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.
We make choices every day, starting from the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we close them to go to sleep at night. Think about it. You choose to praise God for a new day before your feet hit the ground, or you choose to get out of bed grumbling because it’s a new day. You choose to have a devotional time with God or you choose to sleep later and rush around and out the door with a quick acknowledgement that He is there whenever you call out to Him. And so it goes all day long. How do I know this? Because I, too, have made wrong choices and had to turn around, confess and start again making right ones. But one choice that I made many years ago was absolutely the right one and I never have turned from it.
I like the wording of this verse, especially the word “refuse.” That shows a choice to me…it is up to me daily, all day, every day, to take up the cross and to follow Jesus where He leads me. Only in constantly and consistently making that choice am I considered worthy of being His child. He does not insist, require or punish me when I refuse…He just lays out the truth of the consequences. The choice is clear for everyone, sinner and saint. Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is just the beginning of our way to the cross. We need to daily commit ourselves to following Him and then do it. God is always there to pick up the pieces, comfort and forgive me when I fail, but it is up to me to make the right choice to begin with. The choice is up to each of us, individually and daily. God is waiting for us to make the right choice, so let’s try very hard not to disappoint Him.
It’s a Wonderful Life meets Groundhog Day in USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains’ new novel, as a woman dangerously close to losing it all receives an unexpected Christmas gift that prompts a surprising journey of self-discovery . . . and another chance at happiness.
What if you could have one more day with someone you lost?
Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn’t looking forward to Christmas. It’s been three weeks since her fiancé Linus was critically injured when a car hit him as he biked home from the toy store he owns and manages. Watching him open his eyes is the only gift she wants, but she can’t help losing a little more hope every day.
But an unexpected visit from a friendly neighbor and finding a snow globe of Snow Haven—a gift Linus had hidden in the closet—the night before Christmas Eve changes things in ways Diana never would have imagined. Because on Christmas Eve Diana wakes up to find that it’s not—Christmas Eve, that is. Instead, it’s somehow December 4 all over again, the day Linus got hurt, and as mystified as Diana is, she immediately starts a plan to save her partner from his fate.
Nothing is that simple, of course. Instead of a single repeat of that day, Diana finds herself in an endless loop of December 4, experiencing every possible variation of events. Along the way, she uncovers startling truths about herself, her relationship, and even her career that illustrate the ways she’s retreated from her life—and in the face of life’s slights and outright blows, from her deepest feelings. Suddenly hope is second only to joy as Diana opens her heart to the people she loves in every way she can.
My Thoughts
This is one of the best Christmas books that I have ever read and it is perfect for reading anytime you want to read a sweet romance with a lot happening to thwart the loving couple. Diana Merriman and Linus Grant are engaged but Diana is dragging her feet about setting a wedding date. Then Linus gets into a terrible accident and Diana wants a “do-over.” Her mystical neighbor Mrs. Guzman gives Diana her wish so that she can spend another day with Linus before he goes into a coma. Unfortunately, Diana can’t figure out how to change things and to get out of the cycle of constantly repeating that day. The story is heartfelt and tugged at all of my emotions. I felt so bad for Diana and her desire to make things right with Linus and her frustration that she just can’t. I fell in love with the characters in this magically realistic book that transported me to a life where wishes may come true, but they may not be what you want or expect. I enjoyed getting to know the lovable characters, especially Linus with his quirky ties and his happy-go-lucky acceptance of life. I also enjoyed meeting Dustin, the little boy who frequents Linus’s toy store without much hope of having a good Christmas since his foster mother thinks he is a bad boy who deserves nothing. There are sub-plots that are intricately woven into the central story and they all dovetail together beautifully in this cleverly written and enchanting story. I loved every minute that I spent with Diana, Linus and the rest of the cast of characters and hated to see the story end. This novel was brilliantly written and completely captivating! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books 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.”
All audiences will enjoy this book and be captivated by the characters.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains lives in a small, coastal North Carolina town, full of lovable folks, scenic downtown areas, and breathtaking nature—similar to the towns she writes about in her books. Annie’s love of reading and writing grabbed hold of her at a young age and never let go. Her first book was published in 2015, and she’s been writing heartfelt, page-turning stories ever since. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s reading from her never-ending TBR stack on her bedside table, taking long walks while plotting her characters’ happy endings, and living out her own happily ever after with her husband, three children, feisty rescue cat, and mischievous dog. For more information, visit Annie’s website at http://www.annierains.com
A hurricane may have destroyed her livelihood on Prince Edward Island, but she’s determined to save her community
Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island every summer since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it’s not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a teacher and drama coach are too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. He has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there’s more to the quiet man than meets the eye.
