Dienece Darling's Blog, page 5

What We Really Need

In my devotions one day, I was struck by what seemed like a silly question in Matthew 20. Two blind beggars called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus stopped and asked, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?"

Uhm, they wanted to see. Why would Jesus even ask that? What a silly question.

So, I sat and contemplated it. So often, we get caught up in our own affairs until we are blind to our true needs. Take for example, the four friends who let their lame buddy through a hole in the roof (talk about dedication to a cause!). The story makes it clear the friends wanted the lame man to be healed. But what did Jesus do first?

He forgave the man's sins.

I bet those friends were surprised at that! And yes, Jesus forgave the man's sins to make a point to those around Him, but also because having our sins forgiven is more important than physical healing. Jesus can surprise us that way sometimes.

Answering our prayer in ways we didn't expect to give us what we really needed.

But why did He ask the blind beggars what they wanted when He didn't ask the lame man?

My 13-year-old is picking up on that when I do it to the seven-year-old. I'm not sure the teenager notices when I do it to him though. I ask specific questions at certain moments to give them the chance to grow, to learn, to truly see all of the situation besides the bit in front of them that they asked for help with.

We are God's children. It stands to reason that sometimes God will pose a question, a situation to teach us to see beyond what we see now.

Suddenly, that 'silly' question Jesus asked the blind beggars doesn't seem so silly after all. "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" was the perfect thing to say. I think Jesus was giving the blind men the opportunity to 'see' what they really needed was Him.

The best part of this story happens in the last sentence, "their eyes received sight, and they followed him." How wonderful! They truly gained their 'sight' after all.

I shouldn't be surprised (even though I often am!). God always knows the right thing to say, the right path to take, what we really need. We're the ones so blinded by our own ideas of how life is supposed to happen that we can't see what's really needed until He poses a question.

This blog is part of a Devotional collection called "Surprises in Prayer".

Check out my fellow bloggers who have also posted on this topic:

A Van, A Drama, A Prayer by Nola Lorraine

A mission's trip gone just a little awry. I loved this story!

Great is Your Faithfulness, O Lord by Virginia Wright

When you wait so long, you think God is never going to answer. A blessing to anyone who's been waiting.

Surprises in Prayer by Susan Barnes

A newborn Christian's look at how God intervenes in our lives. Quite a refreshing POV.

A fourth blog may also be forthcoming, so watch this space!

Have a blessed day,

Dienece

August's Books with Dienece

Have you ever had to wait for a book?

It's terrible. Isn't it? The waiting just drags on and on until the book finally comes! You know that feeling, don't you? That burst of joy and the itch to read it right that minute no matter where you are or what you should be doing. You've been waiting so long.

Read on and discover some of the books I couldn't wait to read this month (but you know, I had to wait which was awful!).

Books I Couldn't Wait to Read This Month

The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson

I'd seen this series advertised again and again on Facebook and finally I decided to look into it. Low and below, it was actually at my state-run library. Yay! So, I started reading this to my teenager of an evening before bed. I have loved this series. Got all wrapped up in it along with my son, but getting our hands on the last book? We had to wait and wait and wait.

Finally, the library said it was in, and I raced off to collect book 4. What a whopper! The moment I pulled that book off the holds shelf I knew why we'd been waiting longer than a month. I also knew I needed help. My son read some chapters then gave me a recap before I resumed reading aloud to him (we will not pretend I had any idea how to say many of the names in this series). I am grateful for his help because we never would have finished that monster before our 30-day loan was up.

FYI, we reached the end on the last day. It's a ride I'll tell you. This series took us on epic journeys. I needed a lot of tissues towards the end. I might have even chickened out and asked my son to read a few parts because I couldn't do it. But I read the end, and I'm so glad I stuck through to the epilogue. Make sure you read the epilogue!

Oh, and the library copy might also have a tiny spot of water damage, but that's totally Andrew Peterson's fault for making me cry a river. Okay, I'll stop gushing now. (But serious, you should read this epic series with a wonderful focus on sibling love and support. I think it was especially good for my oldest as it deals with jealousy and resentment towards younger siblings.)

