Heather Greer's Blog, page 25

Main Character Monday: Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg

Welcome to Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg from Oswell City, Iowa, the hero in the book, Coming Home to Mercy by Michelle De Bruin. While I’ve not had the opportunity to read this first book in her latest series, I read and enjoyed Michelle’s first series. I can’t wait to start this one! But back to today’s interview.  Thank you, Dr. Kaldenberg, for joining me.

Let’s start off with some fun questions. If you could have one exotic pet, what would you choose?

A parakeet that could talk back to me.

Must be quiet at your house. After raising four kids, I find I like the silence! If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

I’d want to take my biplane on a flight across the country like the daring pilots of other flying machines have done.

I imagine that would be exciting. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life? Which of them is the hardest to display?

The fruit of peace is the hardest to display. I’ve had loss in my past that I still struggle with. It makes me sad on some days, and depressed on others.

Peace can be a difficult to display when hurts surface. What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

Moses parting the water.

What is your favorite book in the New Testament?

The Gospel of Luke, naturally, because it was written by a doctor.

I guess that one shouldn’t have surprised me. If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?

Love, like flying a biplane or performing a surgery, requires skill and precision. These qualities are a part of God’s nature, too. The careful movement of the creator, the patience required to see a project through to completion, and the vision of what the final craft should look like are all part of God’s mercy.

Beautiful words of encouragement for all of us. And now, to wrap things up, let’s answer some rapid-fire, get-to-know-you questions.

Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Pie or Cake? Pie
Tulip or Iris? Iris
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
What three words would your character use to describe you as the author? I couldn’t get it in three words, but rather into one sentence: Attentive to the small detail of a country doctor’s daily life.

I want to thank Michelle De Bruin for allowing us to visit with Dr. Kaldenberg today. To find out more about Dr. Kaldenberg and his story check out Michelle’s newest novel, Coming Home to Mercy. You can find it here.

www.scrivenings.link/cominghometomercy

Michelle’s bio:

Michelle lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She is a graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, with an associate’s degree in office management. She is also a graduate of Central College in Pella, Iowa, with a Bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis and Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for Christian Opportunity Center, an organization that offers services for people with physical and mental disabilities. She is also a chaplain for the local hospital, Pella Regional Health Center. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct.

Find Michelle on-line:

Michelle’s website: https://michelledebruin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDeBruinsAuthorPage/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDAuthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MichelleDB40/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18522892.Michelle_De_Bruin

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/michelle-de-bruin

The post Main Character Monday: Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg appeared first on Heather Greer.

Wednesday in the Word: Superhero Faith

Kids are amazing. Give them a towel, and safety pin, and a pair of red underpants to wear on the outside of their clothes and suddenly they’re Superman or Supergirl. Or they stomp around growling as a dinosaur. Maybe they crawl on  hands and knees, rubbing up against everything, meowing and insisting they’re a cat.

Kids choose what they want to be, imagine it, and become that character until time to come inside for lunch. But we all know that superhero, dinosaur, or cat are only the products of their imaginations. Our little crime fighter can’t fly. Our little dino didn’t escape extinction.

But for the time they’re playing, the name, the title is all it takes to make them someone they long to be.

Titles and names can inspire us as well. What believer doesn’t love to claim child of the King? The name alone evokes a sense of worth and belonging.

Sometimes a name can push us to be more than we thought possible. Our church’s name, Chosen Generation, is a reminder of what God wants for us. I love the verses that we take our name from. 1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

In these verses God’s people find out much about who they are. chosen, royal priesthood, holy nation, special people, the people of God, those who have obtained mercy. These things should move us to proclaim God’s praises, to tell others what He’s done for us.

Like children, we can cling to these names, claiming them as our own. But to simply own the name doesn’t give us the power that comes with those names. God gave them to us for a reason. He wants others to see Himself in us. We don’t show that to others by claiming the name any more than a child with a towel safety pinned around his neck can fly simply by announcing himself Superman.

