Sunday Morning Musings

I start each day with devotionals and Bible reading, and Sunday, of course, is no exception. Today, I want to share with you the verses that spoke to my heart and pray that they will also speak to you.

In a world in which everything seems to be shaking, we are told to stand firm. Don’t pay so much attention to what is happening around you as to what the Lord has told you to keep busy doing, i.e. His work. Whatever we do for God has eternal rewards, but all of the time we spend worrying about the things going on in this world amount to nothing in the long run. I personally have just about stopped watching news shows. After all, my husband fills me in on the important things and then I don’t get so overwhelmed with all of the bad news that seems to be on 24/7. That leaves me more time to worship, praise, read God’s Word and do whatever tasks He has called me to do each day. Win, win!

We all get tired of doing nice things for others and then never getting any appreciation. But I have learned that it is not the thanks that I get from others that really means something to me. It is the good feeling that I get way down deep inside me, the feeling that God is pleased. So, while I am working for God (see verse above), I can devote myself to looking for good things to do for others.

Most of us wake up each day and have a plan for what we hope to accomplish. After decades of frustration, I have learned to give whatever plans I may have over to God and let Him bless them or change them. His way is always, always, always better than mine!

This final verse spoke directly to me as a comfort for my mental state these days. After years of belonging to the gym and going for water aerobics classes twice a week, my nutritionist told me last week that I should not begin exercising again until I can maintain a diet of at least 1400 calories a day. Well, with all kinds of dietary restrictions and a rebellious gastro system, I seldom make it over 1000 calories. Thus, my husband and I decided to drop our gym membership until some future date, yet to be determined. We have not been going due to Covid restrictions anyway, so it seemed to be an expenditure of funds that we could not afford. It was like we were donating to the gym but getting no benefits. Once I can exercise again, I will start with my home exercises first and see how that goes. God knows exactly what is going on with my physical body and encouraged me today with His Word that my training in godliness is eternally beneficial.

Well, that is all from me for today. It is almost time to awaken my husband and for us to head to church. I covet your prayers this week as I am setting off on a new adventure soon. My husband calls it my “deployment.” Our son contacted us that his regular childcare worker is not available and he needs help for the next couple of months. So, I am headed to Maryland while my husband stays here in Virginia, taking care of his commitments. I know that I will definitely enjoy being with the grandchildren (ages 6, 3 and 4 months), but I will also miss the loving care of my spouse and just the comfort of being in my own home. However, I choose to see this as a ministry of love and pray that God will strengthen me each day for the work He has set before me. If I’m not online much, now you know why.

Have a blessed day, a blessed week and keep choosing to do God’s will each day in every way possible!

Pause and Think

One of our pastors has posed an interesting question.

If you knew that you only had thirty days to live, would you change how you live? If so, how would you change?

Thought-provoking and deep and I’m not sure how I would answer it yet, but I am pondering it and invite you to ponder along with me. Of course, we cannot know the time of our death. Jesus said that the Father knows. We know that God has told some people in the past to get ready to die. King Hezekiah immediately comes to mind. He is the king who turned his face to the wall and cried out to God for more years, a wish that God granted him. I would hope that if God told me that I was about to die that I would be ready and willing to go with Him then, but we just don’t know until such an event happens to us. So, ponder with me, if you will, what would you change in the last month of your life?

As I have been aging, at first approaching death was a scary thought for me. Now, it has become an inevitable end to this life on earth and the beginning of a new life with God. It means the end of all of the aches and pains and daily concerns. Of course, it also means missing my loved ones here on earth, but there is always the promise to see them again in Heaven some day. No more sorrow or tears and no more goodbyes has me looking more expectantly towards Heaven, more with excitement and less with fear. How about you? Do you ever think about your own mortality? Do you think about what Heaven will be like?

In a devotional that I read this morning, the writer had been told that she only had a short time to live and was fearful of death. Having lived over a decade past the time the doctors pronounced for her, the fear had become distant and her new attitude was one of wonder. No one really knows what Heaven is like, so her curiosity was stimulated. She says that her curiosity was somewhat satisfied when she was with an elderly woman just before she died and with her last breath, she said, “Wow!” Now, that, my friends is food for thought. What will we say when we cross over into eternity with God? I think”wow” is pretty descriptive, don’t you? (Daily Guideposts 2021, October 19, 2021)

I don’t want you to leave this post without promises from God that will hopefully stir your heart to look up and await Him with expectation and hope. (I heard someone say that hope is not dead because He is a person!)

