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!

Qualified and Sent

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

The Messengers of Good News (YouVersion Daily Refresh 5-18-25)

Pause for a moment and reflect on your role as a bearer of the good news. Are you actively sharing the love of Christ with those around you? Are you seeking to be a living testimony of His grace?

You might read Paul’s call to “preach” in Romans 10:14 and think this call is reserved for a pastor, priest, or teacher. But our homes, workplaces, and communities can serve as pulpits of influence when we live surrendered to Him. In these seemingly ordinary spaces, we can share the love of Christ through a listening ear that brings peace to a troubled mind, a helping hand that lifts burdens, or a word of encouragement that rekindles hope. 

As a follower of Christ, you are qualified to share this hope and encourage others! What God desires is obedience and willingness to be a vessel of His Word. In the simplicity of everyday interactions, we become vessels of His love and messengers of the gospel.

As believers, we have an integral role in sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit equips you. God chooses and empowers you. And the seeds you sow, even the tiniest ones, have the power to take root and spread the message of salvation.

My Thoughts

As most of my regular blog readers know, I just returned from attending the graduations of three grandchildren. All finished their degrees and are ready for whatever is next in their lives. They are qualified to work in various fields, including mechanical engineering, computer science, math and psychology. What made them “qualified”? First of all, it was the hours that they spend studying and completing courses, with a lot of tests and challenges along the way. More importantly, it was their interest in and dedication to the field in which they are qualified.

All of us who call ourselves Christians are also qualified. We didn’t participate in a big ceremony with a lot of fanfare and “pomp and circumstance.” Rather, most of us were quietly called on the battlefield of life and it happened as soon as we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. God planted a seed in us that grew and He wants us to plant those same seeds in others. As the emboldened print says, one does not have to stand in the pulpit to share the good news. You can share it anywhere with anyone who seems discouraged or needy. We just have to be listening for God’s gentle prodding to share. We are already qualified; God equips those He calls and He has called every believer to share the good news, the only news that can set people free from sin and on the road to eternity with Him. Choose someone, anyone, this week whom God has laid on your heart and call them, text them, send them a card. Do whatever you can to be an encourager to the downtrodden. I know it will sound hokey, but most days when I am going out to appointments, I pray that God will put someone in my path who needs a kind word of encouragement and perhaps with whom I can share a tidbit of testimony. He has been faithful each time to do so. People in waiting rooms, those coming in out of the rain, the mom who is overwhelmed with her job and the childcare that she is trying simultaneously to master. God will show you who; you just need to step out and say what the Lord inspires you to say. After all, you are already fully qualified.

We Have Come a Long Way

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

The Spirit of Truth (YouVersion Daily Refresh 5-17-25)

One of the major promises in the Old Testament is that one day the Spirit of God would dwell within the people of God. Previously, the people of God interacted with the presence of God within the temple.

In fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort God’s people. This has big implications. It means that Christians have access to the presence of God by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. God’s Spirit is with us wherever we go.

Jesus mentions in John 16:13 that the Spirit of God will guide us into all truth. God desires to be part of our daily journey through life, helping us and guiding us towards what is right. 

When we have questions about what direction in life to take, the Holy Spirit is there to help us. When we’re not sure what is right or wrong, the Holy Spirit is with us to bring light to our decision.

Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will speak to us in accordance with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit will also reinforce and help us understand what we read in Scripture.

Throughout this week, make an effort to be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Remind yourself that God is with you every day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and illuminate your path in life, and spend time praying to be comforted and strengthened by God.

My Thoughts

I don’t know about you, but I have come a long way in my faith walk. I started by going to Sunday school with a neighbor to a local Presbyterian church. When I went to college, I sometimes went to my roommate’s Catholic Church, just to see what it was like. I couldn’t really understand much of the service since at the time, most of it was in Latin. Then, I graduated from college, moved into my own apartment, and a neighbor introduced me to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Shortly thereafter, a pastor introduced me to the Holy Spirit and the fact that He lives within me. That…that was the life change I needed to continue my faith walk and to get closer to God.