To really become who God declares us to be, we need to keep reading. “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good words which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11-12

To transform into the believers God describes in verses 9-10 takes living the way God describes in verses 11-12.  Using the Holy Spirit’s power to live godly lives turns those titles into our true identity. It allows the world to see God in us so they can glorify God.

I want to be a royal priesthood and a chosen generation instead of playing make believe. I want my life to be filled with the Holy Spirit’s power to bring glory to God’s name. My prayer is that what I say and what I do  complement each other so when I proclaim God’s praises, others will know it’s true.

It’s easy to play pretend. But titles aren’t worth much if God can’t transform us into all the things He made us to be. I think it’s worth it. Do you?

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What I’m Reading: Pancakes, Bacon & a Side of Murder

We all have one. Don’t deny it. There is an area we all find ourselves working and living in from time to time. We like it there. It is our comfort zone.

But sometimes life pulls us from our comfort zone. Or maybe it’s random friends that push us over the line. At times, even God give us that nudge to move from what we know into something a little less secure. It can be a good thing, a growing experience.

I find I have a comfort zone in my reading as well. I tend to stick with romance. The specifics of contemporary versus historical will vary. Drama versus comedy will vary. But that’s where my reading sweet spot ends.

But as it is in life, sometimes we need to venture from our sweet spot. The last book I read did just that. I’m not a suspense or mystery fan. A little intrigue and mystery snuggled deep within my contemporary or historical romance is acceptable. It’s rare I pick up a suspense or mystery, even the cozy kind.

This past week was one of those occasions. With a title like Pancakes, Bacon & a Side of Murder, by Keri Lynn how could I resist. I love pancakes. Bacon is also a favorite. Even if I’m not a fan of murder, my love of the best breakfast foods far outweighs that little issue. And the first couple sentences with their “let me tell you how it happened” vibe caught my attention.

I began reading. I won’t tell you much about the story. It’s about a murder. I don’t think with the book’s title that’s giving any sort of spoiler. And everyone needs to catch the murderer before someone else becomes the next victim. There’s a cafe and bakery owner, a yoga instructor, an insurance agent, a sheriff, a couple visiting YouTubers, and a few cowboys (who always make a good story even better!), plus a host of other towns people. Oh, and there’s a clown. Now don’t you wonder how they all fit together? The story’s tone reminds me of a Hallmark mystery movie. I like Hallmark, and if it’s about baking, I’ll even watch the mystery ones.

The Hallmark feel and the added bonuses of baking and breakfast foods means if this book was made into a movie, I’d most likely watch it with a bowl of popcorn. Being a book, I read it with a bowl of popcorn. Equally enjoyable.

The characters are fun. The town is a typical small town complete with town-wide holiday celebrations. There are even several “I can’t believe they did that” moments to make you chuckle, all while a murderer is on the loose. All in all, it was a positive walk outside my comfort zone, and I look forward to reading what comes next from this author.

The post What I’m Reading: Pancakes, Bacon & a Side of Murder appeared first on Heather Greer.

Wednesday in the Word: Raising Ebenezer

No, not Scrooge. First of all, he’s a character. Even if I could raise people from the dead, his fictional status would render him ineligible for the miracle.

I told you I’ve been plunking away on the piano again. I’m learning “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”. I love that song. It has a sound I enjoy, and the words have depth.

Raising an Ebenezer is an idea mentioned in the lyrics. It’s not a term we use very often. Really, the only times I hear it used are in reference to Charles Dickens, in this song, and on the rare occasion a pastor or Bible teacher uses it in a lesson. It’s a shame, because it’s such an important word.

1 Samuel 7:1-14 gives us the meaning. I’ll give you the quick version. The people of Israel had not been following God. Big shock. The Philistines were coming against them. The people did what they always did when their ways brought an enemy to their doorstep. They cried out to God. Samuel told the people to repent, tear down their idols, and return to their God with all their hearts. If the people did this, God would deliver them. The people did as instructed. God saved them from the Philistines. Samuel set up the stone and called it Ebenezer, meaning “‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.'”

