Janet Sketchley's Blog: Tenacity, page 108
September 18, 2013
Counting Our Blessings
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT*
These may be my life verses, in part because it’ll take me a lifetime to learn to live them
It all comes back to trusting God and not ourselves – trusting Him with everything that we are. The NIV renders “Seek His will in all you do” as “In all your ways submit to Him,” and it’s the King James Version that nudges me today: “In...
September 16, 2013
Review: The Nun and the Narc, by Catherine Castle
The Nun and the Narc, by Catherine Castle (Soul Mate Publishing, 2013)
Sister Margaret Mary O’Connor is on a mission trip to Mexico to build houses, and to decide if she’s ready to take her vows when she returns to the US. She still hears her Mother Superior’s parting words: “Stubbornness, curiosity and bluntness don’t become a nun.” (p. 12)
She’s a sincere young woman, and she loves the Lord. But she has to help others, even if that means meddling in their business. Mexico is no exception, and...
September 13, 2013
Broken Chains
What do you wear for an author photo shoot? Mine would be outdoors among the trees, so I avoided browns and greens. After all, you’re supposed to be able to see me in the picture.
My favourite dress is blue with black. It’s fancier than my typical outdoor wear, but it makes me feel confident, like I look good. I ignored the faint whisper of “what if someone thinks it’s silly?” and chose the dress. And the Birkenstocks. Can’t smile if my feet hurt.
Since the picture would go on the back of Heave...
September 11, 2013
Why We Need to Know God
He will flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.
Daniel 11:32, NLT*
This is part of Daniel’s prophecy about a future king who will conquer and destroy many nations and intend great harm to God’s chosen people. It also has a lesson for Christians today, in our own circumstances.
We have an enemy too—the enemy of our souls. How do we stand against the opposition and persuasion he sows? (Daniel warned of the ene...
September 9, 2013
Review: The Merciful Scar, by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue
The Merciful Scar, by Rebecca St. James & Nancy Rue (Thomas Nelson, 2013)
This novel is life-changing. I almost didn’t read it, because emotionally-laden tales aren’t my thing. But the authors introduce us to Kirsten as her world falls apart, and the story isn’t about angst—it’s about healing.
Kirsten has been carrying a lot of pain for seven years now, hiding it from the world because that’s what she’s been taught. The pressure of post-graduate studies, and a boyfriend who won’t commit, only m...
September 6, 2013
Here’s the Cover for Heaven’s Prey
I’m blown away, and so happy to finally see what Ruth looks like. Our cover designer really captured the feel of the novel.
What do you think?
[Clicking the cover will take you toHeaven's Prey on Amazon.com (affiliate link for Choose NOW Publishing). To see more of designer Christina Fuselli's work, visit Fueslli Art and Design.]
September 4, 2013
God’s Urgency
How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.
Matthew 23:37, NLT*
Jesus came because we needed rescuing. I love Mark’s description of Jesus’ reaction to a large crowd:
“He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mark 6:34, NLT*)
He had compassion on them. The Good Shepherd saw their need and longed to meet it.
Hear His longing in our opening v...
September 2, 2013
Review: The Shadow Lamp, by Stephen R. Lawhead
The Shadow Lamp, by Stephen R. Lawhead (Thomas Nelson, 2013)
A diverse cast of characters assembled from various times and places on Earth, a mysterious quest, powerful enemies, inter-dimensional travel to multiple Earths… The Shadow Lamp is an intriguing tale of adventure where even the smallest detail can have great significance.
This is a novel where the objective omniscient point of view works very well. There are too many plot threads for readers to benefit from a more intimate, deeper poi...
