Month: May 2026

Sunday Worship

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Before I share worship songs with you, I just want to add a disclaimer of sorts. I call this post Sunday Worship since Sunday is the day of corporate worship for me. But we should all be worshiping God every day. I’m sure you know that but I wanted to just put it into words to remind myself as well as others.

O Worship the King-Grace Community Church

God of Wonders-Third Day

Great Is the Lord-Michael W. Smith

If you have a favorite worship song, please share it with us. We enjoy worshiping God and declaring that He is worthy!

Sharing Your Story

On By vickleaIn ScriptureLeave a comment

I remember being lonely and discouraged when I left home for my first teaching job. I didn’t know anyone in the new town, although my boyfriend planned to come visit me there since I was close to the navy base where he was stationed.

One late afternoon as I was unlocking the door to my apartment, the lady who lived next door greeted me with a smile and just chatted with me for a few minutes about what I was doing in the little town and how things were going for me. After that, Verna seemed to arrive home about the same time I did every day, so our conversations got longer as we shared about our lives and what was happening. That day, Verna invited me in, we had a soft drink together and she shared the gospel with me. She wasn’t pushy or demanding. She just shared that Jesus made a difference in her life and He could make a difference in me, too. Then she gave me a copy of The Way Bible and told me to start reading in the Book of John. I remember that it was a Friday night and Harry couldn’t come that weekend for a visit since he was on duty. I must have made my solo dinner as I did every night and then I settled in to watch some TV. Since nothing seemed to interest me, I decided to go to bed and read. I picked up the new book that Verna gave me, found the table of contents, found John and started reading. I read the entire book and then I fell on my knees next to my bed and prayed for God to come into my heart and life and save me. I know that I was crying and had no idea if my prayer would be heard, but as I prayed a peace came over me that I had never felt before, a feeling of being loved and accepted. A virtual stranger shared her story with me and thus began a journey that has lasted over five decades.

But my story doesn’t end there. Verna discipled me, inviting me to go to church with her where the pastor told me about baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit. When Harry came to visit a few weeks later, I told him about my salvation experience and he brushed it off, telling me that I could choose Jesus or him. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I do know that I told him that if I had to choose, I would choose Jesus because He died for me.

That made Harry start thinking and Verna and her boyfriend Chris invited him to go to church with us. He did, the pastor talked to Harry for hours afterwards and Harry gave his life to Christ. I became a Christian on February 28, 1973; Harry, on March 10 that same year. We got married in April by the pastor of our new church and Verna and Chris came to our wedding, a trip of about five hours for all of them.

Now, my question to you is, who are you going to tell about Christ? With whom will you share your story? You don’t have to be an evangelist or a pastor? You just need to share your story to someone who needs to hear it. The Holy Spirit will go before you and tell you who to tell and then that seed that you plant will start growing, with God’s help. Jesus started with twelve disciples and now there are millions of Christian believers worldwide. We may not believe in the same doctrine, but we are all related to each other, brothers and sisters in Christ. And we all have a unique story that someone needs to hear today.

Fearful No More

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

From Fearful to Fearless (Daily Refresh, 5-21-26)

Think of a time when you were fearful of others. For some, this might look like fearing harm or violence from a specific person or group. But for many of us, we can get sidelined by a different kind of fear…

Maybe you’re worried that someone won’t like you—your personality, your looks, your opinions, or your work.

Maybe you’re afraid that speaking up for what’s right could cost you—your job, your reputation, your comfort.

Maybe you’ve felt misunderstood, and the narrative has gotten twisted—with a little bit of truth and a whole lot of exaggeration. There’s more to the story, but it’s challenging to explain.

Maybe you’re so busy and preoccupied, making sure everyone around you is happy, that you’re neglecting your own life and calling in the process.

Maybe you say “yes” to any and every opportunity or event—because you don’t want to let anyone down, or get left out.

There are many ways in which we might live in fear of others. But the result is always the same: striving for man’s approval leaves us anxious, exhausted, distracted, and disappointed. When we fail to trust God, it shows.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:25

We cannot trust God if we’re living in a constant state of fear, because fear is the opposite of a faith-fueled trust. God’s approval, after all, is the only approval that matters.

Pleasing God matters more than pleasing people. Being accepted by God matters more than being accepted by people.

The great news is, we don’t have to earn His acceptance! We don’t have to prove that we are worthy of His time, attention, or love. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection did this for us. We are now considered worthy because He is already worthy! When we belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us to become more like Him.

Acceptance and inclusion from others will never give us the true safety and security we desire. But God’s acceptance of us is unconditional, and it transforms us from the inside out. We simply need to receive Him—allowing His love to change the way we think and act.

As the knowledge of God’s love increases in our lives, the fear of people decreases.

When we trust in God, we can rest in the assurance that we are secure for eternity. We are loved by our gracious Savior. He alone has the power to change the course of our lives.

Take some time to survey your own heart. Are your thoughts, words, and actions a result of fearing man—or trusting God? Consider a few small ways you can begin to place your trust in God rather than living in fear of what others might think.

