The Wings of the Lord by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 23, 2022 by jrcoggins

Fourth in a Series

Reading the story of Ruth gleaning in the vineyard of Boaz (Ruth 2:1-12), I was struck by the force of Boaz’s words to Ruth: “May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” The words sound strange since Ruth had come to the land of God’s people only because of her loyalty to Naomi. She did not seem to have consciously sought refuge with God.

A church I was a member of many years ago had a blessed experience. There was a woman whose husband had beaten her and her children, taken all of their possessions, and left her and her children with nothing and nowhere to live. On a Sunday morning, in desperation, she phoned the pastor of the church. He met her on the front steps of the church that morning and after the service took her home to his house for dinner. At the evening service, the church members filled the church foyer with food, clothing, and household necessities for the family. The next day, the church found her an apartment and paid the rent. In time, the church bought her a car.

When desperate people turn to the church, they are turning to God, whether they know it or not. And it is God who ultimately helps them if they are helped. It was God who had given the church members the love and the resources to help this desperate woman and her children. And it was God who had established the rules of gleaning and redeeming that were Ruth’s salvation.

There is a sequel to the story of the destitute woman who came to our church. She became a Christian and was baptized. She found a job delivering meals to shut-ins. When the church sponsored a refugee family, she donated some of her possessions and offered to chauffeur them around.

There is also a sequel to Ruth’s story. She bore a son, who became an ancestor of David and of the Messiah, Jesus, the Savior of the world. 

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Words Matter by Peggy Webb

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Vicki Hinze

Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. Mother Teresa’s advice resonates more than ever in a world where civility seems to be vanishing and hateful speech is becoming the accepted norm. 

Now more than any other time in my life that I can remember, I am aware of the need to think before I speak, to hold my tongue when I want to lash out in anger, and to let my words lift someone up instead of tear them down. I am cognizant of the need to let my speech reflect the love of Jesus in my heart.

What is in the heart comes out the mouth. Matthew 12:34

Bestselling books have been written about the connection between what we think and what we do or say. Two I have enjoyed reading are The Power of Positive Thinking, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and Psycho-Cybernetics, Dr. Maxwell Maltz. Both tell exactly how our thoughts are manifested, not only for our actions, but also for our success or failure.

We need look no further than the greatest book of all, the BIBLE, to find instructions on the power of our thoughts and the words we say.  Look to the Old Testament and King Solomon for this wisdom:

 The tongue has power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

In the New Testament, the disciple James wrote clear instructions about the enormous impact of the tongue and how Christians should guard it. 

All of us often go wrong; the man who never says a wrong thing is a perfect character, able to bridle his whole being. If we put bits into horses’ mouths to make them obey our will, we can direct their whole body. Or think of ships; large they may be, yet even when driven by strong gales they can be directed by a tiny rudder on whatever course the helmsman chooses. So with the tongue. It is a small member but it can make huge claims. James 3:2-5

Read James 3: 2-12 to discover more of his wise counsel regarding the power of the tongue. 

This tiny muscular organ is capable of inflicting untold harm. Dear reader, if you were in my Sunday School class along with the adorable two-to-six-year-old cherubs I teach, I would say, “Raise your hand if you’ve ever been hurt by something someone said to you or about you.” They would all raise their tiny hands. Probably every person reading this blog would raise a hand. 

I’m passionate about this subject, particularly since I recently experienced the hurtful fallout from a vicious tongue.  A month ago, I had surgery to repair an abdominal hernia. After my surgeon told me I would be helpless for at least three days afterward, unable to even lift myself out of bed, I enlisted the help of a woman I considered a friend. She promised to stay with me a couple of days during the early recovery process, but then backed out of her commitment the day she was to come, while I was still helpless. Her excuses were vague and rang false. I later learned that the harmful, wagging tongue of a person she and I both know had convinced the woman that she should NOT help me, that it was not her responsibility. Fortunately, I have a large group of true friends who stepped into the gap after my son had to head back to Florida for work. They took wonderful care of me when I was literally flat on my back. By the grace of God and with the help of family and true friends, I have recovered and am getting stronger every day. 

In addition to knowing how to guard the tongue, we should also know how to use it for good. The Psalmists (especially King David) and the Apostle Paul are very specific on this subject.

