Relying on God

On April 10, 2024 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/24

How often do we pray, wait impatiently for a few days for an answer and then seek our own solution? I have read the story of the Israelites looking for help in Egypt many times, but this is the first time that I applied it to my own life. I want God to work in my life, but then I try to help Him out or prod Him to use the solution that I have already worked out in my own mind. I need to rely on God, step back and just be willing to wait. When I do wait, the answer is always exactly what I need even though it may lead me in an unexpected direction. Trusting that God wants and knows what is best for me is hard because I am a controlling type personality. But leaning on God takes the pressure off of me and allows me to see His awesome love for me and His power at work on my behalf.

Steadfastly Clinging to God

On April 9, 2024 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/23

This devotional really spoke to me about not being wrapped up in circumstances but rather clinging to the hope that we find in God. Yesterday was a tense day around our house since we knew Isaac was seeing his specialist and getting his test results back. Our son Scott called as soon as Isaac was done at the doctor’s office and we were all on speaker discussing what the doctor had said.

First, the good news. Isaac’s CT scans and bloodwork were clear, showing no malignancy currently present. So, there was rejoicing when we heard that.

The doctor presented three options for treatment because the cancer they removed is extremely aggressive. According to the doctor, this type of cancer most often attacks the abdomen and all of the organs there. The first option is testing every two months. Isaac will have to have bloodwork and or CT scans every two months, regardless of whether he chooses to do the other options or not. The second option is preventative chemotherapy. Of course, there are numerous side effects. Isaac plans to discuss this option with the oncologist when he sees him tomorrow. He is leaning towards just option one and hoping (praying) for the best outcome. The third option is very radical in that they would do surgery and remove his lymph nodes in his abdomen as well as part of his intestines, the area that they think the cancer would head for next. The doctor did not recommend that but he said that if what the cancer attacks is no longer there, it cannot survive, so it is an option. Isaac definitely does not want to do surgery again unless it is necessary. He is still suffering from being sore from the first surgery.

So, in the good news department, clear tests and more to follow. Apparently, this cancer does not just disappear as the doctors had originally reported. So, vigilance is key. Isaac will talk to the oncologist tomorrow and listen to his recommendations before he makes the final decision, but he is leaning towards just getting tested every two months and dealing with the cancer problem if it rears its ugly head again. I would prefer the preventative chemo, but that does interfere with his normal routine and I can understand why he doesn’t like that idea.

Isaac is handling this well, if a bit stoically. He is resigned to whatever comes next and needs a big faith boost. I would like to spend more time with him feeding him with the Word and prayer, but so far, he has no time or interest. His “why, me” attitude has not turned into bitterness, just a resignation that somehow he is under a dark cloud that he cannot escape. I should say here that Isaac had a tough childhood because his sister is non-verbal autistic and from the time he was six, Iris became the priority. So, this is another blow for him and I want to be able to reassure him that God loves him all the time, in all ways and that He didn’t send the cancer to punish or pick on him. Please pray that my husband and I get the time to share truth with Isaac and that God will open his heart to hear and accept it. He has always been curious about our faith, so I pray God will open the door and let us in to help him through this.

I appreciate all of the prayers so far; your love and caring have helped me to face each day’s new challenges. I will post what Isaac finds out from the oncologist and what he recommends once I know anything. I am not enjoying this journey, but I am so thankful that I am not taking it alone.

By the way, my son sent me a nice photo of Isaac in the doctor’s office, looking out the window and wearing his eclipse glasses. He got to see part of the eclipse anyway. And he is really looking forward to his trip to Austin the first week of May. I am happy that he has something to look forward to that will be fun for him. God is good, even when the situation stinks.

Think Good Thoughts

On April 8, 2024 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/28752/day/1

In my younger days, I was known as an “Eeyore” type person. I looked at the positive but spoke about only the negative. I could see the positive clearly enough, but I just couldn’t seem to focus on it. God has dealt with me repeatedly about this tendency and I have worked diligently to overcome this weakness. I am here to report that God is helping me to see positive things in a new light and to focus more on them. Yes, Isaac has cancer, but the good news is that they found it early. He has good doctors who are on top of the situation. He is getting a lot of support from his parents, especially his dad. And he is focusing on his future and not what is happening to him right now. When we look at bad situations and ask God specifically to show us something good in it, He comes through. It’s not because the situation is good (it isn’t) or everything is fine (not true), but it is because we know Who is in control, even of cancer. I once told Isaac my mantra for life: “Nothing will happen today that you and God cannot handle together.” These days, God seems to be testing me on my belief in this…I hope I will pass the test and be a good encourager for Isaac and his family.

