Objective Truth

On November 30, 2025November 28, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, Characteristics of God, ScriptureLeave a comment

The Truth of God (Daily Refresh, 11-28, YouVersion)

What is truth? Various generations have had different ways of answering that question. It’s a popular belief in today’s culture that truth can be whatever you want it to be. This is the idea that truth is relative and unique to every individual person.

But if everyone lives their own truth, then nobody can truly know which one is right. And if one person’s truth contradicts another person’s truth, then one of them must be wrong.

Scripture tells us that there’s an objective truth available to us that we can live by. Rather than truth being grounded in the individual, it is grounded in something much bigger than ourselves. Truth is sourced from God.

God is the Ruler and Creator of the universe, and the One from whom truth and beauty come. God’s Word contains the truths that He has spoken to us so that we might live according to His truth.

Jesus says that His teachings are true because they come from God. He goes on to say that anyone who knows the truth will be set free by the truth of God.

When we know the truth, we are no longer living according to a lie. God’s truth illuminates our life and shows us true reality. This is why Jesus says that the truth will set us free. We become truly free to live according to how God designed us to live.

An important part of learning what is true and what isn’t is reading God’s Word. He has spoken to us through His Word, and all that He has spoken is true. When we read and memorize God’s Word, we learn more and more about God.

Take some time today to thank God for revealing Himself to us through His Word, and for illuminating our lives with His truth.

My Thoughts

These days are not days of truth but rather of lies and subterfuge and deception. “Everybody lies” is the new mantra, and it is backed up by the fact that we can see it daily on any news media we watch. Everyone “spins” the truth so that it says what they want it to day. The interpretation of events is different on Newsmax, CNN and MSNBC.

You know who does not “spin the truth” or ever lie? God! In Numbers 23:19, it is plain to read that God does not lie. If He says it, He does it. Period. That’s why He is a Promise Keeper.

I have been disappointed many times in life by people who tell me one thing and do another. Or those who tell a “little white lie” to hide the real truth. You know what I am talking about. It’s an easy trap to fall into. Should I tell the truth and risk hurting that person and perhaps losing their friendship? Or should I just lie to protect them? The answer lies in your heart; you tell the truth and let God work things out for you, even though it may not happen immediately.

As you immerse yourself in God’s Word, you learn to recognize truth and to be more accustomed to telling the truth in difficult situations. Jesus didn’t mince words and try to tickle the ears of the Pharisees. He called them out, saying they were vipers, they stole from widows, they prayed to be seen. If Jesus was not afraid to tell the truth, and He is our example, then we should do likewise.

Real truth is not subjective. There is no such thing as your truth and my truth. There is only God’s truth and it is the foundation for all we believe and for what we say to others.

Life Cycles: Dormancy

On November 29, 2025November 27, 2025 By vickleaIn encouragement, God’s blessings, Scripture2 Comments

According to the Cambridge Dictionary online, dormancy is “ the state of being dormant (not active or growing but able to become active later.” Plants and trees go through a period of dormancy during the winter months, but they are not dead. They are just waiting for spring.

We also go through periods of dormancy, although they may not always occur according to season. Did you know that during the period of waiting, the plant is actually sending its roots down and gaining strength in order to flourish later? When we are in a period of being dormant, when we think that God has forgotten us (Note: He never does), then that is the time to lean in closer to God, to spend more time with Him and His Word, to send our roots down to the source of our strength. Likely, you have prayed and waited. And then waited some more. I would like to invite you to see this season as a period of dormancy, not a forever season that is there to destroy you. Rather, it is a season to make you lean more on God and to strengthen you for whatever may come later. God wants us to be joyful and at peace, trusting Him during the waiting periods. The trees and wildflowers are not whining and complaining. Instead, they just wait patiently and do what they were meant to do. They strengthen what they can while they can and just wait. We could learn a lot from a tree, couldn’t we?

I am not personally a fan of winter, but I do understand that it is part of the life cycle. Well, waiting for answers from God is part of our faith cycle. It is a necessary part of our growth, just as winter is a necessary part of a tree’s growth to make it stronger. If we want to flourish in the hard times, when we are waiting (usually impatiently), then we need to know that it has an ending and that springtime, the time of new life and growth is coming. God set the seasons for a reason and He makes us wait for a reason. Most of the time we don’t understand the reason, but if we can hold on and trust God, He will answer and we will be praising instead of whining. I encourage you to praise during the waiting, too. When I look at the trees with their bare limbs in winter, they are not bowing down to the earth. No, they are stretched up high to the sky, getting whatever sunlight is available. That is what we should be doing, too. Stretching and reaching for God with all that we have. Our period of dormancy will soon be over, but not until the time is right, and God determines the right time. We may not like waiting, but just think of the growth that is coming even as we wait.

The Purpose of Pruning

On November 28, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture3 Comments

I am one of those people who wants to hold on to things, even if they are dead branches, because they have become part of my life and I am used to them. But in my devotional today, it was brought to my attention that pruning is a good and necessary thing, for plants and for me.

