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.
Author: vicklea
I love to read! I’m a retired teacher with a spouse of 45 years, three amazing children and nine wonderful grandchildren. I am blessed!
Yesterday started as an Eeyore kind of day. You know what I mean, right? Eeyore is Pooh’s friend who can’t see any good in anything. You see, yesterday was the last day our daughter and younger grandkids would be here since they left early this morning. I was looking forward to a day filled with fun and activities with them: games, an outing to a park, maybe a Christian movie together and definitely spending time with them. Then, the bug hit me.
Instead of time with the granddaughters, I spent the day in bed and in the bathroom. Neither of those were part of my plan for the day.
But you know what? I had my bedroom door ajar so my cat could come and go freely. From my bed, I could see the girls enjoying a fast game of Spicy Uno (Uno with some additional rules, like no one can speak when a 7 is played until another 7 is played.) The four of them were laughing together and having a great time as sisters do. Then, I watched Tinslea teach the youngest one some dance moves that she had made up. The patience and love she showed her little sister amazed me! I also watched Teya, the oldest sister and the one who is living with us until August, make each of the girls some lunch and they sat and ate together, chatting about their plans for the day and about Teya’s wedding in August. After that it was time for our daughter Hope to take Teryn back to college. Big hugs were spontaneously shared and I waved goodbye from my bed, telling Teagan to give Teryn a big hug from me.
Yes, I would have enjoyed all that I had planned, but I found that I also enjoyed watching the girls interact and care for each other, sharing good times that they have missed for the last few months. I don’t think God made me ill but I do think that He redeemed the time for our granddaughters to have some special time together before they went their separate ways again. God always has a plan and it’s always a good one.
So, even though, I am still feeling slightly under the weather, I am so thankful that I had time with our daughter and her girls. We went to church together on Easter Sunday, enjoyed our own times of playing games and watching a movie and chatting. Yesterday was just for the sisters, and I am grateful that God gave them that precious time together.
I know that you are reading the title and thinking, “Okay. Now her brain is going bonkers because I was sure she believed in prayer.” Why, yes, I do. That is why I was pleasantly surprised to find an email this morning from an author named Heather Taber. She is new to me, but based on her philosophy about prayer, I know that I would enjoy her books since her thoughts are refreshingly honest.
Here is the link to her substack post about prayer:
Pondering her conclusions, I decided that she is right. Prayer doesn’t work because it isn’t meant to “work.” It is a conversation with God, not a way for me to talk God into doing exactly what I want when I want it. Once the relationship with God is established, then my will becomes more aligned with His and my prayers become what they are meant to be, a way to tell my Father what is going on in my life and to ask for His help in solving problems. Read the post from Heather and let me know what you think. Honestly, I had never thought of it this way. I have often said to myself and others that God is not a genie in a bottle that we take out and talk to when we feel desperate or have lost hope in everything else. Heather says things in a way that is understandable and that I could definitely relate to.
Having said that, let me tell you about another answered prayer. I had my MRI on my back yesterday. I was understandably nervous since I knew I had to lie down in a supine position and was told that the test could take up to an hour. An hour in what I call the thumping machine? Well, we went to the afternoon service at church (with our daughter and granddaughters, which was a real blessing) and then Harry and I headed to the hospital for my MRI. The technicians could not have been more compassionate or caring. From the time they loaded me into the wheelchair in the ER to take me to the MRI suite, they treated me as valuable and worth their time, even though it was Easter and they were not with loved ones. The test itself was the easiest one I have ever undergone. I went into the machine feet first, so the usual claustrophobic feeling wasn’t there since my head was barely in the tube. The test only took about fifteen minutes and done! I had prayed for nice technicians…answered. I had prayed that I wouldn’t be claustrophobic and panic in the machine for so long…answered times two since the test was much shorter than expected. And I had prayed that I would feel God close beside me as I was tested. We sang a song in church right before we went to the hospital and the chorus was “The Lord is with me.” I kept singing that to myself in the chamber…answer number three in a totally unexpected way. God has a way of surprising us with answers that we didn’t expect at all. I am not sure what I expected but answers were not it. I was just kind of “along for the ride” and hoping that God was driving. He heard and He answered; after all, the most important part of prayer is establishing a relationship before you really, really need an answer, right?
I hope that my testimony has stimulated your faith to ask for the small things and then expect them to happen, in God’s way and in His timing. God will surprise you with His great love for you and His desire that you trust Him.