It wasn’t the first time or the last that stones would be placed in remembrance of something God had done for His people. When God moved, the people often commemorated it with a physical way to remember. Stones and feasts were among the favored ways to call God’s goodness to memory.

This stone was to remember God as the helper, as one who delivered the people from an impossible enemy. Think of how clearly the story would be passed from generation to generation every time someone passed that stone. Children would beg parents to tell them “just once more” how God saved His people from the Philistines.

These stones did more than tell future generations what happened in their history. But they did so much more. Reminders provided perspective, encouragement, and strength for the next battle.

They do the same today.

How many times does silence greet us in services and small groups when someone asks how God blessed the participants through the week? We know God blesses us. Every day we are blessed. He comes through for us in so many situations, yet we find ourselves at a loss.

We, like the people of Israel, need to mark the things God does for us. It’s not so we can relive the glory days. God’s mercies are new every morning, and while we celebrate the past, we have to be careful to live in the present.

We remember it so we can pass on to our children and their children the truth of who God is to us. Seeing how God has worked in the lives of those we love can be a powerful thing.

Remembering can also give us new perspective. We see how God has worked before, and we know He is capable of working again. There is no need for despair as hope blooms. Peace is ours in place of worry as we remember all the times God has previously fought for us. With this new light at the end of the tunnel, we can keep moving forward with strength rather than trudging through the muck.

Most of my Ebenezers are in the form of notes I’ve written in the front of my Bible. They detail what situation God dealt with and how He did it. Sometimes a song or a book becomes the way I remember. It could be a picture or a piece of jewelry. The what doesn’t matter. Whatever means the most to you to help you remember can become your Ebenezer.

Choose to remember. Raise your Ebenezar high in praise to God for what He’s already done. Find what you need to face today’s battles as you look back and say, “‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.'”

Do you have any Ebenezers in your life?

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Main Character Monday: Darcy Emerson Sloan

Welcome back to another Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Darcy Emerson Sloan from Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick. Let’s get started.

If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?

One thing? Hmmm. I’m a single mom with preschool twins who runs her own business and lives over said business. Probably either a nanny or vacation on a deserted island for a week!

I can imagine the silence would be welcome! The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?

Yeah, I’ve heard that one. In fact, I was raised on all that. If I had to choose—and since I’m having a hard time even BELIEVING these days—I’d have to choose Martha. Somebody’s gotta get things done, right?

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?

That’s tough, because I AM a widow, and if it weren’t for me, my kids would be orphans. I agree, though. Even as I struggle to believe in God the way I used to, I admire those who go out of their way to show me kindness and acceptance. The Reno family, especially since Mom married into it, have certainly shown me what it’s like to be in a family. And then there’s Del … my kids sure do love him.

I appreciate your honesty. Your answer can give those of us who haven’t experienced that a different perspective, a face to go with the description, if you will. I know you said you were raised around faith but currently struggle to find your own. In what you remember from your youth, is there one verse that sticks out to you, that maybe speaks to you even now?

I tend to internalize hurt and anger, and then, eventually, explode. I know, it’s not a great way to face the trials of life. I try to do better. I want, so badly, to be able to believe like my mom, and if I had to pick a verse now, it would be James 1:19 – Here’s part of it: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” It’s for sure I’m talking to myself here. When I am around people who exemplify this, like my mom, Del, and a few others I could mention, I find myself edging over to believing. Maybe I’ll give it a shot.

If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?

This may be cliché, but it’s the old saying, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” which goes right along with “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” (Hey, I run a café that depends heavily on the breakfast shift. Don’t judge my use of chicken-related cliches! LOL) Things don’t usually turn out the way you think they will, for better or worse. In my case, I never expected to be a pregnant widow in my twenties. Right now, I’d love to say my life is great, but I’d have to remember all the stuff that I’ve gone through that made me feel deserted. It is nice, though, when people do things for me when I don’t expect it. Just the other day, Del Reno offered to take care of my kids so I could go with his sister, Lisa, on a wedding-dress fitting. I needed the break, that’s for sure.

