I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
I am creating this post early since tomorrow my husband and I are traveling to a nearby town to celebrate our 52nd wedding anniversary. But I couldn’t let the day go by without wishing everyone in my little blogosphere a Happy Easter!
Easter is my favorite holiday. Most people say that Christmas is their favorite, and I think that used to be my answer when I was younger. But now that I am counted with the elderly, I look forward to Easter and the joy and hope it brings.
Ambassador Mike Huckabee and his wife are in Israel now, serving our nation as he has done for most of his life. As you read this scripture, say a prayer for him and Janet to be safe and well there.
The world cannot understand the attitude of Christians when someone dies. It is our belief that death is not the end of life but a new beginning, so we mourn the fact that our dear one is no longer with us, but we celebrate their new life with the Lord if they were believers. I can only imagine the devastation of the disciples when Jesus was crucified. We have the Bible to read and encourage us, including the testimony in the New Testament of all who saw the Savior alive again after the Resurrection. They had to truly believe without any evidence except their wholehearted faith in who Jesus was and all of the miracles that they had seen Him perform. I think it would have been an especially difficult time, filled with fear and doubt and a feeling of “now what.” Three days later came the rejoicing, but what a tumultuous three days those must have been, with emotions churning and fear attacking constantly.
No matter what face in life and in death, there is always hope. Jesus made sure that we knew that when He encouraged us that our grief would become joy. In the Old Testament, there are passages that say our mourning turns to dancing and our sorrow turns to singing. How can we do anything less than worship when our eternity is secure because of the sacrifice of the Lord?
I like this graphic that I found online. It perfectly describes what death should be to each of us. Yes, we mourn, but as Paul said, we don’t mourn as the world mourns because we know death is a new beginning, not a complete ending. I don’t know what Heaven is like or the experience of death, but I do trust the Father to be with me when I die and that He has prepared a place for me to be with Him. After all, He promised and He always keeps His promises. (Numbers 23:19)
So, if you are going through a period of grief this Saturday before Easter, remember that the Lord promised that joy is coming. I have found since the years that I lost various loved ones and my best friend to that enemy called death, I can look forward to a day of total joy when I am reunited with them and never have to say “good-bye” again.
There is no greater love than the love Jesus showed when He laid down His life—for His friends. For us.
Jesus wasn’t just a good man who died an unjust death. He was the spotless Son of God—sinless, blameless, holy. Death had no rightful claim on Him. And yet, He willingly embraced it. He gave up His life so that others might have eternal life.
That alone would be enough to leave us in awe. But what makes His sacrifice even more astounding are the people He died for.
When Jesus spoke these words in John 15, He was talking to a group of His friends who were far from perfect. A hot-headed fisherman. A skeptical doubter. A tax collector. A political zealot. Brothers who once wanted to call down fire on a village. And beyond that room? Prostitutes. Outcasts. The unclean. Sinners.
And for us, too.
Jesus laid down His life so that anyone might become His friend. So that everyone might receive His love. So that we might know—deep in our hearts—that we are not rejected or forgotten, but known and embraced.
So, take a moment today and rest in this truth: There is no greater love than the love Jesus has for you. He proved it on the cross.
My Thoughts
As a child, I have to admit that I didn’t think at all about the meaning of Good Friday. I didn’t know why it was called Good Friday, but I accepted that it was a good thing because I was always out of school. Yes, I knew from going to Sunday school that it was the day we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, but since I didn’t have a relationship with Him, that meant little to me. Once I became a Christian, I was amazed at the love that the sacrifice of Jesus showed. He was not eager to give His life, but He was willing to carry out the plan of the Father. Thus, submitting His will to His Father in Heaven, He went voluntarily to the cross. Why do I think that? Jesus Himself said he could call down legions of angels to defend Him. But He didn’t. So, when Pilate questioned Him, He did not reply. The answers were in the hearts of those who believed in Him then and believe in Him now. He is the Son of God who gave His life for me, you and all who accept Him. One verse I memorized this year is John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” This is the good news of Good Friday. Because we believe, we accept God’s free gift of eternal life. Remember when God created the world and said it was “good”? I am sure that He would call today a good day, too…a good day to reflect and remember and to worship Him for His plan of redemption that reaches out to all mankind. Have a blessed Good Friday and may we ever cherish the love of our Savior!
Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he’s ready for an in-house corporate position.
When Chase is assigned to Anneliese’s case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.
Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese’s innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?
