If you’re looking for suspense, try reading Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley!

 

 

If you’re looking for suspense, try reading Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley!

 

After reading Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley as the third book of a trilogy, I’ll need to acquaint myself with the first two in the series. It was intriguing from the beginning and the characters were believable, moral and interesting.

 

Ainsley Beaumont, who is an Investigative Service Branch ranger, the former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele, her grandmother and great-aunt Cora all have a story to tell in a very Southern setting. It was suspenseful and believable and a real page turner. Will there be a rekindling of romance or have the flames of love died between Ashley and Linc? You will find yourself rooting for him and hoping he will become bolder in his feelings.

 

I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.

My thoughts on the Netflix series, MAID, and Domestic Violence Month

 My thoughts on the Netflix series, MAID, and Domestic Violence Month  

 

The Netflix series, MAID, is a must-see for everyone in my opinion, especially those who work in Social Work and law enforcement.  

Having had multiple experiences as a child with domestic violence I know it can leave scars on a child that stays in their heart forever. There are pictures in their mind perhaps of their mother being beat or emotionally tortured and the child sometimes feels guilty for not being able to protect their loved one. 

A personal experience I had when I was about nine-years-old was the pain I felt when I found out that I slept through my mom being beat in the head with a gun by one of my stepfathers. I vowed I would never let him get away with hurting her again. The next time I heard her screams I ran out the door screaming, “Call the police!” only to find out the one time I was brave, it was a false alarm. Those screams were the result of the news that her mother had died. 

 

My mom went on to marry another man with issues but she learned to fight back. Most of his problems came from being an alcoholic, but thankfully, in their later years, he quit drinking and there was peace in their home before they died. But my mom’s choices of men showed a pattern and also the low self-esteem that many women carry once they have been abused. 

Sometimes law enforcement who haven’t been trained about domestic violence victims can make the victim feel violated all over again. Statistics say that the average woman forgives or goes back to the abuser on the average of seven times before they get true help. The recent case with Brian Laundrie a person of interest in the killing of Gabby Petito, where there was video of Gabby looking very scared, but not filing charges comes to my mind. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a trained domestic violence worker sent out on these calls? 

 

 

Recently a family member decided to get a restraining order. There was a lot of paperwork to fill out and then she still had no chance of getting help on the day she filed. 

From an online site it says you need to prepare a petition for a temporary injunction and file it to the appropriate civil court. Within 15 days, there will be a hearing, and a judge will decide whether to grant your request for a permanent injunction against your abuser. Yet the 15 days or so that you may have to wait to get to court can be days of anxiety and torture as you wonder if you will be stalked or hurt while waiting. 

How to Get a Restraining Order in Florida (wikihow.com)  

 The court will look at a variety of factors when determining “imminent danger”:[3] 

• the history between you and the abuser, including threats, stalking, physical abuse, and harassment 

• if any attempt has been made to harm you or your family members 

• if you have been threatened to have your children harmed or kidnapped 

• if the abuser has intentionally injured or killed a family pet 

• If the abuser has used or threatened to use any weapons against you 

• if the abuser has restrained you from calling the police or leaving your home 

• if the abuser has a criminal history involving violence or threats of violence 

• if there is any prior order of protection entered against the abuser 

• if the abuser has destroyed your personal property 

• any other action that would lead you to reasonably believe that you are in immediate danger of domestic violence 

 

When you have a family member facing this type of issues, sometimes you can only pray. This week I felt led to write a prayer request on the local PRAYERLINE that my loved one would have God’s favor and protection. Yesterday I found out the person she is trying to get a restraining order against was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Thank the good Lord that this assault was not upon my loved one. My hope is that he will get time for the charge he is in jail for and be far removed from our lives. 

I’m glad the series MAID is not only helping victims to learn that they are not alone, but also educating the community about domestic violence. Things are not always what they seem. Sometimes that second chance for protection doesn’t come in time. 

 

The psalm that is getting me through the days

 The psalm that is getting me through the days:

This psalm has been my “go to” verses during this time of recuperation from knee surgery. In the midst of my recovery something else started going on with me that made it nearly impossible for me to eat or have energy. It might’ve been from my being anemic and all the iron I was prescribed to take. I’m just now starting to get my appetite back. Right after my surgery Bill had his birthday and I remember listening to his birthday song from my sickbed and thinking maybe this is how it is in heaven, knowing what is going on but not being a participant. Then I had to really fight a depression that tried to overtake me and make me want to leave the earth. I know that sounds bad but it was where I was at for a bit. But for the Lord my God. I thought about quality of life, I thought about the pain issues, I thought about the hard work to get my knee back in shape and wasn’t sure I had it in me. There are always some family hurts that seem to be on my mind, and I feel the pain of those with overwhelming life issues. Yet, my main thought is FOR THIS WE HAVE JESUS, and JESUS PLEASE DO WHAT IS THE VERY BEST FOR MY LOVED ONES.