I hope the shopping went well. A lot of people enjoy shopping, almost like a hobby. What one hobby/interest would you keep if you had to give every other hobby up?

Baking. No question. I overheard someone (Was it Del? And am I talking about Del too much? Boy is my face red …) say my bread and pastries were every bit as good as my mom’s, and that’s the highest compliment I can get!

Just for Fun:

Indoors or outdoors: Indoors. It’s where my kitchen is!

Reading or writing: Reading. It’s a good way to relax.

Apples or pears: Apples, definitely. You can do so many things with them! Pie, crisp, etc. All available on the Clementville Café menu, I might add!

Early bird or night owl: Early Bird. It’s a good thing, isn’t it? The café opens for breakfast at seven, so I have to be “up and at ‘em” to be ready for some major coffee-drinkers! In the evening, I will fall asleep as soon as I sit down!

One last question. In three words, how would you describe Regina Rudd Merrick?

 If you ask me, Regina is way too nice. I mean, I’m a lot, but she keeps pulling me along, letting me know that I am loved by God and the others in my life that want to help me. Sorry. I didn’t mean to roll my eyes quite so hard!

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Regina, and I can agree with part of your description. She’s always been nice. She’s a friendly and wonderful woman. I hope you give her and her message a chance.

Thank you, Darcy for taking time to chat with me today. I hope you’ve had a good time and that the readers found their interest in you and your story piqued. Everyone can keep reading to find out more about Regina Rudd Merrick and where they can get Rebuilding Joy to get to know Darcy a bit better.

About Regina:

Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .

Social Media:

Website: https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regina-R-Merrick-512257938964888/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/trmerrick64

Instagram:

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rmerrick/

Mosaic Collection: https://www.mosaiccollectionbooks.com/

Scrivenings Press, LLC: https://scriveningspress.com/

About Rebuilding Joy:

A waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café …

Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene.

Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it.

Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding.

Just another day in Clementville.

Where to purchase Rebuilding Joy:

Rebuilding Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Rebuilding-Joy-RenoVations-Book-2-ebook/dp/B0924WDQTH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rebuilding+joy+merrick&qid=1620741362&sr=8-1

And the first book in the series:

Heart Restoration: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Restoration-Mosaic-Collection-RenoVations-ebook/dp/B089MFHYPJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=heart+restoration+merrick&qid=1594842249&sr=8-1

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What I’m Reading: Alone

It’s easy to look back at the history books and find stories of men and women who did great things. Scripture is also full of ordinary people who did extraordinary things for and through God. These people could look at their lives and know they did this wonderful thing.

I’m guessing Mary didn’t look at her life wondering in what extraordinary way God used her. Every time she thought about the angel or looked at her son, she had a reminder of the incredible way she got to be part of God’s great plan.

But for the rest of us, seeing how God is using us in His plan can be difficult. We look at our ordinary lives and wonder if we make any difference at all. We do our best to listen to God’s leading and follow the path He sets out for us. He gives us ministry work, and we wholeheartedly participate in it. We want to make a difference for Him, for eternity, but we question if what we’re doing is changing anything for the better.

Bethany, the heroine in Alone by Edie Melson, feels a lot like each of us. She’s nobody. She’s an orphan and a slave, allowed to earn her meager existence by the generosity of those in control. Because of her faith, Bethany is an outcast even among outcasts. The lowest society has to offer.

It wasn’t always this way, but this is Bethany’s life now. She follows orders. She merely exists looking for the day she can be reunited with the ones who she’s lost. Regardless of the opposition, she keeps her faith. But that doesn’t make her extraordinary. Does it?

On the day her world changes completely, Bethany’s faith is what saves her. Not knowing truth from lies or friend from enemy, Bethany’s faith helps her navigate her newly war-ravaged world, making enough sense of it to decide who should receive her loyalty.

Her captors insist they are her liberators. Her enslavers argue the intruders are set to destroy everything in Bethany’s world if they are not stopped. It’s an ultimate battle of life and death that hinges on Bethany realizing she’s never been alone, and she is the sole possessor of knowledge that will forever change the course of her world.