One of my memory verses this month and one I turn to often for reassurance. It was also one that I was quoting to myself in the MRI tube. I call it “hiding God’s word in my heart.”
Many of us have raised children and we well remember the days of making sure that special stuffed animal is with us when we travelled and planned to stay overnight. Not too long ago, one of our beloved granddaughters lost her stuffed tiger. She looked everywhere, even at school before she returned home disconsolate because Tigey was nowhere to be found. That night, her mom was looking through recent photos and saw one of Evie holding Tigey at the play place in the mall. That was the last place they saw him, so the next day she went to the mall, checked the Lost and Found desk and there was Tigey. Evie’s face when she got her tiger back was precious.
Some of us as adults have items similar to Evie’s tiger that we turn to for comfort. Maybe a ring, a bracelet, a necklace or something that we can hold on to when we face difficult situations. I have a wooden cross, not on a necklace, just solo and made out of olive wood. A friend who visited Israel brought it back for me and it stays in my purse where I can just touch it if I think I need to. It’s not magical or anything like that, but to me it reminds me that my faith is in Jesus, not the doctors or the other drivers on the highway or even in myself and my own abilities.
Tomorrow, I go to have a lumbar MRI, a test that requires that I lie on my back (ouch!) for up to an hour. (I actually hope it’s faster, but that remains to be seen.) Am I concerned? Yes, but I am resting in the One who is always with me and comforts me. My faith is in the One who hung on the cross for me and who walks with me daily through the hard things. I cannot take anything with me into the MRI thumping machine, but I know who will be with me the entire time. I just had an MRI on my shoulder less than two months ago and I sang praises to myself, recited scriptures and just talked to God. So, I have an appointment with God tomorrow at 6 p.m. It will take place at the hospital in the radiology department, but I am happy to have the time set aside to be with my Father who loves me and cares about all the stuff I have been going through.
Here is a devotional that I got today from Grant Fishbook. Check it out as it is the basis for my own meanderings today on this page.
She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?
For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.
But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.
The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.
Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.
My Thoughts
The main character, Ashley Sorensen,is a social worker who takes on the responsibility of a teen with Downs syndrome when his parents are killed in a plane crash and there is no placement for him. She had no idea that his parents were guarding secrets that caused him and all around him to be in danger. With an FBI agent determined to keep them safe, this novel led me on a merry chase to follow the clues and try to figure out who could be trusted. The story was intense, highly emotional and filled with a message of hope. With flawed characters who need to find God’s mercy and grace even as they do their good works of helping others, this book spoke to me like no other novel that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I loved this book and I am convinced it is the author’s deepest and best book yet. Told with heart and soul as well as an intelligent and compassionate approach to those who face the challenge daily of caring for a child with special needs, this novel is memorable, heart touching and can be life changing if you let it talk to you. That being said, I really want to encourage everyone to read this book, to dive in with hearts ready for it to speak to you. This novel is one of the most profound and deeply moving fictional books with a firm faith foundation that I have ever read. It didn’t just touch my heart, but it also spoke to my soul, the part of me who wants to see all of my loved ones saved. With a message of God having a specific purpose for everyone that He creates and that He has good plans for each of us, this book resonated inside me, even as I read it a second time. I rarely read books twice, but I wanted to read this one again so I could listen more closely to the messages it had for me. I knew what was going to happen and was ready to shed tears, but what I was not prepared for is the deep longing this book gave me to share the gospel message with others before it is too late. Matthew, the character with Downs Syndrome, represented Jesus well and faithfully. Even with a limited vocabulary, he continued to speak a message of life and faith. His courage in the face of possible death was inspirational and showed me clearly that God does have a plan for everyone, even those whom the world casts aside as unworthy or different. This novel is a fictional tale with a strong foundation of a hope that outlasts our lives on earth and a call to action to bring as many as we can along with us to eternity. Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of this amazing story that deserves so many more than five stars! I voluntarily 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.
Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense
About the Author
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.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
Jesus sent His disciples to get ready for Passover and everything was just as He said it would be. A local homeowner in Jerusalem had an upper room that Jesus and the disciples used for the Lord’s Last Supper. All was ready for them.
