Being Quiet

On July 15, 2022 By vickleaIn Quotation and Citations, Scripture7 Comments

Less than a decade ago, I shared my thoughts about everything that matters to me: life, death, politics, abortion, etc. I spread my thoughts everywhere, thinking perhaps that I was giving others the benefits of my vast knowledge and experience. No, what I was actually doing was being shortsighted and setting myself up for failure when I tried to share the Gospel with others.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I was not trying to start a quarrel, but that is usually how things went. My liberal family members had met their match in having the last word with me since I was determined to have it. Fast forward a decade or so and I have learned the hard lesson to just be quiet. Yes, the other person may think that I know that my point of view is wrong so I’m not defending it. Or, they may be thinking that they have won an argument that never got started because I refused to participate. What really happened is I got wiser with age and just don’t want the drama of arguing just to win a point. In gaining that point, I may be destroying my witness to that person, and it’s not really wroth it. Thus when friends or family pontificate about how wrong I am about current issues, I just listen. I don’t nod in agreement or smile or anything. I just listen. Did you know that after only a few minutes, they cease to lecture me on their worldview, seeing as I am not being at all argumentative and thus cutting off the water supply to the dam of their outrage that is about to break?

We would all do well to remember this adage from Abraham Lincoln. I have sat in the company of what I would call many foolish people determined to prove that their point of view is the right one, in fact, the only one. I figure that eventually, either on this side of Heaven or the other one, they will be proven wrong by the One who is greater than they. Jesus never argued His points; He should stated them and people could accept them or not. Then He moved on. That’s a good example to follow, don’t you think?

May your day be filled with wonder and blessings!

Blinded

On July 14, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

There are multiple ways to be blind. One, of course, is physically being unable to see. That condition sadly is happening to my sister now as she has macular degeneration. I have watched her go from seeing well, to seeing poorly and now to having difficulty seeing things at all. She uses a huge bold font on her e-reader to be able to read her beloved books. It breaks my heart that she is losing her vision in such a stealthy manner.

Others are blind and don’t know it because they are spiritually blind. That is what I think God is referring to in this Scripture.

I’m glad that God takes our hand and leads us when we are blinded to His truth, smoothing the way before us to accept Jesus as Lord. And the promise that Jesus made in Matthew is here, too. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

One of my heart’s desires is to see my sister come to salvation so that although her physical sight may be diminished or gone, her spiritual sight will be just beginning. I’m spending the week with her and trying to be a good witness. She is so depressed about having to move to NC after living in VA for almost five decades. I don’t know how to help her, but I can pray and I hope that you all who believe in the power of prayer will pray with me.

I hope that each of you has a blessed day, clearly seeing the path that God has established for you for this day. Each new day is a miracle, so reach out to others and start working with God!

Although…

On July 13, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

There are a lot of people in our world today that will convince you that they are smart. But then when you really listen to them and what they believe, you know that their intelligence is for nought. Instead of worshipping our Creator, they worship things: “Mother Earth” or its creatures, or worse, they idolize themselves and all of their accomplishments. I feel sorry for these people because they don’t know the blessing that they are missing by not acknowledging God as Supreme and accepting that they are part of His creation. I appreciate the earth and all that God has given to us on it, the beauty of nature and the songs of the birds, the butterflies that flutter and the flowers that bloom. But I don’t worship nature and I don’t call it my mother because I have a Father who made it all and who wants me to serve and worship Him, for my own good. There are too many looking to serve a host of other things, especially self, and that is to the detriment of themselves and society as a whole. God will have the last say in the end. He started this world and I have complete faith that when He is ready, He will end it. I hope and pray that many will see their foolish pursuit of pleasure and idolatry for what it is and turn back to the Creator who never stopped loving them.

Have a blessed day, my friends. I am here in NC with my sister and plan to be a blessing while I am here. Time to unpack some boxes for her and help her to make this place feel more like home.

Doing Good

On July 12, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

As a grammarian, one of my pet peeves of misuse of words is when someone asks how you are doing, your answer is, “I’m doing good.” I made it a habit to consistently correct my students who said this because as I told them, Mother Theresa “did good” so what you mean to say is that you are doing fine. After many years of following this habit, I just gave up. After all, it’s in common use now. But as I gave up the grammar rules, I did not give up on the hope that indeed they are “doing good.”

We do good for others and eventually we may reap a harvest, the harvest of their souls that live eternally with God. We just keep doing good in spite of all of the evil in the world that assaults us daily and in spite of the attacks from those who would thwart our good. So, how am I doing today? I’m planning on doing good and I hope that you are, too.