My Thoughts
This is a legal suspense/thriller with lots of unexpected twists and a whole cast of possible suspects to keep you reading. Annaliese is a college student in the U.S. who is from Germany and who is the central focus and the title character. She is almost a loner, not making friends easily and that makes her an easy target for the justice system when they begin to look for the person who killed her roommate. Lost in the maze of legalities, Annaliese depends on her professor Margeaux Robbin to help her. Margeaux unexpectedly becomes part of her legal defense team and insists persistently to Chase Crandall, her defense attorney, that Annaliese could not possibly have killed anyone. I loved the surprises within the story that were breathtakingly complex and completely engrossing. The story of Chase’s dogged determination to represent Annaliese well was gripping and fascinating as the author realistically portrayed he investigation leading up to the trial as well as the courtroom scenes themselves. All of the action rolled like a movie in my head and included some nail-biting suspense as well as a budding romance. I liked getting to know the characters and found them to be likable and relatable. Annaliese was a sympathetic character, far from home and totally dependent on others to get her out of her predicament but not able to offer much of an alibi that would help her legal team. My favorite character was Margeaux, the professor who related well with her students and thus was able to befriend Annaliese and to help in her defense. This story is expertly crafted and led me on a merry chase to find clues and figure out what was happening within the ranks of the police department as well as the office of the commonwealth attorney. The plot was fast-paced with authentic details about the legal process that were fascinating and that kept me immersed in the unfolding drama. The intricate plot threads were well woven together at the end, making this a totally satisfying and richly entertaining story. Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own honest thoughts about this book.
Christian Fiction, Rated PG
About the Author
The award-winning, best-selling author of more than 35 books, Cara Putman graduated college at 20 and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a full-time Clinical Associate Professor on business and ethics to undergraduate and graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and was a second-generation homeschooling mom for twelve years. Putman obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Krannert and her J.D. from George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at: caraputman.com.
Two voices. One story. A chance to rewrite their future.
Sophie Wilder returns home to California with nothing more than a failed Broadway career and a geriatric cat. Stuck working at the family winery with her egotistical brother and desperate for a way to revive her acting dreams, she takes a side gig as an audiobook narrator with Fog Harbor Books. But getting mixed up in the life of her reluctant sound engineer was never a part of her plans.
August Tate is still reeling from taking on guardianship of his teen sister. Determined to find a solution to her degenerative hearing loss and to prevent his private recording studio from going under, he agrees to produce audiobooks part-time. When Sophie breathes new life into his creativity and forms an unexpected bond with his sister rooted in their common faith, he must confront the reasons he turned away from his own or risk losing the second chance he’s only just started to believe in.
My Thoughts
This book has multiple layers as well as a great cast of characters, all dealing with their own emotional baggage. I enjoyed the moderate pace which was perfect for the story since it allowed me to really think about what I was reading and how I would handle a similar situation. I also enjoyed the way the characters were so well developed, in a very methodical way as they conversed and interacted. The story flowed together just as the characters ran into bumps in their interpersonal relationships. I really enjoyed the way the author brought the three stories of Sophie, August and Gabby’s stories, with details that quickly got me invested in their lives and wanting the best for each of them. Sophie is an actress who has problems being on the stage and performing, August is feeling guilty about his parents’ deaths and Gabby is dealing with being left deaf in the same accident that took her parents. I was amazed by the strong characters and the layers of the story that peeled apart like an onion skin, revealing the heart of the problem and the hopes of each character in a believable and compassionate way. This is my first book that I have read by this author, but I definitely plan to look for others since I had difficulty putting this one down and had to tell others about how great it was right after finishing it. With the themes of self-discovery and forgiveness, this is a book that lends itself to group discussions in book clubs. Disclaimer 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. (FTC, 16th CFR, Part 255)
Christian Fiction, Rated G
About the Author
Nicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she’s not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times. She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
In one of the most dramatic moments in Matthew 21, after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus flips tables, scatters money, and sets animals free in the Temple courts. His anger wasn’t impulsive—it was righteous. He saw people being robbed in two devastating ways.
First, merchants sold animals for sacrifice at outrageous prices, exploiting travelers with inflated exchange rates. It was blatant financial robbery.
But the deeper theft was spiritual. Those who couldn’t afford the inflated costs were excluded from worship, left without the opportunity to pray and connect with God. The merchants and the religious leaders who enabled them had filled the Temple with obstacles, barring access to God’s presence for the poor and vulnerable.
Jesus’ response was decisive: “Enough.” He cleared the Temple to remove every man-made barrier between people and God.