When I have difficulty making a choice and have to make one in a split second, I depend on the Holy Spirit to guide me. When I am lonely, frustrated, getting angry or depressed about life’s circumstances, if I can just get still for a few minutes and still my raging thoughts, the Holy Spirit will calm me.

One of the things I have purposed to do this year is memorize more Scripture. I confess that I am not very good at it, but I keep plugging along. One of the verses I memorized is John 14:26 which says: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Teaching and reminding are important parts of my life, especially as I grow older and forget things more often. Leaning into the Holy Spirit for help remembering God’s faithfulness when my faith is failing helps me to get through hard times. We all need to be reminded of where we started and where we are now, if only for the sake of learning to be appreciative. I am so glad that God promised the Holy Spirit, fulfilled His promise and now His Spirit lives within me, not in a hokey, woo-woo kind of way, but in a way that is as real and as close as my next breath. I try to be ever mindful of the Holy Spirit in my life and I desire to make choices that would be pleasing to God by following His leading. I hope each of you who reads this post today take time to reflect on the difference the Holy Spirit’s presence has made in your life and take time to thank God for this awesome promise. We have indeed all come a long way!

He’s A Big, Big God

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

Deep Confidence in a Big God (YouVersion, Daily Refresh, 5-16-25)

Before the telescope was invented, all that was known about the sky above was what could be seen with the naked eye.

Now, thanks to advances in modern technology, we are aware of far-off galaxies, stunning nebulas, and mysterious black holes. Now, we realize that our knowledge was (and still is) severely limited. 

There’s something about staring up at a blanket of stars that beckons wonder. There’s something about a watercolor sunset that invites curiosity. There’s something about standing on top of a giant rock—that’s suspended on nothing in the middle of a massively complex universe—that invites worship.

We are merely discovering what God has put here in the first place. And the more we uncover, the more we are filled with awe.

Yes, the heavens remind us of God’s majesty; the skies remind us of His splendor. But they also remind us of how big He is and how small we are. They remind us of His vastness and our limitations, and of His independence and our utter dependence on Him.

So whenever you see a star-filled sky, are stopped in your tracks by a brilliant sunrise, or read about some extraordinary discovery on the fringes of space, don’t forget to praise the One who has created and sustained it all along.

My Thoughts

If this trip of over 1000 miles this week has taught me anything, it has taught me to look around me at the wonderful world that God has given us to enjoy. I have looked at the mountains of PA, the rolling hills there and the beautiful sunset after a mostly rainy day. I have seen the green, mountainous landscape of West Virginia, the flat farmlands all along the way and the beautiful flowering trees and plants. God created and put us here to enjoy it. We see, we are grateful and more than that, God’s creation teaches us to trust. In times of change, like having three grandchildren whom I held as infants graduate from college, it is a good time to remember that God does not and will not change. He is always as close as our next prayer. I am deeply grateful for all that God has allowed me to see and experience. I know that He is a big, big God because of all He has done and continues to do for me.

Today, we head home (yes, that was a big sigh of relief), and tomorrow is the final college graduation of our oldest grandson. God continues to amaze me with the talents he has given these young adults and the way I am certain He will use them if they will let Him. There are a lot of miles on this body and so many steps over the last ten days that I am aching, but God is an awesome God who gave me the strength for each mile and each step, and I am confident He will be with me, showing me new things until He calls me home.

A Difficult Season of Life

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Walking Through Trials (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 5-14-25)

Let’s start by debunking a myth: Nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many times in the Bible, Christ-followers find themselves persecuted, under attack, or facing trouble of all kinds.

In a letter from James to first-century believers, James informs them about the various trials that they will experience in life:

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 NIV

When we see trials as a means of becoming more like Jesus, then we’ll be blessed by them.

Maybe you can think back to a difficult season of life. Looking back, you might be able to point out how God refined you coming out of it. God is often at work behind the scenes deepening our character and enlarging our capacity, even when we don’t see it.

