I Forget to Breathe by Julie Arduini

Posted on April 27, 2022 by juliearduini

Last month I received a gift my family and I determined wasn’t a want as much as a need.

An Apple watch.

When they first came on the scene I made fun of them because all I saw was people answering texts and calls as if they were VIP status, not regular folk most likely replying back to their parents. Last year, my opinion started to change. A young friend fainted and she was home alone with her pre-schooler and newborn. She had help in minutes. Why?

Her Apple watch had fall detection. The watch triggered her emergency contacts, and her husband was at her side in minutes.

Last November, I took a fall. I was on my way to the garage with packages taller than my line of vision. I figured I knew what I was doing, so I went by feel down the steps. Thing is, there is a railing I reach for, and I missed it. I grabbed air and down I went. Packages flew and of all the ways to land, I straddled our walking mower. Yeah.

That kind of spooked me, and working a decade next door to the Office for the Aging has not helped me. I remember the fall statistics. I have a bad knee. I do not want to fall, but I realize it could happen, and there are times I’m alone, or somewhere around the house the others wouldn’t notice my absence unless they got hungry, LOL.

Enter Apple watch.

It has really helped me with fitness goals, and of course, fall detection is activated.

The watch has also helped me in another area.

I don’t breathe.

There’s a prompt several times a day for me to stop and breathe. One minute is all it asks of me. Rarely do I oblige. I keep thinking I’ll get to it. But I don’t. Last year the stress and grief I was experiencing manifested in severe anxiety. One thing I learned, when I start to freak out, I hold my breath. Not only am I trying to unlearn that, I’m trying to practice deep breathing. When I actually employ that skill, it helps. But I struggle to breathe. How crazy is that?

Does anyone else struggle with breathing? Do you have a watch that reminds you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Just remember to breathe. 🙂

***

Anchored Hearts is available for pre-order!

This is the first book in the new Surrendering Hearts series about the Hart sextuplets and their desire to discover their own identities and find a love like the one their parents shared.

Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after?

Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work had. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around her starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control?

Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co-anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set?

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Followers of Jesus by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 26, 2022 by jrcoggins

We sometimes think of the Twelve apostles as a group and suppose that Jesus called them all at once. This is not so.

According to Mark 1-2, Jesus first walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and called Peter, Andrew, James and John—four fishermen, a homogenous group.

Then, after settling in Capernaum and doing some ministry trips to the surrounding area, He reached out to a whole new group of people—Levi and a group of tax collectors. Now fishermen and tax collectors, faithful Jews and servants of the Roman oppressors would not be expected to get along. But Jesus brought them together.

Perhaps the fishermen (at least, Peter, James, and John) formed Jesus’ inner circle because they had seniority—they were called first.

Since Matthew was a tax collector (Matthew 9:9, 10:3), it is often assumed that Matthew and Levi were the same person. If so, then Levi also became one of the Twelve (Mark 3:18).

One of the other apostles was James, the son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18). He was also called “James the Less” (Mark 15:40)—perhaps because he was shorter or younger or less prominent than James, the son of Zebedee. In Mark 15:40, this James is described as the son of Mary, another of Jesus’ followers from Galilee. But Levi was also called the “son of Alphaeus” (Mark 2:14). If Matthew was Levi, then Matthew and James could be brothers, sons of Alphaeus and Mary. This would be a third set of brothers among the Twelve (along with Peter and Andrew, James and John). If Levi was not the same person as Matthew, James could still have been the brother of Levi and might also have been a tax collector; at any rate, he could have been part of the tax collector crowd.

Philip and Nathanael, on the other hand, appear to have been friends (John 1:43-51), not brothers, and they were from Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew (John 1:44). They had Greek names and may form a third group among the Twelve, that is, Hellenized Jews (Jews influenced by Greek culture but not necessarily working for the Roman government).              

We sometimes think Jesus calls individuals, and He does. But those individuals come with their connections and baggage, their families and their friends. As it was with Jesus’ first followers, so it is today. When one person becomes a follower of Jesus, one result is that his friends and family members are often given an opportunity to become followers as well.