For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can’t seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up—or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.
Join New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson for a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance with this final book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series.
My Thoughts
Although this is the third and final book in the series, it is the first book that I have read by this author, so I can recommend it as a standalone. The book centers around a hurricane that destroys the local playhouse and the woman who is determined to rebuild it in order to honor her grandmother. Kelsey has a lot to say about the importance of the arts and enlists the help of mostly silent and thoughtful Levi to do a fundraiser to rebuild. There is another man in the picture who is covering the aftermath of the hurricane for his weather channel, but he is a secondary character who does try to charm Kelsey, but she is too focused on her goal of establishing a new playhouse and doesn’t really notice Levi or the weatherman who wants to pursue her. This is a clean contemporary romance with all the good feels of a small town and people who pitch in to help each other. I loved the characters, the intriguing plot and the sweet, blossoming romance. This book was delightfully readable and a warm romance with some laugh out loud moments between the two main characters who are so totally different from each other. There was a little intrigue, a lot of characterization and plenty to love about this book that was heartfelt and showed the author’s love for the Prince Edward Island setting. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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.”
Clean, contemporary Christian romance
About the Author
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters. For more information, go to http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com
With deep appreciation to Revell Books for including me in their Revell Reads Blogger Program that has introduced me to so many good books and new-to-me authors.
In the current political climate wherein those of us who are conservatives and Christians are being ridiculed from all sides, it’s hard not to become defensive. Sometimes, I feel like shouting out to everyone that I see that they are going to hell and need to repent. Not a good idea, however, not because it’s not true (there are probably some around me who will go to Heaven), but because their ears are not going to hear me anyway. I wouldn’t be saying anything they want to pay attention to me and the best way to pretend that all is fine in their world is to ignore me. God, in His usual timely manner, had a Scripture verse for me to apply to my level of frustration.
Since I am not a ruler then shouting wouldn’t do any good anyway. But since I am sometimes wise, depending on how much time I have spent with the Lord and His Word that day, if I speak in a quiet voice, then others might be still just so they can hear what I am saying. I found that worked well in the classroom. It is a well-known and accepted fact that one teacher cannot possibly talk over two dozen or more chattering students. I had a bell that I rang to get their attention to begin with. If the chatter didn’t stop or started again, I learned to sit down on my stool in front of the class and start teaching the lesson very quietly. Ending each sentence with something like “if you can hear me and can show me your notes at the end of this lesson, I will allow you to use them on the next quiz.” Or, a really dramatic conclusion, “The quiz will be tomorrow” said in a regular voice. The students would usually alert instantly to the word “quiz” and complain that I couldn’t give a quiz because I hadn’t taught the material yet. I would then firmly explain that I did teach it; they just were not listening. After a few times of that happening, the students learned to listen when I got quiet, knowing that what I said would affect their grades and ultimately their all-important GPA. Thus, I think God is telling me to wait until the right time (the Holy Spirit will prompt me) and then quietly say what I need to say about God, salvation, His Word and how the events today line up with the Bible. No shouting is needed because God says that quiet voice is better (more effective) than shouting.
How do you deal with those who are too stubborn and lost to listen? Have you tried speaking quietly?
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Mountain Abduction Rescue Series: Crisis Rescue Team #3 Author: Darlene L. Turner Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense Release Date: August 22, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
A wildfire threat…
becomes a missing person search.
A serial arsonist is out for revenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—and kidnaps park warden Hazel Hoyt’s son and his camping troop. Now Hazel must team up with the man who broke her heart, firefighter Mitchell Booth, to find the missing boys as wildfires blaze around them. But someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain alive…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
This book includes non-stop action that kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping that park warden Hazel Hoyt would find her young son alive and well and that the raging forest fire would be able to be contained. When an unknown suspect kidnaps Hazel’s son and a few other members of his scout troop, Hazel is forced to work with her former boyfriend, firefighter Michael Booth, but she is willing to do whatever it takes to save her eight year old son and his friends. With helicopter rescues, a firebug, a kidnapper and a theme of revenge, this book has everything it needs to keep my attention and make it a stunningly exciting novel. The book is a clean read, with faith interspersed throughout in the appropriate times and places. I enjoyed getting to know Michael and Hazel, both of whom were relatable and dynamic characters. Hazel’s dad Frank was also well-developed but not quite so likable since he was so controlling during most of the book. With red herrings and false trails, this book led me on a merry chase to figure out the villains before they were revealed. Lots to love about an adventure in the Canadian Rockies, a small child being courageous and a family working together to achieve a daring rescue! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
About the Author
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at her website where there’s suspense beyond borders.
