Where Am I? God, Help Me! #Devotional by Becky Van Vleet

 

“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV)

My husband and I recently jetted across the country from where we live in Colorado to Indiana where I grew up and lived for a few years after we married. I was excited to visit family and friends. We stayed in a La Quinta and rented a car to be all set for our daily excursions. We took turns driving with a total reliance on our GPS to get us where we needed to be. After all, interstates had changed with new exits, added lanes, and the city had grown exponentially since we’d moved away.

On our third day, I was eager to meet my sister for tea. I stepped into my car with confidence and excitement. GPS, do your thing, I thought to myself when I plugged in the address. I pulled up to the restaurant right on time. A piece of cake. After a delightful tea and hugs and goodbyes, I sat behind the steering wheel once again, plugging in my GPS to return to our motel.

But this time was different. First, it was raining pretty hard. Second, the GPS did not automatically reverse the directions. This wondrous tool gave me new directions to return, but with the rain, I didn’t even realize I was on different roads. I simply trusted the GPS and kept driving and driving and driving. No La Quinta in sight. In fact, I ended up on curvy single lane roads surrounded by farm lands. My stomach tightened when I noticed the GPS eating up the charge on my phone, down to 20%. I had no charger with me. (Yeah, not smart.)

Heart racing, I called my husband. “Hey, I don’t know where I am. My phone is about to die. You might need to get an Uber and come get me to navigate us back to the motel, but I can’t even tell you where I am!” Talk about panicky embarrassment.

We hung up with my promise to try Google Maps instead. But this alternative tool did not help me either. I finally took a deep breath and prayed aloud, “Where am I? God, help me!”

I eventually got back to our motel with a dead phone and a palpitating heart. I raced to our room and sat down on the bed, composing myself. Oh my! What should have been a 30-minute drive back took nearly two hours.

When I settled down, I realized the GPS and Google Maps failed me. They are “human tools”, designed by mankind with margins of errors. It was my prayer to God that really got me back on the right roads. He directed me. No margin of errors with God. He knew every road and exit throughout Indianapolis because He designed it—He’s omniscient.

God never fails us. He will direct our steps and guide us on the right roads in life. He speaks to us through the Bible, the perfect GPS, and whenever we’re unsure of something, all we have to do is ask for His help. He knows when we’re lost. He woos us back to Him. I figure if He made the heavens and earth, He can certainly help me when I’m driving on unfamiliar roads—nothing is too hard for Him!

Are you trusting God for His unfailing help and guidance?

Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal and award-winning multi-genre author. She has been published in Guideposts, The Country Register, and Christian Devotions Ministry. Her children’s picture books are the recipients of the 2020 Excellence in Editing award as well as the Purple Dragonfly award in 2020 and 2021. She and her husband make their home close to Colorado Springs where she enjoys gardening, hiking, oil painting, power walking, and spending time with her family, especially reading books to her grandchildren.

Becky is the author of Unintended Hero, a true story about her father’s battles, experiences, and adventures in WWII aboard the USS Denver. She is passionate about sharing the values from the Greatest Generation and enjoys speaking to high school classes about patriotism.

A member of ACFW and Allauthor, Becky has devoted her website to creating and preserving family memories and sharing family stories for the next generations through her monthly blogs. 

You can find her at: https://beckyvanvleet.com. She would love to hear from you, especially if you have a family story to share!

 

Social Media Links:

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An Interview with Marty Machowski, Author of The Shadow and the Promise

 