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Small Gifts by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier

When I go walking in the desert, I travel down a wash and over hills. There are so many rocks. I have to be careful not to trip or fall, because the rocks will shift under my feet. Thus, I don’t usually notice individual rocks because I have to concentrate on keeping my footing as I walk.

More than once I’ve fallen when something caught my eye or I glanced to the side and didn’t see a pitfall. I was out walking with my husband once, and he called me to look at something. I lifted my gaze to see what he wanted just as I was taking a step. I didn’t see the hole on the far side of the rock I was stepping over and ended up with a sprained ankle. Having to walk more than a mile back to the house reminded me how necessary it is to take care to watch my surroundings and avoid problems.

There have been times I’m so busy keeping an eye on where I’m going that I forget to take in the beauty of what is around me. I’m focused on getting through—going from point A to point B—and ignoring everything else along the way.

Isn’t that how we do things in life. Especially in our Christian walk. We get so focused on what God has given us to do that we forget to take those moments and enjoy the little gifts God has given us. In fact, we often miss the small things God does for us every day. 

We are not so different from those people recorded in the Bible. Think of the Israelites who complained to Moses about their thirst and hunger when God provided food and water when needed. Think of the crowds of people in Bethlehem on that crisp evening who didn’t notice when the heavens opened and angels sang of God’s glory and a son born to save mankind. Think of the men who accompanied Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus and missed hearing the voice of God as He spoke to Paul and changed his life forever.

We all get caught up in what we are doing or need to do and forget to take a moment to see what God is doing for us and around us. It takes determination on our part and constant reminders to watch for His gifts. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Being pure in heart is a matter of keeping one’s focus on God. When we do that we often see what we would otherwise miss—the beauty and majesty of God’s gifts. Even the small ones that are easily ignored.

On my walk this past Easter Sunday morning, I glanced down as I headed home through that rocky wash. For the first time, I noticed the rock pictured below. That rock had been there all the other times I walked through the area, but I missed the beauty of the picture God painted on this rock. I had to smile at that small gift of beauty He’d given me, the butterfly a picture of new life. A reminder that he is with me wherever I go.

I urge you to look around you. What small gift of God’s are you overlooking? He has something incredible for you.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (NKJV)

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More Famous Coggins Quotations by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 20, 2022 by jrcoggins

After a writer is dead, some anonymous scholar often collects the best quotes from all of his written works, reducing his laboriously written tomes to a few sound bites. A while back, I decided to save this anonymous scholar some work, compile quotations from my writings myself, and post them in a blog. I soon realized that I had many more important things to say than were in that first compilation. Here are more nuggets of my enduring wisdom.

“It was a small town where change comes slowly and news travels fast.”

“If MENSA members are so smart, why do they waste their time doing those pointless puzzles and quizzes?”

“I am the family member my family counts on to be tall enough to reach things off the top shelf and strong enough to open the pickle jar. My family is in deep trouble.”

“The reason men don’t use their wedding anniversary as their password is that they don’t want to risk forgetting their password.”

“Last night, I had a healthy meal of fruit, nuts, cocoa beans, honey, and dairy. Also known as a banana split with chocolate sauce and honey-glazed peanuts.”

“Bible teachers should not boast in their insights or their novel interpretations. They do not create anything. Rather, they are students of the Bible who just see what is already there and shout, ‘Wow! Look at that!’”

“A Canadian is someone whose primary loyalty is to the nation from which his ancestors fled in order to escape persecution or poverty.”

“Drummers travel to a different beat. They are flakey, like hockey goaltenders. I remember a time when our high school bandmaster stopped our band in the middle of practice to ask the drummers, ‘Is that what is written in your music?’ The drummers stopped, looked at each other and then opened their music book. They didn’t care what they were supposed to be playing or whatever the rest of the band was playing. They just played what felt right to them.”

“My beard, which used to be red, is now white. It seems appropriate somehow. My kids have been convinced for a long time that I’m Santa Claus.”

“My daughter was going to take her kids to see Santa Claus, but the mall was charging $30 so she decided not to. I told her that was okay—I would put on a red coat and make the kids cry for free.”

“You can learn something new every day. This morning, the news reported that woodpeckers were disturbing homeowners by pounding on roofs and chimneys during mating season. I didn’t even know homeowners had a mating season.”

