Instead of Fear

Instead of fear, trust. Instead of fear, sing. 

Instead of fear, believe in the good. 

Instead of fear, embrace the power of God's Spirit.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,
but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
~2 Timothy 1:7

Cozy Mystery Review: Bite the Dust: A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery by Jackie Layton

Book Description:

Secrets can be deadly.

One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.

Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.

My Review:
I love Jackie's cozy mysteries. Andi Grace is a plucky, determined, and caring dog walker. In book one she's trying to get her business off the ground when her dear friend and client is killed. Unfortunately the detective on the case pegs Andi Grace as a suspect. With help from a handsome new friend, she investigates the murder and discovers an unbelievable secret. The Low Country is the perfect place to spend some time as the story unfolds. I've read and reviewed book two of the series, Dog-Gone Dead, and loved it, too. If you enjoy clean, cozy mysteries, you'll love this book. Take this one on vacation! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Read about Jackie here.

A Fountain Mist of Refreshment

Philemon 1:4-6
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

If I could paint the feeling of peace, I'd paint it the new color of my walls— 

Fountain Mist.

My daughter, Maggie, planned to paint our living room, dining area, and hallway last fall. Circumstances rearranged the timing. Seven months later, she edged, rolled, and feathered with a brush a beautiful shade of light aqua-blue on our walls. As I watched and played gopher, a gorgeous transformation took place. The dingy white/gray walls disappeared and a refreshing peacefulness covered our home. With Maggie's expertise, she revived the dreary rooms and created a space for inspiration and contentment.

I love the new color and Maggie's generous spirit. Both brought a feeling of gratitude.

Going through this difficult year of 2020, my spirit needs refreshment. Whether from new wall color, time in God's word, praying, writing, reading, or enjoying nature, I seek God's encouragement. With all the negative news and comments, I beg for peace and search for understanding.

The Apostle Paul writes the best greetings in his letters to the churches and his friends. Philemon, must have been a man who encouraged and loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was a servant who "refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." In this time of fear and doubt I pray I can be a servant who refreshes and encourages. I pray for peace to fill all hearts.

How can you refresh the people around you?

How can I encourage you?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Children's Book Reveiw: Pugtato Finds a Thing by Sophie Corrigan

Book Description:

Enchanting illustrations. Giggle-inducing text. Unique and loveable characters. Join Pugtato and his cute and quirky pack of pals in this heartwarming picture book that celebrates the power of friendship, compassion, and believing in your own unique gifts. 

When Pugtato’s simple, quiet life is disrupted after he digs up a strange object in his garden, he enlists his best “spuddies” to help (they are more clever than he is, after all). Tweetroot is certain it’s a new egg for her nest. Tomatoad is quite sure it’s a toy just for him. And Purrsnip simply won’t stop scratching it! Luckily, Pugtato has another very special spuddy to ask …

My Review:
Pugtato is a delightful and fun read. Sophie Corrigans charming illustrations will make kids giggle. The vegetable/pet characters will stir a child's imagination and cause them to laugh out loud. Pugtato Finds a Thing would be great for children age 4-8. The rhyming text is spot on and easy to read aloud. And the ending is perfect for this little mystery. Preschool teachers could use this book to talk about different abilities and gifts and about friendship. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Refresh Someone's Spirit Today

Is there someone who needs refreshed today?

Someone who needs encouragement?

Be the one who lifts up others.

Historical Fiction Book Review: In Times Like These by Gail Kittleson

Book Description:December 7, 1941 - The Day that will live in Infamy

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans, wounding 1,143, and destroying 18 naval ships including five battleships.

The following day the United State declared war on the Empire of Japan. Three days later, the US declared war on Germany and Italy.

In Iowa, the Heartland of America, best friends Addie and Kate are embroiled in their own private wars. Kate's pilot husband has gone Missing in Action, and Addie's overbearing and controlling husband vents his rage on her. Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

My Review:
In Times Like These, book one of the Women of the Heartland is a heart wrenching story of determination and realization. Addie's friend Kate awaits news of her MIA husband while Addie suffers the emotional abuse of her angry husband. I love that the story is sprinkled with good people willing to help Addie, as she struggles with her circumstances. Jane is a God send with a mystery of her own. While Berthea, Addie's mother-in-law finds her way back to herself. This story is drenched in WW2 history, including the radio announcements folks clung to as they waited for their loved ones to come home. Addie and Kate's stories continue through the series, so I would consider this part of a serial rather than a stand alone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

They Remind Me of Hope

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Every summer, for as long as I remember, I've looked forward to the black-eyed Susan's blooms. I love how they dot the fields and ditches as if they are attending a ball and dressed in their finest array. Yet they show a humbleness by bowing their heads in a friendly wave. Their golden yellow color reminds me of the summers of my youth when we'd play in the fields, take walks or ride our bikes down the one-lane road, and these lovely flowers would dance and sway.

They also appear around my birthday. As a child I thought God planted them just for me, in time to celebrate the day I was born. (Can you keep a secret? I still feel a little bit that way.) For whatever reason He created such a delightful yet simple flower, I'll be forever grateful. When this perennial beauty returns, I am reminded of the eternal hope I have in Jesus.

The verse in Romans encourages me to remain joyful because I have hope. Hope of eternal life, hope of salvation, and hope for a life filled with joy. But in this world I will have pain and sorrow. The writer of Romans calls it affliction. I think of that word as a medical malady, but I believe he refers to the difficulties of life. It's hard to be patient when Satan attacks, when I feel hurt and stepped on, and when life just stinks. Yet I am called to be patient, to wait on the Lord. He asks me to be faithful in prayer. Jesus wants me to call on him in my affliction. His desire is for me to talk to him and seek his help.

I'm thankful I have hope that gives joy. I'm grateful for patience (I kind of cringe when I say that, but I know patience is a blessing.) I'm more than appreciative that I can talk to God about life. He listens to me and takes what I say to heart.

When you see the black-eyed Susan's nodding their heads, remember there's hope in Jesus.