The Dog Groomer's Soulmate by Cindy Ervin Huff

This was my next 'I want to read this book!' I'd been hanging for its release after reading book 1 in the series. I started reading the day it came out. Of course, life interfered and it took me a few days to finish, but I loved this gem of a rom-com with heart.

The heroine has a disability (VET missing an arm) and of course the very handsome and kind dog groomer fellow--he's the whole reason I had been hanging to read the book after I meet him in book 1 of the series. Oh, and a cute doggy to help the heroine with her PSTD. Haven't read many books like this and loved that Cindy wrote one!

FYI, I'm now hanging for book 3. This can be read as a standalone.

A Matter of Honor by Laura Frantz

I'm in Laura's Facebook group, and when she announced this novella, I got very excited. But then you know, I had to wait for this one to release as well. That's the problem with finding out about a book that isn't out yet. But maybe that makes it sweeter when it does release?

In either case, I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, it may be a continuation of a secondary character in The Rose and the Thistle (which I know only because Laura mentioned it. Haven't read that book), but it works as a standalone. It's a beautiful slow burn romance with a disability rep (I'd explain the latter, but that would be a spoiler). One of the things I'm coming to learn the more I read of Laura's books is that she creates complex secondary characters. It's not all about the hero and heroine. They have friends and family who have lives, and you get invested in the full life of the main characters outside of their romance.

I do have a trigger warning for this book. Some of my readers struggle with alcohol consumption in books, and it's used in a historically accurate manor for this story (that is what people drank back then). However, I really appreciated how Laura pointed out on at least two occasions that the character knew their beverage choice would affect their cognitive ability.

Other Historical Reads This Month

(Cindy's above was my only contemporary)

To Forge Her Fate by Kasey Stockton

The couple is an unusual pairing, a lady with a blacksmith. I thought the author did a good job figuring out ways two people who wouldn't normally have reason to bump into each other naturally do until they reach the point that they want to contrive ways to bump into each other.

I really enjoyed this read. Covers forgiveness, treating others how you'd want to be treated, and equality no matter your station in life.

My only issue is that I thought it was an inspirational read, but it's not listed as such. However, the last 40% does seem to have understated faith themes. So, personally I categorized it as a clean regency that is faith friendly. To be honest, it reads like an inspirational that isn't overly focused on faith.

I did very much enjoy the story either way.

Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp

I won't say this was an "easy" read. The contents are challenging and at times quite upsetting (probably not a good idea to finish reading it in the doctor's waiting room like I did.) However, it was fascinating and swept me away (hence the not being able to wait until I got home to finish reading it). The pages just flicked one after another. Oh, and the title of this book is perfect. Darkness really does call, but that doesn't mean you have to answer.

This is a very unique and interesting look at a part of WW2 I never knew existed. You should read it, just be ready for the challenge to your faith.

The Knight and the Dove by Lori Wick

Saw this on the shelf of an op shop (must remember to ask my mum what Americans call op shops again--update, my sister said thrift store). I haven't read it since I was a teenager. Well, I picked it up and brought it home for a reread. Funny the differences in our reading tastes from then to now, but I still enjoyed it. Finished it with 24 hours. Just couldn't put it down!

It's written in omnipresent, not a POV I tend to read anymore. Or for Christian authors to use for that matter. It has a strong faith element, red-head heroine, interesting family dynamics, and an arranged marriage which includes a little more after marriage advice than what I like in my books. So, if you're like me, you might want to skip a few bits towards the end.

Anyway, I'm glad I picked it up. It was fun to revisit.

The Valentine Writer by Iris Lim

I'd heard about this Christian author's regency romances but hadn't read her until this book. The Valentine Writer is a short fun read about a lady who writes love letters to help her brothers find spouses. She thinks because of her ill health she'll never find anyone, but then fate has other ideas and sends a brooding, war-torn hero her way!