“There is no cure for insomnia equal to the sound of the alarm clock going off.”

“I don’t belong to any organized religion. I’m a Baptist.”

“Do you remember when having an infectious laugh was considered a good thing?”

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Easter Wasn’t the End of The Story!

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

This past Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. After being betrayed by one of His disciples, enduring mockery by Roman soldiers, and suffering a beating to the point of being unrecognizable, He died an excruciating death on the cross. His body was taken by Joseph of Arimathea with the help of Nicodemus and was laid in a new tomb. The grave was sealed with a rock.   

Many believed that was the end of the story. But Sunday was coming.

When Mary Magdelene went to the tomb early on the morning of the third day, she soon learned the truth as did the rest of His followers. The grave couldn’t hold Him.

For 40 days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many more followers, starting with Mary Magdelene and other women followers, the two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus, His disciples without Thomas and then with Thomas. And again, to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.

1 Corinthians 15:6 says; After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

And then He ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God.

Before his ascension, in Matthew 28:18-20, He gave the Great Commission:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

As they watched Him ascend into heaven, I wonder if they thought, this is the end. It wasn’t. Not by a longshot.

That small band of followers spread out from Judea to Samaria and to the “ends of the Earth.”

But the cost was great.

Peter was crucified in Rome, upside down at his request, since he did not feel he was worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.

Andrew preached in modern-day Turkey, and in Greece where he was said to have been crucified.

Thomas was active in the region east of Syria. He was believed to be preaching as far east as India, where he was pieced through with the spears of four soldiers.

Philip was believed to have a ministry in Carthage in North Africa and then in Asia Minor, where he converted the wife of a Roman proconsul. In retaliation the proconsul had Philip arrested and cruelly put to death.

Matthew ministered in Persia and Ethiopia. He was believed to be stabbed to death in Ethiopia.

Bartholomew traveled to India with Thomas, then back to Armenia, and Ethiopia and Southern Arabia. He, too, was martyred for the gospel.

James was reckoned to have ministered in Syria. James was stoned and then clubbed to death.

Simon the Zealot ministered in Persia and was killed after refusing to sacrifice to the sun god.

Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas. He was believed to be in Syria with Andrew where he died by burning.

John was the only one of the apostles believed to have died of old age. He was exiled to the island of Patmos. There he wrote the book of Revelation. An early Latin account has him escaping unhurt after being cast into boiling oil at Rome.

John’s death wasn’t the end either.

Today, the gospel is still spreading throughout the world. The work stared by those first followers continues to change lives.

 But one day, the end will come. Revelation 1:7 says; Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Until then, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Reverence Part 4 by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on April 14, 2022 by Bridget

Over the last several weeks I have been writing about the subject of reverence and ways we can show God our respect. When you hear the phrase “fear of the Lord” – this means to have reverence for Him. and having reverence for God means that we respect Him. R.T. Kendall said, “What is missing in the church more than anything in the world at the present time is the fear of God and a sense of sin.” I do believe this is true and I believe that is why our world is in a whole lot of trouble right now. We need to turn our hearts back to Him. And one way we need to revere Him is through obedience.

Philippians 2:12 tells us to “…[obey] God with deep reverence and fear.” I find it very telling that when Paul wrote this, he associated obedience with reverence. When we obey the Lord, we are showing Him that we fear Him and respect Him. I understand that sometimes obedience can be scary, especially if God is asking us to take a big step or do something that seems unreasonable. But when we do what He asks, we are proving our devotion. We are telling Him that we are committed to Him.

Obedience is an important aspect of our relationship with God. But it is also a key that will unlock the doors we have been struggling to open. Do you remember the hymn “Trust and Obey?” Obedience and Trust go hand in hand. When we trust God, we obey Him. When we obey God, we will see that He is trustworthy. Trust increases our obedience and obedience increases our trust. It is a beautiful cycle that grows stronger over time.

Obedience also brings us blessings. God has a reason for each thing He asks us to do. With our human eyes, we might not be able to see the big picture. But God always sees the big picture. He sees the beginning and the end. He knows what is best and He works things out for our good. So even when what He asks seems difficult, we have to have faith that He knows what is best.

“Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33

We also obey God out of love. Just think about how much God pours His love, blessings, protection, guidance, comfort, care, and strength over us. How can we not want to honor Him and love Him in return with our obedience? Remember the words that Jesus spoke in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” That statement alone makes me want to show God my reverence, honor, and love through obedience.

I pray we all can turn our hearts towards Him, with proper reverence and respect. I pray we all can learn to wholeheartedly trust and obey Him. Humbling ourselves before God, and clinging to Him through each day, will ultimately bring us a sense of peace. We will know that our lives are in the hands of Almighty God, and that is the safest place to be.

I hope you all have a Happy Easter!

I will leave you with a song: Trust and Obey performed by Big Daddy Weave

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Originally posted on bridgetathomas.com © 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Anchored Hearts Cover Puzzle by Julie Arduini

Posted on April 13, 2022 by juliearduini

I’m so excited to announce the first book in the Surrendering Hearts contemporary Christian romance series, Anchored Hearts, releases next month. This book was full of delay, but on the other side I have to say the issues that took me away from writing healed my heart and improved my writing. I’m so excited for you to see this book.

My newsletter subscribers receive “first dibs” on all things Julie Arduini books. Earlier this month they got first peek at the Anchored Hearts cover. Tomorrow they will be the first for exclusive news regarding the book. So until they get that surprise, I have for you…a cover puzzle.

—Julie Arduini

You can follow THIS LINK to assemble the puzzle and then you’ve got the Anchored Hearts cover.

I can also give you a summary on the series and a blurb about Anchored Hearts.

Surrendering Hearts series:

Nationally celebrated sextuplets each discover their own identity and find that special true love like their parents shared.

Anchored Hearts:

Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after?

Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the same way her mother’s work had. Jordyn keeps tabs on her family and enjoys helping them grow. When life around her starts to change, can she surrender her desire to control?

Spencer Collins knows how to balance a busy life. He has his work as a reporter, his time caregiving for his grieving father, and looking out for his little brother. When he learns he’s the new co-anchor of a morning show with Jordyn Hart, can he handle working with a celebrity who brings a lot of challenges to life on and off the set?

If you’d like to be one of my newsletter subscribers, visit Link Tree. I send out a newsletter twice a month. The first is writing related. Readers asked for excerpts, character interviews, exclusive content. The second is a family update. I also include giveaways, recipes, and more. Once you successfully subscribe, you receive a thank you digital copy of Entrusted AND Entangled from my Surrendering Time series.

Have fun with the puzzle, and have a blessed Resurrection Sunday.

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Right and Left by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 12, 2022 by jrcoggins
“The King Returns for His Crown” by Larry Onifrichuk. Used with permission.

In Mark 10, the apostles James and John came to Jesus and said, “We want you to do for us whatever we ask” (Mark 10:35 NIV). In other words, they wanted Jesus to give them an answer before they told Jesus what it was they wanted. They wanted a blank check from God. Sadly, many modern Christians want the same thing. But God doesn’t operate that way. We don’t have enough knowledge or wisdom to know how to fill in the blank check. It is God who has the requisite unlimited knowledge and wisdom, and it is He who demands a blank check from us.

When Jesus asked them what it was they wanted, the responded, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

Jesus was on the way to be Jerusalem to be crowned King (with thorns) and to inaugurate His kingdom. James and John knew this, except for the thorns part. Therefore, they asked for (perhaps even demanded?) the places of honor on Jesus’ right and left. They pictured themselves ruling on thrones beside Jesus. But Jesus said those places of honor were reserved for “those for whom they have been prepared.” When Jesus ascended, it was to a cross, not a throne, and the places of honor on Jesus’ right and left were reserved for two thieves, who died with Him (Mark 15:27). In the descriptions given to us, there are no thrones in heaven on Jesus’ right and left hands. There is no one even close to having Jesus’ power and honor. All power and honor belong to Jesus, and all the rest of us are His servants.

Jesus told James and John that they didn’t know what they were asking for. If they had known, they wouldn’t have wanted it.