This act wasn’t just for that moment; it’s a truth for us today. Through Jesus, every obstacle between us and God has been torn down. The price has been paid, the path cleared, and the invitation extended.
No matter who you are or what you’ve done, there’s nothing blocking your way to God. In Jesus, a great clearing has been made. Let’s step into his house of prayer with gratitude, knowing his doors are wide open for us all.
My Thoughts
I don’t know why I did not understand this truth before. I have always seen this part of the Bible, Jesus clearing the Temple of the merchants who were cheating people, as Jesus doing what the Father told Him to do and with righteous anger, He carried out that mission. I don’t know how I missed the fact that this demonstrates Jesus clearing away obstacles that keep people from getting to God. The perfect sacrifice, God’s own Son, wanted to make clear that we have access to God regardless of social status, wealth or position. Of course, the religious leaders were irate since Jesus was “stealing their thunder,” usurping their authority that no one had dared to question before. This devotional for today on Daily Refresh on the YouVersion App came with a clip from “The Chosen” that shows the scene in which Jesus’s outrage is evident. I have not watched anything except clips of “The Chosen” so I cannot recommend it as scripturally sound or not, but I can say that this one clip brought home to me the hurt and anger that the Father must feel when anyone tries to block access to Him. We are not completely free to go by the Father ourselves, without need of any kind of intercessor or physical gift. He just wants us to come and has cleared the path. We are not blocked from the Father except by our own stubbornness and unwillingness to approach His throne, repent and confess our need for a Savior. This Holy Week is a wonderful time to make a commitment to God. The path is clear, the choice is clear. Choose to believe and receive.
I get Ambassador Huckabee’s Prayer Tree each day in my Messenger and it really is worth the subscription. Uplifting and powerful words, plus prayer requests that keep us in touch with other hurting siblings in Christ. Remember to keep Mr. Huckabee and his wife in your prayers. They plan to be in Israel to start their service to our nation by this Thursday. May God bless Him and keep him and his wife safe in that war-torn nation that is still God’s chosen people.
Title: Waylaid Series: Windy City Westons #1 Author: Jerusha Agen Publisher: SDG Words, LLC Release Date: March 27, 2025 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.
Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.
Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.
Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.
If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.
Waylaid is the first installment in the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger and love in the city of Chicago.
What a stellar beginning to a new series by the talented Jerusha Agen! The story of Spring Weston, a rising star in pro cycling until she is paralyzed in a hit and run accident is heartbreaking and totally absorbing. The police officer assigned to investigate her case, Detective Torin Cotter, is suffering himself from a past that he can’t change and a future that he considers hopeless. The two of them have to come to grips with their present reality and decide if they want to accept God’s will for their lives or just give up on life. When Torin is faced with having to keep Spring safe in spite of his challenges with hearing gunfire, he is forced to face his demons or suffer another unimaginable tragedy. The choices in this novel are realistically portrayed and the characters and storyline are compelling. This is a story of forgiveness that seems impossible and self-discovery that leads to a chance at grabbing onto hope for the future. I loved every minute I spent with Torin and Spring as their characters popped from the page into my heart and I found myself giving both of them advice and even praying for their safety. The entire story was well written with compassion and a heartfelt understanding of injuries, both mental and physical. Fans of fantastic romantic suspense will want to dive into this book and not surface until the satisfying conclusion! Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.
Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to follow her on social media, subscribe to email newsletter updates, find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels and get a free suspense story.
(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Waylaid, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, and a Waylaid mug, notebook, and magnet!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 21, 2025. 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
This day is also called the day of Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I can only imagine what our Lord was thinking or feeling as He entered the city for the last time, welcomed by crowds of cheering people. Some of those same people will be in the crowd that in about a week insist that He be crucified even though He is totally innocent of any sin or crime. Let us ponder this Palm Sunday if we have put aside all of our doubts about who He is and worship Him in spirit and in truth. This is a day of celebration but there is somber spirit, too, because we know, just as Jesus knew, what awaits Him. Yet He willingly went to the cross for each of us so that we could be reconciled to the Father. He knew, yet He went to Jerusalem. He knew what would happen to Him there, but He went anyway. As you think about Jesus’s sacrifice, spend some time today thinking about areas in which you struggle and know that Jesus set the example for us and followed God’s will, even to the point of death. Problems with repetitive sins? Jesus understands. Problems with moving past your sin and forgiving yourself? Jesus knows your heart and loves you. Problems with forgiving others? There is not one single person in all the earth then or now that Jesus was not willing to die for. Be thankful and thoughtful today. Meditate, ponder, appreciate.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 