My book review of Miriam’s Song (Paperback) – by Jill Eileen Smith

 Good Morning, I don't usually do book reviews back to back, but I'm having knee surgery on Thursday so I'm trying to get some things done ahead of time.

Miriam’s Song Paperback – by Jill Eileen Smith

Miriam was the older sister of Moses, the one who watched to see that he was protected as he was put in his little basket ark, and set in the water. She was able to convince the young princess that her “Ima” could nurse and care for him until he was weaned. They were able to keep him for five years and the princess even paid for his care. It was a miracle that he was allowed to live and his family felt that he had a great call on his life. To their family he was to be a deliverer and years later, after many, many trials he was.

I love historical fiction especially by Jill Eileen Smith. For some reason, I’d never pictured Miriam as a married woman. To envision her life with so many hardships, waiting on their God to deliver them, and dealing with life on life’s terms was fascinating.

With the title being Miriam’s Song, though, I was surprised so little was said about Miriam leading the women in a song of deliverance after crossing the Red Sea. That she was a praying woman and faithful to her God and family was seen throughout the book. It was a long journey and a long book.

I loved many of the characters and her husband, Jephunneh, was very tender and a blessing. The intertwining of relationships with female friends and daughters was very poignant, also.

 Although I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review; I’m always happy to read any other books by Jill Eileen Smith.

Donna Collins Tinsley

My review of Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs Book #2) by Amanda Cabot

 

My review of Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs Book #2)  by Amanda Cabot 

 

Dorothy Clark’s dreams were about to come true when the young woman, who had dreams of becoming a writer met up with the handsome, young newspaperman, Brandon Holloway. He was a mysterious newcomer to Mesquite Springs, the city we were introduced to in Amanda’s first book in the series, OUT OF THE EMBERS.

Dorothy has vowed never to marry for a reason that may seem strange to you as you read why. Her passion to write, though, draws her to Brandon, and they have to work closely together to solve the dilemma that has presented itself, in the once peaceful town.

You’ll love revisiting people from the first book, but it can surely stand alone, if this is the first one you read. Some really complicated and devious characters arrive on the scene, but the heart is shown of one stranger who came into town, in a poignant way.

 Although I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review; I was very eager to read it and any other books by Amanda Cabot. Keep up the good work!

Donna Collins Tinsley

Victoriously Overcoming WAPN show with Patricia Williams

 

 

I started off the day saying I’m not sure that a family member may be able to function in the world, with worsening mental health issues. I was very close to giving up hope, as my faith seemed to be weakening, though I was trying to press through. Trying to have hope.

But I was in the car, listening to the radio, when the program I needed came on. Victoriously Overcoming had the most amazing message with the scriptures from 2 Corinthians 4:7-10: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

The main thought that I came away with is we are BROKEN, but FIXABLE!

This thought will keep me from despair. This thought will get me through the day. This thought will keep me in the night and all night seasons and valleys of my life.

If I keep it before me, many of my loved ones are broken, it is obvious to the eye; but what is not obvious is the Lord’s great plan and His behind the scenes work. So I do rejoice in tribulations, today, I am hard-pressed yet not crushed; I am perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. I AM FIXABLE AND ALL OF MY PROBLEMS ARE, TOO. SO ARE YOU!

THANKS PATRICA WILLIAMS AND WAPN 91.5 FM HOLLY HILL, FL

Is it a rose bush or a thorn bush?

 

Abe Lincoln said, “We can complain that rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice that thorn bushes have roses."

 Once in a time of prayer and prophecy Brother Steve Scheffler said I was a rose whose thorns would prick the hearts of men. Although I feel I write mainly for women those words have always been in my heart. I realized once again today that my “father vacuum” that pain of not really knowing my paternal family roots, likes to show itself at the oddest times, to try to get me down and make me feel as if I was an abandoned child. Yet on the other hand I know deeply in my heart that the relationship I have with my Abba Father could never have been as strong if I had an earthy father meet that need. The path for me was abandonment by my real father, not knowing grandparents on that side, abuses by men and then a slow gradual healing as I cried out to the Lord from early childhood. I sought him in tears, in frustrations, in crazy situations and more. He was there for me and always will be my Rock and Fortress.

The Rock and Me

I am a rock
But not a fortress
A mighty One
I lean on

He is my Rock
And comforting arm
Presiding, watching
Keeping from harm

A long road
With many turns
Pits, caves and snares

We rock together
Jesus and me
Through tears and pain
Two Rocks are we.

Donna Collins Tinsley written a long time ago, when I found out someone asked my brother, Charles, “How is your sister, the rock?”

From Suzi Yelvington’s book YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK: “I DECLARE…I am inspiring others, in turn I am inspired.”

Praying with Shonda and the mothers at Somebody’s Mother Online Prayer Support Group, today. An extra prayer that was on my heart today was for women who are trying to conceive; may the Lord prepare your womb and heart and send that child in Jesus name.

Spiritual Warfare from Ephesians 6 The Passion Translation

¹⁰ Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force^[i] of his explosive power flowing in and through you.

¹¹ Put on God’s complete set of armor^[j] provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!^[k] 12 Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.^[l] For they are a powerful class of demon-gods^[m] and evil spirits that hold^[n] this dark world in bondage. ¹³ Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer,^[o] for you are destined for all things^[p] and will rise victorious.

¹⁴ Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. ¹⁵ Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.

¹⁶ In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One!^[q] 17–18 Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword^[r] of the spoken Word of God.

Pray passionately^[s] in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers. ¹⁹ And pray also that God’s revelation would be released through me every time I preach the wonderful mystery of the hope-filled gospel. ²⁰ Yes, pray that I may preach the wonderful news of God’s kingdom with bold freedom at every opportunity. Even though I am chained as a prisoner, I am his ambassador.

With God, Nothing Shall be Impossible!

 

On Mondays our main prayer focus is our family or extended family. The Lord knows our hearts towards those we love. He knows the unspoken heart cry. He knows the feelings of loss and helplessness as we yield what we can’t change or control into His great Father hands.

He knows the financial needs, the needs for the necessities of life; many struggle in this day and age just to be able to buy gas to get to work, or medicine for their children. Babies are born prematurely and have extra health needs and we pray for miracles.

Families are estranged because of addictions or emotional issues and need healing as only You can do. The Bible says, With God, NOTHING shall be impossible!

 

His hand is not so short than He cannot save. Jesus is the answer and our strong help and that will always be the case. His ear is open to our prayers for help and hope. He is such a creative God that He brings forth beauty and grace and gifts within us that we never thought were there. He can bring the dormant seed to life. We praise His name and ask that He cover our families today. We thank You, Lord Jesus ahead of time for Your great blessing and favor towards our loved ones.

 

From Suzi Yelvington’s book YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK: “Get into the daily habit of asking yourself, Does this support the positive life I am trying to create?”

 

Some may want to join in giving up a meal to fast for our families. A song and a prayer about the Family Tree:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlqH5-T9WtI

(139) Family Tree by Matthew West (w/ lyrics) - YouTube