May God bless and keep you throughout this day and until we meet again on this page. Meanwhile, drop me a line in the comments and tell me the answer to my question above. Thirty days. What, if anything, would you change in your life?

Since writing this blog, I have one more thing to look forward to in Heaven…I get to meet you believers who have followed me online and see you face to face. I appreciate each of you and pray God’s blessing and His continued presence in your lives daily. I remain a servant of Christ and a seeker of truth. Until next time…

Review of A SEASON ON THE WIND by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is a beautifully written story set in the Amish town of Stoney Ridge, a peaceful town filled with people who genuinely care about each other and practice the tenets of the Amish faith daily. When Ben Zook, who used to live in Stoney Ridge and who is a famous birdwatcher, returns to the town, he has one goal in mind. He wants to see the White-winged tern, a bird that is rarely seen in the states. Ben has come to meet with Micah Weaver, a teen boy who has a speech impediment but who knows birds better than anyone around. Ben stays in a guest house provided by Penny Weaver, Micah’s sister and an old friend whom Ben does not recognize, much to her dismay. The stage is well set for a complicated tale of family, friendships won and lost, relationships and choices. I was drawn into the story of these complex and realistic characters from the beginning. Each character is presented realistically, complete with flaws and human foibles, but they are also each seen as uniquely suited for the tasks that they are expected to do. As Ben spends more time with the Weavers, waiting for that Tern to appear, he also goes on a trip of self-reflection and discovery. He has escaped from Stoney Ridge once and does not want to return permanently, but he does have roots there that cannot be denied. The most brilliantly written parts of the book occur at the end of each chapter where we are introduced to various birds that Micah and Penny have seen as they walk around their environs. The habitat of each bird as well as their eating and mating habits are described in a meticulously detailed way that inspired me to curiously seek my guide to birds that includes photos so that I could picture the bird as they were described. Thus, this book was entertaining, educational and encouraging as it sought to gently guide the characters to the place that God would want them to be. I really enjoyed the language used in this novel; it was almost like lyrical prose, calling to my heart as the birds spoke to Micah. There was some inevitable conflict between some of the characters and a little mystery involved with Ben’s cousin Natalie, a young woman who seems to want to know more about the Plain people but won’t reveal her reasons for her curiosity. The relationship between Ben and his estranged father is a focus of Ben’s self-discovery and forgiveness is a definite thread throughout the book. Fans of brilliantly written Christian fiction will thoroughly enjoy this book and it’s message of heart, home, and hope.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Program, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A completely clean Christian read suitable for all who love romance and a good story
For information about the author and her work, please go to her website at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

This lovely story is ready for you to order and enjoy. Purchase Links:

Christian Book

Baker Book House

Bookshop

Google Play Store

Powells

Target

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Once again, I am honored to be a part of this wonderful reading program that gives me the opportunity to share good, wholesome books with my readers.

Abiding in Him

This morning, I read my devotional as usual. I’m currently reading the book of Jeremiah and there is a reason he is called the “weeping prophet.” He went around telling everyone to repent and people ignored him, to their detriment. I see so many parallels with what he wrote and with what is happening in nations throughout the world that it saddens me to see such rampant and flagrant sin. Sins that were once shamefully hidden are now “out there” for all to see, flung into the face of God. There is a price to pay and we are just now beginning to pay it.

I also read my daily dose of Dr. Denison and was not at all amused to read that a high school in FL crowned a transgender as homecoming queen. As I said, sin is no longer hidden, but it is flaunted and outrageously proclaimed as right.

Dr. Denison’s Forum October 11, 2021

So, what are we as Christians to do? We are told to shine our lights to a dark world. But we are also told to “abide.”

Image from Pinterest.com

I’m sure since we have all studied science, we know that the moon has no light except what is reflected from the sun. Thus, we have no light unless we are reflecting the Son. We have to be part of the branch of Jesus in order to produce fruit. Frankly, just to be able to stand and say that sin is sin in today’s world requires a close contact with the Lord, an abiding, if you will.

The definition of abide will not surprise anyone, but it is worth pointing out. From http://www.dictionary.com:

verb (used without object), a·bode or a·bid·ed, a·bid·ing.to remain; continue; stay: Abide with me.to have one’s abode; dwell; reside: to abide in a small Scottish village.

