The War on Sin Within

The following was inspired by the sermon preached yesterday, by our Associate Pastor Chris Teagle.  The Scripture was from James 4:1-10.  

A war wages within me

            Though I would like to think

                        It was a mistake

                        I made a bad choice

                        I was weak

            Indeed, I know

                        Sin has taken root

                        Within my heart

 

The pleasures I seek

            Provoke lust, hatred, and envy

            Result in fights and quarrels with others

 

Have I prayed

            Asked for help

            Or are my prayers

                        Rendered null and void

                        Because I ask with wrong motives

                        Corrupted by sin

 

Have I committed spiritual adultery

            Become a friend of this world

            A world that is at enmity with God

            Have I become God’s enemy

 

One thing I know

God loves His own

Those whom He has chosen

He loves with zeal

With a jealous love

Untainted by sin

Holy and pure

 

God desires that the Holy Spirit

            Indwell His people

            That our greatest desire will be for God

            He will aid us in our battle with sin

            Apply God’s word to our heart and mind

                        Convict

                        Correct

                        Disciple

                        Encourage

 

God is opposed to the proud

            Those who reject His grace

            Who refuse to repent

            Or fail to acknowledge their sin

 

But to the humble

            Those who recognize their desperate need

            That they have sinned against Holy God

            The One to whom they will give an account

 

God gives His grace

            Grace that is greater than all our sin

            Grace that lifts our burden of sin

            Grace that leads to sanctification and obedience

 

May I submit to the Lord

            Draw near to Him

            May I mourn and weep over my sin

            May I resist the devil and he will flee

            May this sinner cleanse her hands

            May I be single minded and focused on God

 

By Susan Wachtel 12/30/24

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason – Action-packed, mystery, and intrigue with a little romance

 

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series.  This novel is action packed from beginning to end.  Characters from two earlier books are included, but it works well as a stand-alone book.   

 

It has been twenty years since Jesslyn McCormick lost her parents and sister in an arson fire.  She has made a public vow to find out who murdered her family.  As a Fire Marshal, Jesslyn is dedicated to help bring justice to those who lives have been impacted by arson.

 

When a local church has been set on fire Jesslyn has been assigned to the investigation.  Because a church was attacked it is considered a hate crime and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle has been assigned to work this case.  Will they be able to find out who started this fire and stop them before more people are endangered and damage is done?  When more fires are started in Lake City evidence indicates it is the work of a serial arsonist.  When Jesslyn has some close calls at fire scenes, she is concerned that she is being targeted by the arsonist.  

 

This book has lots of action, suspense, and mystery throughout the story.  Both main characters, Jesslyn and Nathan, have some serious issues from their individual lives that they are trying to work through.  The cases they are working on are bringing those issues to the forefront.  There is attraction between the two main characters, but they realize that for now that is something that will be put on hold.

 

I really liked the support network of friends that were part of their lives.  Friends that were introduced to readers in the first two novels of this series.  I liked how Jesslyn and Nathan were able to build a relationship and begin to trust one another.  Faith was a part of the story.  I would have like to have seen it play a bigger part.  Perhaps in the form of examining their thoughts and actions compared to what the Bible says how a believer should respond.  Or a friend who is a solid and very caring Christian speaking truth to them. 

 

There were some heavy emotions and situations in this book.  In addition to those who perished in fires, there was adultery, guilt, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, and thoughts about self-harm.

 

Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the suspense and whodunit.  I appreciated the supportive friendships the characters had.  If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and whodunit novels, you may want to read Serial Burn by Lynette Eason. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Serial Burn by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  Serial Burn will be released January 21, 2025.

 

The House of Cross by James Patterson – Action-packed Thriller

 

The House of Cross by James Patteson is the first book that I have read by this author.  I did not know what to expect, but it really lived up to its description, An Alex Cross Thriller. 

 

Following the election, the people in Washington, D.C. are getting ready for the Inauguration of the President-Elect Jackie Johnson.  After the murder of three prospective judicial candidates for the Supreme Court, law enforcement is on high alert.  Security of the existing Supreme Court Justices is of grave concern.  Who is murdering these people and for what purpose?  Could it be the work of Maestro?  Time to call in the finest FBI investigators and consultant Alex Cross. 