Jesus asked James and John if they could drink the same cup as He did and undergo the same baptism. They said yes. But the cup is a biblical image for the wrath of God, and baptism is a symbol of death. Jesus was talking about taking all the sins of the world upon Himself and dying on the cross to satisfy the righteous wrath of God. James and John did not understand this and wouldn’t have wanted what they were asking for. In fact, when given the opportunity to die with Jesus, they ran away.

The other apostles were incensed by the power grab and backroom dealing by James and John. They wanted the same places of honor and power for themselves and probably wished they had thought of it first. But they also did not know what they were asking for and would not have wanted it if it had been offered to them. In fact, when it was, they also ran away and hid.

But Jesus also promised, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with” (Mark 10:39). Many of the apostles (and many later followers of Jesus) did follow Jesus in being martyred—and they died with Jesus at their side and ascended to join Him before the throne of God (Acts 7:55-56). James was the first of the apostles to die this way (Acts 12:1-2).

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Kids and Their Activities by Tara Randel

Posted on April 11, 2022 by tararandel

Did you notice when your children were growing up, or if they’re involved in sports or hobbies right now, that their interests become our interests? Driving to practices or sporting events, music lessons, after school programs, dance, gymnastics or cheerleading, it’s hours of time and energy. For us, it was sitting at the soccer field and at some traveling games. Giving up Saturday mornings just becomes the norm.

And then they grow up and they’re gone. We get our time back.

Or do we?

In the last year, my thirty-year-old daughter decided to take horseback riding lessons. She’s always loved horses, loves to ride the trails when we go on vacation in the mountains. She’s done well and when the owners at the stable suggested she learn how to show jump, she was all in. This starts with the rail on the ground, then working up in height as you master the skill. So of course, when she had her first official show, my husband and I showed up to support her.

She had to show her skill of sitting on the horse, control and moving over the rail, as well as other commands from the judges. All this on top of getting the horse with a mind of his own to listen. She did well for her first time, came home with some ribbons. After her event, we watched the other contestants show off their skill levels. There were four different arenas with on-going events all day long.

Her interest has opened up a whole new world for me, which I can use in my writing. As a an author, no experience goes to waste. Anything and everything goes into storytelling. And as it happens, the book I just finished and the one I’m working on right now has horses in it, so now I have a go-to person for research.

Goes to show, we’ll always be there for our children, no matter the age or the activity. We had just as much fun watching her master a new hobby she loves as we did when she ran up and down the field kicking the ball. She might not ever jump a cross rail located three feet off the ground, but she’s excited about the beginning steps and we’re along for the ride.

Enjoy the activities your kids or grandkids are involved in. Who knows, you might learn something new.

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, HIS SMALL TOWN DREAM, available SEPTEMBER 2022. 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 and receive a link to download a free digital book.

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Ungrateful Kids by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 6, 2022 by jrcoggins

“Lord,” the man prayed, “it’s these kids you gave me. They’re driving me nuts. They’ve phoned me fourteen times this week, and not once was it anything positive. They only called me to complain or to ask for something: ‘I hate my job.’ ‘My boss is a jerk.’ ‘I can’t stand this heat.’ ‘What do you do when the baby is teething?’ ‘Can you lend me a hundred bucks?’ ‘Can you babysit the grandkids while we go to the movies?’ ‘Can you fix our car?’”

“It is very frustrating,” the man continued. “You’d think that just once they would phone me up to thank me for something I’d done for them or to tell me some good news or to offer to do something for me. But no, it’s all asking and complaining. Lord, I taught them better than this. You’ve got to do something! Do you even know what I’m going through?”

“Oh,” came the answer, “I know.”

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In The Beginning. . .

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

The beginning of everything is outlined in Genesis. From the creation of the heavens and the earth to man’s beginning. How the animals and the plants and trees came into existence. God spoke, and it happened.

And in comparison, in John 1:1, John starts his account of Jesus at the beginning. Back to where it all began.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

Jesus was there in the beginning with God because He is God. This is the mystery of the trinity. There is One God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, God’s great mysteries are revealed: 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. John 1-4.