Our daughter just called on Sunday to let us know that she was planning to come this week to spend Easter with us. She is bringing the two youngest girls (14 and 11) and her oldest daughter is the one who has been living with us since September. I am really looking forward to seeing them again. They came down for Christmas, too. Hope is very intuitive and knows that travel is hard for me now and that I miss seeing the grandchildren. She called when I was feeling particularly low because our youngest son’s birthday as well as his daughter’s birthday is next week. We usually make the trip to Maryland to see them in April, but this month is filled with medical appointments and tests instead. So when Hope called to say she is coming, I was thrilled!
Then, I looked around at the house. I haven’t been able to clean properly (or really much at all) because of my shoulder. The dust everywhere is the first clue. Harry helps when he can but cleaning is not his thing to do since he doesn’t even see the dust, much less think it needs to be removed. Anyway, I started stressing about getting ready and how I would do it with an arm that doesn’t cooperate and a back that is in constant pain along with my leg that is numb most of the time, making me a fall risk.
Then, I read today’s devotional that included this verse. The disciples didn’t run around frantically preparing. They simply followed what the Lord told them to do and all was ready for them. Thus, I am resting in the Lord, knowing that the house will not be clean but we will be welcoming and loving. The groceries are ordered and Harry will pick them up today. Then, there will be plenty of helpers on Sunday to make the Easter meal before I have to head to the hospital for my MRI. Prepared? Yes, in my heart, I am prepared to welcome family and to serve the Lord with gladness on this Resurrection Day. Jesus wants my heart prepared for Him and for me not to suffer regrets because of what I physically cannot do. I know in my heart that He wants me to have peace and to enjoy time with the children and grandchildren, so that is what I am focused on today. Dirty house? Yes, but a clean and expectant heart! Our daughter is on the way and will be here by noon. I am looking forward to the visit and the rest that comes in knowing that God knows just what I need and just when I need it. A touch and reassurance from Him and a hug from family!
May your Easter preparations start in your heart and reach deeply into your soul. My prayer for you is peace and the assurance that God will give you rest.
One of the most important parts of running a race is keeping your eyes on the finish line. If you happen to look at the other competitors, it can ruin your focus, causing you to slip up. Staying focused is crucial.
The writer of the letter of Hebrews uses this same idea when talking about our own spiritual lives. The writer encourages his readers to keep their eyes focused on Jesus while running the race of life.
When we keep our eyes on Jesus and our thoughts focused on Him, we are reminded of His great love and goodness. Keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to not grow discouraged.
When we take our eyes off Jesus, we can lose focus on what really matters. We can become fixated on the priorities of the world around us rather than the mission of God. We can also lose our sense of value and worth if we lose sight of the love of God.
One of the reasons the author encourages his readers to focus their eyes on Jesus is because Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the reason we have faith, but He is also the one who continues to sanctify our hearts and strengthen our faith.
Jesus endured the pain of the cross with joy because He kept His own eyes on the finish line—sitting in a place of authority next to God the Father, and achieving salvation for His followers. We now experience the benefit of salvation because of His endurance.
Jesus’ example allows us to run the race of life with endurance and focus. So if you find yourself tired and wanting to give up, take some time to pray and think about Jesus who gave everything for you. Ask God for endurance so that you can continue to grow in your faith, and finish well.
My Thoughts
It has been easy for me lately to focus on the circumstances, with one unexpected medical report after another. But I am learning (and was already trying to practice before today’s devotional) to keep my eyes on the Lord. In the MRI thumping machine, during the EMG that sends shocks through me, my focus will be on the Lord. I had an MRI less than two months ago on my shoulder and I found myself quoting scripture verses to myself and singing praise songs inside my head. The thumping continued without my noticing the passage of time because I was focused on the Lord. That is what I pray will be the same this time. Jesus isn’t leaving me out on the race course of life and telling me to be strong. He is right there beside me, running the race with me and encouraging me as we go down the track. Like a good coach, Jesus doesn’t assume that I will be fine without Him. He knows that I need the constant assurance and encouragement that His presence brings. So, as I endure more tests and the results that follow, I am staying focused on the Lord and expecting Him to give the doctors wisdom and me grace and mercy.
If you are in a season where your race seems harder and more challenging, do what I am doing and what the Bible encourages us to do. Keep our focus on Jesus. Don’t be like Peter who was walking on water just fine until he took his eyes off the Lord. Keep your eyes on the only One who can make a difference in everything in your life.
