God’s Plans and Timing

On January 8, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

About forty or so years ago, when my husband was in the USAF and we had three children ranging in age from thirteen to five, we had plans to move overseas. We were living in Arkansas at the time when the opportunity arose to go to Japan. So, my husband applied and got accepted. All of our household goods were packed up, the car was sold and we thought we were on our way. A real answer to prayer, or so we thought. Then we got a message from command saying that my husband and children could go but I was not allowed to because of my health issues. My husband, being loyal and not really wanting to take care of three small children alone while I lived a single life in the states, turned down the orders and waited for the next opportunity.

That came in the form of a chance to go to Iceland. Iceland? Really? Not exactly the ideal place for this southern, hate ice and snow girl! But, I was willing, if not enthusiastic, so Harry put in the paperwork. The next snafu came in the form of housing problems. Military people live on base there because the housing off the base is exorbitantly expensive. The problem was that there was a two-year wait for base housing. So, we prayed (fumed some about the plans once again being thwarted) and Harry decided to go on a “remote” tour to Iceland for a year. That means he went alone and I had to find a place to live while he was gone.

Back to the prayer closet, this time with an urgent request for God to show me where the children and I should live while Harry was gone for a year. The Spirit spoke to my heart to return to South Carolina. We had lived there for over six years already, just not six years in a row, but several different tours there made me familiar with the area. I knew people there, had a church there and was confident we could find someplace for us to live while Harry was gone.

So, off we went to South Carolina, in our very old Lincoln since our newer car had sold. (Remember the orders to Japan that fell through?) We found an apartment near the church I planned to attend. The apartment was okay, nothing fancy, but furnished and basic. And it fit the bill of being near the church, Northside Assembly.

Thus, I moved in, got the children enrolled in school and settled in as best I could to wait out the year totally alone as a single parent. This was about the middle of September, so I knew I would not be able to find a teaching job, but I figured the kids would need me at home more since we had just moved, had very few of our personal belongings (in storage due to the orders to Japan) and I was going to help them make the best of the situation.

Then the unexpected phone call came. I had taught at Northside Academy, a Christian school based at our church, for a couple of years the last time I had been in the area. When the principal found out that I was living in South Carolina again, she called and told me that she had a dilemma and hoped I could help out. The seventh grade teacher had a health crisis (terminal cancer) and was out of the picture for the foreseeable future. Her students were devastated because of her illness, the poor prognosis and having no one to step in and teach them. So, Loretta, the principal, asked me if I would be willing to teach these students that I had last seen when they were in third grade. I told her I would pray about it and get back to her. I did, God affirmed that it was a good plan, especially since Loretta said that Steven, our youngest and in kindergarten, could attend the school there and I would only teach half a day so that I could go home when his school was dismissed.

Why am I telling you this long-winded story? Is there a point? Of course, there is! God had a plan. Harry and I didn’t know the plan, but we did pray and fell in with God’s plan that He already knew because He could see the big picture. Japan? Nope! Iceland? Nope? South Carolina? Yep! I was needed there for a group of heartbroken kids whose teacher ended up passing away shortly after I took over. I was a familiar face in their sea of uncertainty, and I did my best to assure them that I was there for them and that God loved them enough to make sure that they had a teacher for the year. I also got to tell them all about God’s plans for Harriet. The last time they had seen her, she had been very ill and then she died. We got to talk a lot about Heaven and God’s promises that year.

This whole episode made me think of Joseph. No, I was not sold into slavery by my brothers. But Joseph ended up unexpectedly in Egypt and God used his stay there to bless the Israelites during a time of famine and to make sure that they were cared for. God is a God of details, and He worked things out for Joseph’s betraying brothers and his elderly father to come to Egypt to live where they could thrive until the next plan God had for them came along.