There is only about one quote from the Bible in the whole of it, but I still very much enjoyed the humour of the story. It made me smile and want to read the first book in the series.

Lady Flora's Fiancé by Iris Lim

This is book 1 of the series I just mentioned. ;) It is hilarious. Check out this hook from the book description. "In retrospect, she should have known he wasn’t a footman." Classic!

The lady needs a fake fiancé and intends to hire a footman. She manages to hire a duke instead. So funny!

Again, not much faith just a fun read. One of the gents (not the hero) says a very English oath (only once), which isn't a swear word in America. So perhaps the author didn't know it was an oath? It just jarred me a little, but otherwise, a very fun, funny read.

Speaking of things which we've been waiting and waiting for... Here is the cover reveal of my November release!

When the heart longs for what it can't have, toes aren't safe in the ballroom.

Edith Howard has long mourned the loss of Clarence. He was more than the boy next door. He was her dearest friend until he left without word or warning. But when Clarence makes a surprise return the London season of 1763, the gentleman standing before her bears little resemblance to the boy she used to know. What happened to Clarence, and why is he back?

A chance encounter might be just the ticket Clarence needs to convince Edith he always has been and always will be hers. If only she wasn't listening to those dangerous street preachers. Clarence doesn't know how to save the lady he loves from believing the world will end on February 28th. Or, for that matter, how to show her all that's in his heart.

What will it take for Edith to see the man Clarence is today? And dare she let him back into her life when she doesn’t know what drove him away the first time?

This clean, historical romance novelette is written in dual first person with faith content and has a happily-ever-after.

Intrigued by the pre-order above? Want to know more?

Its companion read, A Heart Unsure, is available in this month's promo collection.

The hero of A Heart Unsure, Andrew Hatfield, is a Methodist street preacher who appears as a secondary character in my pre-order, Hearts Unknown. Why not sign up to my newsletter and receive A Heart Unsure for free!

That's it for this month. I'll be back in September for more Books with Dienece. Happy Reading!

August's Catching the Past Blog Edition

If you've read a Regency book or two (or a few hundred), you've probably come across a gentleman suffering from gout. Well, there's a good reason for that. A physician from that time stated most Georgian England gentleman would have gout by the age of 50.

But what is gout?

If you're anything like me, I first imagined it was a gut disease. Gout/Gut, they are kinda close. Yeah, okay... Moving on.

Further reading gave me the impression it had something to do with the knee or foot. And I think we've probably had enough of my guessing by now!

Gout is actually a type of arthritis. It can be any joint that is inflamed, but most commonly the big toe. The attacks are sudden and severe (ouch!). Symptoms fade away in a few days to weeks (this last bit really surprised me).

People still get gout today, although modern cases are generally due to genetics (I've recently had a few suffers share their experience with me, and I deeply appreciate their input). In Georgian England time, the biggest contributing factors were lack of exercise and a diet rich in meats, seafood, and alcohol. Not the romantic side of regency period for sure.

So, now we know what gout is, but how did they try to get rid of it way back when?

Three Treatments for Gout from Georgian England

There was the ever-popular cure-all 'taking the waters' at Bath like the Admiral tries in Persuasion (his walk with Anne probably did him more good than sipping the mineral waters of Bath).

Swimming in the ocean was also popular. That probably would have helped since it was exercise.

One of Jane Austen's brothers tried to treat his gout with electrocution. Lucy Worsley in her book Jane Austen at Home quoted Jane as saying she was 'expecting no advantage from it.' I'm inclined to agree with her, but then, I'm not an expert.

I'm sure there were probably a lot more treatments. If you know any, pop it in the comments!

Hearts UnknownCover Reveal Coming August 24th!

When the heart longs for what it cannot have, toes aren't safe on the ballroom floors of this 1763 Georgian England romance!

In Truth and Righteousness - Devotions with Dienece

Last month, we talked about mentioning God both deliberately and casually in conversation from Isaiah 12:4 (If you missed it, you can read the devotional here or see the photo for reference).

