He Lights the Way

People ask me why I love lighthouses so much.

The reason is simple--

a lighthouse provides safety for ships, which reminds me of Jesus.

He is my safety, my hope, and my guide. He is the light which 

provides safety for me. His Word lights my path, and He gives me hope.

 

In the Storm

On Lake Michigan, the storm created ocean-like waves. 

They surged toward the beach and washed the land. A man, we met by the lighthouse, jumped in the waves and rode his paddle board to shore. 

Rather than fear the waves, he plunged in. 

I'm not sure I would take on a challenge like that, but I have learned to ride out the storms of life with Jesus by my side. 

He gives me confidence and hope for better days.

 

Romantic Suspense: Edge of Dusk (An Annie Pederson Novel Book 1) by Colleen Coble

What it’s About:
Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first. Return to the beloved town of Rock Harbor in the first installment of a new series by bestselling suspense author Colleen Coble.

Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.

But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.

At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.

In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed going back to Rock Harbor and thought the appearances of characters from Coble’s other Rock Harbor books was a great addition to the story. Coble’s layering of emotion, experience, and determination creates depth in the characters and makes the story more intense. Lots of mystery and uncertainty make Edge of Dusk a true page turner, and without giving anything away, the ending makes me want the next book in the series now. The setting is beautiful, yet full of mystery, like another character added to the story. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you’ll want to read Colleen Coble’s Edge of Dusk. I’ve never read a Coble book I didn’t like. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I See the Light

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

A green light shone every six seconds.

Seventy-seven steps. The number of stairs a person would need to climb to get to the top of Marblehead Lighthouse. Tim and I have climbed those steps to the top, in the daytime, where we stood against the railing and viewed Kelleys Island in Lake Erie. When we turned to face the lighthouse, we peeked in on the magnificent LED lights that shine in the night.

We are drawn to the lighthouse at dusk, when the green light flashes every six seconds. There isn’t a beam, like a search light, instead there is a steady lamplight warning boats of the hazard of the nearby land and rocks.

Boats aren’t the only thing aware of the light at night. Mayflies are drawn to it. They appear around May, June, and July on Lake Erie. If there are a large number of the flying creatures, the lake is clean because these insects choose a clean environment to lay eggs. On Kelleys Island, I asked a young lady if they were bothered with mayflies. She told me they mostly come out at night because they love the light.

In my everyday life, God is my lighthouse. He’s not shining a search light, instead He’s a steady beam of light which draws me to Him out of the darkness of our broken world. Like the boats, I need Him to warn me of the dangers, and like the mayfly, I’m drawn to Him as my shelter.

David reminds me God is my stronghold and my shelter. I have no need to fear, because He’s the light which draws me to Him and the salvation for my soul.

When I keep my focus to God’s light, as I walk through this dark world, hope wells up in me and I embrace His peace.

Seek God’s light and salvation.

When Temptation Comes

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The rocks along the shore wore green algae like a coat. The waves washed over the slick surface and presented a tempting place to walk.

We sat on the boulders near the lighthouse and watched people meander as close to the water as they could. On a hot summer day, folks were tempted to let the cool water run over their feet and relieve the heat. Moms and Dads held the hands of their little ones or carried them on their hip. One misstep on the mossy rocks could result in injury. Yet, the water tempted.

In 1 Corinthians, the author wrote to the Corinthian church about temptation. They had been enticed by sins common to their times, much like the sins that tempt people now. As I watched the water slide over the moss-covered rock, and I thought about how slippery the surface must be, and how the allure of the cool water on the soft algae might feel—I pictured Satan whispering to come test the waters.

That’s how he works. He sets up an alluring situation, crooks his evil finger, and invites anyone he can fool to come to his side.

Be aware of the trickster, the one who invites people down the road of sin and rewards with heartache and sorrow. One step on those moss-covered rocks and down the person would go—inevitably injury would follow.

Corinthians doesn’t just warn against temptation, the author shares good news, the best news—God has His hand out to help me if or when I fall. He gives me a way out of sin and temptation. Through Jesus, God gives a fresh start, a new life, and the hope of heaven. That’s a reason to sing praise to God.