“May all that I say and think be acceptable to thee, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm:19:14 

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth. Keep watch at the door of my lips. Turn not my heart to sinful thoughts nor to any pursuit of evil course.” Psalm 141: 3-4

“Be generous to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32

“In a word, as God’s dear children, try to be like him, and live in love as Christ loved you and gave himself up on your behalf as an offering and sacrifice whose fragrance is pleasing to God.” Ephesians 5:1

Words matter. They are not empty or harmless. They are filled with power, and once they are spoken, they cannot be unsaid. We can build up or tear down. We can make people laugh or we can make them cry. We can motivate people or we can just make them mad. Our choice.

Words matter!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this blog. I’m delighted to be joining my dear friend Vicki’s Christians Read blog, and will be posting here regularly.  I hope you will leave a comment. If there is any subject you would like to see addressed in this blog, tell us about that, too. Have a blessed day.

God is good.

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Growing in Love by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier

Last week we traveled to California for a little vacation. We visited our daughters and their families and had a great time with out grandsons. The highlight of the trip, and the reason for the timing, was to be there for our youngest daughter’s boyfriend to propose. He’d arranged with us to be present, along with his parents, and some of their friends from church.

It’s so fun to see new love. The excitement. The total focus on one another. The way they go out of their way to please each other. The first bloom of love is beautiful to see and to experience.

They are planning an April wedding which reminded me of my parents, who also married in April. My parents were married for 62 years and had such a wonderful love. To me, they were an example to follow of going from first loving one another to continuing to grow in love. They spent a lifetime getting to know each other, always put the other one first, and loved one another no matter what.

In Revelation 2:4, Jesus says to the church in Ephesus, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first…”

How many of us have kept up that first love we had for Jesus? That enthusiasm we had to tell others about our new relationship. The way we loved reading the Bible and thanking God for our salvation. How many of us simply go to church now and do our best to get through life without ever working toward a better relationship with God and a deeper love for Him? Are we willing to put in the work needed? And how do we do that?

  1. Get to know Him: We can spend a lifetime—and should spend our lifetime—getting to know God. He is deep and we are told to seek Him out and know His ways. This is something we need to do every day by reading the Bible and praying for understanding and wisdom. The closer we get to Him, and the more we understand Him, the stronger our relationship will be. 
  2. Put Him first: So many times we approach our faith with the idea of “what can God do for me?” Instead, we need to consider what we can do for Him. Ephesians 2:10 tells us God has a work prepared for us to do. In John 6:29, Jesus tells his disciples, …“This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” Believing in Jesus is a work we are called to do. We are also told to share the gospel. If we look to what God is asking us to do, our whole perspective changes from one of selfish desire—what can God do for me—to one of love and grace and outreach, a reflection of God.
  3. Love Him no matter what: God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want or arrange our lives in the manner we prefer. Sometimes, we don’t understand His ways at all. Yet, God is sovereign. His ways are perfect. He always has our best interest at heart. We need to realize we don’t see the whole picture, and to trust him to be right all the time. He will give us the peace we need for the moment and carry us through the tough times.

While first love is thrilling, love that continues through hard times and grows is even more lovely. It is lasting and fulfilling. It is a love to work for and fight for. A love worth the time and effort to build.

Whether you are just beginning your journey of love or have been in a relationship a long time, consider these points. For your earthly relationships and for your spiritual relationship with God. Take the time to let love grow.

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Nora Review of: Woman in Shadow

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Vicki Hinze

Woman in Shadow

By Carrie Stuart Parks

Published by:  Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 13, 2021

336 Pages

HashTag# Tragic Dramas, Romantic Suspense, Christian Mystery, Forensic linguist, Mule Shoe lodge

BACK COVER: Award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks combines her expertise as a forensic artist with her talent for crafting a gripping story in this page-turning web of light and shadow. A woman off the grid.

Darby Graham thinks she’s on a much-needed vacation in remote Idaho to relax. But before she even arrives at the ranch, an earthquake strikes. Then a barn on the edge of town is engulfed in flames and strange problems at the ranch begin to escalate, and Darby finds herself immersed in a chilling mystery.

A town on fire. More fires erupt around town, and a serial arsonist sends taunting letters to the press after each. As a forensic linguist, this is Darby’s area of expertise . . . but the scars her work has caused her are also the reason she’s trying to escape her life. A growing darkness. 

