What Jesus Said about Fear and Anxiety

On By vickleaIn A Miracle a Day, Admonition, God’s blessings, Scripture1 Comment

Once again, I am sharing a devotional that came into my inbox this morning.

Jesus.net

This article really spoke to my heart right where I am right now. You see, the orthopedist told me that my foot may never heal. So, each morning as I get up and slip on my slippers, one of which is too tight due to the swelling, I look at my left foot and am dismayed to discover that a month after the injury, not much has changed. So, what do I do? I can’t just ignore it since it’s painful, but I can give the problem to God. Towards the end of this wonderful piece on peace, there is practical advice about what to do with all the fear or anxiety we have been carrying around. The first thing to do is acknowledge it. Going around with a smile and falsely claiming healing doesn’t work. I absolutely have to admit that there is a problem. But I also have to remember that God is in charge, He is the Great Physician and I can trust Him to take care of me no matter what happens.

This article is filled with scripture, but here is my favorite from it.

Jesus didn’t tell the woman to quit bothering Him. Instead, he told her to “Go in peace…” And so I begin my day. My foot still hurts, as well as other parts of my body that are trying to compensate, but my heart and head are filled with peace. Last night, I dreamed that I was walking without my walker and I was pain free. I hope the dream becomes a reality, but if it doesn’t I plan to be at peace with God, knowing that His plan will work everything out in the end.

The original devotional reminded me to throw down my anxiety before the Lord instead of carrying it with me. Writing it on paper or on a note on my phone works well. Then, I give it to God. Here is the original devotional from Grant if you would like to read it or subscribe to “A Miracle a Day.”

Grant’s Message Today

Today is National Mental Health Day. Let’s be aware of those around us who need a good word of encouragement and offer it freely.

Inspiration from Ava Pennington

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, Substack Inspiration2 Comments

Every once in a while, I come across a real gem in my Substack email. Today was one of those days, so I am sharing with you. Click on this link, and go to “Pause, Pray, Proceed and Two More.”

Ava Pennington on Substack

I actually thought her original idea of three P’s was brilliant, but the last two she added are absolutely necessary before proceeding! Check it out and let me know what you think.

I am one who tends to jump in, find out I am in the frying pan and then try to jump out before it gets too hot for me there. You know, the whole leap before looking dilemma. Lately, since I have a broken foot, I am moving much more slowly with my body and making deliberate choices with my mind. After all, if I have to get up and move around, causing great pain to several other parts of my body besides my foot, I make sure that I am doing all that I need to do during that trip. That being said, I proceed to do most things with great caution these days and I am finding out that perhaps that is the way I should approach all choices.

Review: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400348695

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:10/07/2025

Pages:368

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she’s helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby’s heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn’t skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he’d fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he’s back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend’s will. Facing the town’s animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram’s beyond-the-grave scheme is working—Shelby’s old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces—one that threatens Gram’s beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

My Thoughts

What a wonderful feel-good story with the trope of second chance at romance/enemies to lovers being the center of an engaging and entertaining read! Shelby inherits her grandmother’s bookstore, but what surprises her is that she is expected to share it with her old flame from high school, Gray Briggs. The story is somewhat predictable, but the plot twists that the author included are delightful, romantic and at times humorous as Gray and Shelby work together to make Gram’s bookstore financially solvent. I loved the relatable characters and the sparkling, just under the surface love story that began to bloom as the two are forced to work together. I thought that the characters were realistic and enjoyed getting to know them. Mostly, I was really absorbed in their story and how the author was going to work everything out since they were both so different, with different lives and goals after years of separation. This is a light-hearted story that begins somberly with the death of Shelby’s grandmother and then flows quickly and smoothly into the current predicament of Shelby and Gray and how they both need each other but don’t know it yet. What a heart-warming and wholesomely beautiful story that the author has shared for the enjoyment of her readers! This book offers the themes of hope, forgiveness and moving forward instead of looking back.
I voluntarily 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.