 

Alex Cross will be working on this case with his wife Bree Stone and friend John Sampson.  They will be traveling across the country and into Canada to pursue their suspects.  Will they be able find and stop them on time? 

 

The House of Cross is filled with non-stop action from beginning to end.  Alex’s family and friendships were my favorite part.  I especially like his grandmother Nana Mama.  Alex is a family man and good friend.  Another character that I liked was Canadian Mounted Police officer Molly Fagan.  She is the kind of gal you want by your side when trouble hits.  She is prepared and ready for a fight. 

 

The House of Cross is an action pack thriller.  While action takes up most of the story, there is also some character and relationship development.  I liked the characters.  The plot did stretch the imagination, but I liked the story.  

 

There is some profanity in the book, less than I expect.  Also, violence due to the nature of the story.  Thankfully, the author did not go into detail on the violence that movies often show. 

 

If you like an action-packed thriller and intrigue, I recommend The House of Cross by James Patterson.  It will keep you on the edge of your seat until you get to the last page. 

 

I would like to thank publisher Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The House of Cross by James Patterson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin – Likeable, Thoughtful Characters

Kelly Irvin’s newest novel With All Her Heart – is the third book in the Amish Calling series.  I enjoy Kelly’s Amish themed books and looked forward reading this story.

 

With All Her Heart is a little different from most of the author’s other novels.  In the introduction the author mentions that Amish communities may have a higher rate of disabilities or diseases because of marriage within their community and the limited gene pool.  She also mentioned the love and acceptance the Amish have for their children, family, friends, and members of their community. 

 

The main character in this book is Bonnie Yoder who has a disability called spinal muscular atrophy.  Bonnie is co-owner of a shop with two of her friends who are also disabled.  Bonnie is smart, beautiful, hardworking, and wants to be independent as possible.  Bonnie would love to be married and have children.  But she is resolved to remain single and not be a burden on others because of her declining health. 

 

Thankfully, Bonnie has the love and support from her mother, Jocelyn Yoder.  Jocelyn husband Marlin died two years ago, but he is still a part of her life. 

 

But God is at work and may bring the unexpected into their lives.  Like Elijah Miller a quiet and shy man that Bonnie had gone to school with.  Or Jocelyn’s brother Uriah bringing his friend Theo over to see what things need work, repairs, or maintenance on Jocelyn’s property. 

 

I enjoyed reading this book and the characters were very likable.  I especially enjoyed Jocelyn, she was loving, caring, supportive and honest in dealing with her grief.  Theo was a refreshing character, honest and open.  I also liked Elijah.  Though he was shy, he learned to work through that which is hard, and to fight for what he wanted. 

 

It was eye opening to think of how challenging it would be to have a disability and live life without the modern-day conveniences that can make everyday tasks a little easier. 

 

I enjoyed reading With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin and recommend it.  If you enjoy Amish themed novels, or a little romance, or Kelly Irvin’s novels be sure to get her newest book which will be released on January 28, 2025. 

 

I would like to thank Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Reagan: His Life and Legend by Max Boot – Reads like a 1,300 page indictment

When I saw that Max Boot had written Reagan: His Life and Legend, I was excited to read this biography.  Reagan is a leader I had come admire over the years.  This book has a lot of favorable reviews, so I had high expectations.

 

Sadly, this biography on Ronald Reagan was a disappointment.  Max Boot did a tremendous amount of research about the former President.  But the book that he wrote is more like 1,300-page indictment against Reagan.  His bias comes through on every page.  Boot seems to think Ronald Reagan is the equivalent of a simpleton, like the character Chauncey Gardiner.  I found the author to be hyper-critical and negative of Reagan as a person and as a leader.  This book was very wearisome to read.  For the above reasons, I do not recommend this book. 

 

I would like to thank the publisher Liveright and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an electronic copy of Reagan: His Life and Legend by Max Boot.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

 

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon – Filled with Mystery and Suspense

 

Over the Edge is Irene Hannon’s second book in the Undaunted Courage series.

