DO HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE?

 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9 ESV / 27

Today was one of those days that scriptures seem to come to mind, more than normal. I’m glad about that as I really need to find a Word and hold on to it, to get me through the days. Especially days such as I’ve been having lately. Which bring me to the subject: Do Hurt People Hurt People?

This is what I'm finding; yes, hurt people hurt people and to the degree the hurt the lower they will stoop. The sicker they are the more toxic they become. It could be alcohol, drugs or mental illness that they’re dealing with. Darkness deep in souls tries to overtake their lives and then they spread it to others. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to not respond in the same manner that they throw out the hurt to us. There is a reason the Bible says,

“Love covers a multitude of sins.” I’ve always wondered what that meant. The Amplified Bible in 1 Peter 4:8 says it this way:

“Above all, have [a]fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].”

Our love and prayers can lead to extra grace and mercy for others. Maybe we don’t feel like they deserve that; maybe the hurt has cut deep and it even has extended to our children or grandchildren. Remember, the Lord knows, He sees, He feels your pain. We all hurt Him and His son, Jesus, yet His love has covered our multitude of sins. This may be why it’s written in New Living Translation, James 2:13:

“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”

One of the most beautiful names for the Lord is: THE GOD WHO SEES. He saw Hagar, a woman used and abused, and sent an angel to minister to her and her son. He sees us. May God arise and our enemies be scattered. Let God be God in the most ugly situations we face today. Just ask Him what to do. SHOW US HOW TO LIVE, DEAR JESUS, and we will try to do it Your way. One more time.

Praying the Lord will show up and show off for you and yours today.

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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

I can't get enough of Dan Walsh's novels; my review of his newest, The Longest Road

 

The Longest Road (Epic Journey Series Book 2) ** Long-Awaited Sequel to Dan’s Award-Winning Novel - The Deepest Waters **by Dan Walsh

Since The Deepest Waters was one of my all-time favorite novels, I was so excited when this book, The Longest Road came out. Dan Walsh NEVER disappoints, and his characters and the story setting in this book are some of his best.

The setting is 1857, and we saw some of what John and Laura's lives were like after The Deepest Waters book. Their friend, former slave, Micah's youngest daughter Hannah has been sold to a slave owner from the South, who has ulterior motives for buying her because of her beauty. John, Laura, Micah, and Micah’s son, Eli come up with a plan to rescue Hannah. You don’t want to miss this story.

We do hope for more about these characters, Dan.  In the Author’s Notes Dan said that Micah was his favorite character and I have to add an “amen” to that for myself, also. Dan has taken historical fiction to a new level with this book. I read it months ago, forgot to post a review, but now feel Black History Month might be the perfect timing to introduce it to people.

I wish somehow both novels could be combined and made into a movie. Intriguing through and through!

My review of Murder of Cowboy Gene: Florida Murder Mystery Novel 5 by Jay Heavner

 

Murder of Cowboy Gene: Florida Murder Mystery Novel 5 by Jay Heavner

 

I have to say, this novel by Jay is the best I’ve read so far in the series. His writing is getting better each novel, in my opinion. I hope some of that is because of your joining us at Word Weavers Volusia County Group, Jay.

It’s really interesting to read a book that gives the “total male” perspective on life. Jay’s characters always remind me of somebody I know or used to know. I like Roger, glad he looks like Sam Elliot, and the donkey addition made me smile, plus the dog’s dislike of his friend, Bill made me smile, too. Some of Jay’s writing, I admit, make me laugh out loud and that is much welcomed in my life, especially in the days we live. He interjects history and places that either I knew nothing about or reminds me of the area in Brevard where a lot of this novel takes place.

I like the characters and I’ll not give a spoiler alert about Cowboy Gene, but the story surrounding him, and the care he gives to his mother are admirable. Sometimes we all just do the best we can with what we have and although it might not have been the right thing to do, the story was believable.

I loved the cover picture, it not only reminded me of Jay but during the pandemic my husband grew a beard and he is looking remarkably similar, now.

Jay, you strike me as a man who is enjoying his life writing novels, and I’m very happy for you. Your laid-back manner must do with your family roots and where you grew up. When I got to a certain point in the book, I made sure I kept reading to the end. Readers will, too.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck will rock the world as you know it.

 I realized I'm behind on some book reviews for some awesome writer friends. I read this book a while back, so I may need to reread it again to refresh my mind, but for now here's my review.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck

Chase Sterling is a creation of the wonderful, imaginative mind of Victoria. I was already a fan of her blogs and had known that she is a wonderful, insightful writer. Not really normally being a fan of science fiction, I was on the slow side of buying but now that I have, I will definitely finish the trilogy.

I believe the book is fueled by a passionate faith. I liked the part about the “town of old vans” and also about Chase’s eleventh birthday. Doctors, data, drama, robots and more are in this book. The story is intriguing and I just am not sure about the how the world is advancing, but I think it is worthy of a movie, if Hollywood is listening.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck will rock the world as you know it.

Keep writing and we’ll keep reading, Victoria.

Praying for those who grieve

 

Lord, we thank you for Your many blessings to us and the healing that comes as we pray for each other. We thank You that You are all we need, that You are our all, our everything. If I had no voice to sing my spirit would call out to You because You are the hope we are needing.

   “You can be too broken to be.” Ann Voscamp also talks about grief here:

 “There is no fear in letting tears come. Sadness is a gift to avoid the nothingness of numbness, and all hard places need water. Grief is a gift, and after a rain of tears, there is always more of you than before. Rain always brings growth.”

For me when there has been a recent death that affects someone I know personally, it seems a bit harder to post, because I know their pain and grieving will take time, much time. But it’s Saturday and the day we focus on those families who’ve lost loved ones, maybe recently, maybe it’s been a while but grief has its own timetable. We pray for strength for the journey, comfort from the Lord and His people and for love to surround you through the numbness of coping with what must be dealt with. Jesus, lover of my soul, bind our wounds and make us whole. Praying for those whose loss is so new and tender especially.

Show us how to live, one day at a time, giving You glory. Your love never fails, though sometime our faith does. Help us to remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us.

"In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."

  Jesus is not telling us that heaven has compartments or that we will have little places in which to live.  In the ancient culture, a father's house was where the extended family lived.  Rooms were often added on as the family grew through birth and marriage.  What Jesus was doing was using the present day illustration of a loving, tight, family community.  So, Christ is saying that He is preparing a place for us in heaven where we will dwell with God in close communion with Him and that there is room in heaven for all whom God calls to salvation. (by Matt Slick)

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=You+Are+Dancing+in+Heaven&&view=detail&mid=A40B4D29A872FFCACDE3A40B4D29A872FFCACDE3&&FORM=VRDGAR

Quote of the day from YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK by Suzi Yelvington: “ The enemy will want you to pay attention to your feelings; Jesus wants you to pay attention to His truth.”

Augustine said it stunningly: "In my deepest wound, I see Your glory and it dazzles me."