Month: September 2024

Show That We Care

On By vickleaIn Disaster Relief2 Comments

I am so sad about the news coming from western North Carolina. Being a Virginian, my family and I spent many wonderful summer vacations in the area that is now devastated. Without trying to make this political, I am irate that our nation’s leader refuses to take calls from the governor of NC and says that the federal government has already done all they can for them. The people in NC have few roads, washed out bridges, no electricity, stores with empty shelves, limited water, cell towers down and they need our help. My church here in VA is sending a truckload of donations on Friday. I plan to donate to that local effort. If you would like to help and there is no one locally sending donations or volunteers, here are some suggestions for you to get involved and be a good neighbor to those who are in desperate need. Watch the video and see a little of the devastation.

Disaster Relief

nearly 400 fundraisers (On Go Fund Me)

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ (Franklin’s Graham’s organization)

https://www.redcross.org/donate/disaster-donations.html/ (Red Cross)

https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/storm-tracker/hurricane-helene-2024/?_gl=1*tmwqek*_gcl_au*MTMwNTc0MjA4Ny4xNzI3NzA3NTUz (All Hands and Hearts)

https://www.americares.org/crisis-alerts/us-hurricane-helene/ (Americares)

https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-helene/ (Direct Relief)

https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=USNhomepage&c_src2=heroImage (Salvation Army)

Donate to their Helene fund on their website (Operation Blessing)

https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene (List from local newspaper about ways to help) 

Donate if you can and if you are unable to donate, please pray for the first responders, the medical workers, the volunteers, the linemen, the people who are victims of Helene and anyone else whom God brings to your mind.

Meaningless Life

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Solomon likely wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes and he is considered by many to be one of the wisest men who ever lived. Yet he wrote a book that for twelve chapters expounds on how meaningless life is. I think he derailed his own life by marrying so many foreign women who did not worship the One True God who gave him the gift of wisdom to begin with. I don’t know for a fact, but I think that he left the train station fully intending to follow the track all the way home to God and got derailed by his own lust. He did point out wisely that he concluded one needs to fear God and keep His commandments. Well, that is truth for sure! We cannot keep God’s commandments without a relationship with Him because I think it is His Spirit in us that enables us daily to fight the spiritual battles against all of the darkness in the world around us. I don’t know what happened to Solomon after his death or what his relationship with God was like after he married so many women and built altars to their gods. I do know that he was wise in exhorting us to fear the Lord and to keep His commandments. Without God, life is meaningless. With God, life has purpose because God has a plan for us that He wants to fulfill in our lives. We have to stay on the track and keep chugging along through all of the challenges in life in order to reach our eternal destination that God has prepared for us. Life isn’t meaningless unless we choose the wrong path and go in the wrong direction, away from God and His best for us. Choose God and choose His plan! That is wisdom.

What’s the Point?

There once lived a king whose experience exploring and grappling with life’s perplexities was recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes.

What’s interesting is that this king—likely King Solomon—reigned in Israel during some of the best years in its history. From the world’s standards, he had more power, prestige, and wealth than any other person before him. Yet, still, he summarized his luxuries with one depressing word: Meaningless!

“Everything is meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) “Everything is wearisome beyond description.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8) “Nothing under the sun is truly new.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) “I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Though written thousands of years ago, this bleak analysis still resonates with our own restless yearning for more. We want more than meaningless stuff. We want more than surface-level connections and ambitions. We want more than a seemingly thriving, yet secretly unsatisfied life. We want more—but what we want doesn’t typically satisfy us.

Like the author of Ecclesiastes, we might find ourselves asking: “What is the point of life?”

By the end of the book, “the Teacher” has tried to find meaning in everything under the sun, and he concludes his reflections with these powerful words…

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

We can chase after everything this world has to offer and it might bring temporary pleasure. But in the end, pursuing those things apart from God will always leave us empty.

The great news is, there’s a God in heaven who created and loves us, and He understands what we really need. He knows that life is best when we follow His design for life. He is worthy of our awe, our honor, and our worship.

So, fear God and keep His commandments. Love Him with everything in you and love your neighbor as yourself. That is the point. Only then will life no longer be meaningless.

Do Good To Someone

On By vickleaIn Scripture5 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I find this verse a bit challenging. First of all, that word “whenever.” We won’t know when that is if we are not looking for the opportunities to help others that are right in front of us. I think I am personally so focused on what I am doing or need to do that I don’t look around me and see those opportunities that are right there for me to see if I would just open my eyes.