It was not the original plan, but I ended up in South Carolina. I was a space-filler, but I was a needed one at that time. God fills needs and spaces with those willing to listen and change their plans for His. Was the move easy? No, but it was necessary and God used me for His purpose in that little school in South Carolina. We got some of our personal things delivered from storage when I went to the base chaplain and appealed to him for help, since our children had no winter clothes or toys. We prayed about that, too, and God answered. If you know anything about the military, they do not easily change their plans for anyone. Their plan was for our items to remain in storage until Harry finished his remote tour. Instead, through God’s grace and mercy and the intervention of a kind and understanding chaplain, I had about a dozen or so boxes delivered to our temporary home in South Carolina. God is good and works out all the little things to help us make the best of the plan He is working through.

I taught. The children thrived with their SC friends. Harry enjoyed being in Iceland and came home in November for an early Christmas celebration with the kids. Then in July, I went to Iceland for almost a month to be with Harry while our children stayed with my close friend and fellow teacher and her children. We didn’t know it, but like Joseph, we had been blessed to be a blessing.

The military and their rules did not intend to harm me or our family, but God used them and their many regulations to send me where I needed to be, to help children who were grieving the loss of a beloved teacher and who did not understand what would happen for their school year. No, I did not save lives, but I did witness to them, as I am testifying to you, of God’s goodness and His plans. His timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to me until afterwards.

Go with God’s flow. His plan is the right one and His timing is always just on time.

God Provides

On January 7, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

My devotional today was partly in the book of Genesis, the story of Abraham being told by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac. I was reading and asking for wisdom, and the Holy Spirit pointed out a few things for me that I must have seen before but never really noted.

The child Isaac was carrying the wood to lay on the altar, that same wood on which he was going to be sacrificed.

Jesus, likewise, carried His own cross, until He stumbled and fell under its weight and a man named Simon from Cyrene bore the burden. Jesus knew He was headed to die on the cross, yet He willingly carried that wooden symbol of our freedom from sin. I have to wonder if Isaac was filled with a little fear, knowing that they were going to make a sacrifice and there was no animal with them. He even asked His Father about it and Abraham answered him that God would provide. (Read Genesis 22)

When Abraham had tied Isaac to the altar, there was no hesitation. He lifted the knife to kill his only son, the child of promise that God had given him and Sarah. The angel of the Lord had to call out to him twice to get his attention and tell him not to kill Isaac. I think Abraham was intently focused on carrying out God’s will and perhaps thinking about how God was going to work all of this out for him. He had told Isaac that God would provide and there, in the wilderness, was a ram for him to offer instead. God provided the substitute sacrifice for his son. Just as God provided our sacrifice, once for all, in the person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is indeed worthy of all honor, wisdom, glory and blessing. He lay down His life willingly for each of us, the Father’s sacrifice for the people He created and loved. God provided. We must believe and accept. There is no other way to God except through Jesus, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of mankind.

The parallel between Isaac and Jesus is obvious to me, now. But I also see some differences, the main one being that Isaac was saved from being killed on the altar while Jesus had to die on the cross. I cannot imagine the Father’s grief mingled with the joy of a job well done and complete by the Son whom He loved. Nor can I imagine Abraham’s faith to know in his heart that God would provide. Would that each of us could have the faith of Abraham, the willingness of Jesus and the love of the Father.

The Light Has Come

On January 6, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Jesus is our light and we are a light to the world. It’s hard to be a light when you don’t spend time in God’s presence because we reflect His light, not our own.

Light has always been important to me, as I get especially irritated when the power goes off and we are left in the dark. Nowadays, I am up several times during the night to go into the kitchen and retrieve a new ice pack from the freezer. I always wake up several times each night to go to the bathroom, but now when I wake up, my shoulder lets me know that it’s not happy, so I go get ice to soothe it. I am so thankful for the light that shows me the way to the kitchen and also lets me get the ice pack out without dropping other things from the freezer. That light is important to me because I need it to finish the task I have set for myself.

The light that Jesus gives to us and that we shine for others is important, too. We live in a very dark world, and it seems to be darker every day. Man’s depravity seems to be on the increase and that depravity likes to hide in the shadows, in the darkness. When we shine our lights, others can see it and may be able to recognize the sin and depravity for what it is. When we hide our lights, we are depriving the world of the hope that Jesus offers to a dark and dying world.