Bethany is exactly who and what she needs to be for the world she lives in. So are we. We many not have the audience of Billy Graham, Sheila Walsh, or Louie Giglio. But that’s okay. When God sent Gideon to face an unbeatable army, He whittled Gideon’s forces down to an impossible number before the battle began.

They didn’t need huge numbers and strength for God to use them. God’s strength is what made the difference. And maybe we won’t be used to rescue millions from eternity separated from God or to do something as important to humanity as carrying the Savior. But that does’t mean the seemingly unimportant things God calls us to are really unimportant.

When God led Naomi to return home, it didn’t seem like a big deal. It was survival. When Ruth went with her, it was companionship. It seemed unimportant as far as eternity goes. When Naomi guided Ruth into seeking out Boaz as her kinsman redeemer, the reason seemed pretty plain. Ruth and Naomi wanted to survive. This was the best way to do it.

But in being faithful to God through those simple daily choices, Ruth and Naomi played a part in the greatest story of all. Without Ruth and Boaz, Christ’s lineage wouldn’t have happened as it did. We see that now, but they didn’t know it then. Choices that seemed inconsequential proved vital in God’s plan.

It’s a good reminder for you and me, as we make a thousand choices in how to live each day.

Bethany got to see how who she was could impact her world. Has God ever allowed you to see how He’s using you to change yours?

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Wednesday in the Word: Losing the Music

When I was a kid, I took piano lessons. I didn’t really like to practice, but my mom bought me a book of music with television and movie theme songs in it. I wanted to play those songs. At least with these songs, I practiced more than I did before.

I pulled the music from the book and put each piece in page protectors in a binder to making it easier to flip through the songs. One song was played more than any of the others. Jessica’s Theme from The Man from Snowy River. I loved that song. It was played so often I finally learned to play all three pages by heart.

I eventually stopped playing regularly, but I held onto my music. Through the years, I get in a playing mood and bring some of it out. Jessica’s Theme is my warm-up music. At least, part of it is. I’ve lost all but the middle page of music. I still have the first page memorized, but the third page was the most complex. There’s no way I will ever remember it without the music.

I’ve searched for it online. I can’t remember the name of the book, though I think it was a Dan Coates book. And all of the sheet music available for download is in a different key or a more complicated arrangement. I need the plain old key of C. That’s what I originally learned.

I’ll keep looking, but until I can find a copy, I’m stuck. I’ll keep practicing what I have memorized, and I’ll refresh myself on the second page. However, without that third page, the song will remain incomplete. Not sounding how it was written.

Sometimes we approach God’s word the same way I did my music lessons. In our youth (or our spiritual immaturity) we fail to see the importance of spending time in scripture. We read it because “good christians” read the Bible. Occasionally, we find a passage or book we enjoy and go back to it again and again. The concepts in that one area become part of who we are and how we think.

Time goes on. We get busy.  Jobs and families and being busy distract us. We don’t have time for our good Christian checklist, and because we never learned to read it because we love spending time with God, we set aside our Bible. We catch up with God on Sundays, when we’re feeling guilty, or when we need something from Him.

But our time away from Him, from His words to us, have hurt us. Even that one piece of scripture we knew so well has faded in our hearts and minds. Parts of it may remain, but it’s not quite the same. We are unsure of the truth, being fed a constant diet of lies from the world that sound pretty. We want to hear God’s song to us again, but our ears aren’t used to the sound of His voice anymore. He’s still singing, but we aren’t as good at hearing.

There is good news though. God is always waiting for us to come back. If we seek Him, He’s not going to hide. Time spent in His word will bring us close to Him once more. His music will be in our hearts, guiding our actions. We’ll know His song from the song of the world. We will come to recognize His voice.

And unlike me trying to relearn the song I’ve lost, we don’t have to scour the internet or find some obscure out of print piece before we can reconnect with God. He’s there waiting for us. We simply have to open His word and let Him speak.