My Thoughts

I have always been a people-pleaser, much to the detriment of my health and mental well-being at times. I think this deep longing to be accepted stems from my childhood experiences when I was not accepted by my mother. Nothing I did was good enough to win her approval and love. It wasn’t until I accepted Jesus as my Savior, only a few short months after moving away from home and into my own apartment, did I find the love and approval that I had sought my entire life. I still find myself saying “yes” to too many obligations because I don’t anyone to think badly of me. That ends up making me angry at myself at times and exhausted a lot. I am striving to pull back from yes and knowing when I really have to say no, or not right now. God is helping me to understand that there is nothing I can do to lose His love for me since He sees me through the grace and mercy provided via His Son. I could never be good enough for my mom, but I am always good enough for Jesus to have sacrificed Himself for me. There is absolutely no fear in God’s love, only peace and acceptance.

Thankful Thursday

On By vickleaIn Scripture, Video3 Comments

Two words in this scripture jumped right out at me this morning during my devotional and I am sure you can guess what they are.

First is that word ALWAYS. I am fairly sure that I know what always means, but I took time to look it up online. According to Merriam-Webster , always means: at all times, forever and in any event. Now, let’s think together about these definitions. At all times means in good times, bad times, regular times, so-so times, when you feel well, when you don’t feel well and whether you feel like it or not. Forever is just what it says: for every moment, for every day, from now until you take your last earthly breath and enter eternity to praise God. And “in any event” means to me that no matter the circumstances or what is happening to us or around us.

The second word that jumped out at me is EVERYTHING. Back to Merriam-Webster for another definition. “Everything” means: all that exists and all that is important. What exists in my life may not be what exists in your life, but whatever exists is part of everything for that individual. And, of course, what is important to me may not be important to you in any way, but we both have things in our lives that are important.

So, we are to at all times give thanks to God the Father for all that exists and all that is important in our lives. I am not seeing a “when we feel like it” or “when all is going the way we want it to” in this verse, are you?

As you thank God today for all things, remember that the good and the bad and the ugly are things, too. They exist and they impact your life. I am not saying, and I don’t think that the verse is either, that you thank God for being ill or for tragedies that occur. You are thanking God that He is with you during the bad things that happen and that you are not alone and forsaken ever. God knows our hearts and knows when we are unhappy about our circumstances, but we can always thank Him for taking us through the difficulties or challenges we face and not just leaving us there. I generally add to my prayers for God to help me learn from the hard things so that I can then help others in similar situations. I also pray that I can continue to shed His light even when I feel as though I am surrounded by darkness.

I hope today’s post resonated with you. I will close with my Thankful Thursday List (or the start of it) and a song for you.

Note that this is a short list of the many, many things I am thankful for. It’s a beginning of my thankful journey for the day.

Give Thanks-Don Moen

Review: The Targeted by Cara Putman

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book (from Barnes and Noble)

ISBN-13:9780825448065

Publisher:Kregel Publications

Publication date:05/19/2026

Pages:336

Synopsis

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth’s older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe’s abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won’t allow them to suffer the way she did, but she’s desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.

Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can’t get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It’s clear they’re onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

This novel tells the powerful and compelling story of a former gymnast who wants to save other young gymnasts from suffering the same kind of sexual abuse that she did as a child. When her predator returns to town, Chloe is even more motivated to take him to court in order to make sure that he never hurts another young athlete. the case gets complicated as others are involved, including Chloe’s sister Ginny who returns to town about the same time as Coach Alex does. The mystery is how in the world Chloe will be able to face the giant. She is indeed a modern-day David facing huge odds that she can prove her case and keep the coach away from the girls. The story was riveting and heart-breaking at times, but it is also one that held me captivated and cheering for Chloe and her lawyer Dare, a young law student who takes on the case pro bono. There are plenty of twists and surprises which kept me engaged and turning the pages as fast as I could. This is a fast-paced legal suspense with a little romance and plenty of thrilling moments. The characters were realistic and even though I really didn’t like Coach Alex, he was realistically portrayed as a sleazy make who takes advantage of his position. The main characters were likable and relatable, and the plot was well-crafted to tell a story that is thought-provoking as well as a warning for parents to be aware of the backgrounds of those who teach their children. The love that Chloe felt for her young students was evident as she was determined not to back down even when she was in danger. Great story told in a thoroughly engaging way with a perfect pace.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG-difficult topic of sexual abuse by a predator/coach

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.

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Review: A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book (from the author’s website)

Series: Stand Alone Novels
Genre: Historical Novels
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: May 2026
ASIN: 0800746279
ISBN: 9780800746278

Since childhood, Kallie Mae Bertram has clung to two simple wishes—to unlock the world of reading and to build a life with Quinn Spencer. Will family duty make her risk everything for love?

