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.
bigskybuckeye.com/2026/09/06/grace-in-forgiveness/
Please go to the original post and like, follow and comment. Richard is a talented and prolific poet who speaks God’s truth in verses that will touch your heart and soul.
Have a blessed and safe Labor Day!
The Place to Start (Daily Refresh, 9-05-26)
There are many places we can go to learn about something new, or to grow in wisdom and knowledge. Books are full of access to insightful information. The internet is overloaded with both helpful and unhelpful content about any subject imaginable.
While those are great places to start, Scripture tells us that the foundation of all knowledge is a healthy fear of the Lord. This means that while we can learn things from anyone, the beginning of true wisdom always begins with God.
The fear of the Lord doesn’t necessarily mean that you should be afraid of God. It means that we should live our lives in awe of Him. We do this by recognizing who He is—the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is all-powerful and all-knowledgeable. God’s Word says He holds the power of life and death in His hands. These attributes should cause us to live in awe of God.
Scripture also tells us that God is loving, gracious, and merciful. Even though we—His own creation—previously rebelled against Him, God graciously gave us access back to Himself through His Son, Jesus. The God who created the universe loves each and every one of us. He loves you.
Living in awe of who God is and what He has done is the beginning of all wisdom and knowledge. We would be foolish to turn away from such a powerful and gracious God.
While we can learn a lot about many different things through books, people, and the internet, the most essential and important piece of knowledge about God comes from His Word.
Today, spend some time with God in His Word and in prayer—thanking Him for who He is and what He has done for you. Begin a habit of reading Scripture regularly so that you can know, respect, and trust Him in a deeper way.
My Thoughts
As I read this devotional, I had a visual in my mind of the little chick that ran around telling anyone who would listen, “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Sometimes we are all guilty of being that little chicken, thinking we know just what is happening and really not knowing anything because we didn’t pass our so-called knowledge or revelation through God’s filter. Using God’s Word as the first and final say in all matters helps us to think more clearly and to get things right before we share them with others. Spending time with God and in His Word is not a suggestion; it is a vital and important part of daily living for Christians. It is our source of the living water that runs from us to others. And it is where we get the wisdom that God wants to share with us each day. The benefits of wisdom are too many to enumerate; the lack of wisdom is apparent in today’s world. So showing God’s wisdom to a world bent on foolishness becomes our testimony and our duty to our loving God.
A new clean romance series to enjoy is coming soon! Here are the first lines from each book.
Meet psychiatrist Robert Weston in WATCHED. Releases on 9-24-26.
https://jerushashop.com/products/watched-paperback-windy-city-westons-3
What do you value most in your life? Your family? Your job? Your home? Your bank account? Whatever it is came from God and He is the most valuable asset you can ever have.
So, I ask you again, what do you value the most? Honestly think about your answer and if God is not your treasure just as you are is, pray and talk to God about what you need to let go of so that He can be central in your life. God doesn’t require sacrifice; He just wants ALL of you.
Postscript~Testimony about Cardiologist Visit
I went to see my cardiologist yesterday to get test results on my heart. There was no small amount of trepidation as I waited to see the doctor. But I was surprised with the news he shared with me. Yes, I have congestive heart failure, but my heart is actually okay. The tests showed no significant problems other than aging. The issue is actually with my lungs which is causing the fluid build-up and the stress on my heart. My heart has to work harder because of my lung problem. So, the pulmonologist has directed me to use my regular meds in my nebulizer as well as the new ones and try to get my breathing better so that my heart doesn’t have to work so hard. I am still taking fluid pills for the swelling and my kidney function is lower due to the stress on my heart, but I am doing well for my age. I am definitely feeling blessed with what I think is a good report. I have lived with asthma my entire life so it shouldn’t surprise me that my lungs are the issue. But I will share a secret with you. God put the breath in my lungs and they will keep working until He says it’s time for me to be with Him. Some people thank God for the sunshine, their homes, their families, and all the other good things around them. I wake up every morning thankful to be breathing without gasping for air. God is good…all the time!
ISBN-139781335002730
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: 09/01/2026
Series: Murder Most Fowl Mysteries
Pages: 336
In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.
In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.
Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.
Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…
The humorous antics in this novel by the amateur sleuths kept me reading and guessing and guessing again. The characters are quirky, lively and believable and easy to cheer for as Saul, Kitty and Henry try their best to follow the clues and find out who is responsible for the murders that must be happening in the Marquee. Of course, their quest is somewhat hampered by their inability to find a body as well as their normal duties. Saul is a bellhop when needed but his full-time job is the duck commandant for the daily duck parade. This was a hilarious and unexpected addition to the story and I especially loved Ruby and Uncle Joe, ducks who have a great deal of personality. Kitty is the daughter of an opera star whose aspiration is to be a detective, so she is delighted to find body parts and follow clues all over the hotel. Henry is a wannabe juggler whose paying job is the elevator operator. Together, these three make a formidable and unlikely cast of sleuths but they do a remarkable job of getting into and out of difficulties while also following wherever the clues lead. I enjoyed the fast pace, the entertaining and well-crafted plot and I especially enjoyed getting to know some of the most well-developed and unique characters ever created.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two daughters (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear is retired from the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.
Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press. Website: Dana Mentink.com
maggietiggles.wordpress.com/2026/09/01/remind-me/
Please go to the original post, like, comment and follow. Lots of wisdom from this loving sister in Christ.
These sayings are from Max Lucado and were originally in his book, In the Eye of the Storm.
If you are going through a tough time, worship will open the door to peace in your life. If you aren’t going through a tough time, worship will prepare the way for when you do face hardships. It opens the door to forming a habit of turning to God. So, let’s take time to worship our Heavenly Father today.
Come, Now Is the Time to Worship-Maranatha
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 