May God bless and keep you as you focus on Him and may you run your race with endurance and faith in Him.
I have been reading as though I had nothing else to do because today is a big release day for multiple launch teams that I have served on. Since I have been busy posting reviews today, I thought I would just share a little about each book along with a purchase link if you are interested. All graphics were created by me on Canva.
This was such a fun book to read about a young Amish woman who wants nothing more than to get married and a young Amish man who wants nothing to do with marriage. Life’s circumstances force Eli to look for a wife, so…humorous and dramatic with a few surprises, too.
A young man framed for a crime has just been released from prison is forced to run from the real criminals, along with his infant and his former fiancée. The fast pace and relentless suspense captivated me in this one.
A young woman in WITSEC is hiding from criminals in her job as a wildlife photographer. When it becomes obvious that they have found her, she has to run for her life with a handsome deputy who swears that he will keep her safe. This is heart-pounding suspense with escalating tension as the killers get closer to Laurel and she has to depend on Deputy Heath Calhoun to find out the truth of who is in pursuit.
What is not to love about this book? A cold case, an amish suspense and some second chance at romance, too! This book is edgy suspense, totally clean (as are all of the books that I am featuring today) and so absorbing that I had trouble putting it down. This is a must read for fans of Love Inspired Suspense!
Have you ever waited a really long time for something important? Maybe you spent weeks waiting to see an old friend, for news about a medical diagnosis, or for someone to respond to a message you sent them.
In the first century, the people of God had waited hundreds and hundreds of years for the coming of a Savior. John the Baptist was sent to be the forerunner of that coming Savior. God planned for John to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival, and call them back to repentance.
John waited his whole life for Jesus. He spent his days in eager anticipation of the coming of a Savior who would save his people. And on that day when Jesus did arrive, John the Baptist cried out in excitement.
John calls Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. In the old covenant, lambs were sacrificed on behalf of the sins of the people. Their sacrifices were a temporary means to restore a person’s relationship with God.
But Jesus’ coming heralds a new covenant between God and His people.
Jesus’ death is a sacrifice on our behalf, but one that’s permanent and complete. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection pave a path for us to enjoy a restored relationship with God, and to live in freedom from sin. This is the new covenant that John the Baptist is describing when He says that Jesus takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Take a moment this morning to thank God for the amazing gift that Jesus offers to each and every one of us. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness, we can walk in new life and enjoy a restored relationship with God.
Think of one small step you can take to share this good news with someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus. This free gift is great news for every single person, and we are given the privilege of sharing it with everyone.
My Thoughts
We all wait for something: a phone call, an email, a letter, a package, a visit from a loved one, and ultimately an answer from God about something we have been praying for. I have prayed almost a year for a job for our grandson Isaac. No answer yet, but I am sure that God is preparing just the right job for him, one in which he can thrive physically, emotionally and spiritually. So, I wait, sometimes anxiously, sometimes almost demanding in my prayer time, but always with the same answer from God: wait.
I cannot imagine John’s excitement when he sees Jesus walking toward him and knows that this is the Lamb of God for whom he has been waiting. His whole purpose in life is to be a forerunner, a prophet of Jesus. And here He is! John doesn’t run and hide or say, “Look at me! Now my purpose in life is fulfilled.” No, he says, “Behold, the lamb of God!”
So often when God sends the answer, as He did when He sent Jesus as the final sacrifice for our sins, we don’t recognize that the answer is right there in front of us. Since it isn’t the answer we were expecting, we continue to look for another one. May the Lord make us aware of the answer when it comes so that, like John, we recognize it and give God the glory.
Today is Palm Sunday, the day the crowds welcomed Jesus with all kinds of accolades before they then joined the mob that called for His crucifixion. Before you start thinking what awful people those were, I would like to remind you that we were part of that crowd and then the mob. We might not have been there physically, but can you honestly say that if you had lived during that time, you would have reacted differently? The tendency is to follow the crowd. That’s one of the reasons the Bible admonishes us to be careful with whom we associate.
That all being said, I love the traditions of Palm Sunday and the fact that all of the praise goes to the Lord, who is indeed worthy and should have never fallen out of favor with the Pharisees who were supposed to recognize the Messiah. Since Jesus’s death was prophesied and orchestrated by God, and since each of us benefit from the salvation that comes from the flowing of His life’s blood, we can do no less than offer Him a sacrifice of praise.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 