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But is shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

John 8:31-32 “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'”

Do you prefer in-depth Bible studies, random scripture reading, or daily devotions?

 

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What I’m Reading: Beautiful Warrior

Yes. That is my sword in the title photo. I have two. One looks like a three musketeers sword. This one is the closet I could find to the Dread Pirate Roberts’ sword without spending my entire life savings.

I considered fencing classes once upon a time. Imagine being able to quote the Princess Bride sword fight scene while actually knowing what you’re talking about and being able to execute the moves. That would be the epitome of cool.

But it’s not happened yet. I have two swords and zero ability to use them. Even if they didn’t have display edges, they would serve no use for me in defending myself. I’m not even sure how long I could hold the heavier one up.

They look good on the wall, but they serve no purpose. Sometimes that’s how we treat God’s word. Even though we’re told it’s sharper than a two-edged sword and listed as one of our vital pieces of spiritual armor, we set it aside for Sunday or a quick read each morning before we start the day.

That’s one of the many things I love about Beautiful Warriors by Tina Yeager. It was the subtitle that piqued my interest. “Finding victory over the lies formed against you.” I read the back and determined I had to purchase the book. I knew several other people I thought it might be good for, but I wanted to read it first.

“There is a BEAUTIFUL WARRIOR inside of you just waiting to emerge.” – Beautiful Warrior, back cover

In less than a chapter, I was hooked. The lessons weren’t for others. At least, they weren’t just for them. Demons I’ve faced, that I still face, looked up at me from the pages. The author’s examples read like she’d handpicked them from my life. And though she’s a licenses therapist, Tina Yeager doesn’t leave readers with tips from the counselor’s office.

Instead, she merges together practical tips with the most powerful weapon in our arsenal, God’s truth. Again and again, she points readers to scripture to reshape how they think about themselves. She gives them the one weapon that will never fail in the battle. The one that will never change or go out of style.

And then she shows readers real life ways to wield their weapon. Because the truth in God’s word is as useless as my swords without understanding how to use it.

The book is as easy to read as it is challenging to apply. It’s engaging and light in its presentation without skimping on the call for introspection and application. A reader doesn’t have to engage with the chapter ending questions, but they should. It’s in these questions that Tina Yeager shifts the theme of each chapter from idea to reality. The questions are where we see our need and where we learn what we still need to know to use the weapon of God’s truth to dismantle the lies we believe. Through this honest appraisal of the lies we believe, the truth of scripture, and the practical application we start emerging as the promised Beautiful Warriors just as God designed us.

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Wednesday in the Word: Good and Perfect Gifts

Love it, hate it, or deny its existence, Christmas in July is everywhere. I have to admit, I’ve watched my share of holiday movies through the month of July. The reason why may be a topic for another blog post. But today, I opened up my Instagram and found another love of my life at Christmas. The Hallmark Christmas ornaments are out!

I couldn’t help myself. I perused nineteen pages of Hallmark ornaments, taking screen shots of my favorites. My husband will get those later. I do have a birthday in December, after all. But I noticed something else as I looked at the ornaments. I kept finding ones that would be perfect for my kids. Characters from their childhood loves popped up on my screen. I found myself snapping pictures of those too.

When my kids still lived at home, that would have made sense. I bought my children a new ornament each year. I purchased specific ones as reminders of an event they’d experienced or something they were interested in that year. As they grew up and moved out, each child had ornaments to begin their own Christmas decorating traditions. Hopefully, like me, when they take them out each year, they will be more than decorations. They will be memories.

When my daughter unpacks the yellow paper mache heart with the Precious Moments nativity on it, she will remember it was the year she told us she asked Jesus in her heart. When my son unpacks the little artist bear standing next to an easel, he will think back on the year he started kindergarten. Hopefully, my children will consider each ornament a piece of their childhood and take time to remember how far they’ve come.

I pray it will be the same with me. I may not have a physical tree gifted to me by God, but I have ornaments I can unpack in my life that remind me of how I’ve grown and the gifts He has given me. Sometimes, it’s a photograph. A literal picture of what He’s done. Cards and letters remind me of special times or lessons learned. A note in the margin of my Bible can spark the memory of an answered prayer. A business card pinned to my cork board takes me back to that special time of fellowship with an author friend.