Although I had plenty of time, there was no inspiration to write and now my regular computer seems to have died. My back-up seems to have left some files out, so once again, I’ve lost work that can’t really be replaced. But listening to Facebook church broadcasts, and WAPN, sending prayer requests to PRAYERLINE, reading daily Bible and daily devotions such as Suzi Yelvington’s books, have helped me press on. And thoughts of my children and grandchildren.

 Psalm 116 THE PASSION TRANSLATION

I am passionately in love with God because he listens to me.
    He hears my prayers and answers them.
 As long as I live I’ll keep praying to him,
    for he stoops down to listen to my heart’s cry.
Death once stared me in the face,
    and I was close to slipping into its dark shadows.
    I was terrified and overcome with sorrow.
 I cried out to the Lord, “God, come and save me!”
 He was so kind, so gracious to me.
    Because of his passion toward me,
    he made everything right and he restored me.
So I’ve learned from my experience
    that God protects the vulnerable.
    For I was broken and brought low,
    but he answered me and came to my rescue!

Now I can say to myself and to all,
    “Relax and rest, be confident and serene,
    for the Lord rewards fully those who simply trust in him.” God has rescued my soul from death’s fear
    and dried my eyes of many tears.
    He’s kept my feet firmly on his path
and strengthened me so that I may please him^[a]
    and walk before Yahweh in his fields of life.

Even when it seems I’m surrounded
    by many liars and my own fears,
    and though I’m hurting in my suffering and trauma,
    I still stay faithful to God and speak words of faith.

 So now, what can I ever give back to God
    to repay him for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I will lift up his cup of salvation and praise him extravagantly
    for all that he’s done for me.
 I will fulfill the promise I made to God
    in the presence of his gathered people.

 When one of God’s holy lovers dies,
    it is costly to the Lord, touching his heart. Lord, because I am your loving servant,
    you have broken open my life and freed me from my chains.
 Now I’ll worship you passionately and bring to you
    my sacrifice of praise, drenched with thanksgiving! I’ll keep my promise to you, God,
    in the presence of your gathered people, just like I said I would.
 I will worship you here in your living presence,
    in the temple in Jerusalem.
    I will worship and sing hallelujah, for I praise you, Lord!

My review of Murder in the Family: Florida Murder Mystery Series Novel 6 by Jay Heavner

 

Jay Heavner has had a run on Florida murders and I don’t look for him to stop anytime soon.

Through this series of books I’m seeing a good character arc in Roger.

In describing a “Character Arc” Jerry Jenkins writes, “It’s simply the difference between who your character was at the beginning of the story and who he is by the end [I use he inclusively to mean he or she]. That doesn’t mean he has to move from flawed to fabulous—but he can. Yet he should face significant obstacles—both internal and external—that fundamentally change him.” Since the beginning of this series I’m seeing such a character progression, with Roger as he peels the layers of his life’s journey.

There were several chapters towards the end of the book that really showed a change coming about in Roger’s character. Roger being able to share some of his family pain with Lester was a big step forward.  Some of the writing was truly moving and I’d say would be worth the price of the book. I’m not giving away the scenario but trust me, it’s good.

Sounds like Roger will be on another Florida adventure pretty soon. I’m looking forward to reviewing another book for Jay Heavner at that time.

My review of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery Paperback by Amanda Cox

 

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery Paperback by Amanda Cox is a story that will keep you reading. From the sixties to present day, this book is a real page-turner. I’d have to say that The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery surely joins in with some of my all-time favorite Southern women’s fiction.

I love dual time theme stories that go back to the sixties. This one did not disappoint. I’m really surprised at the depth of the writing from such a young author, surely mature beyond her years. The very complicated situations that arose with so much family drama was very believable to me. The characters were very loving to the highest degree as far as Clarence, Jimmy, Bo and Clay, as well as the women the story was about; the hardest thing to believe is the way Glory Ann was treated by her own mom and dad. Although I know there are people who can turn their backs on their own children, her parents really took it to an extreme. 

I will probably reread this book as it was the type of book that you devour as you just can’t wait to find the conclusion to this very complicated but beautiful story.

Although I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review; I will now be on the lookout for any other books by Amanda Cox.

Don't miss THE HEALING OF NATALIE CURTIS by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

THE HEALING OF NATALIE CURTIS by Jane Kirkpatrick is a novel based on a real “wonder woman” of her era. She was a woman who caught the very soul of the indigenous people and the beautiful artistry that they created. She was truly a woman before her time. Reading this historical fiction book by Jane Kirkpatrick makes me want to look up others by her. I was startled to find out what a prolific writer she is.