Children sing a song about shining their lights, but it isn’t just for children to do. In fact, all who call themselves a Christian should be shining brightly for the Lord and for the world to see, every day, all the time.

Transformation

On January 5, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I know that we can all agree that when a caterpillar changes to a butterfly, that is a transformation. Do you remember the story of “The Ugly Duckling”? A group of ducklings are swimming around and another creature who thinks he is a duck, albeit an ugly one, joins them. Teased mercilessly, the duck eventually becomes a beautiful swan because that is what he was all along. I think of my transformation more like becoming who I am meant to be, like the swan. I may consider myself unworthy, but God makes me worthy and every day that I spend in His Word, I am becoming more like the person He created me to be. The change is not on the outside, but on the inside and starts with God meeting me right where I am and showing me the hidden truths of His word so that I can apply them to my life.

I am becoming the butterfly/swan I was meant to be by spending time with my Creator so that He can show me clearly His vision of who He created me to be. Sometimes I get confused and don’t see myself clearly, but God is always there to show me again and again, patiently working with me on one attribute that He wants me to acquire before we move to the next one. A caterpillar seems to become a butterfly without much effort, but if you remember from your school days, there is a whole metamorphosis, a cocoon process and finally the beautiful emerging butterfly. God designed that for the caterpillar. I am in my cocooning state, if you will. God is preparing me to be a butterfly and I may not get there before He calls me home, but He is always working on me to make me exactly what He wants me to be in His kingdom. Flawed, imperfect but loved by the Almighty God who sees me. (El Roi and El Shaddai)

Don’t give up on the process of transformation. Submit to God, stay in His word daily, give Him time to speak to your heart and know that the change is taking place. Change takes time, but the wait is worth it!

Being Near to God

On January 4, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Nearness That Reshapes Us

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?

Maybe it was a quiet cathedral, stained glass filling the room with colors, or a forest alive with bird songs and dancing leaves. Wherever your place is, have you ever wished you could stay there forever—surrounded by so much beauty and safety that your soul can finally breathe?

David prays that way in Psalm 27:4:

“I have asked the Lord for one thing,
this is what I desire:
to live in the Lord’s house all my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord,
and to contemplate in his temple.” (NET)

For ancient Israel, Jerusalem’s temple marked the center of their world—the place where Heaven and Earth meet. That idea first appears in Genesis, in the garden of Eden, where God walked with humanity and provided everything necessary—a place with no suffering, no threats, no death.

David’s longing isn’t for a spectacular building but for closeness with God—the kind of nearness that reshapes a person and brings true peace.

When Jesus arrives, he moves that Heaven-and-Earth space from Jerusalem’s temple into human hearts. People become the temple where God dwells. Divine beauty and peace are no longer tied to one city or structure; they’re found wherever God’s will is done “on Earth as in Heaven.”

Today, ask: What do I want most? David’s answer exposes humanity’s deepest desire—to be safe, loved, and at peace with our creator.

My Thoughts

Who doesn’t like to feel safe and at peace? When I became a Christian over five decades ago, for the first time, I felt loved and welcomed, at peace with the person God created me to me. I have had ups and downs in my walk with the Lord, yet I continue to return to that same place of peace. It isn’t a building, a monument or a beautiful part of nature. It’s the quiet place I find within myself when I focus on my relationship with God and how close I know that He is to me. He is right there, in my whispered prayers and in the prayers that I don’t say but that are in my heart. God hears and moves closer to me, just when I need Him. This is my piece of heaven on earth.

The Sabbath Rest

On January 3, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

God’s Rhythm to Bless Us (YouVersion,Daily Refresh, 1-03)

Humans have a complicated relationship with rules. Even as small children, we struggle to understand the “why” behind them.

Consider how parents teach children to brush their teeth, reminding them morning and night. That child might only appreciate the chore years later, as they grow into adults and experience expensive and uncomfortable dental work. It’s then that a dull tooth-brushing routine feels valuable. What a shift in perspective!