And the passage continues in the next verse that we are to do good at every opportunity. In fact, I think that we are to look for ways to do good to/for others. The young man in line behind us looks longingly at a snack at the checkout counter. Purchase it for him and tell him to have a blessed day. The young clerk in the store looks so weary that a smile is not part of their greeting. Smile at him/her and tell them what a good job they’re doing and that you appreciate their hard work. There are small things we can do everyday and there are people who go about the world doing their jobs but they don’t seem to be seen, like the housekeeping people in the hospital or the man who collects the trash every week. They deserve our respect, our gratitude and for us to take time to do good for them. A prayer is one of the best ways we can do good for others. It may not be seen or heard but my faith says that it will be felt and it will make a difference.

I hope that you all have a blessed day and that you are all “doing good.”

Review of THE EXTRAORDINARY DEATHS OF MRS. KIP by Sara Brunsvold

On July 11, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review8 Comments

Oh, my! My eyes are still leaking tears as I ponder what to write in a review that would do this incomparable book justice. It is the story of an elderly woman who goes to hospice and the reporter assigned to write her obituary and eventually her story. Mrs. Kip is just the person I aspire to be, pouring out her life selflessly for the sake of others in need, including the young cub reporter Aidyn Kelley. The assignment meant to be a consequence for Ms. Kelley turns out to be the biggest blessing of her life as she discovers what it means to walk a life of faith, no matter the cost. Some of the story is based on facts about the Laotian refugees who settled in Kansas City and the volunteers who offered them hope in a new world. Mrs. Kip’s story of her exploits with the refugees was nothing short of breathtaking and awe-inspiring. In fact, her entire story is one that makes me want to know this fictional character in real life, and if I can’t know her, I want to be just like her. Her battles on earth were not just against the death encroaching on her now, but they were always waiting for her to surrender to the despair and hopelessness that she should have felt in the presence of insurmountable circumstances. I cannot write too much about the plot without giving away spoilers and it is my desire that everyone who reads this review get a copy of the book and savor it as I have. It is a book to read with others, discuss with book groups and to carry in one’s heart as a testimony to what can be accomplished by one person who stands in the gap. If you only read one book besides your Bible this year, let it be this one. This is inspirational fiction at its very best and deserves much more than the five stars that I can give it. It is without any doubt the best contemporary Christian fiction book that I have ever read!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find His fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family in Kansas City, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library.

Awards
ACFW Genesis Contest Winner, Contemporary Category, 2020
ACFW Genesis Contest Semi-Finalist, Contemporary Category, 2018
Mattie Dykes Creative Writing Award – Fiction, 2000 **PHOTO and BIO from the author’s website at** http://www.sarabrunsvold.com

This amazing book by a debut author is available now. Purchase Links:

Pleasing God

On July 10, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I’m a people-pleaser. I started that habit as a child to receive approval from a very critical mother. I would do whatever it took to get someone to notice that I was doing good things and to praise me for it. I would like to think that I have outgrown that habit, but I probably haven’t since I still find myself sometimes saying “yes” a lot when what I really mean to say is “no.” I think that’s the people-pleaser in me coming out.

Part of my devotional today is about pleasing God, making wise choices with my words and my thoughts. To do that, I have to spend time with Him, making sure that I’m on the same page as He is. Sometimes lately I have found that God has moved on to the next page, or even the next chapter, and I’m still standing in the past demanding that He fix things for me. Then He speaks quietly to my heart and tells me to just move on with Him, that it will all be okay.

If I please God, then I will be pleasing to Him and that makes my heart happy.

Have a blessed day and may you find yourself on the same page as God and be able to find pleasure in pleasing Our Maker.

Feeling My Age

On July 9, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

You know you aren’t thirty anymore when you try to stay up later to read and drag yourself to bed, barely able to brush your teeth before falling on to the pillow. I haven’t been thirty in over four decades and this has been one of those weeks in which I’m feeling my years. My darling cat Daisy plopped herself down on the bath mat right in front of me and in trying not to step on her, I pulled a muscle in my leg. Ouch! So, I hobbled around for the first part of the week. Thanks, Daisy! But feeling my age isn’t all bad as I discovered this morning in my devotional. God has promises for those of us in our golden years, too.

The fruit I want to bear is more people hearing about God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. I volunteered to work at VBS this year at our church. No, I cannot run around with the kids but I can be there for them, to sing and to pray and to just be a witness to God’s great love and the fact that He is their Rock in times of trouble.