 

Lindsey Barnes recently moved St. Louis.  She made the move following traumatic incident that she desperately wants to put behind her.  Her business as a person chef is doing good.  But a chef without her knives is not going to be very productive.  So, Lindsey makes plans to stop at the home where she left her equipment. 

 

The homeowner is not there, only a construction worker is in another area.  Lindsey spots her knife roll on the kitchen counter.  As she come around the island, she encounters a man dead on the floor surrounded by blood.  Before she can react, she hears someone in the guest bathroom and she quickly hides under the island countertop.  Soon after the suspect leaves, Lindsey calls 911.  Another nightmare has begun.  Even though she is the only witness, Lindsey does not want to go through this again!

 

I liked the mystery and suspense in the book, it kept me guessing right up to the end.  Most of all, I liked the characters.  Especially Detective Jack Tucker and the relationship he had with his sisters Bri and Cara, they are a very caring and closeknit family.  Bri was featured in the first book of the series, Into the Fire.  I appreciated how Jack and Lindsey worked through issues, and opened-up with one another.  Jack was willing to investigate Lindsey’s claims that someone was might be targeting her because she was the only witness.  I appreciated that the novel was clean and faith was included in the storyline. 

 

One of the things that did not make a lot sense was Lindsey repeatedly talking to her friends about the developments in the case.  Police standard procedure is to caution the witness to not speak about the case with anyone.  When a character does something that does not make sense, it seems like it was included to add an element of danger. 

 

If you like a good whodunnit, filled with mystery and suspense with a little romance, you may want to read Irene Hannon’s newest book Over the Edge. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Over the Edge by Irene Hannon!  I was provided a complimentary copy of the eBook, but was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly – Intrigue and Mystery During WWII

 If you enjoy a good story with mystery and intrigue, Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly may be the book for you.  This is the second book in the Evelyne Redfern Mystery series.

 

Evelyne Redfern completed her training at the finishing school for the Special Investigations Unit.  She has been summoned to headquarters to receive her first assignment.  On her way, Evelyne encounters David Pool whom she had previously worked with.  Evelyne is assigned to investigate an anonymous report that things have gone missing at Blackthorn Park, a facility that develops weapons.  David has also been assigned.  This time he will be Evelyne’s handler and not a field agent. 

 

Under the cover of night, Evelyne makes her way through the grounds to the manor house.  After picking the lock Evelyne hears a gunshot.  She dashes up the stairs and enters Sir Nigel’s office and finds the man dead of what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Or is it?  Is it connected to the report of missing supplies?

 

I love reading historical fiction, especially from the timeframe of WWII.  Betrayal at Blackthorn Park was filled with mystery and intrigue. 

 

I enjoyed reading this book because of the main characters Evelyne and David.  Both characters were very likable and had an interesting relationship.  There was some attraction between the two.  But they were both professional and respected one another.  The author did a good job in describing the scenes and characters so the reader can visualize them.  There were lot of characters and many twists and turns.  I was trying to guess whodunit based on the evidence and possible suspects.  The book kept me guessing to the end. 

 

I really enjoyed reading Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly and recommend it.  This was the second book in the Evelyne Redfern Mystery series, but it worked well as a standalone book.  Now I want to go back and read the first book in the series, A Traitor in Whitehall, and look forward to reading more of Julia Kelly’s books.  If you like historical fiction, mysteries, intrigue, and WWII history, be sure to read this book. 

 

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason – Suspense, Mystery, and a Little Romance

 
Target Acquired by Lynette Eason is the second book in the Lake City Heroes series.  It has two-timelines, one dates to the 1940’s and one takes place in the present.  The characters are from several families whose lives intersect both in the past and present day in the fictional town Lake City, North Carolina.  Like many families, life can be complicated and relationships are impacted.  Especially when sinful emotions like bitterness, anger, resentment are allowed to fester. 

 

The story starts out in the 1940’s with Eliza Crane who finds herself in state-run mental hospital and locked in her room.  She is hopeful that her friend Betsy will come to see her again, she is like a lifeline.  Eliza is being held against her will because of the allegations her father made that she tried to harm herself.  She is desperate to get out so she can be with her fiancé William. 