I hadn't planned on saying anything more on the topic, but then, God wasn't finished.

Imagine my surprise when I reach Isaiah 48 and discovered that exact phrase again, but in a completely different context.

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. Is. 48:1

Israel talked about God, but they did so to God's detriment. Their lives were a mess (they worshiped idols), and they spoke heresy (they tried to claim the idols performed the wondrous works of God). But in the same breath, they claimed they were God's holy city! This is not mentioning God in truth or righteousness.

The world looked on Israel (and by extension God) in disgust. Israel made the name of God to stink.

It's not enough to just talk about God. You are His ambassador. Your life must match your words (people really will notice).

But then perhaps, you think you've got your life all sorted. It's spotless, yet you teach the commandments of man as the commandments of God.

Speak the truth about God. You'll know the truth by rightly dividing His word and talking with God. You can't talk accurately about Someone you don't know personally and intimately.

What we say and do ought to bring people to God, not drive them away.

July's Books with Dienece

It's another month, and I've read a lot of books again! ;)

If we haven't met, I'm Dienece Darling (an alternative spelling for Denise). I write first person historical romance set in Georgian England, but I read widely and love to talk about books.

So, without further ado, let's get chatting about the books I've read this month!

A Heart Most Faithful by Carolyn Miller

I loved the hook for this book: A kiss, a dance, and a second chance.

This gorgeous little regency novella was my favourite read this month. It's sweet, intriguing, and keeps you wondering what happened between the couple in the past. I'd love to tell you more, but I'd spoil the secret. And it's worth the wait.

This has cameo appearances of popular characters in other works by Carolyn. It can be read as a standalone, but the mentions are a nice touch.

I signed up to Carolyn's newsletter through a special book funnel promo to read this book, and Carolyn hopes to get it connected to her regular platform soon. If you can't wait, you can email her about it (yes, I asked because you should totally read this book!).

A Louisiana Christmas to Remember by Lenora Worth, Morgan Tarpley Smith, Betsy St. Amant

The only contemporary I've read this month was a Christmas one. I wasn't trying for a Christmas in July, but I asked my library to order this in for my book club in December. Well, it came in time for Christmas in July, so why not! This is a delightful collection of contemporary, interconnected romance novellas. Well worth a read. Beautiful.

Nora's Surprise Blessing by Aurora Kelly

This western novella is part of the 'rejected bride series' where women have come West and for various reasons are jilted at the altar only to find true love with someone else. I was feeling overwhelmed with writer relating decisions and needed a quick, easy read. This story gave me that a sense of accomplishment I craved (even if it was reading someone else's book!).

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

I enjoyed the couple in this Western Cinderfellow retelling. We get lots of time with the hero and heroine. They are endearing and fun. She thinks her father doesn't love her, but there is a lot more going on then she knows. The hero thinks her father is a terrible person, but again, more going on than the hero knows. Very interesting and kept me turning the page to discover who the dad really was.

The first half was an enjoyable, sweet, easy read. The last half had a subplot about someone else which felt more Roseanna M White, but at least most of book 2 felt closer to Witemeyer's usual style.

A Heart Bound by Laura Frantz

There was more of this book set in mid 1700s Scotland then I was expecting. (I'm assuming if you read reviews that you probably read book blurbs, but if you don't read blurbs, you might consider the following a spoiler.) About a quarter of the book is set in Scotland before the heroine is unjustly charged with a crime, found guilty, and sent to Virginia as an indentured servant. My favourite bits came after the arrest, but 18th Century Scotland was fascinating. You really get to know the couple as who they were before their lives were uprooted. This couple had a hard road, but that made the sweet ending all the sweeter.

Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Reminded me of a Jen Turano with a bit more steam. Also, Mary Connealy in the city.