NORA’S REVIEW: I like how this author quickly engages readers with her endearing characters and sweeps them onto a Ranch in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the mysteriously deadly situation in the hills as we meet Darby Graham, a woman trying to cope with PTSD (survived an unimaginable event) and is a forensic linguist. Not only that, but I’m always fascinated at how the author weaves her expertise as a forensic artist into her stories. It’s amazing what someone can discover when she delves into matters. I couldn’t put this fast-paced, intriguing story down. I loved how this author blends mystery, humor, suspense, and the hint of romance in the mix.

Deputy Bram White is aware of the problems at Mule Shoe Ranch, but he is also investigating a serial arsonist. After getting more information about Darby Graham, Bram listens to her analyses of the situation. He can’t overlook all the “accidents” that have happened at the Ranch in such a short time. Things could turn deadly if they aren’t careful. Deputy White and Darby Graham try to narrow down what they are looking for. Was it an arsonist who is also a killer, or was it a separate perpetrator altogether?

I enjoyed the splash of romance and how both wounded souls are trying to heal their hearts before they can go forward in the romance department. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns, and I liked how these two unlikely partners work together to fight crime. This is a fun standalone story and one that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

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Death, Be Not Proud by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 16, 2022 by jrcoggins

We all know it is inevitable. We know it is coming. But we never seem to be ready for it. It’s death. And Walter Wiens wants to change that. Not death. He can’t do much about that. But he can do something about our lack of preparation.

Walter has served as a chaplain at a correctional center and a health center, and for the past two decades he has been Pastor of Care Ministries at the Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church, in Abbotsford, British Columbia. This is an aging congregation which is continually renewed with new retirees joining it. It has sometimes averaged a funeral a week. Walter discovered that in spite of this, many individuals and their families had made almost no preparations for funerals and other end-of-life issues until death intervened and they were thrust into making a host of decisions when they were often overwhelmed with grief.

Walter’s son followed his father into ministry and became pastor of another church. When a member of his new congregation died, the son realized that, like many young pastors, in all of his theological studies he had had no training in leading a funeral. He quickly phoned his father for help.

Walter felt led to respond to both issues by writing down what he had learned. The result was two books.

Preparing to Cross the Finish Line: A Guide to Help Families and Individuals with End-of-Life Issues and Funerals is a 166-page paperback which churches can give to families in need of guidance or that individuals and families can buy for themselves. It contains detailed instructions on the need to plan a funeral service, how to plan a funeral service, selecting a funeral home, the parts of a funeral service (viewing, flowers, donations in honor of a loved one, a eulogy and tributes, the presence of children, bulletins, music), and a burial service (including selecting coffins and pallbearers). But the book offers much more than this. It offers helpful instructions on dealing with family brokenness (which often surfaces during a funeral), restoring peace in families, and the need for community. It also contains chapters on dealing with issues of old age and declining health, on the role of seniors in a church, on reflecting on one’s life, and on preparing spiritually for heaven (which should begin long before old age and death). Each chapter closes with questions to encourage reflection and a prayer. The appendices include technical information on legal and financial matters, information on health issues, forms for funeral planning and for gathering financial and family information, and a list of other helpful books.

Preparing to Cross the Finish Line: A Guide to Help Families, Individuals and Pastors with End-of-Life Issues and Funerals is a 354-page hardcover book intended to serve as a manual for pastors. It includes everything that is in the book for families and individuals but also includes detailed information on how to pastor families and individuals as they prepare for and deal with their own death or the death of a loved one, a discussion on changes in funeral practices and the philosophies underlying them, many more details on planning funerals and burial services, advice about what to preach on and what not to preach on, guidance on handling a pastor’s own brokenness and limitations, and advice on handling difficult funerals (for victims of suicide or murder, for children, and for nonbelievers). It also contains further theological reflections on how people can be prepared for death and how they can be assured that they will reach heaven once they have “crossed the finish line.” This pastor’s guide is one that pastors will find useful over and over again throughout their ministry.

Both books are published under my own Mill Lake Books imprint, are distributed by Ingram, and are available through online retailers such as Amazon and bookstores throughout the world.

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Be The Light!

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

Be the Light!

With the world becoming increasingly darker, as Christians we are called to be the light.

In Matthew 5: 14-16 Jesus tells us, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

So, how do you become the light to someone in need?