Maybe you’re going through one of those difficult seasons right now. Take this passage to heart! You can stand firm and persevere—knowing there is a promised reward in heaven. While rewards on this side of heaven are not promised, looking towards our final destination with Jesus gives us hope to endure the trials in the present.

If you’re walking through a difficult season of life, spend some time meditating on the promises of God. He promises to never abandon you or leave you, but to walk alongside you through trials. And at the end of the trial, you’ll be more like Christ.

Take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness and love in your life.

My Thoughts

I will have to keep my thoughts brief today as we are getting ready to travel again, this time from PA to MD, on our way back to Virginia to attend the final college graduation of our oldest grandson. This has been a trial for me in that I don’t like traveling. But the reward has been in seeing the joy on the faces of our grandchildren as they receive that diploma that they have worked so hard for. So, there are some rewards on earth, just not the ultimate one that we are all looking forward to.

The part I put in bold from the devotional is what spoke to my heart today. Becoming more like Jesus should always be our goal. And enduring trials with that goal in mind makes them more palatable if not welcome. No one enjoys going through trials, but they are part of life here on earth and each trial can be considered a preparation for the greater things to come. I think of the things I have been through and realize that I am a different person because of them, a stronger person in my faith because each trial has taught me to lean more on God and less on myself. No matter what you are going through, remember God isn’t leaving you there; rather, He is walking beside you through it.

Condone or Condemn

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Quotation and Citations, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

In our world where sin is rampant and overtly practiced, it is hard for us not to condemn the sinner or condone the sin by saying nothing. Here is good advice from a recent devotional on the YouVersion App:

By saying nothing, our silence seems to condone the sin. By ranting and raving about the sin, we are condemning the sinner without offering them a different pathway. If we think about Jesus and His example, then we will get our actions and words right.

In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus forgave but He also gave instructions. He told her to “Go and sin no more.” When we speak to sinners, we have to tell them about better choices, not just condemn them for their sinful actions. The better choice is believing in Jesus who forgave all and died on the cross for the sins that they are choosing to commit.

I have been guilty of silence (condoning) as well as condemnation. I want to try to do better in my witness and strive to be more like Jesus who showed the sinners a better way, pulling them to a safe shore instead of leaving them floundering in their sea of sin. We can all probably do better, but we have to make a conscious choice to do so. I hope that you will make that choice with me.

Review of AFTER PARIS by Mary Ellen Taylor

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781662513442 Publisher:Amazon Publishing Publication date:05/13/2025 Pages:335

At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…

Cécile, the “it” girl of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.

Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.

My Thoughts

The story of Ruby, an author who is inspired to write the story of a missing actress and her dressmaker, is one that is poignant, realistic and soul-stirring. The women she is writing about lived during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied France. Facing danger daily was part of their way of life since both Cecile, the actress, and her dressmaker Sylvia, worked with the resistance by feeding them information via Cecile’s sister Emile. The story is a dual timeline story, showing the struggles of Cecile and Sylvia in 1940’s France and the challenge to grasp life that Ruby faces since she is a cancer survivor. The themes of strength, courage, fortitude and persistence are prevalent in this novel that had me crying and cheering, just pages apart. The characters were totally realistic, especially Ruby and her determined quest to find out the truth about Sylvia and Cecile. Using a journal written by Sylvia, Ruby researches and continues to dig out nuggets of Sylvia’s story of being a Jew in Paris when the Nazis were working hard to exterminate them. The book was well-paced and totally absorbing as I lost myself in the pages, wanting to know as much as Ruby did what had happened to Sylvia and Cecile. With multiple narrators and a well-woven story, the history of the women is given in a way that is a compelling look at self-sacrifice and family love. This book is without a doubt one of the best WWII historical fiction novels that I have read, told with the grit and authentic details that made me gasp with awe or disgust, depending on what was happening in the scene. The author brilliantly and seamlessly wove the stories of the women together, even as they were decades and a continent apart. I loved the story and the writing style that captivated my attention and securely held it from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: 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.