The Battle Belongs

On April 7, 2024 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/26710/day/3

I have listened to this song repeatedly, letting the lyrics minister to my heart and soul as I cling to the hope and truth that it offers. We saw Isaac yesterday, but he wasn’t feeling too well so we didn’t get to talk to him much. He was silent, saying he was tired and just wanted to go back to sleep. I also talked to our son, his dad, while Isaac and my husband went to a nearby bookstore. Scott told me that Isaac got another blood test back without any malignant markers on it. So, praise God! He also told me that Isaac already has an oncology appointment scheduled for this Wednesday. Scott is hopeful that the news they receive from the scan tomorrow will allow them to cancel the oncology appointment. I am joining him in faith and hope. Finally, he told me that Isaac has to have a scan every three months for the next five years. I am approaching the whole thing with cautious optimism, knowing that this is not my battle, but God’s, and He loves Isaac more than I could ever conceive.

The last news Scott gave me is that Isaac has reservations to go to Austin, Texas, for a gaming conference on May 7th. I asked what if the doctor advise that he not go because he needs to be here. Scott said, with a stern face of a daddy-warrior, that Isaac deserves some fun and should be allowed to take a few days off to attend something he has looked forward to all year, especially since he doesn’t get to see the eclipse as he had planned. Isaac is excited about the prospect of traveling to a new place, meeting new people who share his interest in video games and getting away from the medical reality of his life for four days. And I am content, knowing that God will go with him.

The Mountains God Has Moved

On April 6, 2024 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Today’s devotional was all about recalling all of the victories God has already granted us, even as we prepare for another battle.

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/26710/day/2?segment=0

The Battle Belongs to God

On April 5, 2024 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App5 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/26710/day/1

I am the person who gets overwhelmed easily when there is no way that I can make a plan to get out of a situation or solve a problem. I want a solution to present itself readily, a problem that I can attack and then work it out to a satisfying conclusion. Unfortunately, Isaac’s cancer is not such a situation or a problem. I don’t see what the end may be and I have nothing to do with the solution. However, I can “fight on my knees” and let God know how I am feeling about this whole “Big C” thing. I want to be a source of strength and encouragement for my son and his family, especially our grandson. We are going to make the trip tomorrow to see Isaac and take him to lunch. We have tried to see him before but he has been busy with his college classes, medical appointments and just life and dealing with it. When my husband finally got in touch with him last night, he said he is free tomorrow, so we made a plan to take him out and spend some time with him. I want to be a good listener, a heart that reaches out in love with the same unconditional love that God shows me. May this be the first of many times that we get to spend with Isaac, sharing and caring and listening to his heart’s cry. If all I can do in this battle is be there to listen, may I be the best listener that God could ever use! Let us be a support system for him when his world and the plans he made for this future seem to be cracking apart. God is still right there, and we want Isaac to know His presence and His love without a shadow of a doubt!

Review of SANDCASTLE INN by Irene Hannon

On April 4, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800741921

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:04/02/2024

Pages:352

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn…and his heart.

My Thoughts

Irene Hannon’s latest book in her Hope Harbor series is a well-crafted and charming story of people who need each other, but they just don’t know it yet. The characters are believable and delightful to get to know, especially Paige and Andrew, a couple down on their luck after a business failure. They are secondary characters but they were my favorites because of Paige’s optimism and her belief that Andrew can still succeed if he is willing to try. Of course, I was immediately drawn into the story of Matt and Vienna, the protagonists. Matt has suffered a devastating loss in his life and is not looking for love while Vienna has just lost her career and is looking for a place to land. All of these exceptional characters end up in Hope Harbor, the little town where dreams become reality and anything can happen. This is a sweet portrayal of family, drama, and developing love, all presented with a depth of emotion and realism that made it a warmhearted and satisfying addition to the series. The characters were easy to cheer for and the scenic setting of a little town with all of its charm and a few quirky characters made the story dance into my heart as it unfolded. There are a few conflicts in this carefully plotted story, but the characters all worked well together towards the happy ending that I so enjoy. I cannot review a Hope Harbor book without mentioning Charlie and his taco stand. Charlie is back again, offering wisdom and even a timely book for Matt to read. The characters, the plot and the setting all combine to make a delightfully satisfying romance with a foundation of faith, hope and family at its core. This book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I would not miss a single visit to the little town of Hope Harbor and all of the emotional depth that the author so realistically and expertly portrays.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

**Irene Hannon** is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than sixty-five contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. She is also a three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—from Romance Writers of America and is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame.
Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carol, HOLT Medallion, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time.
When not writing, she loves to sing, travel, hike, garden, cook, spend time with family, and go on impromptu dates with her own romantic hero.
She and her husband make their home in Missouri.