The other word that seems to be a challenge to me is “everyone.” I don’t think I have the ability to do good to everyone, but I do know that if each of us chooses SOMEONE every day to do good for, then that will make a big impact on the everyone we are supposed to be doing good for.

My conclusion in my meditation on this verse is that God never asks us to do something for which He does not equip us and which He knows we could never do. He has a plan, and I think His plan is for us to be more aware of the needs of others and to do as much good as we can to as many as we can. For non-believers, we can perhaps open the door to share with them the love of Christ. For believers, our family members, we can help them along the road to eternity that sometimes gets to be difficult. After all, I am sure someone has helped you at some time, with a smile or a word of encouragement that kept you going during a hard day. God’s plan is not for us to be focused inward, but to focus outward, so that the good we do will reach everyone, in some way.

What do you think about this verse? Does it challenge you or inspire you? When I first read it, I felt challenged and that perhaps God was setting me up to fail. But since I know He doesn’t do that, I meditated, prayed and decided to be inspired by His Word. I’m going to look around today and find someone to do good for. How about you?

Take Up Your Cross

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

I have often wondered what my cross is that the Lord wants me to take up. I have come to the conclusion that it is whatever He asks me to do, I should do it, without hesitation or question. I need to be obedient to Him and His Word, not follow my own desires. We live in a very selfish world, one in which people all seem to be trying to get to the top by climbing over other people. The temptation to “join the crowd” is always present, but we are called to rise above those temptations and take up the cross of self-sacrifice, to put others above ourselves and to love even those we think are unlovable. Jesus wants us to point others to Him, and there is no better way to do that than to be different from the selfish multitudes who are constantly demanding their own way. The cost may seem high at times, but isn’t eternity with God worth it?

The Price of Following Jesus

We know from Scripture that salvation is a free gift that Jesus gives us when we believe in Him. But just because our salvation is free—that doesn’t mean the rest of our lives with Jesus will cost us nothing as well.

Jesus says that following Him will cost us everything. This doesn’t mean that we have to earn our salvation or work for acceptance, but it does mean that following Jesus requires everything that we have.

When we become disciples of Jesus, we follow in His footsteps. We let Jesus teach and guide us. If we are serious about this, then our lives will become patterned after His life. This means that just as Jesus took up a cross and gave up everything He had, by following Jesus we must also do the same.

So what does it mean to take up a cross and follow Jesus? It means that we should be ready to give up everything for the sake of Jesus. It means denying ourselves by surrendering our own desires and plans for God’s desires and plans. Rather than focusing on ourselves, we center our lives around God’s mission in the world: loving Him and loving others as we make disciples. 

Taking up one’s cross isn’t easy, but there is nothing in this life that is better than following Jesus. While immediate pleasure often feels more desirable in the moment, it quickly fades and leaves us searching for more. No possession or position can lead to true satisfaction in life—that is found only in Jesus.

Take a moment to think about your life. Are there things that you’re holding onto that you would be hesitant to surrender to Jesus? Are there relationships that serve your own desires rather than God’s? Commit to following Jesus regardless of how difficult or challenging life might become. The cross, while painful, is temporary—abundant life with Jesus is eternal.

JustRead Publicity Tours: K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner

On By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review8 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: K-9 Ranch Protection
Series: Crisis Rescue Team #6
Author: Darlene L Turner
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A killer on the loose.

A K-9 keeping watch.

Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Harlequin | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Thoughts

Constable Izzy Tremblay finds evidence that her father’s death was murder and in following up on her discovery, she is attacked and loses three hours of her memory. Regardless of her new disability, Izzy remains determined to track down her father’s killer and to stop a drug trafficking ring that is getting more active in her jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the killer knows who she is and repeated threats lead her to take refuge with her former boyfriend Austin Murray, the owner and trainer at a local K-9 ranch. The action is sharp and edgy while the pace is fast-moving. The plot is intriguing and complex enough that it kept me engaged and guessing the entire time. This is a compelling and relevant story that drew me immediately into the action as I was invested in Izzy’s finding the truth as well as the developing attraction between her and Austin. I especially liked getting to know Austin’s well-trained and resourceful dogs. Nèvé, the malamute, was the star of the book with her intuitive sense of impending danger and her loyalty to Austin and Izzy. With the author’s signature style of captivating the reader from beginning to end, this is a must-read, riveting suspense with some delightful romance added.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. 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.”

