May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Book Description:
It’s not just Ellora Lockwood’s home that’s being emptied as she prepares to
sell—her heart seems to be empty too. Since the mysterious disappearance of her
beloved Grandma June and separating from her husband, Alex, Ellora has felt
adrift. Then comes an invitation from Alex to teach history at a summer program
at Alnwick Castle in England. He’s even found information about the location of
a medieval manuscript that was her grandmother’s obsession before she vanished.
Warily, Ellora accepts Alex’s offer. Surrounded by lush English countryside and
captivating history, she pieces together clues about the manuscript’s
whereabouts—and uncovers new questions. Could someone have been sabotaging her
grandmother’s work? Anonymous threats lead Ellora to suspect she too may be in
danger, but as she and Alex work together, she’s finding strength, new purpose
and the courage to see this quest through, wherever it may lead…
My Thoughts:
I finished an early copy of The Lost Manuscript, and just want to say WOW! I
enjoyed every word. Rushmeyer has such a gift for writing
intriguing stories with fascinating characters, with a faith thread that’s
beautiful and full of hope. When I finished the story, I wanted more. As a
huge fan of adventure twisted with romance and mystery, this book hit the mark.
I had a hard time picking up another book after I finished for fear it
wouldn't satisfy my reading desires as this book did. I hope you’ll give Mollie
Rushmeyer’s books a try. Her debut, The Bookshop of Secrets was excellent, too.
I received an early copy from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
The book is available where books are sold. Amazon
Exodus 14:13-14
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will
see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians
you see today you will never see again. The Lord will
fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Of all the sports available to watch, I enjoy baseball the most. Tim and I and our family are big Reds fans. Growing up, I watched the Big Red Machine, and I remember the team through the years having some great seasons and some, let's just say, that didn't go as well.
A few years ago, Tim talked about his desire to work at
Great American Ballpark. In 2018, that dream came true. He's an usher in the sun/moon
deck in the outfield. He often comes home with fun stories about the
interesting fans he meets and what the team is up to. This year, we have a lot
of rookies who are playing well and entertaining the fans with the hope of
winning. Through his job, Tim has made friends with some fans who have caught
home run balls. One of them snagged a Jake Fraley ball, and Jake signed it for
him. When he showed it to Tim, Fraley had signed his name and written the
verse, Exodus 14:14, on the ball.
When we searched out the verse, we found the familiar story
of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. God separated them from the Egyptians,
who were chasing them by parting the sea and providing dry land for them to
cross to safety. Moses told the Israelites to trust in God and let Him fight
for them. Of course they grumbled, but finally they listened. They were a
stubborn bunch.
That sounds too familiar to me. God has assured me He is
fighting for me, and I know He is, yet fear and anxiety often sneak into the
cracks. I might grumble and question, then finally I stop and listen. God
stills me and assures me He has my back. Why do I question when there is no
need? I pray my faith grows stronger as I seek to trust Him more.
Seek Him and trust in His care.
John 19:16-18
Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers
took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the
place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There
they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the
middle.
I have bionic knees.
In 2014 and 2018, I had total knee replacement surgery,
first my right and then my left. The cartilage had worn down to nothing and the
bones beat against each other as I walked. As a matter of fact, the surgeon
told Tim several fractures had developed in my bones. I'm beyond thankful that
after several weeks of therapy, I walked again and felt pretty good. One thing
I have to remind myself of the surgery is my scars. About 6-6 ½ inches, they
run vertically along my knees. I used to hide them under long pants or capris,
but this summer, because I don't tolerate heat well, I bought some knee-length
shorts that reveal those lovely scars.
People often hide the physical scars of life. I didn't want
to be reminded of my imperfections, even though I'm thankful for the new lease
on life the surgeries gave me. I don't know if it's my age or my attitude, but I'm
okay with people seeing the imperfect in me now.
Because of the scars Jesus bore, I've been made whole
through Him. When I meet Him in heaven, I'll have no more scars. In the
meantime, I want to use the physical and emotional scars I carry to help
others. It's difficult to escape scars living on this earth. Whether I've
suffered physical or emotional injuries, instead of wallowing in them, I can
use those to help other people. The apostle Paul suffered through prison, Jesus'
mother lived with the truth that her son would die for all of us, of course,
Jesus bore the scars of the cross.
Whatever scars you carry, find a way to use your wounds to help
others.
Psalm 107:10-16
Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
I've been set free!
After I accepted the job offer at the college library, the
director gave me a tour of the offices and the book stacks. On the second
floor, I saw the collection of books the students used, the ones I would add to
over time. The first floor offered a research area, computers, and a
circulation desk. In the back—the behind-the-scenes work took place.
My new job was a desk job, different from when I worked with children at the
elementary school. The majority of my work would be done on the computer, as I
ordered and cataloged books. I spent a lot of time at my desk, and depending on
my attitude, I occasionally felt chained, even though I could get up and move
around whenever I needed to.
Thankfully, the chains of a desk are not like the shackles
of despair or sin.
The psalmist writes about the chains of darkness and despair.
I can't imagine being chained in utter darkness, yet that's what happens when I
sin. My heart hurts if I hurt someone else. My legs feel heavy when I'm not
walking with Jesus. The light dims when I'm not looking to the One who saved me
from myself.
Jesus came to break the chains of sin and darkness and give
us light and grace. God doesn't want His children to live in darkness or chains.
He wants us to live in the freedom of forgiveness.
Seek Jesus and break the chains.