Start Fresh

1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

I’m sorry Mrs. McGinnis.

He looked at his feet as he placed the picture book, swollen with water damage, on my desk. Every single page rippled. Mold had started growing around the edges. The book, deemed ruined, lay there like a sad proclamation of what not to do. The little guy had left the book under the tree in his backyard. That evening the skies opened and the rain poured. By the time he found the book, the water had done its damage.

What a brave boy to bring the book back to me and confess what happened. Embarrassed, he stood before me no doubt wondering what kind of punishment he’d receive. I knew he had little money and couldn’t replace the book, so I had to think of a way to instill the care of books without him thinking it was okay to leave a book outside.

I knelt in front of him, and we talked about what happened. He understood he couldn’t do it again, but there might be consequences. I asked him if it was okay with him if I showed the book to the class and talked about what water damage does to a book. I promised not to use his name. He beamed over helping the class, even as he showed remorse over his mistake. You see, I forgave him, and he knew he got a second chance.

God gives me second chances (notice the plural.) I know I sin. Whatever the sin is, God has mercy and grace and will forgive me, if I ask. Yes, it’s on me to communicate with God and let him know how sorry I am, and I won’t do it again.

Often, consequences result from sin. Like the little guy with the book. He had to own up to his error and he knew there would be some repercussion. But he was willing to seek forgiveness and do what needed done to right the wrong.

When I sin and seek forgiveness, God pours his grace over me and says try again. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead as a sacrifice for all sins. He gave his life for mine. That blows my mind, he loves me so much.

I am overwhelmed by the beauty of Jesus' love for me.

When you sin, seek God. In his great wisdom, with grace and mercy, he forgives. Then start fresh with renewed hope.

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.

 

Book Review: Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

Book Description:
Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.

After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.

Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.

When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper’s Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?

My Thoughts:
I love the beautiful cover of Bookshop by the Sea, set in the lovely town of Piper’s Cove, along the Atlantic Ocean. Can I say perfect setting? A dream come true for Sophie who has struggled to finally live the life she wants and needs. Denise Hunter tells a beautiful story as she delves into abandonment issues. Both Sophie and Aiden must come to grips with the emotions that have kept them apart for seven years. A hurricane, a wind storm, and rain tossed on top of the turmoil in their hearts makes for a captivating story. And the bookstore takes on a life of its own, as friends help Sophie realize her dream. I love the nod to Hunter’s Bluebell Inn series. If you haven’t read those yet, you should. If you enjoy a beautiful setting, a riveting story, and well-written characters, you’ll love Bookshop by the Sea. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Whatever is Lovely

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

A penny for your thoughts.

As the snow flew and the ice pelted the ground, I browned hamburger in my soup pot. I crushed stewed tomatoes and chopped potatoes. The mixed vegetables cooked in the microwave, while I prepared the rest. With salt and pepper, I mixed all the ingredients with tomato juice and set the pot to simmer.

What if I’d added dirt or dried, crunchy maple leaves? How about an old shoe or a stinky sock? Disgusting… right? I wanted the soup to be edible and tasty, but if I’d added something other than the delicious vegetables, no one would partake of the soup.

In the times we’re living, what am I allowing into my brain? Or my heart? Like my soup, am I adding ingredients that will make me sick? Not just physically, but heartsick.

With the news and social media constantly throwing drama, pessimism, gloom, and despair at us, how do we fight back?

Paul encouraged the Philippian church to think about positive, uplifting things, instead of negative and stressful. The apostle worked to set a positive example for his friends. He focused on what’s true, pure, and admirable.

Paul’s words make me pause and consider what I allow into my head and heart. Am I contemplating God’s truth or the thoughts the media spouts? Am I reading, watching, or listening to things that encourage and glorify God? Does my heart fill with joy as I take in these things? Do I delight in the lovely?

And how do the things I think about bless others?

I need to answer these questions and determine whether I’ll have the peace of God in my heart or stress and anxiety.

Strive to embrace God’s hope and peace.

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Romantic Suspense Book Review: Three Missing Days by Colleen Coble (Book #3, Pelican Harbor series)

Book Description:
Book Three in the gripping romantic suspense series from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

A chilling murder.

Chief of Police Jane Hardy plunges into the investigation of a house fire that claimed the life of a local woman as well as one of the firefighters. It’s clear the woman was murdered. But why? The unraveling of Jane’s personal life only makes the answers in the case more difficult to find.

Her son’s arrest.

Then Jane’s fifteen-year-old son is accused of a horrific crime, and she has to decide whether or not she can trust her ex, Reid, in the attempt to prove Will’s innocence—and whether she can trust Reid with her heart.

Her stolen memories.

Three days of Jane’s past are missing from her memory, and that’s not all that has been stolen from her. As she works to find the woman’s murdered and clear her son’s name, finding out what happened in those three days could change everything.

My Thoughts:
I’ve read all three books in the Pelican Harbor series, and this one is so, so good. Colleen Coble never disappoints as she delves into mystery and romance. Jane’s son is accused of murder—as mother and Chief of Police—she must find the real killer with the help of his dad, Reid. Coble twists and weaves unexpected elements, as well as familial ties, into this excellent third book. Pelican Harbor, a charming place to live, goes through some tough times along with Jane as she races to right the wrongs in her small town. Colleen Coble does a beautiful job setting up the story and creating the atmosphere. Love the description woven into her prose. This book can now be pre-ordered. If you enjoy romance laced with suspense, you’ll love Three Missing Days. If you haven’t read One Little Lie or Two Reasons to Run, I recommend you pick them up to get Jane’s whole story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Our minds hold an incredible amount of information. 

We process and reason, memorize and learn.

We choose what goes in and what comes out.

Feed your mind the word of God, so that...

"... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:7

 

New Every Morning

Lamentations 3:22-24
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

God meets me every morning.

Dad rattled around the kitchen, early in the morning. The clinking of the spoon against his cup of tea, laced with milk and sugar, greeted us with the sunrise. On Saturdays, he often made French toast for our family, while Mom filled our hungry bellies with oatmeal and other favorites the rest of the week.

I tried to do the same for my children. On winter days, I even crafted snowman pancakes. But the food wasn’t the best part. Mom and Dad’s presence in the morning added a layer of love and assurance. I was fortunate to have parents who cared about my wellbeing and shared the early hours.

Even though I’m not an early morning person anymore, I still enjoy breakfast. With my bagel or cereal, I open my Bible and read God’s word. And he meets me—right where I am.

Jeremiah, who is believed to have written the book of Lamentations, mourns the devastation and falling away of the city of Jerusalem. All five chapters are his cry for mercy. Yet in chapter three, Jeremiah reminds readers God’s compassions never fail, “they are new every morning.”

God loves us. No matter where we are or what we’re doing. He longs to gather all his children and bring them home. And he gives every one of us a chance to start over again every day.

He has his arms open to meet us and embrace us. Even as I experience him through his word, he sits with me just as I am, a person who has sinned and seeks His forgiveness; a person who desires to serve and love others.

He offers his forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love.

The Lord loves you. Will you seek him?

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