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!

Psalm 23 in a Different Way

On By vickleaIn A Miracle Every Day by Grant Fishbook, devotional, God’s blessings, Scripture3 Comments

This is from Grant Fishbook who writes a daily devotional called “A Miracle Every Day.” If you like today’s blog, check out his site at jesus.net

From Grant’s devotional today:

No matter what you’re facing today, I’d like to give you a simple gift from Psalm 23 to remind you that you have a God who wants you to hand all of your anxiety over to Him.

“The Lord is my shepherd…” That’s relationship.

“I lack nothing…” That’s supply.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures…” That’s rest.

“He leads me beside quiet waters…” That’s relief.

“He refreshes my soul…” That’s restoration and healing.

“He guides me along the right paths…” That’s guidance.

“For his name’s sake…” That’s purpose.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley…” That’s testing.

“I will fear no evil…” That’s protection.

“For you are with me…” That’s faithfulness and presence.

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me…” That’s discipline.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” That’s hope.

“You anoint my head with oil…” That’s consecration, being set apart.

“My cup overflows…” That’s abundance.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…” That’s blessing.

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord…” That’s security.

“Forever.” That, my friend… is eternity.

(Psalm 23, NIV) 

No matter what you’re facing today, God has promises that will carry you through. So don’t be anxious. Trust that you have a Good Shepherd who has provided everything you need. He told you he did in Psalm 23. 

My Thoughts

Anxiety, depression and just plain old feeling beaten down by life is normal. Psalm 23 is the antidote. I especially like the hope, guidance and healing because that is what I need right now. What do you need from Psalm 23? Did this devotional touch your heart today and give you a reason to look up and say, “Thank you, God!” God already knows what I am going through and He already provided this devotional and the beautiful Psalm to help me remember that He is right here beside me. I memorized Psalm 23 as a child when I was going to Sunday school with my neighbor. I have often recited it, but today, I am meditating on it and how to apply it to my situation.

May you be blessed and feel secure in His love, my friends.

Death Is Temporary

On By vickleaIn God’s blessings, promises, Scripture3 Comments

The Truth About Life and Death (Daily Refresh 10-06)

No matter what part of this planet you live on, how well you take care of your body, or how much money is in your bank account, there is no escaping death. 

Sounds a little depressing, doesn’t it? But there’s still good news. Really, really good news.

For those who belong to Christ, we have a hope that’s beyond this world…

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Death is the greatest tool of our enemy, which is why Jesus came to defeat it. That’s why He became human, took the ultimate punishment, and put death in its rightful place—under the authority and dominion of God. 

Yes, life is fleeting, but death is only temporary. And the Spirit of God can do what no human can—give life to the lifeless, empower His people, and redeem what has been lost. 

The truth about death is that it’s not the end of the story.

Soon, God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Just as a baby is given the miraculous and mysterious breath of life, His Spirit will revive the seemingly perished and bring the dead back to life!

And that is the really, really good news.

My Thoughts

For many years, I honestly feared death. I was terrified of traveling, lest I die. Terrified of bugs, snakes, rodents, anything that could cause me harm and lead to death. Sounds ridiculous, right? Especially for a born again Christian? I got the born again part but I neglected to focus on the death had lost its sting and I would be with Jesus for eternity.

I think my fear of death started when my uncle committed suicide when I was in college. He was a fun-loving upbeat guy and suddenly, he wasn’t there any longer. And the worst was the people who told us that there was no way he was in heaven because there was no way he could repent before he pulled that trigger.

Thus, I went around in a constant state of anxiety, fearing that I hadn’t repented and if I died, then I was done…over..finished.

Then, finally, I started reading the Bible and discovering the words of wisdom there about death and the fact that Jesus conquered it, once and for all. “It is finished” wasn’t just for sin. It was also for the end of death and Satan’s hold on us. Now, I am free to really live and enjoy life without the terror of what is around the next corner waiting to drag me off to the world of the dead. No matter how I die or when I die, I will go to be with the Lord. The part of taking my last breath is temporary because when I take my next breath (if that is a thing in heaven), it will be in the presence of the Lord. No fear, no doubt, no death!

Do you fear dying? Jesus is the answer to your fear!

Choose Church

On By vickleaIn Characteristics of God, God’s blessings, praise, Scripture2 Comments

Sunday is a busy day for many families. They run errands, participate in activities with other families and perhaps go to a sporting event or theater performance. But Sunday in our house has consistently been the day that we set aside to attend church.

One of the most important parts of church is encouraging each other. Look for the person who is sitting alone and talk to them. Get out of your comfort zone and help someone else to be comfortable in God’s house. Who knows what seed you may be sowing or what blessing you may receive just from reaching out to someone else? After all, you were once a newcomer to that congregation. Think about how you felt, and take the time to smile and welcome a stranger.

Think about the difference between praise and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving starts with God doing something for us, and we are thankful. Praise just starts with who God is, and there are no words to adequately express the glory due His name. Praise is based on God’s character while thanksgiving is based on His actions. Note that His actions always follow His character because God is and always will be God. As you attend church, remember to offer thanksgiving and praise. Our unchangeable, unstoppable God deserves both!

