I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
For several days now I have been unable to comment on your posts. I am still reading them, but I cannot comment. Please know that I am still enjoying your posts and will comment again as soon as WordPress decides what is wrong and how to fix it.
I also want to ask that those of you who pray please keep our grandson in your prayers. He saw his surgeon for his follow up visit today and was told that the cancer he had is very aggressive. They will do a CT scan next week and then he has to talk to his regular doctor about getting a referral to an oncologist and possibly beginning chemotherapy. We are all devastated by this news since we were told that the surgery would take care of the problem and he would be fine once he recovered from the surgery. Please hold him up in your prayers. He is only twenty two and wants to be able to live his life, but there’s a pause here. Thank you for praying for him, his parents and me and his grandfather. We want to be encouragers for him if I can talk to him without crying.
The same week that he had his surgery, I had a precancerous large tumor removed from my colon. I cried on my husband’s shoulder tonight and told him that I would rather have cancer than for our beloved grandson to be suffering this way.
During this Holy Week, let’s remember the sacrifice that Jesus made. He was the pure and holy Lamb of God, perfect in all of His ways. Yet He became sin for us so that we could live forever with His father in heaven. Focus on the great love that Jesus had and refresh yourself in the water of His love and abiding presence.
Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven’s guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.
Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family’s business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can’t bear to lose like that again.
Before construction on the house can begin, Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger—but because of whom?
My Thoughts
This book transported me immediately to the beautiful setting of Gossamer Falls, captivated me and would not let me go. The story of Landry, a single mother who is threatened from an unknown source, and Cal, a hero who just wants to stay away from women, is one of the best I have read in romantic suspense. The suspense builds methodically as I was introduced to the characters and got to know more about the danger Landry and her young child Eliza faced. As the danger became more real, my heart was in my throat and this book was absolutely unputdownable. The characters were dynamic, relatable and lovable, if somewhat mysterious. One of my favorite characters is Mo, a man with a lot of secrets and a talent with technology that gets him into secret places with little effort. I also enjoyed meeting Landry, the young woman burned by love who is guarding her and Eliza’s hearts from being hurt again so she is not looking for a new relationship when she moves to Gossamer Falls. The developing friendship between Cal and Landry is realistic and engaging, with my cheering for them to step out and take a chance on love again. The process was fascinating to read and completely entertaining. I loved the suspense that was built into the story, with some really big surprises as Landry’s life and livelihood are attacked. This book is a fast-paced and well-written introduction to what I am sure will be an enthralling series. The author always does a wonderful and thorough job of research and I especially enjoyed the information about Cal’s contracting business and Landry’s pottery. All of the facts from their backgrounds contributed to my fascination with the edgy and brilliantly written tale with its clever twists and complex intrigue that kept the plot moving to a satisfying conclusion. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy because I enjoy this author’s books tremendously and collect them. 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.”
Christian Fiction with intense suspense, Rated PG
About the Author
Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas! Unknown Threat, the first book in her Defend and Protect series, was a 2021 Christy Award finalist, and her previous titles have won the Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is a frequent conference speaker and has taught writers all over the country. Lynn lives in South Carolina with her true love and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and @LynnHBlackburn on Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, andInstagram.
As you read the devotional and Isaiah 5 today, consider that the vineyard can be any nation that the Lord has called to serve Him and to bear fruit for Him. Yes, the verses are applicable to Israel first, of course, but are they not also applicable to the current nations of the world? God has blessed the United States for many years with abundance, prosperity and a reputation as a world leader. As I watch our slowly losing all of this because of our great determination to go our own way and against God, I am not surprised that the vineyard is not producing fruit. We who are Christians need to produce fruit, pray for God’s mercy on our land and give the fruit that we produce to others so that they, too, may know of God’s goodness and provision. We are not producing fruit to consume it ourselves; its purpose is to feed others so that they may live an abundant and God-fearing life.
Do we as members of God’s great church here on earth attract people to Him or chase them away? Do we get so involved in the sins of the world and our attempts to add our opinions and try to correct them instead of fulfilling our purpose of drawing people to God? This is definitely food for thought. May the church be a signpost pointing to God, not the judge of evil. That is God’s job and He does it perfectly. Our mission is one to lead people to reconciliation and restoration to a relationship with our Creator. As much as we want to condemn, shake our heads and walk away, that is not our purpose.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin, hosted by Just Read Publicity Tours.