God’s mysteries that were concealed for thousands of years were spoken clearly in John. God created the universe through and for Jesus. Everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus, the one who would come and who would save the fallen world from their sins. All things were to be fulfilled through Him. Jesus was in the beginning. He will be there in the end. And He has made a way for us to be with Him in heaven one day.

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

What an amazing promise. What an amazing God.  

All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Whac-a-Mole by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier

Have you ever played Whac-a-Mole? The game where a mole pops up and you are supposed to hit it with a mallet, but as you do another one pops up somewhere else. Then another and another. It’s similar to fighting real moles when they invade your yard. They seem to pop up elsewhere no matter what you do.

Lately, I’ve felt like that’s the way my health goes. I have one health need, tend to it and get it under control only to have another pop up. The older I get, the more problems pop up, and it’s a continual battle. Because of my autoimmune disease I struggle with my meds being out of balance, UTI’s, stomach issues, and the list goes on.

I won’t go into detail, but I’m sure many of you can relate. In order to stay in good health, you have to exercise, maintain a good diet, and keep an eye on symptoms that pop up like those nasty little moles. If you’re like me, you get one area under control, breathe a sigh of relief, only to have something else go wrong. Those ornery moles.

As I thought about this with my health, I had to stop and think about my spiritual life and the comparison there. Of course, it relates. We have to always be aware of little stumbling blocks that sneak into our lives. 

What are some of those moles that undermine our faith and pop up when least expected? Complacency comes to mind. Being comfortable where we are and wanting to stay there instead of stepping out and doing what God is asking us to do. We get in that comfortable rut. Doing something different for God can be uncomfortable and disconcerting. However, the benefits of following His call are numerous and well worth leaving our comfort zone.

Self might be another mole that rears its ugly head. Putting self before God or others is so easy to do. We make excuses about why we should be first and even overlook the fact that we are doing so. John the Baptist, when talking about Jesus in John 3:30 said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This can be hard for us to remember in a society of people encouraged to better themselves or to stand out, but it’s essential to lift Jesus above self.

Although there are many moles out there trying to undermine our faith, one of the main ones might be pride. As Christians, we become so sure of our faith that we forget to check with God to see what His will is. The Israelites often did this in the book of Joshua. They would go up to battle against a city or accept a people without consulting God first and suffer the consequences. We must always ask God what His will is and not assume we know the best thing to do. God has called us to love and sometimes our pride can get in the way of our knowing how to show that love.

Although the game of Whac-a-mole might be fun, the reality of fighting an infestation of moles is not so fun. Whether we’re battling for our health or for our faith, we must always be aware and watch for those places that need work. Asking God daily for help to see what might be undermining us is important. 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

      Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

      Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”

Psalm 51: 10-12 (NKJV)

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Nora’s Review of: All That Is Secret by Patricia Raybon

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Vicki Hinze

All That Is Secret 

(An Annalee Spain Mystery #1)

By Patricia Raybon 

Published by: Tyndale

Release Date: October 12, 2021

400 Pages

Genres: Black & African American Historical Fiction, Christian Mystery & Suspense

FROM THE BACK COVER: From award-winning author Patricia Raybon comes a compelling new historical mystery series, a riveting puzzle about a young Black theologian–and Sherlock fan–trying to solve her father’s cold-case murder in a city ruled by the KKK.

It’s the winter of 1923 and Professor Annalee Spain―a clever but overworked theologian at a small Chicago Bible college–receives a cryptic telegram calling her home to Denver to solve the murder of her beloved but estranged father.

For a young Black woman, searching for answers in a city ruled by the KKK could mean real danger. Still, with her literary hero Sherlock Holmes as inspiration, Annalee launches her hunt for clues, attracting two surprising allies: Eddie, a relentless young orphan boy searching for his missing father, and Jack, a handsome young pastor who loves nightclub dancing and fast cars–awakening Annalee’s heart to the surprising highs and lows of romance and love.

With their help, Annalee follows clues that land her among Denver’s powerful elite. But when her sleuthing unravels sinister motives and long-buried lies, will clever Annalee become a victim, too? 

NORA’S REVIEW: This story and its well-developed characters grabbed my heart and emotions from the start, here’s a peek…” The little baby was four hours old. Still unwashed. Barely crying. But Joe Spain’s old ears recognized the sound. A human infant. Somebody’s mistake, left in the Colorado cold to die.”  