Pray and ask God for guidance then dive into the word and learn about Him.  Don’t go blindly into the world unequipped to face off with the darkness coming your way. Knowing God’s word is like having a light shining into the dark crevasses. But if you don’t know what God’s word says then you can be easily swayed and won’t be able to lead someone in need to God.  

Psalm 119: 105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Let your life reflect God. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, we are to reflect God.

In John 1 1-5 says this about Jesus:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Jesus stepped into human history to a world filled with darkness and that darkness could not destroy over overtake His light.  

And we must reflect His light and shine it into the dark places where sin lives because now, more than ever, our world needs His light.  

Jesus came very humbly onto the human stage. He wasn’t dressed in royal clothing. He didn’t come from a wealthy family. He was born into a humble beginning and worked as a carpenter alongside His earthly father. Jesus’s appearance didn’t reflect His heavenly, kingly stature. He remained humble and obedient until death.

We, as his hands and feet, are to serve others and show those in need our amazing Savior.

And we are to stand firm. Remember the enemy’s goal is to seek, kill, and destroy. He focuses on your fears and tries to distract us from our purpose. Keep your light shining. No matter what’s happening in the world or how difficult the journey becomes, keep shining. And remember, while we are here on earth, we are called to be the light that leads those lost to Jesus, but don’t get too comfortable, because this world is not our home.

Hebrews 13:14 says, For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

All the best. . .

Mary Alford

http://www.maryalford.net

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New Series: The Philanthropists

Posted on November 12, 2022 by Vicki Hinze

As you know, I love doing multi-author series.  I’ve teamed up with Mary Alford, Ann Malley, Peggy Webb, Patricia Bradley and Kathy Carmichael in THE PHILANTHROPISTS! 

The Philanthropists is a series of suspense or romantic suspense stories that are short reads, meaning you can read each book in 90 minutes to 2 hours.  I’ve developed a fondness for short reads!  Let me tell you about the series…

There are 6 projects, and all are connected in that they have a philanthropist at their core.  But, warning, do not expect your run of the mill philanthropist.  You’ll find an interesting array of them in this series.  There are no cliffhangers, and the stories can be read in any order.

We’re releasing them one per week from November 5 – December 10.  These are exclusively at Amazon, written for Kindle, and in Kindle Unlimited.

Here’s a bit about the stories:

Mary Alford, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Champion

New Mexico.  A killer hunts in the dark.  Rachel and Aaron must ring him to justice before he disappears . . . again.

 Coming 11/5

 Vicki Hinze USA Today Bestselling Author of The Guardian

Florida.  Harper Adams Holt has been kicked hard twice—the assault of her only brother, who remains comatose, and the murder of her husband, who has been “dead” before and returned.  Now comes the third kick…and the Guardian agrees, it could be lethal.

Coming 11/12

Ann Malley Amazon Bestselling Author of The Protector

Louisiana.  Car chases, bullets, Columbian drug lords, bawdy Bourbon Street, a missing girl, and a brush with the supernatural are only part of this clean, interracial, undercover romance!  Buckle up and take a ride!

Coming 11/19

Peggy Webb USA Today Bestselling Author of The Ally

Mississippi.  A chilling phone call, made in the dark of night, changes everything for Jena and Adam.  When they join forces to take down the evil and save the innocent, they unexpectedly save themselves.

 Coming 11/26

Patricia Bradley Award-Winning Author of The Defender

Florida.  When a human trafficker captures fifteen girls the billionaire defender of lost causes must break into his compound and extract the girls.  But his plans are thwarted when a victim’s sister has her own plans for rescue.

Coming 12/3

Kathy Carmichael USA Today Bestselling Author of The Patron

Alabama.  Author Lady Denis D’Ever gathers a group of her fans for a mystery-themed weekend at Skullduggery Inn.  All goes well—until a murderer strikes.  Can Innkeeper Ash solve the mystery of the untimely death of The Patron, or will the murderer walk away?

Coming 12/10

 Two of the stories have been released. The entire series is up for preorder on Amazon.  You can find all of The Philanthropists stories in one easy location.

 Take Me to the Books

We’re excited to be able to bring you these stories and we hope you enjoy them as much as we’ve enjoyed writing them!

Blessings, and as always thank you for your support!