About the Book
Title: Flicker of Trust Series: Burning Bright #2 Author: Eleanor Bertin Publisher: Leaf & Blade Publishing Release Date: February 21, 2024 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
When a woman disappears, Ryan’s past is fair game. Party animal Ryan Hainstock has made an about-face. He’s now an elder-caring, money-saving, church-going man with bright plans to set himself up farming. Somehow, whether he rates with her or not, those plans always include sweet and smart Lynnie Min and her young daughter. Problem is, Ryan’s past keeps coming back to condemn him. Lynnie Min, too young for the title of widow, travels the lonely road of single motherhood in a rural community. Her dreams were crushed by tragedy when terrorists claimed the lives of her husband and one of her daughters. While gratitude should fill her heart for the presence of three-year-old Anya, a longing for something more stirs within her. She can’t help noticing the changes in Ryan, a man she once knew as a college jock. While their affection deepens, greater forces conspire to destroy their growing love. A murder charge, a kidnapping, a child abandoned…Can Ryan and Lynnie overcome danger and distrust to find each other again?
My Thoughts
There are numerous reasons to like this book! First of all, the characters are lovable and relatable. Some of them are a little shady, but all of them are realistic and dynamically portrayed. The plot moves along at a fast pace with multiple layers that include romance and a mysterious disappearance of one of the women from the small town. Some of the characters, like Ryan’s father, had to grow on me as I got used to his sarcasm and how difficult he was to get along with. I enjoyed the family meals, how the family cared for each other and how Linnie offered to help Ryan by tutoring him. This is just an all-around good book with lessons to teach and drama to entertain. Underlaid with a solid biblical foundation, the novel teaches about forgiveness, forbearance, persistence and being hopeful about an unknown future. The story was woven seamlessly together, even with several sub-plots and it all came together nicely in the end. There are a few surprises that added to the mystery, too, so those were a welcome addition. This is a book that I can highly recommend to those looking for good Christian fiction that portrays people with flaws but who are trying to overcome and be better. Bonus: some lyrics from Hank Williams songs that I could sing along to at the beginning of the chapters. It was great fun tying the song lyrics into what happened in the chapters as I read them. This book is a cleverly written page-turner that has me anticipating the next book from this author. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Just Read Publicity Tours for the purpose of review. 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, “Guuidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Inspired by the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the place where life’s perplexities meet faith’s certainties. Before raising and home-educating a family of seven children for thirty years, Eleanor received a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism. She is the author of five novels, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She and her husband of 42 years live in central Alberta, Canada and are the grandparents of ten amazing grandchildren. Connect with Eleanor by visiting eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 26, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
I am a grammarian from way back, so I notice the use of action verbs, verbs that call for the subject to do something. In a command, the subject is YOU. So, when Jesus tells us to come, we move towards Him and read and study His Word, spending time with Him. When He says “see”, we are seeing the truth of His Word and all that He did for us during His short life on earth. “Go” means just that. Don’t just sit around filling your head and heart with God’s Word…go and tell others the truth of what you have read. Food does no good for anyone if it just sits in the pot and you stir it every once in a while. You have to eat it yourself and then share it with others. And “tell” is sharing the Good News with others. We are quick to share gossip or bad news about the current state of the nation or when our President falls again. How quickly do we share the good news that can change a life forever? I wish that the MSM would start each evening with a prayer and a Scripture. I know that is wishful thinking because they are MSM, but if they were taking part in fulfilling Jesus’s commission to come, see, go and tell, that is exactly what they would do. We cannot take over MSM, but we can influence our little corner of the world. Thus, it is imperative that we come, see, go and tell, for the sake of our world and future generations.
Come, See, Go, Tell.
What we hear affects what we know.
What we know influences what we believe.
What we believe impacts what we do.
That’s why it is so important to listen to God’s truth.
“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
Romans 10:17 NLT
Throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we see Jesus inviting His followers to “come and see,” to “go and tell,” and to “listen and understand.”
Paul explains why “going and telling” matters in his letter to the Romans:
“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
Romans 10:13-15 NLT
So what is this “Good News”?
To truly understand it, let’s first look at the bad news: we’ve all messed up. Our sin separates us from a good and holy God, and there’s nothing we can do to bridge that gap.
Now, the good news: God loves us so much that He has already made a way for us. He put on skin, paid the ultimate price by dying a criminal’s death (even though He was innocent), and has conquered the grave by rising again. He has granted us the right to become His!
This is why “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
So right now, take a moment and thank God for the gift of His Word, and the ability to receive His Good News. Then, ask Him to strengthen your faith by showing you how to share your hope with others.