Oh, my I was hooked, and surprised by this gripping, powerful and emotional opening situation where we meet Annalee’s father.  I felt a part of the investigation as this brave young lady, makes her way to the scene of the crime. I like the way readers are introduced to this determined, educated, and confident woman who isn’t afraid to do the right thing, even if it looks impossible. As the story builds, Annalee faces incredibly difficult situations as she tries to dig up clues leading to her father’s murderer.

There is a quote under the chapter number from Sherlock Holmes novels. Chapter one says, “Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others overlook.” Sherlock Holmes, A Case of Identity. I liked reading about this young female sleuth from the 1920s. My heart went out to the orphan boy and the pastor, who were unlikely back for Annalee. I liked how historical events were woven into this murder mystery, which gave the reader a different point of view.

I liked what the author says about the main character, “Amid this hostility, my character Annalee Spain found respite in stories of Sherlock Holmes, the iconic fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. All of the Holmes epigraphs featured in All That Is Secret are from stories first published in the Strand…Annalee doesn’t solve crimes like Holmes, famous for creative solutions using deductive reasoning. She affirms his belief, however, that a women’s instincts are valuable crime-fighting skills.  So, I enjoyed letting Annalee deploy her instincts to unravel the mystery in this novel. How will she grow as a detective? Her next mystery will be coming soon.”

The author includes twelve discussion questions to help create a lively discussion for your book club. This is the authors’ debt novel. I look forward to seeing where the author takes Annalee and what mysteries she will solve. This page-turner that will grab your heart and never let it go.

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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Reverence Part 3 by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Bridget

Over the past few weeks, I have been talking about reverence. I have mainly been focusing on how to show God reverence by kneeling in prayer. But another aspect I want to talk about today is our attitude. Although I try to be positive, I must confess that there are times when I still grumble. I have gotten a lot better in this area, but I still have room for improvement. Complaining is common in our culture. Sadly, it has become the norm, is fully accepted, and even encouraged. Happy people are often frowned upon these days.

But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to be a shining light in a dark world. We are called to be the salt of the earth. But something that has been pulling on my heart recently is how this relates to reverence.

One thing we discussed in the last two posts was that reverence is all about the heart. Well, Jesus tells us in Matthew 15:18, “But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart” (TPT). So, if reverence is a reflection of our heart’s posture, and if our words reveal what’s in our heart, then that tells me our words and attitudes are important when it comes to reverence.

I imagine it must grieve the Lord to hear us gripe all the time. In fact there is a Bible verse that mentions grieving the Holy Spirit. It says in Ephesians 4:29-32, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When I think about my attitude grieving the Lord, this breaks my heart.

God is so good to us and showers us with blessings every day. Yes, we all face difficulties in life. However, God is still watching over us, protecting us, and caring for us through it all. He is faithful and trustworthy. He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. So, how can we possibly grumble when we know how good God is to us?

There are many Christians who just want a ticket to heaven and that is all. But there is so much more than that. Our lives belong to Him. Our words and actions should honor Him. Sometimes our pride puffs up when we hear things like this. We don’t want to let go of some things and live for the Lord. But I promise you that you will only find peace and joy, once you finally decide to fully surrender.

I heard Pastor Jentezen Franklin say something a few months ago that really resonated in my heart: “God doesn’t owe you anything. But you owe Him everything!” (Sermon heard on TBN June 21, 2020.) That statement says a lot. And it makes me want to have more reverence for the Lord. And one way we can do that is by changing our attitudes.

Reading through the Psalms specifically written by King David, it amazes me how he always praised God, even in the worst of times. He faced so many trials in his life, but he continued to praise God and to cling to God. He knew God was a good God. He knew God was faithful and trustworthy. David didn’t let his complaints stop him from full reverence for the Lord.

Psalm 144 is a good example in which David was facing something difficult. In some of the verses, he is asking God for his help. Yet he praised God through it all. He opens the Psalm with “Praise be to the Lord my Rock” (v 1). And in verse 9 he says that he “will sing a new song” to God. To read all of this Psalm, click here.