Seeing these things, I have a choice. I can skim over them and go on with my day treating them as nothing more than decorations in my life. Pretty but not much use. Or I can pause for a moment in my day, consider the meaning they have in who I was and who I am now, and take a moment to thank the Giver of such perfect gifts.

What are some of the ornaments, literal or figurative, you enjoy in your life?

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

The post Wednesday in the Word: Good and Perfect Gifts appeared first on Heather Greer.

Main Character Monday: Olivia Rae Miller

Hello! Welcome to Main Character Monday. I know I haven’t posted a main character interview in a while, but I hope to remedy that.

Today’s guest is Olivia Rae Miller from my newest book, Cake That!. Welcome Olivia.

Please call me Livvy. I was only Olivia when I was in trouble. Olivia Rae if I’d really messed up.

Okay, Livvy. Let’s get started. If you could visit one place in the world, where would you go?

I want to ride historic Route 66 on my vintage inspired Indian Scout motorcycle. I mean, I got a little taste of it on my ride from St. Louis to Los Angeles to compete on Cake That!, but I was riding in November and parts of the ride were a little chilly!  Next time, I want to take my time and really explore. Find some old diners and visit quaint little antique shops.

That sounds like a lot of fun. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life?  Which of them is the hardest to display?

That’s hard. I hope I’m a genuinely kind and good person. And baking does involve a good deal of patience. So maybe that one’s easiest? Of course, I think my kryptonite would have to be self-control. I tend to be a little impetuous or maybe more impulsive at times. I can definitely remember times when I’ve acted before thinking things through. It smarts when those kinds of actions lead to the need to apologize to others in my life. But hopefully, I’m learning. 

What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

This may come as a surprise, but I enjoy the story of the widow and Elijah. Or is it Elisha? I can never remember. Anyway, she had a bit of oil and flour and was preparing to make a last meal for her and her son. They’d run out, and a drought prevented getting more. The prophet, whichever one he was, asked her to make bread for him. He told her God would provide ingredients as long as she was faithful to do what God asked of her. She did, and the oil and flour didn’t run out. There was enough for all three of them throughout the drought. Her trust in God to provide her needs is inspiring. Having trust in God as my provider in all situations is something I want in my own life.

I can’t help noticing you chose a story about someone baking something. That has to make the story resonate even more. Now, what about the New Testament? Another baking story as a favorite?

No, actually. I think it would have to be the story of Peter walking on the water. Again, it’s all about trusting God to take care of you when you can’t see the path ahead or the way He’s going to provide. Of course, more often than not, I think I’m more Peter when he’s sinking into the depths than Peter focused on Jesus and doing the impossible. Jesus has had to pick me back up out of the water more times than I care to admit. I’m definitely a work in progress.

Aren’t we all. Livvy, if there was one message you would want to leave with readers, what would it be?

God loves you. He cares about all the things going on in your life. Big and little. Even the ones that haven’t managed to get on your radar yet. Trust Him to take care of you, even when it seems impossible.

Before we end, let’s have some rapid-fire fun questions.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise. It’s a new beginning.

Pie or Cake?

Duh. Cake of course. I do own a cupcake truck.

Tulip or Iris?

Neither. I’ll take a crazy daisy any day.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate. Vanilla is only good because you can dress it up with other things. 

What three words would you use to describe Heather Greer?

Wow! I bet other characters and their authors cringe at this question. It’s so hard. You should really be nicer to them and drop this one from the list. Okay, let’s see. Introverted. Creative. And just a bit socially awkward! She’s more like my best friend Tabitha than she is me. 

Thank you, Livvy for joining me today. If readers have any questions for Livvy, please leave them in the comments. I’ll see to it she answers them. And to find out more about Livvy and her time on Cake That! you can check out Cake That! at the following link.

http://www.scrivenings.link/cakethat

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