Rated G and Christian Fiction

About the Author

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and been featured in Woman’s Day and Southern Living.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

You can learn more about Denise by visiting her FaceBook page.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Books-a-Million

Bookshop

Google Play

Apple Books

Christian Book

Faith Gateway

A Spirit of Sonship

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, SongLeave a comment

One of the tricks of the enemy of our soul is to convince us that we don’t belong to God, that we are still captured by sin and just cannot ever escape. In other words, the enemy uses lies while God uses promises. If we know His Word and have it hidden in our hearts, it is much more difficult for the enemy to convince us that we are not saved from our sins. We need to know that we know that we have been adopted by the King of the Universe and we are His children. We are not slaves, running in every direction and fearing punishment if we do not complete the prescribed tasks. Rather, we are His beloved sons and daughters whom He wants to get close to and have a relationship with. The last thing our enemy wants is for us to realize our position with the Father, but it is also why he works so hard to convince us that we are no different now than before we became Christians. Remember that the walk with God is a daily journey, not a sprint to win a prize. The prize comes at the end of our life’s journey. Thus, we must be patiently continuing with the Lord and ignoring the traps laid out by the enemy to make us think we are still his. Use the scriptures as Jesus did and reply when you are tempted with the truth of His Word. The father of lies cannot stand against the truth. I am a child of the king, no longer a slave to sin and the fear of death! And if you are a believer, so are you.

The Truth-Megan Woods

Psalm 23 in a Different Way

On By vickleaIn A Miracle Every Day by Grant Fishbook, devotional, God’s blessings, Scripture3 Comments

This is from Grant Fishbook who writes a daily devotional called “A Miracle Every Day.” If you like today’s blog, check out his site at jesus.net

From Grant’s devotional today:

No matter what you’re facing today, I’d like to give you a simple gift from Psalm 23 to remind you that you have a God who wants you to hand all of your anxiety over to Him.

“The Lord is my shepherd…” That’s relationship.

“I lack nothing…” That’s supply.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures…” That’s rest.

“He leads me beside quiet waters…” That’s relief.

“He refreshes my soul…” That’s restoration and healing.

“He guides me along the right paths…” That’s guidance.

“For his name’s sake…” That’s purpose.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley…” That’s testing.

“I will fear no evil…” That’s protection.

“For you are with me…” That’s faithfulness and presence.

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me…” That’s discipline.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” That’s hope.

“You anoint my head with oil…” That’s consecration, being set apart.

“My cup overflows…” That’s abundance.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…” That’s blessing.

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord…” That’s security.

“Forever.” That, my friend… is eternity.

(Psalm 23, NIV) 

No matter what you’re facing today, God has promises that will carry you through. So don’t be anxious. Trust that you have a Good Shepherd who has provided everything you need. He told you he did in Psalm 23. 

My Thoughts

Anxiety, depression and just plain old feeling beaten down by life is normal. Psalm 23 is the antidote. I especially like the hope, guidance and healing because that is what I need right now. What do you need from Psalm 23? Did this devotional touch your heart today and give you a reason to look up and say, “Thank you, God!” God already knows what I am going through and He already provided this devotional and the beautiful Psalm to help me remember that He is right here beside me. I memorized Psalm 23 as a child when I was going to Sunday school with my neighbor. I have often recited it, but today, I am meditating on it and how to apply it to my situation.

May you be blessed and feel secure in His love, my friends.

Death Is Temporary

On By vickleaIn God’s blessings, promises, Scripture3 Comments

The Truth About Life and Death (Daily Refresh 10-06)

No matter what part of this planet you live on, how well you take care of your body, or how much money is in your bank account, there is no escaping death. 

Sounds a little depressing, doesn’t it? But there’s still good news. Really, really good news.

For those who belong to Christ, we have a hope that’s beyond this world…

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Death is the greatest tool of our enemy, which is why Jesus came to defeat it. That’s why He became human, took the ultimate punishment, and put death in its rightful place—under the authority and dominion of God. 

Yes, life is fleeting, but death is only temporary. And the Spirit of God can do what no human can—give life to the lifeless, empower His people, and redeem what has been lost. 