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An Interview with Marty Machowski, Author of The Shadow and the Promise Have you ever imagined what it would have been like to witness the events of the Bible firsthand? Have you wondered what it would have been like for the animals as they roamed the Garden of Eden or gathered to board the ark? In his latest release, The Shadow and the Promise, best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski invites middle-grade readers to take a front-row seat along with the fictional animals who watched the most memorable stories in Scripture as they took place.    The Shadow and the Promise is the first of four books in the Redemption Tales series for readers ages 8–12, offering a creative presentation of the gospel message. This first installment follows the adventures of the animals as the events of Genesis and Exodus unfold before them. Young readers will not only join the badgers in the Garden of Eden but also meet an array of animals in the ark, a family of groundhogs at Babel, a donkey belonging to Abraham, sheep from Joseph’s herd, the cats in the palace in Egypt, a dog present at the Passover, and an ever-present dove named Daniel.   Q: Where did the inspiration for your new series, The Redemption Tales, come from?   I am always looking for creative ways to promote the gospel to children. The idea for the Redemption Tales came to me one morning as I was brainstorming, asking myself the question, What retelling of the gospel hasn’t been done before? I remembered the passage in Romans chapter eight where Paul tells us that the creation was subjected to decay, and all creation is groaning with the hope that it will be freed from its bondage to decay.    That led me to ask the question, “If the animals could talk, what would they say?” I started writing an account of the creation and fall from the perspective of the first two created badgers. From there, I developed a scope and sequence for twenty-eight stories, fourteen in each of the Old and New Testaments. These form the backbone of the Redemption Tales books, written for a middle-grade audience.   Q: How is the book and series unique in their approach to presenting the gospel?   Kids love talking animals, so I thought the Redemption Tales would provide a vehicle through which to preach the gospel in a creative way. By including Bible study questions that I call “The Truth Behind the Tales” for each story, I ensure the truth of God’s Word stands above the fictional characters of the tales. Kids know animals can’t talk (all that is except the Serpent and Balaam’s donkey), so they are not likely to confuse the tales with the truth of Scripture.   Q: What stories from the Bible are retold in The Shadow and the Promise?    The first book in the Redemption Tales series covers the creation and fall, Noah and the ark, the Tower of Babel, the sacrifice of Isaac, the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers, Joseph revealing himself to his brothers in Egypt, and the first Passover. Q: What are some of the animals that readers will meet along the way? What unique insights do they have to the events going on around them?   There are over forty different talking animals in the seven stories of The Shadow and the Promise. They offer wisdom and insights to the events going on around them. For example, Scrappy, the dog, chastises his two oxen friends for complaining. He tells them, “Complaining blinds you to the blessings around you.”   The animal stories in the Redemption Tales each have a special event unfolding around them. Some are humorous and some serious, but they all work to provide a creative retelling of the Biblical accounts that children are sure to love.   Q: Why is Serpent portrayed as a dragon rather than a snake in the Garden of Eden?   The book of Revelation calls the ancient serpent a “Dragon.” Dragons have wings and it seems logical to assume the serpent moved with wings or legs (or both) before God cursed him to crawl on his belly all his days. The Serpent becomes a snake after he is cursed. The curse God brought upon the serpent wouldn’t really make much sense if the serpent had to crawl on his belly before the curse.   Q: Who does Daniel, the dove who is present throughout the entire story, represent? Why does he fill all the animals in on what’s going on in the present as well as prophesy to them about the future?   The most interesting animal is Daniel the dove—the only character that finds his way into every story. Daniel represents the Holy Spirit. He is the one who connects what is happening in the present story to Jesus. He makes the redemptive, historical connection in each of the seven tales.   Q: How do the questions at the end of the book encourage children to dig deeper into the Bible for themselves?   I wanted to include studies from the Bible for the reader to provide an opportunity to read the actual biblical account. After hearing how Daniel the dove connects the story to Christ, the children will have a new appreciation for the story from the Bible. The questions help steer their study so that they come away with a full understanding of each story.   Q: Can you give us a tease of what to expect as the series continues?   Book two, The Prophecy and the Hope, picks up with the rest of the Exodus story and goes through the rest of the Old Testament. Then, there will be two more books for a total of four, continuing through the rest of the Bible. In the New Testament, you will read about a secret tunnel in Jerusalem that still actually exists! You will also learn about animals you probably never heard of but do live in the Judean/Israeli countryside.   Q: How about closing with a couple of fun questions? If you could witness any event from the Bible, what would it be? If all animals were still tame like they were back in the Garden of Eden when Adam named them, what animal would you like to have as a pet?   I think if I had to pick one event that I would have enjoyed seeing firsthand, it would be the creation. How amazing is it that God spoke—and it was so? Imagine being there for when God made the stars in an instant!    If I could have any animal as a pet (assuming it was tame), I would enjoy having a jerboa. Jerboas can see in the dark, jump more than nine feet in the air, and run fifteen miles an hour. That is not your average mouse.  The Shadow and the Promise The Redemption Tales Book 1 by Marty Machowski Illustrated by Blair Files February 12, 2024 ISBN: 978-1-64507-407-6 Retail Price: $16.99 Juvenile Fiction/Religious/Christian/Action & Adventure

