A Holiday Tale Review: Mr. Nicholas: A Magical Christmas Tale by Christopher de Vinck

Book Description:

A story that helps us see the unique goodness in each person.

Every town has its secrets. When it becomes known that Mr. Nicholas, the eccentric owner of the local hardware store, is somehow involved with reindeer, toys, and children, the town becomes more and more suspicious that this man is more than just a clerk on Main Street.

JB, a clever, open ten-year-old boy with Down syndrome, is able to figure out the secret from the first time Mr. Nicholas gives him a chocolate deer wrapped in gold foil. 

JB’s father and mother, both cynical and on the brink of divorce, follow the adventures of JB as he flies on the back of a reindeer, feeds Mister Rogers’s fish, and defines what can be forgotten by those who are too busy to remember the magic of Christmas, cuckoo-clocks, and love.

My Thoughts:
Mr. Nicholas is a delightful and heart-warming tale of how a sweet boy helps the people in his life believe in the magic of Christmas. Mr. Nicholas is an eccentric. Jim is a hardened newspaper man. Anna is a disillusioned artist and wife of Jim, and JB, Anna and Jim’s son, is a kind-hearted, imaginative boy who opens the eyes of his disenchanted parents. This is a quick and worthy read. Mr. Fred Roger’s wife Joanne wrote the forward.  If you enjoy Christmas stories, this is one you don’t want to miss. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Fruit, Suit, and a Royal Crown

Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Moms and daughters circled the fire.

Photo courtesy of Woodland Lakes

I was honored to be asked to speak at mother/daughter camp at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp. I joined my daughter, Sara, who led the music and granddaughter Ella Cate. With the theme “Daughters of the King,” I wanted to concrete the idea God created us to be part of his kingdom. 

In the evening, we gathered around a campfire in a circle created by porch swings. I loved the cozy family feeling the swings added to the gathering. As I introduced the idea of being a princess in God’s kingdom, I considered the girls impression of a princess. Most, if not all, knew many of the Disney princesses. You know—the ones with the big, bright eyes, gorgeous gowns, and long flowing hair. While those stories are fun, I wanted the girls to understand the verse in 1 Samuel 16:7—"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God created “royal fruit” to fill the hearts of his princes and princesses. Galatians 5:22-23—"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” God’s guidance for the heart was only one element of royalty. He also gave us a suit of armor—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

With the fruit, suit, and a royal crown, I deemed each mom and daughter a warrior princess who stands and fights in honor of her kingdom.

God doesn’t want his princes and princesses to sit on thrones and look handsome and pretty, he wants us to raise our swords and fight the battles against the enemy.

We can be warriors who raise prayers, sing to fight battles, protect the innocent, show love and kindness, encourage the weary, discipline ourselves to be the best we can be for God, and fuel ourselves on God’s word.

Fill your heart with the Spirit’s fruit, cover yourself with God’s armor, and wear the crown of Jesus’ righteousness.

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Bee Kind

I love honey.

I eat it with peanut butter and add it to my tea.

The sweet, mellow flavor soothes my throat and pleases my taste buds.

This proverb has been a favorite for years.

Like honey, kind words are sweet, encouraging, and healing.

Bee... kind.

I've heard honeybees are becoming scarce. 

Thank you to all the beekeepers out there who are helping

plants grow by keeping bees.

 

Fiction Review: Home Sweet Tiny Home by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
Kate Burrows has a life many would envy—a good job at a design firm, a huge house, beautiful memories of the late husband who gave her everything, and two grown kids doing well for themselves. But it’s all begun to ring hollow as she wanders around a house that’s too big for her. So when she gets caught up in binge watching a show all about tiny homes, something clicks—something that soon has Kate embarking on a whole new life.

Though some people call her crazy, she decides to quit her job and relocate to the small tourist town she and her husband always wanted to retire to, and to buy a tiny home of her own. The Lord seems to be paving the way, and she soon meets just the person she needs to help her get her dream going—and even growing! Hank Branson, architect and gentleman farmer, is quick to jump on board her dream to parcel some land off for tiny homes, and soon they have a community in the works.