My Thoughts

The realistic Appalachian setting in this novel and the fact that Kallie Mae really wanted to be literate touched my heart from the beginning. She had given up her chance at an education when her baby sister Emmie was born and her mom died after her birth. Kallie Mae was a child herself, raising another child as per her mom’s dying wish. Her father is a hard man who is bitter against life and who does not make it easy for his children to get an education. Kallie Mae is determined that little Emmie will learn her letters and numbers so sends her to the local country school. The theme of bullying and lack of acceptance was prevalent for both of Kallie Mae’s siblings. There was also a theme of a love story that never got to take root because the boy she loved with all her heart was from a neighborhood family against whom her father had a grudge. So in spite of the fact that Kallie Mae is a grown young woman and Quinn is more than ready to court her and marry her, her dad, Lije Bertram, presents one obstacle after another, blackmailing Kallie Mae into giving up her love for Quinn. The theme of the importance of family and an education are also important parts of the story. The tale of the Moonlight Schools where Kallie Mae and Quinn could go to learn was well researched and a riveting part of the story. I enjoyed the well-crafted and complex plot, with a lot of characters playing important roles in Kallie Mae’s choices. All of the characters were well-developed, and I felt as though I got to know Kallie Mae and sympathized with her yearning to have a family of her own as well as an education. I especially liked how the author presented the feud between the families and used it as a springboard to teach a lesson about forgiveness. This book and the characters are memorable and would lend itself to a great book club discussion.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I also preordered my own copy since the author is a favorite of mine and always presents stories that are thought-provoking and compassionate. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated G

About the Author

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart (from Amazon’s author page)

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A Good Listener

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

Do you have someone that you enjoy talking to about anything and everything? Someone with whom you can be totally honest and don’t have to fear judgment or advice that makes you wonder why you shared with them in the first place?

I talk to my husband a lot, but these days I can be pretty sure that he only hears about 50% of what I say and responds accordingly. He doesn’t want to admit that he has a hearing deficit, so instead, he generally responds to what he thought he heard. Sometimes, his responses are humorous and other times they upset me because they are so off topic that I knew he couldn’t hear and didn’t tell me until I had finished talking.

But there is someone in my life who always listens, always hears, and gives the best advice ever.

I can pour out my heart to God at all times of the day or night and He is always ready to listen. He doesn’t half listen as he is actually tuned into the latest from BBC News. Nor does he tell me to “wait a minute” while He finishes what He is doing. He listens each and every time as soon as I call on His name.

I can vent to God and tell Him how frustrated I am. He listens and generally responds with a scripture to help me get out of my funk and back on the road to hope. I can tell God about my dreams and things that I want to do before I die. He is attentive and listens. Again, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me of scripture verses to encourage me, usually that my life isn’t over yet so it’s still okay to have dreams. I cry to God when I am hurting, raise my voice to Him over the pain I am feeling and speak softly to Him when I feel so totally unworthy to even come into His presence. I walk away from my sessions with God with newfound energy and hope that He is handling everything in His time and in His way so I can just let it go. He is my totally trustworthy refuge, never too busy, never hard of hearing and not once has He given me a ridiculous response that tells me that He didn’t hear me or had tuned me out.

In defense of my husband, he has been a good companion for over fifty years and we have been through a lot together. I still talk to him when the TV is silenced and I am willing to speak more loudly for long enough to have a real conversation. Growing old together has its challenges. I have health issues and Harry has hearing and mobility problems, too. It’s just that I know He is a man who has weaknesses, just as I do, and he won’t always meet my need as a good listener. I don’t think it’s because he doesn’t want to listen but because physically it is frustrating for him to see my mouth moving and have no idea what I just said. That is why God is my first resource and if God tells me to take time to talk to Harry about things, I do.

Who is your listener? I hope you have God as your trustworthy refuge who won’t judge or ridicule but who will always encourage and offer sound, scriptural advice. He wrote the Book and He is very good at sharing the right verses at the right time to the right person.

Like a Magnet

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Before I became a Christian, I was not attracted at all to reading God’s Word, spending time with Him in prayer or even in praising Him. But once I became a Christian, I cannot seem to spend enough time with Him. I want to draw as close to Him as I possibly can.

God’s love for me is like a magnet, attracting me to Him and His caring compassion for me before I even knew He was there.

Christ died for me thousands of years before I was born, but somehow He who is infinite knew that this finite person that I am would need a Savior so He demonstrated His love by providing salvation for me, freely and without strings attached.

I think that as we read more of God’s Word, His love letter to us, then we are more attracted to Him and want to know more about Him. At least that is true for me. At one time, I didn’t exactly run away from God but neither did I devote myself to spending time with Him either. He didn’t repel me; He just didn’t interest me.

Now my life is not complete without time with Him daily and throughout the day. It amazes me what I can accomplish if I start my day spending time with God and then do the other things that occupy my “to do list.”

God isn’t trying to run away from me and the scriptures make it clear that I cannot go away from Him. He is with me no matter where I go, all day long.

People tend to repel each other sometimes, especially if they are hurting. It just seems to be a fact of life.

We need the connection but we deliberately create a barrier so that others cannot reach out and touch us in our pain. God, however, crossed that barrier and He never wants us to block Him out because He is the answer to all of our pain and sorrow and troubles. He is out magnet, the only One who knows how to attract us and keep us in His field of attraction for all infinity if we will but respond.