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About the Author and Illustrator

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press.   He is the author of a number of family devotionals, Sunday School curriculums (including the Gospel Story Curriculum), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Treasure, Angels on Your Side, and The Shadow and the Promise.   Machowski and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Instagram (@martymachowski) and Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

Just for the Summer: (A Fun Swapped Roles Contemporary Clean Romance Novel)

 

Just for the Summer: 

(A Fun Swapped Roles Contemporary Clean Romance Novel) 

March 19, 2024

by Melody Carlson (Author)

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her. Jacqueline Potter manages her grandfather's fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She's grateful for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she's just not going to find in this backwoods town.

The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for the summer, they'll swap jobs and lifestyles. But they never anticipated swapping love interests . . .

In this fabulous new twist on an age-old fable, award-winning and bestselling author Melody Carlson introduces you to two career-focused women who are about to discover that there's more to finding happiness than just switching up the scenery.

***

"Readers will root for both Ginny and Jacqueline in this heartwarming tale from Carlson."--Library Journal starred review

"Two career-focused women swap hospitality jobs and chaos ensues in the jovial latest from Carlson. Her lighthearted take on an old trope charms."--Publishers Weekly

My thoughts:   This was a fun contempory romance -- a clean one, no faith message.  I liked Ginnie, she was fun and nice.  I didn't care for Jackie so much.   It was a fun setting, with two great heroes and a very low key romance.   Written in Ms. Carlson's style fans will love it.   Grab your copy today.  I waa given a copy free and all opiniions are my own.

While the City Sleeps (Women of Midtown)

 

While the City Sleeps

 (Women of Midtown) 

February 13, 2024

by Elizabeth Camden (Author)

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.

"History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"--Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of When the Day Comes and In This Moment

"Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else. . . . A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

My thoughts:  WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS is the latest book by one of the few favorite historical writers I read.  Based on real life events this is a page turner as the reader tries to figure out who-dun-it.     I liked the idea of Katherine's career and found Jonathon both likeable and unlikeable. He tended to go off randomly with his temoer and attitute.  If you like historical romance you will love this book. Recommmended.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own. 

The Season of Singing Has Come By Sharon Musgrove #devotional

 

The Season of Singing Has Come

By Sharon Musgrove

 

 

“See!  The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,

The cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Arise, come, darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 NIV

 

Outside my living room window, a yew bush blocks the scene of the back yard.  But just because the view is limited, Spring is still obvious.  A mated pair of House finches have built their nest in the safety of this overgrown pillar.  Completely unaware of putting themselves on display, these two lovebirds have established their home in full sight, framed by the wood trim around the glass.  I delight in observing their daily activities and in listening to their happy chatter.

 

Beyond the blockade, the warmth of the sun has brought out a splash of florals, as if a painter has gone mad with his palate.  Azaleas, tulips, hyacinth, and primrose dot the landscape like bridesmaids showing off their ridiculous gowns.  An arch of flowering plum stages the walkway, a radiant blush of beauty. 

 

Spring has not just arrived; the season has come singing!

 

Wintertime in Oregon’s Willamette Valley might be considered mild weather when compared to colder, extreme climates, but the long months of rain and gray skies stretch from October until early April.  It’s the long murky days, coupled end to end, that can drain the heart of hope.

 

But then Spring rides in with rainbows of color, waving a scepter of golden sunlight, and singing a song that brings life!  Hope restored!  Light!  Love!  Life!

 

The Bible’s book of Song of Solomon captures this rescue from darkness by revealing the love of God for His bride . . . the church.  This song is a love letter like no other writing in the text.  Its lyrics are filled with descriptors of the passion between lovers, sharing not just a single sided fancy, but a common desire for one another.  Relationship.

 

It can be difficult to understand God’s crazy love for us when our day-to-day functions are overshadowed by dark clouds.  Our sight is limited to this day, but our hearts yearn for another, brighter, future day.  And we cry for that day.  We cry out for Him.