You know, there is no greater sustainer than God and when He promises to sustain me, I believe it. No health problems are too big for God. As I have told my very negative sister multiple times, I’m not leaving this earth until God calls me home, so I’m not worried about when or how I will die. I just want to keep on working for Him until He calls for me.

How about you? Do you have a promise from God that He spoke into your heart this week? Please share it in the comments. And have a blessed day!

Review of SUNBURST by Susan May Warren

On July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Former SEAL Ranger Kingston is involved in a mission to rescue a group in Nigeria from Boko Haram. In fulfilling this mission, he meets Noemi Sutton for the second time and realizes that they may be destined to be together. With his brothers Dodge and Colt, Ranger runs toward danger and this book is chock full of action from page one all the way to the end. Set mostly in Nigeria but also in Alaska, the descriptions themselves make the book worth reading. The characters were take-charge and rough and ready kind of people. I especially loved Noemi’s family in Nigeria, particularly her Aunt Precious and Uncle Efe who loved her so much and wanted to take care of her. The celebration that they organized for her was sheer perfection to read and an education about customs in Nigeria. Ranger’s family in Alaska is a daring one, with a sky rescue service and the willingness to go wherever they were needed. So much was happening in this book at all times that I almost got whiplash from reading it! This was a fun, entertaining and edge-of-your-seat read that I had difficulty putting down. Each time I returned to it, I was so happy to see that the characters were all still alive because it was that realistic. I loved every minute that I spent engrossed in this book and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Fans of romantic suspense, with the emphasis on thrilling suspense, will devour this book and clamor for more from this talented author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The 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.”

*The intense action and events make this a PG-13. It is a clean Christian read.*

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.
Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”
And Library Journal adds, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”
Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and http://www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation. **BIO and PHOTO from the author’s website on Amazon at** Amazon

This book is available now and can be purchased wherever Christian books are sold. Here are purchase links:

Review of THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Debbie Macomber

On July 7, 2022July 7, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

Who doesn’t like a good romance with a good lesson to learn? This book is a perfect romance between two lost souls who need to find each other. Hope is newly settled into the small town of Oceanside, teaching and counseling at the local high school and trying to make friends by volunteering at the local animal shelter. There she meets Cade Lincoln, an ex-marine who is a wounded veteran. She also meets Shadow there, a poor abused dog who trusts no one except Hope. It’s love at first sight for Hope and Shadow and Cade isn’t far behind. How they get to their “happily ever after” is an amazing trip with some unexpected turns and complications, including students taking drugs, vandalism and family drama. I really enjoyed the sub-plot about teen Spencer and his attempt at being accepted by a girl he really likes but who is so popular his chances are slim. The lessons taught include never giving up, being hopeful for the future and choosing to do the right thing in spite of obstacles and others leading the wrong way. I especially liked the inclusion of honoring veterans who sacrifice so much for our nation. This is a wholesome book that is encouraging and uplifting as well as a really good story.
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. The 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.”

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2022, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include *The Best Is Yet to Come* (July) and *The Christmas Spirit* (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, two adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
2022 Debbie Macomber Bio

This book will be released on July 12, 2022. It is available for preorders now. Purchase Links:

Review of AMONG THE INNOCENT by Mary Alford

On July 6, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This is Amish fiction combined with contemporary mystery. Leah Miller is a deputy sheriff in the small town in Montana where she grew up and where her family was murdered. She feels responsible for their deaths because the young English man she was secretly seeing at the time is the one who killed them and wounded her. As a deputy, she wants to find the man who disappeared a decade ago. The new chief of police, Dalton Cooper, also wants to find the suspect, but mostly because young Amish girls are currently being murdered in like manner to Leah’s family. Sure that the cases are connected, Dalton joins forces with Leah to track down the killer before he kills again or goes after Leah. The action is fast-paced and riveting with some red herrings thrown into the mix to keep things interesting. The characters are realistic and portray their humanity in several ways, the most endearing being that they end up falling in love with each other. I enjoyed that Leah’s foster mother Marge is involved in the center of the mystery and has a secret herself that is revealed slowly and methodically. There were some parts of the book that were predictable, most notably when young Amish girls had clandestine meetings with strangers. But the predictability did not detract from the entertainment value of the book. I enjoyed the setting out west, a place that I had never associated with the Amish before and I liked the research that went into including tribal law enforcement in the quest of justice. All in all, this is a solidly entertaining and engaging book and I recommend it for those who enjoy clean romantic suspense with more than a little mystery included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”