My source for the usefulness of pruning is Southern Living

Directing Growth: Pruning helps train young trees and shrubs to develop a strong structure. Crossing branches, branches that curve towards the center of the main leader trunk, and multiple leader branches are removed. As a tree grows, the lower branches are often removed to gradually raise the crown of the tree.

Size Reduction: Reduction cuts decrease the height (topping) and spread of a tree or shrub. Pruning also improves the health of the plant by reducing the above-ground portion of the plant relative to the root system.

Thinning: Removes branches on individual limbs to create even distribution throughout the crown of the tree. Thinning enhances light penetration and is especially beneficial for trees and shrubs that grow quickly to inhibit overgrowth.

Now, let’t take each of these practical uses and apply the scripture verse to them. Pruning directs the growth and trains the young trees to grow properly. That sounds like a good reason for us to want God to prune us. We don’t want to grow unhindered in all directions and then stop growing because we have gotten too far away from the central trunk system (God) who nourishes us.

Pruning improves the health of the plant by reducing its size. Again, overgrowth means that we are “getting too big for our britches” and may need to be reminded of Who is in control…and it’s not us!

Finally, and most importantly, I think, is the thinning. Notice that this “enhances light penetration.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be big and bushy with lots of branches and then no light getting to the inner parts of me. We need God to be able to shed His light on us as we read and study His Word and talk to Him each day. Thus, we need pruning to get rid of what is not needed so God can water what is needed for us in our spiritual lives.

My conclusion is that pruning is necessary and we need to submit to it as a part of our walk with God. We can’t grow closer to Him if all we want to do is show off all of our new growth. We are to grow for Him, in Him and through Him, and when He says it’s time to be pruned, prayerfully submit and let God have control. After all, what He wants is for our good always in all ways.

What’s Your Target?

On November 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, Quotation and Citations1 Comment

I always ask my husband for a target. For example, what is my target time to be ready to leave to go to an appointment? What is the target for the dinner, i.e. what are we supposed to bring? I need a focus, a target to keep me centered.

This shows my desired target every day, all the time.

There are a lot of things in our lives that plead for our attention. There is entertainment on little devices and large televisions, just waiting for us to click. There are phones that ring and mail to be answered, especially that annoyingly cumbersome e-mail. Regardless of how many other things want our time, our time belongs to the Lord first. Then the other things fall in line behind Him. Think about what you spend your time doing and ask yourself if you are giving God enough of your time or only the leftovers. The One who created you and who also made a way for you to have a relationship with Him deserves the head seat at your table, the bullseye for your target every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Holidays4 Comments

Charity Gayle-Thank You, Jesus

Review of Abducted in the Woods by Kerry Johnson

On November 26, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957436

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:11/25/2025

Series:Forest Ranger Rescuers , #2

Pages:208

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother—in—law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black—market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

My Thoughts

This book was amazing, keeping me captivated by the story and the relatable characters. The story begins with Sarah Brindley taking her small son Liam to her aunt’s cottage, having just witnessed the murder of her husband. She has barely taken a sigh of relief when her life is in danger and she has to depend on the help of her husband’s brother, Tucker. Tucker is a realistic character, a flawed human with a hearing problem. But he doesn’t let his disability stop him from being a dedicated forest ranger. When he discovers the trouble that Sarah has inadvertently encountered because of his brother Tanner, Tucker is doggedly determined to help Sarah find out who is behind the threats. First, he has to find out who kidnapped her son and where they have taken him and why they would take a small child. The action is fast-paced as Sarah and Tucker work together to solve the mystery of Tanner’s death and to find Liam. There are unexpected twists and turns with some surprising revelations along the way to a satisfying and brilliantly written conclusion. I found this book informative as I learned about experimental drugs as well as compelling since a small child was kidnapped early in the story and Sarah is an innocent victim, caught up in a web that her deceased husband created. This book is a must read for those who enjoy excellent suspense with a firm faith foundation.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her family, a lazy boxer, and a temperamental sun conure. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, crowded bookshelves, and iced chai tea. More information is available on her website:

https://www.kerryjohnsonbooks.com

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What Do You Have to Give?

On November 25, 2025 By vickleaIn encouragement, God’s blessings, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

How to Live Generously

What’s your most prized possession? It might be the most valuable thing you own, like the house you’ve worked your whole life to afford. But it could also be a photo from a special time you spent with someone you loved. Or it could be a meaningful gift from a friend.

The value we assign to our “things” is tangled up with our emotions. How we choose to use the things we cherish most reveals our true priorities.

Jesus’ death on the cross is one of the greatest examples of God’s generosity. Despite knowing we could never repay Him, God didn’t hesitate to give up his greatest treasure—His only Son—for us. And through that sacrificial act, He demonstrated what generosity looks like: willingly offering up what we have so that someone else can thrive, even if it causes us pain in the process.

You don’t have to just give financially to practice generosity. Living generously simply acknowledges that God is able to do anything He wants through the gifts He has given you. When you let God give through you, and you honor Him with your giving, it draws you closer to Him. Generosity flows out of a thankful and trusting heart, and when you trust God with what you have, He starts to entrust you with more.

Practicing this habit will remind you that you are not in control, but you know the One who is in control—and He can provide for all your needs.

