that has rocked LA to its core…before it’s too late.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Social Links:
Author Website: https://www.allisonbrennan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonBrennan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Allison_Brennan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abwrites/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52527.Allison_Brennan
My Thoughts
The impeccable and detailed research drew me into the story and the mesmerizing plot kept me there. The action was non-stop as the MRT returns to Kara Quinn’s old stomping grounds to finally get justice for Kara. They end up with more of a problem than they bargained for, with corruption rampant in city hall, the police department and the FBI. The plight of the homeless as presented by the author was heartbreaking and when she added to their sad situation with graft and the presence of drugs, it was made very realistic and created a compelling story. Kara thinks that she will be finally free of Chen and be able to return to LAPD but what she discovers about her city disturbs her deeply. Secrets have been kept from her from people she trusted and now she just wants to find the truth. Her team is there to support her and to help ferret out the dark and twisted truth of a city that has lost its moral compass as far as the homeless are concerned. With the murder of a DA and an FBI agent, the MRT has their hands full trying to follow the clues and find out who is responsible for the city’s corruption and the murders. This was a breathtakingly complex book, introducing new and relatable characters. I really liked getting to know FBI agent Sloan as well as computer geek Violet. Both were expertly crafted to fit into the story well and to add depth to a propulsive thriller. This is an incredibly powerful story with nail-biting suspense and explosive complications as Kara is suspected of the unthinkable and has to depend on her team’s support to find the truth. With a brilliantly written plot that unravels at just the right pace and characters that are intriguingly unique and dynamic, this book is a winner for me in every aspect. It hit just the right tone, with eye-opening details and an intense need to follow the clues and get the mysteries solved before someone else dies. Part thriller, part mystery and all edgy suspense, this is a book not to be missed by fans of Allison Brennan. Although it is part of a series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone and I highly recommend this captivating and insightful novel.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. 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.”
PURCHASE LINKS:
Link to an article by the author about the story:
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 