Rated PG-15, intense scenes and closed door sexual encounters

About the Author

Amazon Charts bestselling author, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state Virginia is evident in her contemporary women’s fiction, including The Promise of Tomorrow, Winter Cottage, Spring House, and Honeysuckle Season. She brings her new home on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to life in her latest novel The Brighter The Light and When the Rain Ends.  

As do so many people, her protagonists search for their place in the world, exploring issues of family, home, love and belonging. Inevitably, Mary Ellen’s stories interweave setting, history and mysteries that span past and present. Website: maryellentaylor.com

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

Indiebound

Audible

Happy Mother’s Day

On By vickleaIn gratitude, Scripture2 Comments

I like that we celebrate mothers because I know that many work hard at the job of raising children. I am especially grateful for those mothers who raise their children to know the Lord and to have God as a priority in their lives. Some mothers gave birth to their children, some have adopted children and some are mothers of the heart. Whatever you are and wherever you are, may God bless you for your love and faithfulness.

A Rest Stop

On By vickleaIn Admonition, promises, Scripture3 Comments

As we prepared for our long trip to attend graduation ceremonies and to spend time with family, I knew that my husband was also planning where we could stop to rest. Per a medical directive and because of my single kidney, I can only travel three hours maximum without taking a break to walk around and use the facilities. So, our trips have included “mandatory” rest stops for the last five years or so. Those rest stops interrupt our journey but they also refresh us. Our bones creak and moan as we first get out of the car, but as we walk more, we get more limber and the pain we were feeling eases off. Rest stops restore our ability to function in the car and continue the trip.

We need rest stops in life, too. I think of church meeting as one such rest stop. The majority of the time, it is the Sunday service . But it also includes Monday night Bible study, the monthly women’s fellowship meetings and the annual gathering of women from several different area churches. All of these provide nourishment for my soul and a break from the routines and challenges of daily life. We get to encourage other believers just as they encourage us.

Another rest stop in life is the daily devotional that should be a joyful habit. Each day, once I have finished my morning meds and ablutions, I head to my chair and open my Bible for my time with God. Sometimes, I hear a chorus or hymn in my head and search it out online to remind myself of the word and to enjoy the worship time. Sometimes, I look out the window at the flowers and birds as I offer praise to God and reflect on His goodness. Every day with God is a rest stop in my life, a much needed respite from the demands of the day and a time to get closer to the Creator who wants to get closer to me.

I hope each of you has a rest stop every day of your life. Our bodies need more than food and sleep. Our souls crave time with God and it should be our priority time, not our leftovers. That isn’t to say you must do your devotional first thing in the morning. You should pick a time that works for you and schedule it, just as you schedule medical appointments. You keep those appointments because you know how important it is for the doctors to check you regularly. Keeping a daily appointment with God is important for you to get a check up with God. He already knows how you are doing, but He wants you to know that He cares and is there for you whenever you need Him. Establishing time with Him daily builds that very important relationship with Him. I have found that first thing in the morning each day works for me. If I wait later, my husband is up and about and talking to me so I can’t focus on God alone. The evening doesn’t work for me because I get tired and tend to fall asleep instead of pray. So, early A.M works for me. I encourage you to find a time that works for you, but don’t be legalistic about it and get into a tailspin because you miss your time one day. Just keep plugging along and spending time with God. He will be there whenever you show up, ready to listen and love. Take a rest stop with God and allow Him to restore your soul and refresh you.

God Will Finish It

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

He Started It (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 5-02-25)

When the Apostle Paul was locked in a Roman prison for telling people about Jesus, he sent a letter of hope to his friends back in Philippi. A portion of it said:

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Though Paul was writing to specific people in the first-century Church, his words are just as true for the global Church today. 

Think about it: Who started this thing we call life? Who made this world and everything in it? Who fine-tuned the universe to actually make sense? Who put you here—at this specific time in history? Who handcrafted your body, your mind, your strengths, and your unique-to-you personality? Who began this good work?