Vicki

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Pure Joy by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Bridget

I was recently reading some familiar verses found in James 1:2-4 where the Bible tells us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I imagine that most of us can agree that trials don’t bring joy. And these verses don’t merely use the word joy, but they say “pure joy.” That takes joy to a higher level. And it tells me that the joy we find should be deep inside of us. How can this be possible when we are facing a difficultly?

The key is to keep our attention on the Lord. No matter what we are facing, He is with us and He allows difficulty to come into our lives. He is not surprised when something hits us. He knew it was coming. And He promises to never leave us, nor forsake us. When we cling to Him, we can trust that He will get us through anything and everything.

Before trials come, it is important to establish a solid relationship with God. Day by day, we spend time with Him. As the days, weeks, and months go by, we will see our relationship grow and strengthen. This builds our trust in God. We come to realize that He truly has our best interest in mind.

Then when a difficultly does come, we can face it with joy. We will know that the Lord allowed this for a purpose. Perhaps He is growing us to become more like Jesus. Or perhaps this difficulty is strengthening us.

At my full-time job, I create reports with a lot of data and compliance numbers for my customers. At times it can be difficult to get these reports to work the way I want them to. There have been many times when I was frustrated and prayed for wisdom. But as I look back on my years in this job, I am amazed at how each difficult task was a stepping stone. Each time I had an assignment on my plate, I learned something new. And task by task, my knowledge continued to grow. I recently had to tackle an urgent request within only a few hours. If I had this task years ago, it would have taken me several days. But thanks to the projects I had faced before, I was able to get the report out in record time.

This reminds me of how difficulties are in life. We face many things that make us uncomfortable or frustrated. Yet each time we press through, we learn and grow. Then, down the road, when something bigger comes our way, it is easier to tackle. And then we truly can look back at our past difficulties with pure joy, because we can see how God used them to strengthen us and mold us.

Thank you for reading!

Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com
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No Matter What by Julie Arduini

Posted on November 9, 2022 by juliearduini

As you read this in America, mid-term election results are most likely in and you’re probably either very happy, or really not. I used to call myself an “armchair commentator,” watching news and paying attention to current events and giving my thoughts on it.

Since 2020, I definitely keep my eye on current events, but I’ve felt God turn that interest into intercession. There are certain words (launch, reset, awakening, for example) He has given me to pray on, as well as time frames and seasons. To be obedient, I backed away from watching the news and have tried to hear His thoughts on global matters.

I do believe the mid-terms are important not just for history, but for eternity. Whatever the results reveal, I believe God has used past results and what’s happening now to bring about His purposes and plans. My sense in prayer is that time is up for individuals to sit on the fence when it comes to what and Who they put their trust in. The time to say one thing and do another will no longer be tolerated. The church will not be in slumber.

And our response is everything.

I recently finished teaching on Hosea and that was a challenging experience. That’s a hard book to market, honestly. Now I’m in Joel, and I believe the circumstances in Joel aren’t much different than today. Our reaction is key. His promises are the same.

Let’s take a look at Joel 2:21-27, NIV, courtesy of Bible Gateway:

    Do not be afraid, land of Judah;
    be glad and rejoice.
Surely the Lord has done great things!
22     Do not be afraid, you wild animals,
    for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
    the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
23 Be glad, people of Zion,
    rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
    because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
    both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
    the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
    the great locust and the young locust,
    the other locusts and the locust swarm[a]—
my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
    and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
    who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
27 Then you will know that I am in Israel,
    that I am the Lord your God,
    and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.

Joel 2:21-27, NIV, Bible Gateway

No matter who has been in leadership the last couple years, times have been hard. I don’t have to list why because you’ve most likely attended a funeral or struggled to pay something as much as I have. But in Joel and throughout His Word, we see that we are to rejoice. We are reminded He has done great things, even and especially in hard times. Reading on, He promises to repay for all the locusts have eaten. I don’t know what that looks like, but I know He is not a liar. God has our back. He goes before us. He surrounds us. I am so thankful for that.

This Thanksgiving season, I want to proclaim He has done great things. In my life, my family is healthy. Our child with special health needs has been virus free. She’s attending college and planning to go on a missions trip. Our son graduated, got married, and is teaching, knowing his position is a ministry to offer Christ’s light in a dark world. My husband has a job he loves. Who says that these days? Not many. But we have daily provision, and I don’t take that for granted. We have our Wisconsin children who are healthy and have daily provision, and our grandchildren are healthy and loved. I am able to share the amazing things Jesus is and has done in my life in writing and in person. Not everyone has that.