Through Jesus life, death, and resurrection, He gives everyone the opportunity to be forgiven and be with Him in heaven. His hand is reaching out to anyone who wants to grab on.

When temptation comes, seek Jesus.

 

Seek the Light

A lighthouse symbolizes the hope I have in Jesus.

He is the light in this dark world.

Jesus offers illumination when the shroud of sin tries to envelop us.

Seek the light of Jesus.

 

What we do not See

Just looking at Lake Michigan, I have to wonder what is under the water. Like the ocean or any large body of water, we can't see what's there. Yet we venture in with the hope all will be well. How much more faith does it take to venture into a life with Jesus? 

Have faith!

The Light

Novella Collection Review: The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection, Seven Historical Romances

Book Description:

Lighthouses have long been the symbol of salvation, warning sailors away from dangerous rocks and shallow waters.

Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

My Review

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection written by Lena Nelson Dooley, Rebecca Jepson, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Candice Sue Patterson, Kathleen Rouser, Pegg Thomas, and Marilyn Turk is a delightful gathering of the often romanticized life of lighthouse keepers. Throughout the stories you'll meet a variety of fascinating characters, including female lightkeepers, a lady doctor, backwoodsmen, sailors, gentlemen business owners and more. Every story brings to life the history of the Great Lake's shores. When I finished reading, I was impressed at how each author took a similar setting and topic and created such a unique story. Some based their writing on historical characters, while others were total fiction. I had some favorites, too — but I'll let you decide what yours are after you pick up a copy of this wonderful anthology and read for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble

Description:
A young lighthouse keeper must navigate the dangerous waters of revolution and one man’s obsession with her to find safe harbor with the sea captain she loves. 

Hannah Thomas believes she’s escaped Galen Wright’s evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John’s place, though she faces daily disapproval from John’s family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia’s obsession with Galen only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah’s door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark-eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn’t the enemy he seemed at first, Hannah isn’t sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

My Review:
I was drawn to the book because I am huge fan of lighthouses. The story of Hannah taking care of the lighthouse by herself was fascinating. She worked so hard to do the right thing and be the person God wanted her to be. But tough situations kept pounding on her door. This made for a constant test of her faith. Colleen's book portrays the realities of the Revolutionary War times. An extremely trying time for so many reasons. The history of the times caused me to make a reality check and realize life now is filled with difficulty, but not the kind poor Hannah had to face. Birch Meredith adds a whole other dimension to the story. I'm pretty sure he'd be swoon worthy in person. This story has several layers that all intertwine perfectly. I learned that this is a book Colleen wrote years ago. How exciting that it's finally published.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Light of Hope

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Tim and I arrived at Marblehead, on Lake Erie, just in time to see the sunset and watch (my favorite ever) lighthouse signal a green light over the water. As I watched the waves lap, I tried to imagine navigating the lake in a seventeenth century schooner. Masts flapping in the wind, bobbing up and down in rhythm with the water sounds appealing, but no electricity and little privacy left me with no desire to sail the seas on an ancient vessel. But people did, many folks sailed the Great Lakes. When they neared land at night or in a storm they depended on the lighthouse to keep them from crashing into the shore. The glow of the Fresnel lens not only provided light, but safety, and comfort.

When Jesus proclaimed "I am the light of the world," the Pharisees questioned his integrity. They didn't understand that he'd come to bring grace and forgiveness to a troubled world. They didn't believe he was the hope God promised.

But I do. Jesus assures us whoever follows him will not walk in darkness. As I trust him, my path is illuminated by the hope Jesus offers. Like the lighthouse, he sheds light and gives warning even in the darkest night or the most tumultuous storm. He sheds the light that provides safety and peace. Yet unlike the lighthouse, Jesus hope doesn't sit on a majestic pinnacle. His light doesn't wait at the end of a tunnel. Instead, his radiance wraps itself around his followers. His light reflects on the heart as a constant companion, a steady ray of hope.