We stay in the Lord Jesus. We don’t walk away and join in the darkness, but we stay in His light and reflect it to others. Some may be repelled by the light because they prefer the darkness. But our hope is always that some will be attracted to the light and come to the knowledge that can offer the assurance of an eternal future with Him. We dwell with Jesus. We are not just occasional visitors eating at the table of plenty that He has provided us. We live there! Every day, every minute of every hour. That’s our home, where we should feel the most comfortable. Going out into the world does not mean leaving Jesus behind. He dwells in us, just as we dwell in Him. So, when we are doing our daily activities and interacting with others, we have that light to reflect to others because it is in us.

I fall far short of what I should be as a Christian, but all of the sin in the world is not pulling me away from Jesus. Rather, I am tucking myself in closer to Him, desiring not just His grace and mercy but also His protection from the evil of the world. I desire that protection for all those with whom I come in contact, too. They will not know He is there for them unless I tell them, or unless you tell them. The consequence of sin is death and eternal separation from God. I agree that it is often difficult to share our faith with unbelievers who mock or who walk away as fast as they can. However, if one life is changed, it is worth it.

My prayer for each of you today is to be that light that the world needs and to abide in the Lord so that you can reflect His glory, grace, goodness and mercy. Be the person God created you to be, His beloved child. God bless you, my friends.

Review of TACOS FOR TWO by Betsy St. Amant

This is a brilliantly written contemporary romance with likable characters and a constant undercurrent of humor. Rory Perez inherits a food truck from her aunt, but she has no clue how to actually cook Mexican food. Nevertheless, she tries to make it a success for the sake of Grady and Nicole, the real chef and her best friend. Having the money she needs to keep the food truck running is Rory’s priority, so she is more than a little incensed when one of the town’s wealthiest residents asks for cooking lessons and then becomes her rival in the cooking contest. Jude Worthington is a lawyer but wants to be a cook and own his own food truck. There are some really funny scenes between these two as Rory who is clueless tries to teach Jude how to cook. The text messages between the two are priceless and chuckle-worthy. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two stubborn people who have to find themselves before they can find each other. With themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness and trust, this is a book not to be missed by those who enjoy clean contemporary romance, with a dash of cilantro, a few tears and a whole lot of smiles.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley since I am a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Sweet, clean contemporary romance suitable for anyone who enjoys a good love story
Photo and bio from author’s website at http://www.betsystamant.com

Coming on October 12th! Purchase Links:

Baker Book House

Target

Christian Book

Bookshop

Google Play Store

Powells

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Heartfelt thanks to Revell for introducing me to an author who is new to me and one who I can highly recommend to others!

Chuckles, chortles and cilantro await you in this awesome new book from Betsy St. Amant. Pre-order it today!

Review of FINDING A CHRISTMAS HOME by Lee Tobin McClain

What a lovely and heartwarming Christmas story! Hannah is a dog trainer and the guardian of her deceased sister’s twin toddlers. She is hiding a secret about the father of the girls, but she promised her sister not to tell. Her promise ends up causing her a lot of problems with Luke Hutcheson, her neighbor and the girls’ biological uncle. The story itself is a simple one, with secrets and romance and children who just need to be accepted and loved. The addition is that the adults in this story need to find acceptance and love, too. Although the ending is predictable, it was such a sweet read getting there. With dogs added to the mix, it was a perfect story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was entertaining as well as inspirational to read how the relationships developed with the people and with God.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A sweet, clean romance suitable for all ages who enjoy romance
About the Author: Lee Tobin McClain is the bestselling author of more than thirty emotional, small-town romances described by Publishers’ Weekly as enthralling, intense, and heartfelt. A dog lover and proud mom, she often includes kids and animals in her books. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking with her goofy goldendoodle, chatting online with her writer friends, and admiring her daughter’s mastery of the latest TikTok dances. Learn more at www.leetobinmcclain.com.


Connect with the Author
Website: https://www.leetobinmcclain.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leetobinmcclain/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeTobinMcClain

Excerpt of Finding a Christmas Home by Lee Tobin McClain (Sep 28)

Love Inspired

Add Finding a Christmas Home to your Goodreads!

Hannah Antonicelli walked out of the Rescue Haven Learn-and-Play and flopped down on the bench that ran along the wall of the red barn.

“Cold for sitting outside, isn’t it?” Her friend Gabby wrapped her heavy parka more tightly around herself before sitting beside Hannah. Despite the fact that she and her husband oversaw all Rescue Haven’s programs—the dog rescue, the after-school program for at-risk boys and the childcare center—Gabby always had time to stop and chat.