The truth about death is that it’s not the end of the story.

Soon, God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Just as a baby is given the miraculous and mysterious breath of life, His Spirit will revive the seemingly perished and bring the dead back to life!

And that is the really, really good news.

My Thoughts

For many years, I honestly feared death. I was terrified of traveling, lest I die. Terrified of bugs, snakes, rodents, anything that could cause me harm and lead to death. Sounds ridiculous, right? Especially for a born again Christian? I got the born again part but I neglected to focus on the death had lost its sting and I would be with Jesus for eternity.

I think my fear of death started when my uncle committed suicide when I was in college. He was a fun-loving upbeat guy and suddenly, he wasn’t there any longer. And the worst was the people who told us that there was no way he was in heaven because there was no way he could repent before he pulled that trigger.

Thus, I went around in a constant state of anxiety, fearing that I hadn’t repented and if I died, then I was done…over..finished.

Then, finally, I started reading the Bible and discovering the words of wisdom there about death and the fact that Jesus conquered it, once and for all. “It is finished” wasn’t just for sin. It was also for the end of death and Satan’s hold on us. Now, I am free to really live and enjoy life without the terror of what is around the next corner waiting to drag me off to the world of the dead. No matter how I die or when I die, I will go to be with the Lord. The part of taking my last breath is temporary because when I take my next breath (if that is a thing in heaven), it will be in the presence of the Lord. No fear, no doubt, no death!

Do you fear dying? Jesus is the answer to your fear!

Choose Church

On By vickleaIn Characteristics of God, God’s blessings, praise, Scripture2 Comments

Sunday is a busy day for many families. They run errands, participate in activities with other families and perhaps go to a sporting event or theater performance. But Sunday in our house has consistently been the day that we set aside to attend church.

One of the most important parts of church is encouraging each other. Look for the person who is sitting alone and talk to them. Get out of your comfort zone and help someone else to be comfortable in God’s house. Who knows what seed you may be sowing or what blessing you may receive just from reaching out to someone else? After all, you were once a newcomer to that congregation. Think about how you felt, and take the time to smile and welcome a stranger.

Think about the difference between praise and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving starts with God doing something for us, and we are thankful. Praise just starts with who God is, and there are no words to adequately express the glory due His name. Praise is based on God’s character while thanksgiving is based on His actions. Note that His actions always follow His character because God is and always will be God. As you attend church, remember to offer thanksgiving and praise. Our unchangeable, unstoppable God deserves both!

Have a blessed Sunday, my friends.

Saturday Sounds

On By vickleaIn praise, Song, Video2 Comments

What sounds are in your life right now? For me, it’s the washing machine, the dryer, my husband flipping pages of his notebook as he pays bills. And me hitting the keys on the keyboard. The sounds I want to hear are praise, so that’s what I will share as I surround myself with the comforting presence of the Lord.

Holy Forever-Chris Tomlin

Goodness of God-Bethel Music

10,000 Reasons-Matt Redman

Here I Am to Worship-Maranatha Music

Give Thanks-Into the Light

My Jesus, My Saviour-Light Generation

Above All-Michael W. Smith

So, as you travel down life’s road today, what sounds are you hearing? What are you listening to? Share in the comments and let me know the praise songs you listen to or sing as you start the day. Every day has its challenges, but every day is always better when you start with praise.

First Line Friday

On By vickleaIn Scripture, testimony7 Comments

Today’s first line will be different than what you are probably expecting. My first line is from the Book of John in the Holy Bible.

The Book of John is near and dear to me because it was in reading this book, all alone in my apartment late at night fifty plus year ago, that I turned to the Lord for salvation. My neighbor gave me the Bible and the Holy Spirit prodded me to read it. I read, I believed, I received, I accepted and I began a lifelong journey of repentance and change.

What is the first line you ever read in the Bible? What is your testimony? Sharing is important because it is in sharing, just as my neighbor did, that we show we truly care.

Have a blessed day, friends!