Purchase Links:

Update: Good News, Maybe?

On April 3, 2024 By vickleaIn prayer request5 Comments

My son got Isaac’s blood tests back yesterday, or I should say, he got a printed report that a common layman without a medical degree cannot fully understand. He sent me a photo of the report and I agreed with him. At least there is nothing marked with red, which according to the legend means a critical alert. However, the results are marked in yellow (notice this?) and I read the report carefully. One sentence stood out: “Results cannot be interpreted as evidence of the absolute presence or absence of malignant disease.” So, I am not sure what that means…nothing definitive, that’s for sure. I will take it to mean that God is still working on the healing. And the doctor will interpret things fully next week when Isaac sees him again for a referral to an oncologist. Meanwhile, keep praying, please.

Review of ALWAYS THINK OF ME by Lori Keesey

On April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781637557259. Publisher:Mascot Books. Publication date:04/02/2024. Pages:344

Sometimes love gives you a second chance. Sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes it returns in a way you could never imagine.

Tyrus Cal, TC to his friends, had no plans to leave his party boy life, but when he met Ginny at an outdoor music festival, he fell. Hard. He brought out his best stories to charm her, and she returned the sentiment with long-buried secrets about her traumatic past.

When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected.

Now he’s on an otherworldly mission to see her again. But that means overcoming his doubts, his fears, and stopping Ginny from doing the unthinkable.

Always Think of Me is an uncommon love story about friendship and do-overs and features a perspective on life that can set us free.

My Thoughts

This is a refreshingly original second chance at romance book with a few surprise twists. TC and Ginny’s meeting at a music festival was humorous at times and also poignant as they both get to know each other well from spending most of the day together. TC is attracted to Ginny, Ginny has to take care of another relationship before she can even think about TC and time passes before they see each other again. I really thoroughly enjoyed the story and the relatable and lovable characters. I especially enjoyed getting to know TC with his joking around and also his vulnerability and compassion for others. He is not your typical swoonworthy hero, but he is worthy of admiration for his heart qualities. Ginny, who had let her past control her present and determine her future, seemed to be a weak character, but she got it together when she needed to. The plot was fast-paced and the entire book was unputdownable and totally engaging. I really wanted to know what would happen to TC and Ginny and the twist kept me glued to the pages as I rushed to finish what is arguably one of the best second chance romance books ever. With a firm foundation in faith, even if the faith originates from a shaky background, this book is uplifting, encouraging and gut-wrenching, all at the same time. The author managed to captivate me with her originality and kept me reading with her sparkle of wit and realism. Don’t miss out on the afterword by the author because it was eye opening and revelatory about the purpose and origins of the book. This is one book that I am more than delighted to have read and would love to give as gifts to friends because everyone needs to read this lovely story of young love and caring for others.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Lori Keesey** considers herself among the lucky. Recently retired, Lori enjoyed a 40-plus-year career as a writer and now has time to pursue her childhood dream of writing fictional characters who make a difference.
She’s written for daily newspapers and trade publications and her freelance work has appeared in regional and trade magazines, specifically those specializing in space exploration. Yes, Lori was a space junkie, and worked for NASA in public outreach for nearly 20 years.
She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.S. in journalism. There she met Kevin Berry, whom she married in 1980. She is the mother of three boys and one dog.
A devout porch sitter, nothing makes her happier than looking at her view of the Chilhowee Mountains and Smoky Mountain National Park.
Born in Washington, D.C., Lori now calls Walland, Tennessee, home.

Purchase Links:

Review of ALWAYS THINK OF ME by Lori Keesey

On April 3, 2024 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781637557259. Publisher:Mascot Books. Publication date:04/02/2024. Pages:344

Sometimes love gives you a second chance. Sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes it returns in a way you could never imagine.

When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected.

Now he’s on an otherworldly mission to see her again. But that means overcoming his doubts, his fears, and stopping Ginny from doing the unthinkable.

Always Think of Me is an uncommon love story about friendship and do-overs and features a perspective on life that can set us free.