Expected or Unexpected: Am I Ready

1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

April 21, 2021 surprised us with about two inches of snow. When Tim told me to look out the window and see the surprise, I had mixed feelings. I love snow, but I adore the beauty of spring. Now the plants that thrived with green wore white coats, and crystal crowns. I hadn’t covered my plants, yet my lovely lavender tulip survived the unexpected chill, as did the columbine. Many of the flowers who peaked from the ground could endure the weather, because their roots dug deep and their stems had soaked in sun. God created spring flowers with durability, for all kinds of weather.

The unexpected snow made me wonder how prepared I am. 1 Peter says to be ready to give an answer for my faith, and Matthew 24:42-44 says to prepare my heart for Jesus second coming.  

When I’m traveling, I fill up my fuel tank and pack a bag of snacks. Both prepare me for the trip. But how do I ready myself for the time someone asks me about Jesus and my faith? I fill my heart and mind with the wisdom of Jesus and the scripture. I eat the words of the Bible in order to fill my spiritual tank and increase my understanding of God and grace.

Even as I prepare for the unexpected, what about the expected. I know Jesus will return to this earth to take his children home, even though I don’t know the day or hour. Even in not knowing the time, I know he’s coming. I want to have my heart ready. The hope I have in God and the promise of eternal life bolster me as his words feed me.

I may not know when Jesus will return. I may not be on this earth any longer, regardless, my heart and soul need to be ready for that glorious day.

Be ready for the unexpected and the expected. Jesus is coming again.

Perfect Preparation

God knows our story before we do.

He prepares us for the future, whether we realize it or not.

I love Corrie ten Boom's positive outlook!

 

Book Review: Castle of Refuge (A Dericott Tale Book 2) by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description:

To live an unforgettable life, she would defy all expectations—including her own.

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her prospects even further. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. So when her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris back home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in dire straits. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, each must make a life-changing decision about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a highstakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.

My Thoughts:
I love a good fairy tale, and Melanie Dickerson always delivers. In Castle of Refuge, Audrey has a formidable enemy, her own sister. Edwin has an unexpected burden to bear. Brought together by Audrey’s desperation to leave home, the two fight the evil that surrounds them. Castle of Refuge is a beautiful tale of hope. Audrey and Edwin must both confront their self-identity and see themselves as those dear to them see them. This story has so many wonderful characters, even the evil Maris. Dickerson does a wonderful job showing why Maris is the way she is and how Audrey loves her sister despite her nasty ways. If you enjoy fairy tales and Medieval times, or a good romance, you’ll love Castle of Refuge. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

The Living Water

John 4:39-42
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

I was thirsty.

After knee replacement and other surgeries, I experienced the ice chip diet. To keep my stomach from upset, the nurse offered me small chips of frozen water. As refreshing as the chips were, they didn’t quench my thirst. I longed for more.

In life, searching and reaching for dreams has led me down some roads that didn’t satisfy. A rabbit trail into a writing foray God never intended. A job that led to frustration. No matter how hard I tried to make them fit my life, they didn’t.

We tend to search for answers and not like the results. The Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well had struggled with relationships. She’d veered from God’s path for her life and found herself thirsty. When she met Jesus, she realized she’d been missing out on the living water. The water that quenches all thirst. She’d lifted the bucket and dipped from Jacob’s well many times, but she’d never tasted from the living water Jesus offered.

When he opened his heart to this woman and spoke truth to her, she believed in the power of Jesus to save her from a life of sin. She longed to dip into the waters of eternal life, and she shared her experience with everyone in her town.

Whether you’ve dipped in Jesus’ well or are drawn to consider his plan of salvation, know that his well of living water never runs dry. He asks us to believe then he offers understanding. With his living water he promises life everlasting.

Children’s Picture Book Review: Stay This Way Forever by Linsey Davis, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Book Description:
Celebrate the joy, wonder, and innocence of being a child with this love letter to the loved ones in your life that encourages them to celebrate their own special qualities now and into the future.

Inspired by the endearing qualities she sees in her own son, Linsey Davis, ABC News correspondent and bestselling author of The World Is Awake and One Big Heart, has written another beautiful book that parents and grandparents can share with their little ones to let them know how special they are. With charming illustrations from bestselling artist Lucy Fleming paired with playful and heartwarming read-aloud rhymes, this book can help make a lasting impact on young minds as they discover their own unique qualities.

My Thoughts:
With Lindsey Davis’s beautiful words, celebrate the joy and innocence of childhood. In this rhyming picture book, an adult expresses their love for a child and the wonder of a child’s heart. The message resonates to keep some of the delight and purity of childhood. As I read the lovely sentiment of this gorgeous book, I choked up a bit. Having lived life loving the pure joy children and grandchildren can express, I have to say, Ms. Davis captured my thoughts. This is a wonderful book to read to any child to encourage them to explore and experience the beauty of the world. Enjoy Lucy Fleming’s lively, imaginative, and vibrant illustrations. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Faith then Understanding

Sometimes I try too hard to understand God's plan.

I'm learning to have faith, then be obedient and understand.

It's not easy, but it is a much better experience.

I have less stress and anxiety when I choose to believe and follow, 

instead of push and plod.

 

Children’s Board Book Review: Pugtato, Let’s Be Best Spuddies by Sophie Corrigan

Book Description:
What does it mean to be a best spuddy? Spend the day with Pugtato and his very best spuddies and find out! A best spuddy likes to play and listen, share, and give a helping hand. Spend time with Pugtato and his very best spuddies as they show us exactly how to be a best spuddy too.

Pugtato, Let’s Be Best Spuddies:

• Features adorable and silly illustrations by Sophie Corrigan
• Shows the youngest readers ages 0-4 how to be a good friend
• Written in delightful, giggle-inducing rhyming text
• Is great for discussions and story times focusing on friendship, sharing and helping others

My Thoughts:
Children will love the fun illustrations in Pugtato, Let’s Be Best Spuddies while adults will enjoy the thoughtful lessons the Spuddies share. From Tomatoad to Croccoli to Unicorn on the Cob, little ones will laugh and learn as they read this delightful book. This would be perfect for family time, preschool, or grandma’s lap. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.