I ended up skimming this 1800s- St. Louis romance since it was a little too steamy for me. It's good writing, has an underling plot with past issues, social issues, and things going on, but you need to be okay with a lot of physical attraction/desire. But hey, if you like that, the writing is good, and the characters are interesting.

Books MentionsConfessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti

She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.

Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. But all is not what it seems in the little fishing town. Danger lurks. And, though hiding under an assumed name, Adaleigh offers her ability to draw out confessions, making her a valuable asset to the police.

First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but knows she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, David enlists Adaleigh’s help in proving his innocence. In return, he’s determined to help her find hope once again.

As the truth becomes more knotted, and Adaleigh’s real identity risks revelation, David must put aside his own struggles to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both.

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

Dienece's thoughts:

This book explores the interesting phenomenon of how we can spill our guts to a stranger we assume we'll never see again and not those closest to us. But sometimes, that confession leads to a lasting relationship.

This is a clean, Christian fiction read set in the 1930s. She's a swimmer from a rich family. He's a poor fishman. And the talks they shared were beautiful. It's full of intrigue, faith, mystery, and love. A very enjoyable and exciting read. Why not give it a go!

Surviving Childlessness by Steph PennyA very enlightening and helpful non-fiction read.

Not my normal book rec, I know. But this was an eye opener.

Struggling to know what to say to someone without kids? Wonder why some people seem so uncomfortable at church events aimed towards children? Or perhaps, God never filled your quiver with arrows. This book shares the story of 14 people living without children. It's well worth the read.

Another month, but not 'just another promo,' this one has over 100 participating authors! I'm sure you'll find something interesting. I was intrigued by the lady who retells Biblical stories in medieval times, DaLeena Taylor.

July's Catching the Past Blog 2024

The maxim "live and let live" feels like it was coined by hippies not that long ago, but it's actually been around for centuries. Why has this concept endured for so long? Well, it's talk about where it came from and why I believe it's still here.

Gerard de Malynes might have included the phrase in his law book published in 1622, but he didn't coin it. Malynes credited 'live and let live' as a Dutch proverb. Meaning this popular mindset has been around for even longer than 1622, and I'm not really surprised.

Why wouldn't people wish others to just let them alone? I won't judge you if you don't judge me. Seems like a good way to pretend your sins won't find you out.

We are not to judge one another, but we are to shoulder on another's burdens and gently entreat a brother or sister we see going astray. True love doesn't let someone continue on the path of destruction without saying something.

Mention Him

We are often challenged to talk about God, but when reading my devotions one day, this verse stood out to me.

Praising God and calling upon Him can be done in the privacy of your own home, and while declaring his works among the people requires at least one other person to qualify, it was the end of the verse that snagged my attention.

We might tell people about the wonderful things God has done for us. We certainly ought to be talking to a lost world about the cross, but do we mention God is exalted?

According to my trusty Strong's exhaustive concordance (and if you've ever held one in your hands, you'll know why it's called exhaustive!), exalted means to be lifted up, inaccessible, and by implication safe and strong. Plus a few other things, but oh, do I love the meaning safe and strong!

Safe and strong provokes the image of God as our high tower. The One we can run to and be safe there because no one can reach us up with our exalted God. We wouldn't even be able to be there except God in His mercy reached down and provided a way. How great is our God!

And we are supposed to make mention of that, let the world know how high, how exalted is the Name of our God.

We tend to focus on the works of God. On His love and sacrifices for us (which is important). But...

Do we remind them that they must turn from their wicked ways because God is holy? That God's perfection is why we can trust Him. God will never lie, abandon, or trick us. He is always fair and safe.

Which brings us to 'mention.' What does mention mean? Did you picture an offhanded comment? Something that just naturally slipped into your conversation? (My hand is raised here.)

Technically, that's not the Hebrew definition of the word used in Isaiah 12. It's supposed to be a deliberate act, 'to mark' Strong's says. Isaiah is exhorting us to intentionally talk about God.

However, when I read this verse God pulled mention out for a different reason. God nudged me about the English implication of something done without much thought. You see, mentioning God is always deliberate for me.