Connect with Darlene by visiting darlenelturner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(4) winners will win a $25 Amazon egift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2023. Winner 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.
In my morning devotional, I have been reading the book of Jeremiah and pondering how much alike Israel was compared to the U.S. today.
God continually warns us to make right choices. If we study His Word, we will know the Godly way that we are supposed to take. Unfortunately, many people in the U.S. don’t know God’s Word and don’t want to read and find out what it says. As a result, instead of finding the rest and peace that their soul needs, they are continuing on the “road to perdition.” Satan generally makes his way look attractive, the “easy way” or the “way to riches, fame and glory.” We (and when I say we, I am referring to the people in the U.S.) typically choose any way but God’s way these days. Thus we are lost on a road of our own choosing.
As Christians, we are not lost but we are seeing more lost people every day. At least, I know that I am. I see them in the stores, on the roads and on the little snippets of media that I watch. They are all going their own way. What can we do? Put God’s Word out there for them to read. They may pay no attention to it, but at least they have been warned. Speak God’s Word into their hearts. Again, they may pay no mind to it, but at least they have heard. We cannot change people’s hearts; only God can do that. So, as we sow the seeds of His Word, we need to make sure that we have prayed and asked God to open hearts and minds to Him and to his Godly ways.
As I continue to read Jeremiah, I tend to get discouraged over the state of our nation and how comparable it is to Israel. False gods, a pretense at religion and a lot of pride. But I trust that God knows what He is doing and will make all things right in the end. After all, God has a plan and He is working to fulfill that plan. Jesus already died. Now we are awaiting His return and praying for as many people as possible to take the right path to God. We have to do our part; God has already done His.
As I age, I have become forgetful at times, but I have not forgotten all that the Lord as done for me and I hope that I never will. However, there is a Scripture verse that says that Israel seems to have forgotten the Lord and it is heartbreaking to realize that this is even a possibility.
It seems that those of us who have been so blessed by the Lord here in the USA have also forgotten where our blessings come from. Would that we would start remembering again! The end result of forgetting about God’s intervention on our behalf is not pretty nor is it surprising. How long will God continue to suffer the insults of His people whom he has cherished? We don’t know the answer to that, but the days of His patience seem to be coming to a close as the evil of mankind seems to be flourishing.
I repeat what I began this post with. May the Lord help me to remember and to tell others so they, too, are reminded of His grace and mercy.
For those of use looking aghast at all of the sin that is being touted as normal in the world today, God has a response already given in His Word. You want to know why these things are happening? Read the Bible. You want to know the end result of all of this sin? Read the Bible. You want to know what God thinks about what is going on? Read the Bible. I have found myself turning to God’s Word not just for comfort but also for a hope for the future when things all around me look hopeless.
Are we a nation calling on the name of the Lord? Sadly, the answer is “no.” We are a nation lost in our own glory instead of depending on God and His glory. We are a nation that isn’t looking for God at all. God hasn’t moved. He is ready to answer our cry, ready to be found. But, as a nation, we are not calling on Him. Of course, there are a few of us who are calling on God, but the tumult of the many who have turned against Him resound so loudly that we are being ignored. Not by God! We are never ignored by God! We are ignored by the powers in D.C. and in each state capital who could actually change the direction in which our nation is going, if they would just call on the Name of the Lord. We are ignored by the media (unless they are vilifying Christians as an evil and divisive force). We are ignored by those who need Christ in their hearts.
The end result is not a good one. God will not sit back and patiently wait forever for men to call on Him and turn away from their sins. Look at God’s response to Israel’s sin after calling on them to return to Him over and over. The nation was destroyed, the people were taken captive and led away to Babylon, a symbol of sin and unrighteous living. These were God’s chosen people and He did not allow them to continue in their sin, their mocking of the One who had led them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land to begin with. Can we honestly say that God will deal differently with America? Judgment Day and the wrath of God is coming. Before that day comes, may we open our eyes and turn to God and sincerely repent and ask for His help. I am not seeing this happen. I am not prophesying that it will. I just have a little grain of hope inside me that someone in power somewhere will be stirred to call on the Only One who can make a difference in this chaotic and topsy-turvy world that is controlled by sin and darkness. God wants to answer…He is waiting for the call. As Christians, we need to pray for mercy but also for God to reply to our prayers. Perhaps judgment will be the answer; I can’t say because I don’t know. But I do know that what is happening in the world today is an abomination to the Holy Lord and it will not be allowed to stand without consequences.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 