But is Kate in over her head? How can she possibly uproot her whole life and chase dreams long dormant? Can Hank and his beautiful farm be as perfect as they seem? And what about their competition—the gregarious, confident Glen who won’t take no for an answer?

Kate may be moving into a tiny house…but it soon becomes clear she’s in for a big adventure.

My Review:
I love Melody Carlson’s stories. Home Sweet Tiny Home is right up there with my favorites. With humor and compassion Carlson tells the story of change in a mature woman’s life after her husband has passed away and her children are grown. I love Kate’s spunk and her willingness to dive into a new venture. Hank is a sweetheart and Glen is a little too confident. And then there is Natalie… This is a funny, warm read you’ll enjoy. I love that Carlson has written a story about older men and women. And I enjoyed the tiny house aspect. If you like light reads with a fun twist, you’ll love this one. I purchased my copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

 

Light up the Dark

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

The fireworks lit up the sky.

Tim and I had our first date on July 4, 1992. Twenty-nine years later, on July 4, 2021, we drove home from visiting my mom. As we rode along state route 68, we witnessed fireworks as they flared in the sky. The magnificent burst of color and light reminded us of our first date. As we reminisced, I thanked God for my husband and the years we’ve spent together.

The dazzling display of light brought another thought to mind. As a believer in Jesus, I need to be a light in the darkness. I’ve watched fireworks in different venues, and one thing I’ve noticed—The darker the night, the more brilliant the light.

photo from pixaby

Our world suffers from spiritual darkness. But Jesus light shines through the dark. His hope illuminates every shadow, dismal valley, and blackest night.

Jesus’ light shines grace and forgiveness on a fallen world. Paul writes to the Thessalonian church “brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” He urges them to be a light to the world as they wait for Jesus.

We don’t know the day or hour of Jesus’ return to earth, but as followers of him we are called to shine his light. Be kind, love others, forgive, share joy, be generous, live in peace, be gentle, show Jesus’ grace—be his light.

Jesus shined his light on my life. He loves the unlovely, illuminates our path, and seeks to restore light in the lives of everyone. Jesus’ way offers hope as the brightest light in the darkest night.

If darkness swallows you, seek Jesus. If you have faith in Jesus be his light.

Be the Light

On July 4th, our minster spoke on how Jesus 

is the means by which change can come in our culture. 

He closed the sermon with this quote,

 "Continue to shine brightly. The darker the dark, the brighter the light."

That light is Jesus. He's our hope against the darkness of the world.

Be the candle, flashlight, lighthouse, and even fireworks.

 

Fiction Review: On Cue by Bettie Boswell

Book Description:
When a college sweetheart used Ginny Cline's dreams for his own glory, he stole her joy of composing music and her trust in men. Years later, encouraged by prayer and a chance to help the local museum, she dares to share her talents again. Unfortunately a financial backer forces her to place her music and trust into the hands of another man.

Theater professor Scott Hallmark's summer camp benefactor coerces him into becoming the director of Ginny's musical. The last thing he needs is another woman who uses him to get what they want, especially an amateur who has no idea what they are doing.

As Ginny's interest in Scott grows, her confusion arises over Honey, a member of Scott's praise band. Mix in a couple of dogs and quirky cast members for fun and frustration as the couple work together to discover that forgiveness and trust produce perfect harmony.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed Bettie Boswell’s debut story about two talented music lovers. Ginny spent a year-and-a-half pouring herself into writing a musical about the Underground Railroad, which she’d love to see performed. Professor Scott Hallmark is pressed into becoming the director. She’s excited about the play, but not the Professor. And she’s not ready to open her heart, especially when Scott keeps talking about Honey. On Cue is a delightful story about two people who want the same thing, but have to trust their hearts to find it. The strong Christian thread and the delightful secondary characters make this a pleasant read. If you enjoy sweet romance, you’ll want to read On Cue. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.