So what do you have to give? Try finding a place where you can invest what you have in some way. Start small, or go big. Just start.

My Thoughts

Instead of “Just Start” I would end this devotional with “Just Give.” Just give something from your heart, something that will help someone else in their quest to trust God. It may be a gallon of milk, a turkey with all of the trimmings, or even a very small thing like a dollar bill with a scripture clipped to it. This is the season of giving, and we can start it out by being thankful for all that we have, taking stock of what we haven’t used in a while and find a new home for those things. What may seem trash to us may be the treasure someone else has been praying for. So, pray, look around and just give. And if the recipient doesn’t seem grateful, remember that you are not giving for gratitude. Rather, you are giving to follow the Father’s example. There are a lot of people in the world who have never yet said “thank you” to God for the gift of His Son, yet He continues to love and show mercy.

Review of TRAIL OF MOUNTAIN SECRETS by Darlene L. Tuner

On November 25, 2025November 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957429

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:11/25/2025

Series:National Park Protectors , #2

Pages:208

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K—9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human—remains—detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret: She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last? (From Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

An archeologist, the discovery of skulls, a K-9 human remains detector and a man determined to protect all make this book unputdownable. Violet Hoyt is intelligent and intuitive and when she is on a job, like the one to find the remains of the murdered Hancock family, she is intrepid and sometimes foolhardy. Wolf, the dog who intervenes and tries his best to keep her safe is a character like none other. He is highly trained to detect remains but he also seems to be able to sniff out danger before it gets too close. And his owner Maverick is as determined to keep Violet safe as she seems to be determined to pursue danger. All of these elements made this fast-paced book a riveting and unforgettable story of courage and an indomitable spirt. There are family secrets uncovered as well as a villain who is unbelievably evil and dogged about the goal of keeping Violet and Maverick from discovering the truth. This is a book with memorable characters and a well-crafted and absorbing plot that is not to be missed by fans of compelling fiction.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning 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. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

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Quotes and Notes

On November 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Quotation and Citations1 Comment

Unless you follow me on Facebook, you don’t see the scriptures or the quotations that I post there. I try to post things that are encouraging or humorous. Here is a sampling of what I have posted recently.

I love this quotation from C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite men to quote since he was definitely wise and worth listening to. I was feeling my age this morning, so when this quotation was in my daily devotional from Nicky Gumbel on the YouVersion, I created this graphic on Canva to illustrate it.

This is a scripture quotation that I found online. I need to add this one to my memory verses because it seems that I am always in a waiting room. But I have hope there. I am pleased to say that I was discharged from the orthopedist yesterday. He told me that 18-20 year-olds do not heal as well as I am healing. So, I repeated to him that the Great Physician was working on me, and the doctor told me he believes for sure that He did this healing because it is miraculous given my bone condition and other health problems. So, while I wait, God is already answering. It just takes me a while to figure it out.

Some of my favorite quotations are from Corrie ten Boom. She is a giant among faith-filled women in my book and she is one of the saints that I look forward to seeing in heaven.

I hope that you enjoyed today’s quotes and notes. Do you have a favorite quotation to share, one that has spoken to your heart and reverberated in your spirit? Please take a moment and share with me. Thank you and have a blessed day and a better week than you can imagine!

Names

On November 23, 2025 By vickleaIn God’s blessings, promises, Scripture2 Comments

What name did your parents give you when you were born? Me? I am Vivian Lea Watts (nee Wilson). I was named for my mom, Vivian Eleanor. But I have never been called Vivian except for those who don’t know me well, like telemarketers. My nickname and name were both chosen by my father and I am called “Vickie.” I often get asked how Vickie relates to Vivian. Answer: It doesn’t but it made it so that there were not two Vivians in our house.

When we were younger, I would dare to say that we had a lot of nicknames. Mine were things like “slow poke” and “wheezy” or “sneezy”. Because of my allergies and asthma, I couldn’t run and wheezing and sneezing were part of my everyday life.

I am very thankful that I will not have to introduce myself to God. In fact, He already knows me and will give me a new name, one uniquely mine. I don’t understand it, the whole white stone thing and the new name, but if God says it, somehow it will come to pass.

But I already have new names to add to my nickname. Here are a few that I treasure in my heart and that lift me up when I am feeling unworthy.

I am a child of God and so are you. Jesus made it possible for us to be adopted into the family of God so that we belong to Him and with Him.

We are God’s workmanship and just look around you! God does not make junk! Notice that God planned and prepared for us to do good works, using the talents that He gave us.

I am forgiven and if Christ lives in you because He is your Lord and Savior, so are you. Forgiven and redeemed, forever bound to the Savior who gave me new life.

Here is that name to which I previously referred. I am redeemed from my sins and from the “hand of the enemy” in order to say so. The hand of the enemy could be temptation and sin, but the greatest enemy is death. Death was defeated on the cross, so I am also alive forevermore. (🎶)

And ultimately, I am a brand new creation. People may refer to my past and sins I have committed, but in the eyes of God, I am totally new, with a clean slate and a white robe. The blood of Jesus paid a heavy price so that I could have this name.

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Month: November 2025