 

But what if, like a caged bird, or like imprisoned Paul the apostle, we sang in our dark days?  What if we leaned into a season of singing even before it revealed itself?  Replacing crying with worship? 

 

This is an exercise of faith. 

 

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as: “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

 

To praise God, with whatever resources He has given us, is a way of bringing His Kingdom to earth.  We join Him in creating light in darkness with our voice.  Speaking life where death threatens is a partnering with the Creator.

 

House finches have a beautiful song.  The couple nesting in the yew is only a single pair of many singing this tune.  Almost any time of day, their characteristic music can be heard.  And I am inspired by them to raise my own voice in proclamation that winter is past.  Dark times are temporary.  Jesus is indeed on His way back!

 

We have an open invitation in this season’s song . . . Arise, come, darling; my beautiful one, come with me. 

 

Will you join in God’s season of singing?

  

Author Bio:

 

Sharon has been writing and teaching biblically based curriculum, Bible studies, and devotionals since 2007.    

 

She has had the unique position of writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community.

 

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She’s been privileged to speak in Leadership camps intended on encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young women.

 

Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

 

Sharon and her husband, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children. 

 

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is working towards a degree in Ministry. 

 

~*~

Connect with Sharon:

Website: Sharonmusgrove.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmusgrove_untethered/

 

 

 

Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries: That's My Baby by Ruth Logan Herne

 

Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries: That's My Baby by Ruth Logan Herne Hardcover – January 1, 2024

by Ruth Logan Herne (Author)

This is a wonderful mystery related back to WWII and acts of heroism to preserve family treasures. This Whistle Stop Cafe mystery centers around Sadie and her doll hospital. I appreciated the historical letters the author included in the tale written from Poland.

Janet and Debbie assisting Sadie were wise and clever detectives in their own ways to discover answers from the history of their town and train depot. The small town with caring residents gave way to an enjoyable and heartwarming read to discover answers to the mysterious contacts and visitors. Will Sadie finally have answers of her family ancestry?

Fans of historical Christian fiction with a mystery theme will want to read That’s My Baby by Ruth Logan Herne.

I received a complimentary book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Vanishing Legacy: An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians: Savannah Book 1)

 

Vanishing Legacy: 

An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians: Savannah Book 1) 

by Lynette Eason (Author), Kate Angelo (Author) 

For this Elite Guardian, protecting her client’s daughter just got personal.

Elite Guardian Alana Flores, former LAPD underwater dive detective, just wants a fresh start in Savannah, Georgia, with her son, Rocco. Hoping to repair their broken relationship, and provide a safer, more stable life, nothing could be more disastrous to her hopes than when they find a terrified, autistic child in her shed.

Oh no.

Enter Cash Thomas, a widowed trauma surgeon struggling to raise his autistic daughter, Penny. He’s put his wife’s disappearance and presumed death behind him…until someone tries to kidnap his daughter. Terrified of losing Penny to the same cartel that supposedly killed his wife, he turns to Alana and the Elite Guardians.

But is Sonia really dead? Or is she behind the kidnapping attempts? Cash and Alana must keep their children safe, uncover the truth about Sonia, and find a way to outsmart the cartel before it's too late.

And what about the spark between them? Could this be the fresh start they both long for? Certainly not while their children are in danger. And when their worst fears happen, will they lose everything?

With heart-pounding foot chases on River Street, underwater thrills off Tybee Island, and a climactic showdown at Forsyth Fountain, Vanishing Legacy will leave you breathless.

Elite Guardians: Savannah
Book 1: Vanishing Legacy
Book 2: Hunting Justice
Book 3: Guarding Truth

Elite Guardians Collection
Book 1: Driving Force
Book2: Impending Strike
Book 3: Defending Honor
Book 4: Christmas in the Crosshairs

My thoughts:  Vanishing Legacy is a spellbinding story about a emercency room doctor who needs a guardian for his little girl.  Someone is trying to kidnap her and they are willing to kill for it.  Why? What does she know?  Even the guardians are having trouble keeping trouble from finding them. I had to keep reading to see who-dun-it.  And it wasn't who I thought!   If you love romantic suspense you will love Vanishing Legacy.  Coming soon to book sellers near you!   I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.