I pray our hearts can be like David’s (who was said to be a man after God’s own heart). I pray we too can show God our reverence, even in the midst of a storm. God does so much for us, every moment of every day. And He deserves all the honor, glory, respect, and reverence. Take some time today to praise God, either in your own words, or by reading a Psalm. Show Him reverence, and in turn, your heart will soar.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Originally posted on bridgetathomas.com © 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Ready for 52 by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 30, 2022 by juliearduini

Each year I share my thoughts as I celebrate another birthday. This year, 52. I don’t even remember much of 51. Turning 50 was anticlimactic because I really wanted to enter the decade with a bang. Instead, the country shut down and it was so new no one was doing the drive-by celebrations.

So, what’s 52 to me?

This year my God-given theme is reclaim. I get that 52 is a non-year celebration wise, but given last year was so rough and I never got to enjoy 50 with anyone outside my house, I’m re-claiming 50. I often talk myself out of doing things, but not this year. I reserved an event with two friends I serve closely with who have had my back in the last year.

I’m also having red velvet cake. Let me elaborate. I will be making and eating my mom’s famous red velvet cake. This cake is so good I refuse to eat anyone else’s. I’ve tried before, and I’m always disappointed. Her version was so beloved she sent it to her nephew in Afghanistan. Although my presentation isn’t as good as hers, I have mastered the taste. This seems like the year to enjoy a piece. Or 3.

Other than that, 52 holds hope. For my family, this is the year our youngest graduates high school and starts college. After all she’s been through with her health, what a cause for celebration. Our son gets married. I prayed for his wife before I could even conceive. It’s such a praise to see God’s faithfulness. Tom and I will take a trip back to Lake Placid as a delayed 25th anniversary trip.

For my writing, I’m so excited. I feel like previous works were my training ground and this new series, Surrendering Hearts, is the real deal. The idea came from watching This is Us and wondering how did the showrunner and writers keep track of all the details, and, my sister asking me about writing a story involving unique birth stories. The Hart sextuplets each get their own book with a surrender story. They are trying to find their identity apart from their siblings and discover a love as great as what their parents shared.

Jordyn is up first with Anchored Hearts. She wrecks me. As the oldest sextuplet, she’s taken on a leadership role within the family. Now that they are grown, it’s time to give that up, and she’s scared. Control is important to her but as life spirals, Jordyn’s faced with letting go. Her journey is one I relate to way more than I thought.

I have a prequel story featuring patriarch Paul Hart and his neighbor, Shelly Hoffman called Unwrapping Hearts. There’s also a sneak peek of Anchored Hearts. Both are free downloads

Birthdays are also a time where I reflect on what’s going well, and what needs improvement. Compared to last year, everything is improving. My focus is back so I’ve returned to working out. I rarely drink pop now, and that’s HUGE. I’ve cut down on my chocolate consumption. These are huge victories for me. The frustration is I don’t see a lot of change on the scale, but at 52, there’s a lot of grace. I realize what challenges I have, and I try not to take advantage of them and invite gluttony into my schedule. It’s hard. I often struggle with what I see in the mirror. Yet, my passion is to make sure the girls I mentor understand how beautiful they are. Well, that truth needs to cover me.

I don’t see me starting anything new at 52, but that’s God’s deal to work out. I’m not thinking about trying a new craft or project beyond releasing Anchored Hearts, researching Repairing Hearts, and starting that book. I do have a goal not to travel much beyond Lake Placid. Last year I was on the road most of the year. It took a lot out of me and I’m still recovering from that. I love being home.

I sense there’s a lot I will see this year that will be things I prayed about in the past. Some of it will be easy, and some not, but my job will to encourage. Honestly, that won’t be as easy as it sounds. So far everything I’ve prayed about and shared with loved ones has come to pass, and they weren’t on the same page. I see that happening on a huge scale, and there will be masses, I believe, who will need encouragement even though they rejected prayers and encouragement in the past. Ah, 52 will give me maturity, right?

So that’s where I’m at. Gray hair. Huge bags under my eyes. Menopause alive and well. Recovering. Reclaiming. Writing. Celebrating. Learning. Praying. I’m ready for you, 52!

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