Have a blessed Sunday, my friends.

Saturday Sounds

On By vickleaIn praise, Song, Video2 Comments

What sounds are in your life right now? For me, it’s the washing machine, the dryer, my husband flipping pages of his notebook as he pays bills. And me hitting the keys on the keyboard. The sounds I want to hear are praise, so that’s what I will share as I surround myself with the comforting presence of the Lord.

Holy Forever-Chris Tomlin

Goodness of God-Bethel Music

10,000 Reasons-Matt Redman

Here I Am to Worship-Maranatha Music

Give Thanks-Into the Light

My Jesus, My Saviour-Light Generation

Above All-Michael W. Smith

So, as you travel down life’s road today, what sounds are you hearing? What are you listening to? Share in the comments and let me know the praise songs you listen to or sing as you start the day. Every day has its challenges, but every day is always better when you start with praise.

First Line Friday

On By vickleaIn Scripture, testimony7 Comments

Today’s first line will be different than what you are probably expecting. My first line is from the Book of John in the Holy Bible.

The Book of John is near and dear to me because it was in reading this book, all alone in my apartment late at night fifty plus year ago, that I turned to the Lord for salvation. My neighbor gave me the Bible and the Holy Spirit prodded me to read it. I read, I believed, I received, I accepted and I began a lifelong journey of repentance and change.

What is the first line you ever read in the Bible? What is your testimony? Sharing is important because it is in sharing, just as my neighbor did, that we show we truly care.

Have a blessed day, friends!

Being Thankful

On By vickleaIn Admonition, God’s blessings, Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

Choose Thankfulness (Daily Refresh, 10-02-25)

For years, nothing in King David’s life looked “good.” His family underestimated him, giants despised him, and his father-in-law spent years trying to kill him. But the whole time, David clung to a promise that God would establish him, and eventually make him king of Israel. 

David never gave up or gave in—he chose to stay close to God and wait for Him to act. And when God showed up, this is how David responded:

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

David knew that even when life didn’t look good, he served a God who IS good. And this same God is still actively fighting for us now.

Through His Son, Jesus, He has given us continual access to Himself. We can never lose His unfailing love toward us—a love that endures forever, no matter what goes on around us.  

David recognized this, and proclaimed it. And every day, we have the opportunity to do the same. 

Here are 2 practical ways that we can respond to God’s goodness and love:

– THANK HIM IN PRAYER
When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, he told them to start like this: “Our Father in heaven, help us to honor Your name.” It’s fine to ask God for things, but real relationships include both giving and taking. So at least once a day for the next week, go to God in prayer and thank Him for something He’s done—without asking Him for anything in return. 

– SHARE YOUR STORY
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to honor God by “proclaiming our allegiance to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) So what has God done for you? Where have you seen Him provide, protect, show up, or show off through your life? Look for natural opportunities to share what God is doing in you with someone else. 

Right now, reflect on your life and thank God for His eternal goodness. Nothing you have faced or will face is too much for the God who loves you and died for you. Bring Him your concerns, surrender your expectations, choose thankfulness, and allow Him to reveal the evidence of His goodness in your life.

My Thoughts

I am really thankful that God’s love is always there for me, in the early morning hours and in the late night ones, too. This has been a season that has been different for me. I am the one who picks up dropped items because I am still limber enough to do so. I feed the cat, get her clean water, scoop her litter. All of which requires bending over and stretching. But, then, I broke my foot. What does that have to do with bending? Honestly, I don’t know how it all works together, but I know that it does because since I have been in my boot, I cannot bend over more than a few inches without severe back pain. I can only sleep a few hours without getting up, stretching and awkwardly shuffling around due to the pain in my back. Yes, my foot throbs some, but it is my back that has been giving me fits. I get up early and sit with the heating pad to ease some of the aching. But through it all, God has been close. He lifts me up and comforts me. He is always good and His love is always right there, reaching out to me.

Unlike David, I don’t have enemies pursuing me or a giant to slay. I dare say that you don’t either. Nevertheless, we each have our own daily struggles. This month it’s my foot and my back. Next month it may be something else. (As they say, getting older is not for the faint of heart.) But I know that I know that just as God has carried me this far, He will continue to carry me to the end.

I thought about being thankful and realized that very seldom do I just stop and thank the Lord without also asking for something along with my gratitude. I plan to change that and start just thanking Him, and then being quiet. After all, do we really feel that someone has been thankful when in the first breath they thank us and then the next one they ask for something else? If all I learned this morning is to just stop and say thank you to God, then that is enough.

Review: DOUBLE PROTECTION DUTY by Sharon Dunn

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957276

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Dakota K-9 Unit , #7

Pages:208

A family trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns into a nightmare when K-9 officer Kenyon Graves discovers one of his twin boys has been abducted. Now Kenyon needs the help of his team and his longtime friend Raina McCord to save his toddler son. But the kidnappers are elusive—and intent on killing anyone who stands in the way of their sinister scheme. With threats closing in, time is of the essence to catch these criminals…before Kenyon and Raina pay the ultimate price.