We weren’t made to serve a strict toothbrushing schedule, but toothbrushing was made to serve us to help maintain healthy teeth.

Jesus brings similar wisdom and perspective to the expectation of taking a regular day of rest (Sabbath). The Jews knew that God was insistent on Sabbath observance, but they almost thought of it as if it were a chore. Jesus reminds them that people weren’t made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was created for people by God to provide much-needed rest.

Sabbath rest is God’s rhythm to bless us, not God’s requirement to burden us.

How can we know this is true? Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He’s the maker (and fulfiller) of all God’s good rules, and He knows that regular rest is one of the rhythms that leads to an abundant life.

My Thoughts

God set the standard and example for a Sabbath rest when He rested on the seventh day after creation. Many of us push ourselves to work, work, work, seven days a week. If we are not going to a job, we are still doing things that occupy our time and our minds. For me, after we attend church, I do rest. I sit in my recliner, watch a show that I have been meaning to take time to see, read a book and nap. The regular chores of book reviews and reading a certain number of pages per day is put aside as I rest. My husband, who is in charge of the cooking here at home, always makes enough on Saturday for leftovers on Sunday. Or, if that isn’t possible because of the planned meal, he buys takeout and has it ready for us to eat after church, along with a soup to warm up. Whatever it is, it is simple, easy to get ready, and allows him to spend the afternoon with the TV on football as he naps. We honor God by attending church and then we rest, just as God meant for us to do. The rest we have on Sunday prepares us for the busy week of appointments and meetings. This week, I start physical therapy and our Bible Study group begins again for the New Year. The busyness doesn’t seem so overwhelming if we take time to rest first. I encourage all who read this to take time to rest on the Sabbath. God wants us to establish a time for our bodies to refresh themselves, with Him as the center of our lives and of our resting time.

Cain and Seth

On January 2, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

Having started a new Bible plan that is taking me through the Bible in a year once again, I am in the book of Genesis. And even after years of reading the Bible through annually, I am still discovering new things. Yesterday, I read the story of creation and at the end of each of the six days, God said the creation was good (or very good when He created man) and then the Bible tells us “So the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis 1:5) This phrase is used for each of the days of creation. (Genesis 1: 8, 13, 19, 23, 31). But on the seventh day, God rested and the Bible does not close out that day with the same phrase. One of my devotionals pointed out that the reason may be that God’s rest is forever for those of us who dwell in His presence. Interesting and something new for me to ponder.

In today’s lessons, I read about Cain killing Abel and also about Adam and Eve having another son named Seth to replace their murdered son Abel. I am sure you are familiar with these stories. But did you notice (I didn’t until today) that Cain left God’s presence and went to live elsewhere. He voluntarily went away instead of asking for forgiveness or trying to get closer to God by repenting.

Cain’s bad choices had repercussions for his ancestors, too. One of his ancestors was Lamech and this is what happened to him.

Lamech also killed someone. Sin doesn’t run in families; it is not an inherited trait. But I do believe that when we leave God on the back burner and turn away from Him, not only do we suffer consequences, but so do ancestors. Unwise choices are made when God is not right there before us, loving and guiding us.

On the other hand is the family of Adam, Seth and his ancestors.

I noted in this verse that Adam knows that God is the author of life and gives God credit for giving him a new son named Seth. The relationship between Adam and God was not changed by the murder of Abel. He didn’t seem to grow bitter and turn away. Rather, he turned towards God and knew that God had given him another son.

As for Seth’s ancestors, check out this verse. They began to call on the name of the Lord. This is, of course, a long way from the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve walked and talked with God daily. But it is definitely progress in the right direction, towards God instead of away from Him.

Each of us has this same choice. We can live our lives as if we are all that matters (thus teaching our children this falsehood, also) or we can make God a priority and set that relationship as an example for our children to follow. Their choices are their own, but we set the example and the repercussions can be far-reaching.

May each of us be aware of our choices and the effect that they have on those who come behind us.