Love Inspired Suspense, Clean Christian Fiction

More Books In This Series

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.
Connect with Darlene by visiting darlenelturner.com, where there’s suspense beyond borders, to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon egift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

_____________________________________________________________________________

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Believe Your Beliefs

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/37

It doesn’t do a lot of good to just say you trust God and then doubt that He is taking care of all of the situations that come up in your life. It is easy to fall into the trap of doubting and then getting attacked by Satan’s fiery darts because the doubt left the door open. Keeping on the shield of faith is essential to Christian living. Every time I think of the possibility of a certain candidate being elected and the havoc that will create, I cringe and start to doubt. Then, I stop myself and tell myself that no matter who is in the Oval Office, God is still on His throne. Doubts are alive and well…but so is faith. Which will you choose?

Don’t Be Shoeless

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/1201/day/36

Peace comes from within, from knowing that no matter who or what is coming against you, God is for you. I just cannot understand people who hold grudges, seemingly forever. They don’t understand the harm that their grudge is doing to them, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Jesus was never bitter. He didn’t come back from the grave and tell His followers, “Now, let’s go show those Romans and Pharisees who’s boss!” No, He just peacefully showed Himself to those who believed in Him and left them last words of wisdom and encouragement and their marching orders to go. If anyone had the right to be bitter (no one does), then it was Jesus. If anyone had the ability to avenge Himself, the Lord certainly could have. But that was not His purpose. His goal had been reached and He continued to keep His eyes on His Father and follow His Word. If we put on the shoes of peace, then we are able to follow in His footsteps, closer to Him than we may ever realize.

Say “Yes” to Jesus

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

The most important and life-changing word you can speak is one syllable. Say “yes” to Jesus and watch as your life becomes one of never-ending hope and faith in Him. It doesn’t mean that all of your problems will go away instantly. But what it does mean is that you can have a relationship with the God of the Universe and talk to Him about your problems and how He can help you with them. God loves, and when we accept that sacrificial love and say “yes” and really mean it, our lives will never be the same!

Say “Yes” to What Matters

Peter sat in grief and darkness. He had publicly denied knowing Jesus just before Jesus was crucified. And for a couple of days, Peter had to process his guilt without expecting it to go away. But on the third day, Jesus’ tomb was found empty and the stone rolled away. 

Not long afterward though, Peter was out in a boat with several other disciples doing what he was trained to do before he met Jesus: fishing. 

It’s as he’s doing this that Jesus appears. But instead of letting Peter continue to live with the shame of his past, Jesus pulls him aside and asks him a question that propels Peter into his purpose: 

“Do you love me?”

Three times Jesus asks Peter this—one for each time Peter denied him. This wasn’t a passive-aggressive question: Jesus was inviting Peter to reaffirm the relationship he’d previously denied. 

Every time Peter responds with, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus re-commissions Peter by calling him into the role of church builder and shepherd. 

Jesus’ resurrection meant that Peter didn’t have to be defined by his mistakes. He could still embrace the call on his life and become the leader Jesus knew he could be. 

Like Peter, you also have the opportunity to say “yes” to loving Jesus and being loved by Him. No matter how dysfunctional your life looks, or how far from Jesus you feel, there is nothing that can separate you from His love. 

Your past mistakes or current problems do not dictate your purpose when your life is rooted in Christ. 

God has given each of us access to a free gift we don’t deserve: a free gift that is available when we choose to love God and receive His relentless, sacrificial love for us.

The resurrection reassures us that no situation or mistake is impossible for God to redeem. There is no fear Jesus cannot conquer and no life He cannot heal. No darkness can stand against the power of the risen God who conquered death on our behalf. 

There is nothing our God can’t do, and no one our God can’t redeem. 

Today, say “yes” to Jesus and allow Him to reveal His deep, unending love for you.

Worship, A Glimpse of Heaven

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/49366/day/2

During the isolation period of the pandemic, I missed going to church. I missed the sermons, the friends there and the atmosphere of being in the place I should be. What I missed most was the corporate worship…all of us there for the purpose of giving thanks to God and praising Him for who He is and what He has done. I missed church yesterday because our church was having an outdoor service that is hard for me to attend due to health issues. So, my husband and I watched the livestream from home. The sermon was great! Seeing all of the people was nice, too. I enjoyed the worship service and even sang along to some of the songs. But it just wasn’t the same as being there. I encourage you to find a church home and to enjoy the fellowship of believers just like you. It truly is a small taste of Heaven on earth!