So where are you? Are you all in for Jesus and what He’s asking of you? Is your response to the last few years or even last night full of bitterness and complaint or thanksgiving? Can you list the ways the Lord has been good to you?

I’m so glad we can connect here at Christians Read. I pray you hold tight to His robe and be ready for the rest of Joel 2 to play out.

Image: Heartlight.org

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“Pleasant” by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 8, 2022 by jrcoggins

Third in a Series

The Old Testament character Naomi undoubtedly had a hard life. She experienced famine and exile and lost her husband and her only two sons. As a result, she lived in poverty in her later years. No wonder in Ruth 1:20 she changed her name from Naomi (“Pleasant”) to Mara (“Bitter”).

Naomi also experienced good. She had a husband for some time and produced two sons. She had an unusually loyal daughter-in-law. She remained faithful to the true God. She found a kinsman redeemer in Boaz, was restored to prosperity, and was given a new son.

At the end of her life, looking back, would Naomi have said it was worth it all? I think so. At the end, she was essentially back where she started—at least on the surface.

Beyond the immediate, however, Naomi was far better off. From her daughter-in-law’s son came Israel’s greatest king and the world’s Savior. Was Naomi’s suffering worthwhile if it contributed to saving the world? Yes, of course. But it was even worthwhile for Naomi, since she would also partake in Christ’s salvation. In heaven, her family and everything else she had lost would be restored to her. In another and even greater sense, she would be back where she started. She would be restored to the Edenic perfection of God’s first creation—and even more. Naomi’s story is a picture of the ultimate redemption of the human race.

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Fall Vacation 2022 by Tara Randel

Posted on November 7, 2022 by tararandel

Last week my family and I went away to spend a week in the north Georgia mountains. It was so lovely to see that the leaves had changed color. We took lots of pictures, went hiking, and relaxed in our favorite place to visit. Here are some highlights.

Local Color

Helen, GA

I love this shot!

Hike #1 Dukes Creek Falls

We started at a leisurely stroll, which became a little tricky by the time we reached the falls. The trail went downhill for a mile, then back up for a 2-mile trip. It took about an hour, but we enjoyed the sunny day.

Hike #2 Anna Ruby Falls.

My all-time favorite. No matter what else is going on, we make sure to travel to these falls. It’s about a mile round trip. It gets steep toward the top, but the path is paved the entire way and the view is well worth it!

Hike #3 Hemlock Falls.

This was a new adventure for us. The trail was about three miles in and out and was not for beginners. It took about an hour and forty-five minutes up and back, but the scenery was lovely, and you could hear the rushing creek as we walked. The final destination was absolutely gorgeous, even if the terrain kept us alert. Good thing I had my walking stick.

Yes, this was the path.

Still part of the trail.

The destination was so worth the challenging hike.

Needless to say, the week flew by, but as always, I have wonderful memories of our time away. And as always, when we are in these beautiful places, I’m in awe of God’s majesty.

Now, it’s back to work. Those books won’t write themselves!

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, Her Surprise Hometown Match, available March 2023. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter

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It’s Release Day for The Champion!

Posted on November 5, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

Happy Saturday everyone!

Today, The Champion, the first book in a brand-new series entitled The Philanthropists series, is now available

The Philanthropists is a series of suspense or romantic suspense stories that are short reads and can be read in an afternoon.

There are 6 books included and all involve a philanthropist of some sort, but none are your typical philanthropist story. Each are standalone stories and can be read in any order you choose.  

We will be releasing one book per week staring November 5 – December 10.  These are exclusively at Amazon, written for Kindle, and in Kindle Unlimited.

Meet The Champion by Mary Alford

Taking place on the Apache Reservation in New Mexico where a serial killer is on the hunt. When the latest victim of the killer escapes, Chief Rachel Altaha and Doctor Aaron Carson embark on a twisted chase into the seedy world of human trafficking to catch a killer before he can disappear again.

And be sure to check out the rest of The Philanthropists Series

Have a blessed Saturday my friends!