And Gabby was right: November in rural Ohio wasn’t sit-outside weather. Wind whisked across the neighboring cornfields, rustling the dry, light brown stalks, carrying with it the faint, clean smell of oncoming snow. “I just need a minute before I start with the dogs,” Hannah said.

“Take a minute! Take an hour, or the whole morning off, if you need. It’s a great thing you’re doing, providing a home for Marnie’s girls.”

“The Learn-and-Play is the only possible way I’ll manage, so thank you for accepting the twins on short notice.” And she didn’t want to take advantage of Gabby’s generosity by skimping on her part-time job as the Rescue Haven dog trainer. What with everything that had happened, she’d already taken too much time off. Not to mention the fact that Gabby was pregnant and didn’t need extra stress. “Let me know if they need anything or get upset.”

Caring for her sister’s eighteen-month-old twin girls had been the right thing to do when Marnie had died of complications after a drug overdose two weeks ago. The desperate phone call from her estranged older sister had shaken Hannah’s world at its foundation. She and Mom had rushed to Marnie’s side and instantly agreed to care for the twins they barely knew.

Which meant that, for now, Hannah was back in her childhood home. Mom’s house had plenty of space, a big yard with a tire swing and was close to Rescue Haven.

Anyway, until they got the twins’ lives in order and their schedules figured out, it was going to take two of them to manage things. Being in the same house was just easier.

Mom was busy trying to keep her struggling bakery afloat during hard times. She was also grief-stricken and guilt-ridden over Marnie’s death—not in any shape to be a primary caregiver. Whereas Hannah… Hannah was more angry at her sister than anything else. Marnie had neglected her babies. She’d caused terrible pain to their mother. And she’d entrusted Hannah with a secret that wasn’t going to be easy to keep.

The blond, curly-haired twins had instantly become Hannah’s priority in life. She had to raise them right, and she would. She yawned. The twins hadn’t slept well last night—again—and she was just so tired…

She might have actually dozed off for a few seconds, and when she opened her eyes, she felt like she was dreaming. “Who’s that?” she asked Gabby as she stared at the movie-star-handsome, rugged man striding toward them.

“You don’t recognize him? That’s Luke Hutchenson.”

Hannah’s stomach lurched. “When did he come back to town?”

Purchase Links:

Harlequin

Target

Bookshop

Google Play Store

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Powells

Many thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this book. It is amazingly uplifting and just right for the season of loving and giving!

Light and Darkness

“If the room in which you are sitting is dark and you hold the only flashlight, who is at fault?” ~Dr. Denison’s Forum, October 4, 2021

Think about this quotation. I don’t know about you, but I have been guilty of going around blaming everyone else (specifically the liberals) for the problems in our nation and around the world. Then, God spoke to me through Dr. Denison’s Forum the other day and I haven’t been able to get out of my mind the fact that the world is a mess and I have a flashlight to shine light on its darkness.

This is what is happening today. Satan is bolder than ever, roaring around and establishing himself as the ruler of this world. Well, we already knew that, right? But what we have to keep in mind is the fact that he is desperate to wreak as much havoc and destruction and to take as many people to the lake of fire with him as he can. And he knows that his time is short, so just as when we know we are running late, he is running around frantically and creating mayhem. What are the Christians doing? If you’re like me, you have been wringing your hands and crying out to God, “Do something, Lord! Don’t you see what is happening here?” Hmm. Well, God gave me the answer. He sees and wants me (and each of you) to shine our lights on what is happening, to point out evil and not to cower away from our responsibilities. If we are watching for evil, we will recognize it when we see it and be able to stand against it.

I was appalled when I read this morning in my daily news blurb that the DOJ and FBI have been unleashed against parents fighting school boards who are pushing Critical Race Theory. These parents are doing what parents should be doing, fighting for the minds of their children not to be indoctrinated by false teachings; unfortunately, the power of the government is standing against them. So, what are we to do? Gird up! Put on the whole armor of God and stand. Shine our lights so that others may see the truth. God does not create divisiveness and such false teachings that promote it. God desires unity, peace, love, serving and forgiveness.