Jesus' light is with us—All.The.Time. Through loss, illness, frustration, indecision, depression, anxiety, stress. He never leaves. His light gives guidance and comfort. Open your heart to his light of hope.  

Darkness to Light

Eternal Encouragement

We Grabbed the Tail of our Dream

I've imagined traveling to the great state of Maine for almost 50 years. It's true. When I was a kid in school, we were assigned a state project. My state was Maine. We had to use snail mail back then and write a letter to the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to gather information (no internet, way back then.) I discovered Maine had a beautiful coast.

I spent my 60th birthday on a Puffin tour 

Amazing forests. Mountains. Incredible wildlife and gorgeous flora. And so the dream began... a journey to Maine.

In February, things started to fall into place. Tim and I both researched the possibilities. Where to stay. Do we drive or fly? What do we want to see? In March, we booked an Air BnB. My dream turned into our dream. Being here with my best friend has been incredible.

 Lobstering was so much fun!

We got to eat the lobster we caught. Yummy!

  The beach at our Air BnB

 

 

                         A seagull egg

 

Poetry Month Haiku #1

April is National Poetry Month. One of my favorite types of poetry is haiku. I'll be posting these little poems all month.

I love this particular one written by my husband, Tim. We share a love of lighthouses and watching the great blue heron.

September Wanderings

In our September travels, we headed north toward Port Clinton on Lake Erie. We lodged at the Great Lakes Motel, a throwback from the 1970s, in the town of Fremont, Ohio. There we found a clean room and kind innkeepers.

From Fremont we sped up to Port Clinton to check out the lighthouse that's been replanted back to its original home. The lighthouse, still in stages of reconstruction, stood on a small beach where undisturbed shells decorated the sand. A quiet walk along the water accompanied by ducks and geese lent itself to a peaceful respite. 

While in the vicinity, we stopped by The Tin Goose for a bite to eat and then visited Kelleys Island, always a favorite. The relaxed atmosphere was the perfect way to spend a day. We hiked through The Scheele Preserve to a lovely beach. Then we pressed on to loop around the island and view some of the historical homes. 

 

On our trip home we wandered into the delightful little town of Gibsonburg. That is after we found a way to detour around the Labor Day Parade in Fremont (which took me straight back to the streets of my hometown, when the locals tossed candy from the firetrucks and the marching band played the school song.) 

Nostalgia is a precious thing filled with the memories of emotion. The town of Gibsonburg drew me back to the 1960s and 70s, with a touch of modern. But more about that later...

Happy National Lighthouse Day!

Here are some lovely lighthouses we've been able to visit-

Marblehead Lighthouse-Marblehead, OH ©Penny McGinnis

South Bass Island Lighthouse-near Put-in-Bay, OH  ©Penny McGinnis

Vermillion Lighthouse-Vermillion, OH  ©Penny McGinnis

Alcatraz Island Lighthouse-San Francisco, CA  ©Penny McGinnis

Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse-Cleveland, OH  ©Penny McGinnis

Lorain Breakwater West Lighthouse-Lorain, OH  ©Penny McGinnis

Chasing the Light?

1 John 1:5-7

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

As a child I remember chasing lightning bugs on warm summer evenings with my cousin Rusty. Before we wandered into the yard, we'd punch holes in the lid of an empty mayo jar and add grass to their "nest" so the little creatures could breath. Then we'd scamper after them and lure them into our hands. We loved the way the magical glow from their blinkers lit up our rooms at night. 

Lighthouses give off a different kind of light. One of warning. One the sailors didn't want to chase, but instead steered away from. Their glow sliced through the black skies and gave a signal to turn away.

Light can be a guide and a warning. The sun's brilliance illuminates our days. The radiance of a streetlamp shines on a path for safer passage. The flame of a candle embodies peace. The warmth of a fire gives comfort. As a follower of Jesus, I've been given the Holy Spirit as my light. He illuminates the way and leads me. Like a lighthouse, he beams a warning to send me away from sin. He pours the warmth of comfort over me and draws me nearer to God. Like a lightning bug, I want to chase him to capture the glow of hope that is Jesus. Praise God for his light in a dark world.

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We caught sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?