Mary Alford

http://www.MaryAlford.net

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Clear, Insightful Thinking by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 2, 2022 by jrcoggins

Back when I was editor of a denominational magazine (the Mennonite Brethren Herald), I used to delight in receiving submissions from many ordinary people with something to say. Some were well-written and some not, but I was glad to publish them if they had something important to say. An editor can fix poor grammar. An editor cannot fix a well-written article that does not say anything useful or important.

And then I began receiving submissions from an ordinary philosophy professor with something to say. Elmer Thiessen’s articles were clear, well-written, well-researched, thoughtful, theologically sound, and relevant. They were a delight to receive and publish.

I remember one article in particular. It was a thoughtful and well-reasoned critique of a denominational program, with the critique based on the denominational statement of faith. The denominational program was useful but had some limitations, which Elmer’s article clearly pointed out.

Some denominational leaders were very upset that I had dared to publish an article critical of their program, but I never regretted my decision. I was far more interested in truth, knowledge, clear thinking, and the welfare of the denomination as a whole. I was convinced that a free and thoughtful discussion would make the program more useful and the denomination stronger.

That program has largely dropped out of use, but my appreciation for Elmer Thiessen has remained.

Therefore, when Elmer asked if my Mill Lake Books imprint would publish his autobiography, I was glad to agree.

Stumbling Heavenward: One Philosopher’s Journey was published last year. The biography covers the usual topics—Elmer’s early life, his education, his family life, his work as a college professor, his writings, and his church involvement. Therefore, this book is of special interest to the people who knew him and worked with him—his family, his friends, his colleagues, fellow scholars, and members of his church and his denomination. But because Elmer is such a good writer and because he makes such wise, thoughtful, and insightful observations on his experiences, this book can be read far beyond those in his immediate circle. It can be read with benefit by all who are interested in the family, the church, the university, and important issues.

Elmer Thiessen’s book—and his life—demonstrate that it is very possible to be a thoughtful, intelligent Christian.

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Forgiveness

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Author Mary Alford
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Forgiveness, such a simple word for something that is anything but. Forgiving someone who has hurt isn’t easy. It’s something I’ve struggled with a lot.

Colossians 3:13 says,

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Forgiveness isn’t easy no matter the circumstances. When you’ve been hurt deeply, forgiving the person who caused the hurt is the last thing you want to do.

But Jesus while on the cross forgave the ones who had put him there. Think about that for a second.

In Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

I recently read an article about how Corrie Ten Boon forgave one of the Nazi guards from Ravensbrück Concentration Camp where she and her sister were sent and her sister Betsie died. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.

In her book, The Hiding Place, she wrote;

“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

When we forgive, we free ourselves of the chains of bitterness and anger. We are set free when we forgive.

All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Loving a Neighbor by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier

Have you ever had a neighbor or a person in your life that is tough to love? You know God doesn’t want you at odds with that person, but you can’t seem to find solid footing where you can interact without one of you being upset or offended. No matter how hard you try, loving that person becomes the hardest thing you have to do as Christian.

I have one of those people in my life. I’ve struggled so much with this issue. I’ve tried reasoning over our differences. Doesn’t help. I’ve tried being friendly to little success. I pray about this person, and our issues, and don’t see any relief in the near future.

“For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13: 9-10 (ESV)

I recently spent a week studying these two verses and pondering their meaning—with an emphasis on what God was saying to me about the person in my life that is so difficult to get along with. I realized that I don’t need to stand back and let a neighbor harm me, but I also must not seek to hurt anyone for any reason.

I also thought long and hard about who is my neighbor. Does this mean the people sitting beside me at church or those whose property borders mine? Jesus prayed the following:

“… I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” John 17:9 (ESV)

This leads me to believe my neighbor is the person or people God brings within my sphere of influence or connection My family, the people at church, neighbors—even the grumpy, mean-spirited ones—even those I come in contact with for a few minutes. All of those within my reach are my neighbors and worthy of God’s love and thus, my love. God brings them to me for a purpose and not always for those warm fuzzy feelings. Sometimes, He wants me to stretch and grow in the ways I show love.

I know God never seeks to wrong someone or get revenge for His own benefit. Likewise, when that person within my sphere hurts me, I am still called to love. I must forgive and live out the love of God, to show even in those difficult times that God is love. He Who first loved me, calls me to be like Him.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

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