Light and darkness? We have to choose. Do we want to live in the dark and be silent, even though we know we have the light? Or do we want to boldly turn on that light and show the world what is really happening and what they are missing in their lives? If the message about Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind is filling us, then we should be overflowing with it. Not in an angry confrontational way, but in the way in which Jesus confronted evil. He calmly spoke the truth and moved on to the next place that needed to hear it. I’m preaching to myself here because in my own frustration against the current tide of evil, I have had a tendency to grasp the light closer to myself instead of letting it shine. I have not wanted to be condemned by a judgmental world because of my faith. But I am realizing more and more that it is not the world who gets to judge me. God does. He wants me to shine His truth to a people who need to hear it. Light vs. darkness? Light wins every time! There may only be a small glimmer of light at first, but then if we all shine our lights of truth, the light will overcome all of the darkness. That’s what I want to do. My personal beliefs and attitudes towards the evil in today’s society will not make a difference because few people really care what I believe. But maybe, just maybe, if I share the truth of God’s Word, someone will listen and a life will be changed. One more light to shine. One at a time, we can make a difference.

My prayer for you is that the Scriptures above will become a reality in your life and that together, we can shine lights into the darkness of this world. God bless and keep you safe, bold and ever brighter daily.

Review of LABYRINTH OF LIES by Irene Hannon

This second book in the “Triple Threat” series definitely deserves kudos for being captivating, intriguing and intense. Irene Hannon has written a brilliant and insightful page-turner that was as fast-moving as it was complex. This book has a tightly written plot with plenty of suspense. There are numerous characters, all of whom are remarkably realistic. The theme of drugs is definitely relevant and the fact that the author uses code names for the perpetrators up until the climax added to the edginess of the story. I enjoyed the simmering romance between Cate Reilly and her former love interest, Zeke Sloan, and rooted for her to forgive him his past transgressions so that they could move on together. This is an addictive and satisfying addition to the genre of romantic suspense, with the author’s unique style showing in every chapter. Written with clever twists and enticing dialogue, this is one not to miss and can be read as a standalone. My favorite character was Cate’s roommate at the posh Ivy Hill School, a young girl named Kayla who lacked self-confidence but who changed as the book progressed, maturing as her character should have. The book was a fascinating character study of why people choose to do evil and was thought-provoking at times. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a fast-paced and well-crafted mystery, with more than a hint of romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The action in this book is intense, but it is a clean Christian read suitable for all who enjoy a good romantic suspense novel.
For information about the author and her books, please visit her website at http://www.irenehannon.com

Happy Release Day to Irene Hannon! You can purchase her book today at any of these online retailers or at your favorite bookstore:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Powells

Google Play Store

Christian Book

Baker Book House

Bookshop

Target

Indiebound

Many thanks to Revell for allowing me to participate in the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to read and review Christina fiction that I can recommend to all readers!

Get this book today and get wrapped up in a thrilling romantic suspense!

Never Give Up

I’m a firm believer that since God has left me here on this earth after numerous physical challenges, He has me here for a reason. In my devotional this morning, I read that the writer has passed his “best by” date. Honestly, I had never heard old age expressed that way, but after some thought, I decided it’s accurate. There are many things I can no longer do, but there is so much still left that I am able to do. My physical limitations are there but so is my determination to get things done. I cannot take a bath anymore because it’s way too hard to get out of the tub. But, oh, the nice hot showers I enjoy! I cannot read a book and watch a TV show at the same time because my brain no longer likes to multi-task. But I can still enjoy both, just separately. (Although I must state a disclaimer here that my favorite TV show is now Christian music.) I cannot always remember why I have gone into a room, but while I am there, I occupy myself doing something else that may need to be done. You get the idea. As we age, we lose a lot of abilities, but one of the things I have gained is my thankfulness for each day that I awaken and my eagerness to see what the new day will bring.

I truly believe this Scripture, that my Spirit is being renewed daily as God draws me closer to Him. Today, I go to my new nephrologist, the one I requested since the previous one lacked empathy and compassion. I have no idea what the new doctor will be like, but I know that I prayed before I chose him and expect that God will work through him to help me keep my solitary kidney going for as long as possible. Meanwhile, I am thankful that I have a new doctor to see, thankful that my weight is down some and I have been able to eat a little better lately. Mostly, I’m thankful to be on the earth at this time, just where God wants me to be and I’m looking forward to finding His new purpose for each day that He has given me.

I pray that you will find the peace in your spirit today that you need to face whatever the day brings. Remember that the “best by” day may have passed, but that doesn’t mean you have lost your purpose or your usefulness. If you’re still here, God wants to use you. Be open to His Spirit and let Him tell you just what you can do for Him and His Kingdom today.

Have a blessed and awesome day in the Lord. Be your best. Do your best. In Him and for Him, you are the best you that He made. Be blessed!