I always think carefully before I talk about God, and that's not necessarily a good thing. It's great to consider your words, but it's not great if you miss opportunities because you stay silent when you should have spoken.

This verse challenged me to make sure I am talking about God in such a way that He naturally makes His way into my conversations. In both casual AND deliberate ways.

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Image by Josep Monter Martinez from Pixabay" target="_blank">josephmonter and altered with text by Dienece Darling

June's Books with Dienece 2024

Looking for something to read?

Why not one of these beauties I've read in the last month? But first, let me introduce myself in case we haven't met.

I'm inspirational historical romance author, Dienece (a fancy spelling for Denise) Darling. I focus my writing on Georgian England, but I read widely within inspirational genres, especially romance.

Now, let's talk books!

Historical:

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel

This was so fantastic!

It's told in first person from the heroine's POV. She's a movie star who turns spy during WW2 and goes to Sweden. I normally like the guy's POV to be included, but the fact it's not adds to the guy's mystery. A very good read while you try to work out who's good and who's not!

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

This book was recommended to me, and I'm so glad I read it! Tessa writes about the eunuch in Acts, the Apostle Philip, and even Telemachus (as secondary characters). It's fictionalized, but I loved the people and the story. The main characters Chariline and Theo have a beautiful love story, and they were both so endearing.

Here are two of my favourite quotes from the book:

"When you are flesh-driven, you cannot be Spirit-led."

"Now your battle begins in earnest. You have to allow Yeshua to tell you the truth. Stop listening to your scars. You are not God's mistake, Chariline. You are his glory."

The Letter by Edwina Kiernan

This had an interesting family dynamic. Her mother was rescued from a brothel and is now a pastor's wife. I don't enjoy reading stories of redeemed soiled doves, but I found the concept of a daughter who loves her mother but struggles to overcome the prejudices of people against her mother's past rather interesting. There is a lot more to this story, but the daughter's conflicted feelings over her mother is why I chose to read it.

Leaving Waverly by Sara R. Turnquist

An interesting pairing with the daughter of the plantation owner falling in love with a sharecropper. Not an easy road but a good read. Please note this deals with prejudices and abuse both against freed slaves and working-class whites.

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz

This could have easily been An Uncommon Man. The hero was taken captive by Native Americans as a child and grew up in a tribe before finally being returned to his Quaker Kin. But he's no Quaker and rather conflicted about where he belongs in the world. The girl is a good fit for him. She's a frontier girl who longs for some more refined things. I enjoyed their unique story.

This is a closed-door romance which means nothing happens on the page, but it's implied after their marriage.

Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti

An interesting concept that we tend to be more open with a stranger we may never see again then with someone we have to face again. Danielle weaves this concept beautifully into a historical mystery with a lavish helping of romance. If you love a good, 'Who dun it?' this one is for you.

Contemporary:

A Run At Love by Toni Shiloh

Oh, boy. A challenging, good read.

I love a friends-to-more story, but it also needs more than that for me. And this book has got a sucker-punch I really enjoyed reading. It was nice to see a heroine who struggles but also has a level of maturity and grounded faith that kept her from losing her head. And the friends in this book! Awesome role models of what friends really ought to be.

I didn't notice the guy's POV was third person until the first kiss, and it really threw me at that moment (not exactly when you want to be pulled out of a romance). The girl is first person, but most of the time, the mixed writing didn't bother me.

Overall, a great read.

Fantasy

The Monster in Green Hollows by Andrew Peterson

Where is book four!?!?!?!

Okay, so this series is just getting better and better. And I need book four NOW. FYI, it would have been a good idea to make sure the next and last book was in my possession before I finished this book. I'm really liking this children's fantasy series I'm reading aloud to my teenager. Each book does 'end,' but their epic journey makes you itch for the next book.

Closed-Door Romance Bingo!