Her love of the downtrodden and abused people will inspire you. Her passion to create and help create the music that was being silenced and get their story out, will stir you. She knew that to appeal to then President Teddy Roosevelt was the only way to have the power to help the people she came to know and love. Her mission was beautiful and I could sense a beautiful soul within her and those she chose to represent. To take away music from the heart of a child was truly abusive; she was able to return the song to their heart. They came to know her heart; a heart of pure gold.

You will want to read this book, probably more than once.

Although I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review; I look forward to reading any other books by this author.

TGIF! “Just Call to Me. I guarantee I will answer you. I will make you strong & brave.” (Ps.138:3)

 “Just Call to Me. I guarantee I will answer you. I will make you strong & brave.” (Ps.138:3)

Praying for the many unspoken prayer requests today. I'll probably be reposting this declaration often: May we face the day without fear today Lord, praying for all who need help, resources, healing and more. This is my main declaration today:

No Weapon formed against us will prosper, we will be the head and not the tail, all of our children and grandchildren will be taught of the Lord, He will be sought by those who did not call our for Him and found by those who did not seek Him. We will not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble, for they will be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord and their offspring with them. It shall come to pass that before we call He shall answer; and while we are yet speaking He will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, (what the Lord showed me in this today I'm inserting my version: families divided will eat together)

Let it be known O enemy of our soul that we PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER OUR FAMILIES/ YOU WILL NOT WIN, CONTROL OR DESTROY WHAT THE LORD OUR GOD HAS STARTED.

It's Wednesday! Halfway Through!

 

 

Praying for single parent families and their kids today. May our great God and Lord Jesus give you your heart’s desires, with strength and provision.

I pray that any negativity in your life and any fear for your children be replaced by love.

Thanking of many of you in particular and praying the Lord's breakthrough.

 

May the peace of the Lord surround us today.

 "Many of you have been in the fire for so long you have become used to the pain, but I felt the Lord say, that now you shall know the blessing of PROMOTION. You shall now know the blessing of seeing God move on your behalf in power and release you into greater fullness of your calling and destiny. Do NOT shrink back, this is the time for you to STAND and for you to TAKE YOUR PLACE." Lana Vawser

 

From Accidental Saints “You are a mess, and you are loved. You have a little issue with anger, and you are loved. I’ve not known you that long, and you are loved. You think you are going through this alone but you are wrong, and you are loved. The thing you are experiencing right now seems so big, but what is bigger is that you are loved.” Nadia Bolz-Weber

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrAdbH28gIg

Monday's Prayer and Quotes

 

On Mondays we pray for families, your family and mine, those who need us and those who push us away. Many today are off work; we pray for those essential workers who can’t take off. Do something today to make someone else smile and you will find yourself smiling, also.

 

This is an old post I found in my journal but I thought someone could use it again, today:

“There is someone you care about that has been in a hard place seemingly much of their life. It has been a constant concern. You have tried talking to them, you have succeeded in getting other people talking to them. But nothing has appeared to get them into the place where blessings are being poured out on them. They seem to have a block that cannot be overcome. It affects them personally and relationally. You have prayed again and again, and your prayers have seemed to hit the ceiling. I am telling you do not stop. Don't give up. Fight the fight of faith. Continue to believe. Promises will be fulfilled.” Bev Robinson

 

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (AMP) "For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),"

 

"But there are times when you don’t feel like lifting up your hands to thank and praise God, yet you do it. Perhaps you feel very discouraged lately. Perhaps everything is going wrong for you and you feel like your life is in a mess. You can’t hold back the tears. Yet, you make a conscious decision to lift your hands and thank God for being in the situation with you. You open your mouth and begin to praise Him even though you really don’t feel like doing it." Joseph Prince Ministries

 

“If you haven’t healed it, every time you think about a negative event from your past, your body produces the exact same chemicals in your body as when it happened. This means you relive the experience hundreds of times simply because you have not let it go.” Unknown

“I want to be the best me I can. So I follow my natural rhythm, and don’t t try to imitate anyone else.” Unleash the Writer Within by Cecil Murphy

May your Sunday be full of peace, love and Jesus!

 

May your Sunday be full of peace, love and Jesus.

This is my main declaration today; help me to live it our, Jesus:

No Weapon formed against us will prosper, we will be the head and not the tail, all of our children and grandchildren will be taught of the Lord, He will be sought by those who did not call our for Him and found by those who did not seek Him. We will not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble, for they will be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord and their offspring with them. It shall come to pass that before we call He shall answer; and while we are yet speaking He will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, (what the Lord showed me in this today I'm inserting my version: families divided will eat together)

Let it be known O enemy of our soul that we PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER OUR FAMILIES/ YOU WILL NOT WIN, CONTROL OR DESTROY WHAT THE LORD OUR GOD HAS STARTED.