My Thoughts

Kenyon is a widowed single father of twin boys and Raina is one of his best friends. She was also the caregiver for the twins when Kenyon was injured during an undercover operation. Kenyon has a sweet canine named Peanut who constantly supports and protects Kenyon. A fun trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns harrowing when one of the twins is kidnapped. Kenyon has to depend on Raina and his team to find Beacon and to safeguard both boys from another possible attempt since they have not yet discovered a motive behind the bizarre event. The twists in the story keep coming even after the suspects are revealed because the motive is elusive and the red herrings are plentiful. When Raina is also targeted, Kenyon is forced to confront his feelings for her and either declare that he loves her or release her to find her own way in life. There is a secondary story that is also filled with non-stop action because Kenyon and his team are tracking down a group of gun runners who seem to be operating in their little corner of the world. These bad guys are intelligent and clever enough to constantly avoid capture and to also endanger Kenyon and his team. This is a fast-moving and brilliantly written story that is a page turner with captivating characters and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to the next book in the series already.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated G, Clean Inspirational Fiction

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. Website: Sharon Dunn

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Review of MEMORY OF MURDER by Debra Webb

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335690197

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #3

Pages:224

Born to a jailed mother convicted of murdering her husband, Anne Griffin has tried to put her past behind her. The two were always painfully estranged. But when ace Colby investigator Jack Brenner arrives at Anne’s door with new evidence, she decides to help him reexamine the thirty-year-old cold case. One clue is the journal her now-deceased mother kept, vehemently claiming her innocence. But as Anne and Jack come closer to the truth—and each other­­­­­—danger follows them. Someone wants a secret to stay buried.

My Thoughts

Colby Agency investigator Jack Brenner is on the case, enlisting the help of Anne Griffin, a young woman whose mother was convicted of killing her father. Anne had no idea that her mother might be innocent until Jack showed up with a journal that enlightened her about a lot of things that happened in her mom’s life. Jack and Anne travel to the small town of Crystal Lake, where the crime occurred, to investigate her father’s death and discover the truth about what happened to him, even it it meant that Anne’s mother Mary Morton was actually guilty. There, they stir up a hornet’s nest of lies and secrets that lead to their being in constant danger from an unknown source. With their lives on the line and Mary’s innocence at stake, they continue to pursue the truth wherever it may lead them. I loved the intense drama and the way the mom’s journal was part of the story, giving insight to her life before and after her imprisonment. Many of the characters were not likable since they were suspects in a murder that may have led to an innocent young teacher being jailed for the rest of her life, but all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, adding depth to an absorbing story. As I read, I was totally invested in the story, which read much like a true crime tale from the “Innocence Project.” There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing and I was shocked at the big reveal at the end. I loved that I did not figure out what was really going on! This is a fast-paced and compelling story that is brilliantly plotted by an author who knows how to build suspense. Fans of the author and of riveting suspense don’t want to miss this one!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Harlequin Intrigue, Rated PG-13

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 175 novels, including reader favorites Devlin & Falco, Finley O’Sullivan and the Faces of Evil  series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity.

With more than ten million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

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A Step, A Misstep and Back on Track

On By vickleaIn God’s blessings, Scripture, testimony3 Comments

I was so happy yesterday that I felt stable enough on my boot to be able to attend Sunday school and church. I had no idea what having my leg down all that time would feel like since I have been elevating it as much as possible.

The boot is somewhat weighty but I am praying that it does the job of helping my fractured foot to heal.

Anyway, church went well. Our granddaughter was there with us and agreed with me that the music was too loud as usual. The first song’s percussion and bass were annoyingly loud, so I was glad I had my noise-cancelling headphones to wear. The sermon was about part of the Sermon on the Mount and was a timely and relevant message that we enjoyed. After church, we had made plans to go to a local restaurant to celebrate Teya’s first week of work and first week of staying with us.

I thought I had done pretty well so far when we headed to the restaurant. My foot was throbbing a little and achy, but not so much that it wasn’t bearable. When we got to the restaurant, I requested a table instead of a booth since I knew that a booth would be difficult for me to get into and out of. Unfortunately, there was a wait for a table, even though I could see plenty of empty ones from the entrance. Those were not available due to understaffing, I think. So, I stood and waited with my foot throbbing. (I had to stand since the seating for waiting is too low for me to get up again.) I got more irate about the wait as time passed and told my husband and Teya that I would have to leave a poor review online if this continued. Teya calmly told me that they were doing the best they could…the voice of reason to my raging sea. After about fifteen minutes, we were shown to our table and we enjoyed a good meal and good fellowship together. I am happy to report that my mood improved as I prayed to God to calm me and strengthen me. Our server was outstandingly attentive, polite and cheerful, so the experience was good.

All of that to say that I could have ruined the whole thing with my poor attitude if our sweet granddaughter had not reproved me, gently and with love, but a reproof nevertheless. I think God used her to remind me of what was important, i.e. being a good witness, not just demanding my own way.

So, I took a step out, took a misstep towards impatience and irritation and then got back on track with the help of a gentle word from Teya. All of that proves to me that no matter how far I think I may have come, I have a lot farther to go. God is still working on me, and I am still a work in progress.