Rachel Luke Parker of Closed-Door Romance Authors and Bookstagrammers created this fun bingo board. It started July 1st and runs until sometime in August. You just pop a picture of the book you read within the time frame into the corresponding square. Not all my books fit onto the board, but some did!

Here's my Bingo Board for June

Traditionally Published: An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz

Message an Author: Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti

Grumpy Sunshine: The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Owns a Pet: A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh (for her cute goat pets, not actually the horse)

Found Family: Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

Here's a blank copy if you want to play along!

There are no prizes. It's just for fun.

"Catching the Past Blog" June 2024

Today, I'm giving some time traveling advice. (You know, in case they ever invent time travel.)

I was reading a book published in the 1870s. The reprobate brother shows up in the middle of the night and wakes the whole household. He asks his cousin (the homeowner) for some soda water. The mother and sister are ashamed, and the cousin claims with deep umbrage that he doesn't own any.

I'm sitting there thinking, 'Okay, the guy's an insensitive jerk, but why the umbrage over a request for soda-water?'

My mother-in-law loves to drink a bit of this fizzy (the Aussie term for carbonated drinks). What's wrong with soda-water?

So, should they invent time travel, I recommend you DO NOT DRINK the 'soda-water.' It's not what you think it is!

Obedient Storms-Devotions with Dienece

No, I'm not talking about Jesus calming the storm today. We're not even in the New Testament.

Psalm 148 is actually a psalm of praise (seems an odd pairing for storms, doesn't it?). The psalm begins with 'Praise ye the Lord,' and repeats that theme 13 times, but verse eight struck me and made me pause to think.

We often talk about God bringing us through the storms of life, and in theory, we discuss how God has used (past tense is important here) these storms for His glory and our good. But have you ever sat there in the middle of a storm and thought, This storm is fulfilling God's word?

The wind tore the roof off your house?

It was obeying God.

Your whole city has been flooded for the second time this year?

The water broke its banks at the Lord's command.

A few years ago, Australia had been ravaged by floods and then the next year she suffered raging bushfires. Hadn't the floods been enough? So many had yet to recover the first devastation, and then to be wiped out again. All that was left, rebuilt gone in flames.

I lived far away from it all, but the smoke and soot still came our way, coating my garage door, rubbish bins, and anything left outside with red ash. The sky glowed with fire.

On the news, we watched people huddled in boats, cowered under blankets trying to breathe as their life glowed ember on the shore before them. I doubt anyone sat there thinking, This fire is fulfilling God's Word.

What if instead of thinking God will turn this to my good after all is said and done, we sat in the middle of the storm and could say, 'This is the will of God. This right now."

I think it could really change us if we remembered God works in every circumstance even as the storm rages, not just afterward.

Can you image how much calmer you'd be on your roof as the flood waters invaded your house below? You'd be able to feel the comfort of His presence. His peace would reign in your heart.

I had an internal storm in May 2023. After placing well in many competitions, I received negative feedback, and I mean very negative feedback over my manuscript.

I saw the email just before I took my kids to school. I held myself together through the 45-minute school run. Although, I had to apologise to the kids a few times because they'd been talking to me, and I hadn't heard them since I was so deep in my own thoughts. When I finally got home, I allowed myself to cry.

I was supposed to be joining a writing group. Instead, I decided I needed time with God. My devotions couldn't wait. And wouldn't you know the first verse in my devotions challenged me?

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant: and praise is comely." Ps. 147:1 KJV

That verse struck my heart.

Storms in the heart? Praise is comely.

So, I started to thank God, and that storm inside eased a little. The praise became a balm to my pain.

Verse 3 talks about God healing the broken in heart. It too was just what I needed to hear. I'm not saying I bounced back right away. But normally setbacks like this leave me a mess for the rest of the day if not for days afterwards.

It's hard to regain your confidence when someone takes a baseball bat to it, but not this time. It took God only an hour to show me how this could be for my good.

What was the difference? I praised Him in the storm instead of asking why.

Photo from wix media. Bible verse memes created by Dienece in Canva