Before you were ever born, God already had you in mind. Before you could even walk or talk or have dreams for yourself, God already had a plan. Before you knew to look to Him or to follow Him or to worship Him, God was already at work—in you, around you, and through you. 

Sometimes it feels like we’re just wasting time and taking up space, without real purpose. But—it turns out—God is intentional and He makes no mistakes. To top it off…

God always finishes what He starts. 

The story isn’t over. When Christ returns once and for all, the work of God through His people will finally be complete.

Until then, let’s commit to God’s good work inside of us. 
Let’s magnify Him in everything we do. 
Let’s believe that He’ll finish what He has begun.

My Thoughts

I like to finish what I start and I generally have good intentions to do so. But sometimes, I am thwarted by others or I just drop the ball myself, losing interest in the project. For many years, I had an unfinished crochet blanket in my closet. I had started it when my son’s wife was pregnant and then I never finished it. It was a nice color and had a nice pattern, and I did enjoy crocheting. As the years passed and I still saw the unfinished blanket in the closet, I tried several times to finish it, but I had lost two things: 1)the ability since my arthritis was painful in my hands and 2)the knowledge since I had forgotten how to crochet the stitches as well as the pattern I was working on. I had lost my motivation to complete the project. My intentions were good, but my follow through was lacking.

I am thankful that God does not have that problem. He starts something and sees it all the way to completion. He is our Creator and His love for us is perfect, not wavering and distracted. Thus, He can be trusted to bring us to the finish line. That truth motivates me to stick with God and to keep trying. I may fall and fail but I know that if I pick myself up and truly repent, God is right there helping me to get back on the right track again. He doesn’t just say, “That’s it! I am done with you. You’re on your own now!” I think many people have had that experience in life with other people and that makes it hard for them to trust God. But God does not lie and He does not quit. He keeps working, molding, shaping, whispering words of encouragement to us. I don’t always see what God is doing or the plan that He has for me, but I know that whatever the end result is will be a good one and the one that is perfect for me. It’s all a matter of believing God’s Word and it says He will finish what He started. I believe that and I hope you do, too.

Just Be Willing

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Immeasurably More (YouVersion Daily Refresh 5-01)

What’s the boldest prayer you can think to pray? Or the most incredible thing you can dare to imagine?

Did you know that God can top it?

Paul said it like this: 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You know those quiet dreams in your heart? God put them there. You know that ache for something better than this broken world? God gave you that desire. You know the deepest longings of your soul? God knows how to fulfill them. 

Like Paul said, God can do more than we ask or imagine, but we also must remember the second part of his words: according to his power at work within us. 

It’s all God’s power and His plan. But He has invited us into it.

So what’s our part in this process? 

We can give glory to Him—knowing that it’s Him who gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). He created us, loves us, and has entrusted us with sharing His message with the world.

We can submit ourselves to His plan—knowing that it’s all God, but He chooses to work in and through His people to accomplish His purposes. He doesn’t need us to be perfect, He just wants us to be willing.

We can trust Him with the process—knowing that He is good, righteous, worthy, strong, and eternal. We don’t have to know all the answers because we already have Him, and He can do more than we can ask or imagine.

My Thoughts

I put in bold what I think is the most important part of this devotional. We have to be willing to follow God’s plan. I know that one of my strengths is organization. But it is also a great weakness for me because after I get everything all organized, I don’t like it when something changes my plans. That is actually a gross understatement. I have a tendency to get really stressed if my plans are not carried out exactly the way I planned them. God has been working on me about this, showing me that His plan is the one that counts and if He wants to stop or adjust my plan, then I have to go with that. It will be better for me in the long run. God is always working to do more than I ask, more than I think of, even with my copious lists with everything all planned out. God’s plan is the best one! I am still learning to pause, listen and trust because even though I may fret about changes, God is in control of the changes and the final results. And that makes everything okay with me.