I think we can all agree that our society is broken, headed in the wrong direction. The author of this devotional hits the nail on the head when it says it’s a heart and head problem. I would add that it is also a problem of idol worship, the idols being social media and all of the technology that has a corner on the market of minds today. It is not a coincidence that Satan is called the “prince of the power of the air.” I am grateful that God is a doctor who is totally devoted to healing His people as well as a loving Father who disciplines, corrects our way and shows us the right way. How many times have you sat in a restaurant lately and watched a couple have a meal together but never really communicate with each other? Both are absorbed in whatever is on the little screen that they hold in their hands. My husband and I found ourselves doing that a while back and determined that when we go out, our dining table is a no-device zone. The restaurants aren’t always compatible with our philosophy since some have QR codes to read the menu and then to pay at the end. But, we persist in trying to establish a conversation with each other instead of with random strangers online. How many times have we turned to social media for advice or solace when the best advice we can get is from God’s Word and the best solace is from His Holy Spirit? Yes, we are a broken people, but the good news is that God is a devoted doctor and a loving father, and He doesn’t give up on diagnosing the problem and coming up with a solution. He will find a way to get our attention!
It’s easy to focus on the bad things happening in our lives, but if we keep our focus on God, those circumstances all around us fade away so that we can truly say, “Holy is your Name, O Lord!” Our circumstances don’t change who God is, but God can change how we see our circumstances.
Holy is His Name
Have you ever found yourself feeling uncertain and weighed down by your circumstances? In times like these, it can feel almost impossible to praise the Lord for all He has done.
Life’s trials can often cloud our vision, making it difficult to see past our present struggles. Mary’s declaration in Luke isn’t solely about her blessings; it’s a testament to the unchanging character of God. Despite her uncertainties and forthcoming challenges, she found the strength to proclaim the greatness of God and the holiness of His name:
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Luke 1:49 NIV
Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can declare, “Holy is his name.”
Even when we’re faced with hardships threatening to steal our praise, we can declare, “Holy is his name.”
Even when the weight of fear presses down on us, we can declare, “Holy is his name.”
Our declaration, like Mary’s, is rooted in the belief that God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. The belief in God’s faithfulness strengthens our resolve to glorify Him—especially in the midst of uncertainty.
So, take a moment today to recall the “great things” the Mighty One has done for you. As you do, pray that your heart may be stirred to praise His holy name, remembering He has done great things not just for others but for you, too.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton, hosted by Just Read Publicity Tours.
About the Book
Title: This Ain’t No Promised Land
Author: Tina Shelton
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Genre: Christian General Fiction
“With stellar storytelling skills, Tina Shelton reminds us that while love isn’t always enough to erase the hurts, it’s the only way to survive them. A powerful read!” –Julie Cantrell, New York Times & USA Today best-selling author of Perennials When her husband dies, Charlotte can’t face the things she’s done that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything–her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she’s made, and the secrets eating her alive. Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago’s South Side with nothing but their home and belongings. They’re doing everything they can to stay together, but young teens aren’t meant to parent themselves. Their close-knit Black community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but that’s not enough to fix the damage of abandonment.
Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is struggling to keep her own head above water. She’s made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte’s never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, the shaky peace she tried to build shatters. Even if she’s able to find the courage to embrace motherhood again, will it be enough to save the family she left behind?
Excerpt
Sometimes the way Mom looked at us let us know she loved us, but her real thoughts were trapped inside her body and, in order to know what was really going on, we had to read, pick apart, and divvy up whatever her soul offered. We had to listen to her breathe, like the way she sighed deep at night with a sliver of a high-pitched hum. That let us know she was tired of trying to figure out whatever it was she was forever trying to figure out, but she was gonna stick with it anyway.
We had to watch her eyes, the way they lit up when she saw us walk through the door after school. We had to soak in the way she traced our hairline with her fingers when we were waking out of sleep; the touch of her thumb to our cool cheeks when we were crying. We had to watch which piece of baked chicken she’d give us at dinner and compare the sizes of our cake for dessert. We watched for her reaction to us when we stood next to her on the porch and watched the sun go down. If she smiled, she loved us; if she sighed and looked down the street, we were a nuisance. Having Mom around was like watching the sky in the spring. When she was okay, the sun shined and she made the world a happier place to live in, but when she wasn’t, it was overcast. But even with all that quietness of her soul and our gray days, we knew we were better off with her home than not.
Who knew emptiness could fill every nook in a space with such thick silence? (Page 10)
Tina Shelton is registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is also the mother of two young adults, and loves walking, working out, and traveling with her family. This is her first novel. Connect with Tina by following her on Instagram @ts_walking
1) winner will win a signed copy of This Ain’t No Promised Land and several book-related goodies, including a friendship bracelet, a mini journal, a pen, and a prayer tin.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
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