Happy New Year and My Word for 2026

On January 1, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture11 Comments

Every year for many years now, I have chosen a word to focus on, a word that helps me to center in on God throughout the year. Last year’s word was “listen.” I confess that I am still working on the skill of being an active listener and to tuned in to God. That just tells me that God is still working on me and I am not close to perfect yet.

This year’s word is similar in that it is a verb. Having a tendency to judge by appearances and oftentimes hastily, I have prayed and I think that God wants me to “see” this year. He wants me to see things as He sees them, to look for Him in the little things, to find Him wherever I go and in whatever circumstance I find myself. I frequently look at a situation, judge it as hopeless and then cry out to God to get out of it. This new year, I want to see the situation as God sees it, an opportunity for me to grow and to press into Him. I want to cry out to God to see things as He sees them before I pass judgment on them as bad or awful or unworthy of my time. I want to see people as God sees them, as created by Him, no matter how annoying they may be to me.

These are my verses that I have chosen to accompany my word of the year.

Do you choose a word for the year, or do you have a resolution that you would like to share? No judgment whether you have one or the other or none at all. I just want to see you on my blog post, commenting so that I can get to know you better. After all, I am hoping to spend eternity with you!

From Denison’s Forum, 12-31-25

On December 31, 2025 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

“Courage is a choice”

I say all of that to say this: The omniscient God who created and transcends time is our best source for facing our fears of the future.

He sees tomorrow better than we can see today. Our Father can therefore prepare us now for what comes next while shaping our unseen circumstances for his greatest glory and our greatest good. All the while, he transfuses us with “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” when we trust our fears to him (Philippians 4:7).

The Christ who came at Christmas promised he would be with us “always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His indwelling Spirit will never leave us (1 Corinthians 3:16). His all-conquering love will never abandon us (Romans 8:35–39). He will wade with us through every river and walk with us through every fire (Isaiah 43:2–3). He will open and close doors in accordance with his perfect will (cf. Acts 16:6–10) and lead us through each day until the day he leads us home (John 14:3).

Homer was therefore right: “All men have need of the gods.”

So name your greatest fear for the coming year and place it in his hands. Then claim his promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

David testified, “I sought the Lᴏʀᴅ, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). When we do the former, we can say the latter.

According to Winston Churchill,

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a choice.”

What steps will you take to choose courage in Christ today?

My Thoughts

I really, really needed this call to choose courage today! The last year held a lot of fun and many health challenges. As I face the New Year, I am currently facing possible surgery on a rotator cuff, and right now I am in constant pain, sleeping in spurts as my shoulder and arm allow. But, God! God is taking care of my fears and reaching out to me with all of the love He has for me. I seek Him and He answers me. There have been a lot of middle of the night conversations lately and more than a few tears of pain and frustration. I don’t know what my future holds, but God does, and I am thankful that He will be right there beside me no matter what happens. He is the God who heals me, with surgery or without. He is my Maker, my Healer and my Deliverer.

Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve! May the God of all hope walk closely beside you.

For the original article from Dr. Denison, please click here: Denison’s Forum, 12-31-25

Tuesday’s New Releases with Five Stars

On December 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo2 Comments

I highly recommend each of these books and give them each five stars. You can read my complete reviews on Goodreads or Book Bub, but here are a books a snippet of each review.

I really loved that the main characters got a second chance at love and also that they were older and still actively engaged in life and helping others. The bloodhound Arthur is a favorite canine now, since he is older, heroic and an intrepid investigator on his own.

Rated PG for intense suspense but G for content

The story captivated me from beginning to end and is a must read for fans of well-crafted romantic suspense.

Rated PG because of intense suspense and G for content

The story of Brenna, her emotional support dog named Lulu and her second-chance-at-love hero, Owen McCaw, is one that is heartwarming, filled with secrets and a need to be honest, and a story packed with action and some unexpected twists.

This book offers a sweet romance, a lot of family love and drama and plenty of mystery, too as the Lemmon brothers are involved in a lawsuit that may end up with their losing the ranch that they love dearly.

So, where can you purchase your copy of any or all of these new books? Just follow the links below directly to Harlequin. There you will also find the links to other retailers.