 

Fast forward to current day and we meet SWAT medic Kenzie King.  The SWAT team is under the leadership of Sergeant Cole Garrison.  Kenzie and Cole have known each other and their respective families since they were young.  Kenzie has had a challenging time trying to fit in with the team.  She is the only woman and a couple of the men are not sure she is the right person for the job.  It is causing division and they need to be able to work together as a team and have each other’s backs.

 

Added to the challenges of her new position, Kenzie seems to be the target of someone who is out to get her.  The attacks keep on happening and she is not safe in her own home or on the job.  Is it someone on the team that wants her to leave?  Or is it a stranger who wants her dead? 

 

I liked Cole’s character the best.  He was caring and developing good leadership skills.  Kenzie’s background is explained so we can understand her motivations.  She was intent on being tough and proving herself.  But I would like to have seen her character more fully developed.

 

I liked the suspense and mystery while trying to figure out who done it.  I enjoyed the friendships between the characters that were brought back from the first novel in this series, Double Take.  The friends were caring and supportive of each other.  It was a bit of a challenge to keep the characters straight because there were a lot of characters between the two timelines.  Thankfully, at the beginning of the book, the characters are listed with a brief description.  I would have liked have seen the character’s faith more developed.  Faith was briefly mentioned, but was not a big part of the story.

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Target Acquired by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Protector by Wanda E Brunstetter – A Mystery and Different Kind of Storyline for Amish Fiction

 
The Protector is Wanda Brunstetter’s newest novel, the first book in the Mifflin County Mystery Series.  I enjoy Amish fiction and this author is one of my favorites.

The Protector is quite different than Wanda Brunstetter’s other books.  The subject matter is different than most Amish novels.  It is about a family member that has gone missing and its impact on each person of the family.  The characters, how they handle the stress of the unknown, and how it impacts the family dynamic seemed rather gloomy. 

Following a date from night before Rosa Petersheim has gone missing.  It is like she vanished and no one has seen her or knows what happened to her.  Has she run away?  Is it foul play?  The police were contacted and investigated the Rosa’s disappearance, but the investigation has stalled.  Now three months later, the family has gone on and tried to live their lives.  But they are functioning under shadow of their grief and the unknown.  In its wake are some very unhealthy family dynamics. 

After Rosa went missing her brother Norman has taken on the burden of trying to find Rosa or what happened to her.  All his efforts have gone nowhere.  Norman had dated Salina for a while now and it seemed like marriage might be on the horizon.  But with all his efforts to find Rosa, it has impacted Norman’s relationship with Salina.

Of course, Elsie’s mother’s heart is grieving for her daughter and it has impacted her health.  Their father, Mahlon has grown angry and bitter.  Their daughter Susan’s reaction has exposed some of her character flaws.  Only Tena seems to have the most caring response to all this stress. 

Will they ever find out what happened to Rosa?  Will she come back home one day?  If so, will she be welcomed home or shut out? 

Overall, I found the storyline kind of depressing.  It seemed like each of the characters were caught up in their own thoughts and feelings without healthy and caring input from others.  They did not share their burdens with each other or even friends.  It was not until near of end of the storyline that there was some breakthrough in this family’s responses to this trial. 

I thought the subject was unique for Amish fiction.  In most Amish fiction there is a strong sense of community and caring that seemed to be absent here.  Not sure if that was intentional.  When an Amish family has someone that goes missing are they presumed to have run away?  Is the family shamed or blamed for those circumstances? 

I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter’s writing, but struggled a bit with The Protector’s storyline and the characters’ negativity.  Since some of the mystery was left hanging, there was no real or satisfying conclusion.  I look forward to reading more books by Wanda Brunstetter.  I am not sure if this storyline will carry over to the future novels in this series.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Protector by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson – Detailed account of the beginning of the Civil War from personal narratives and historical records

 

Erik Larson is one of my favorite non-fiction writers and I was excited at the opportunity to read his newest book, The Demon of Unrest - A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War.  

The Demon of Unrest is different than other books by Erik Larson.  The book starts at the time of Abraham Lincoln’s election and inauguration, and the start of the secession of the southern states, led by South Carolina.  We see the Buchanan Administrations indifference, weakness and failures that left the US military serving in southern states vulnerable to attack.  Lincoln was walking into a tinderbox and a Nation divided.  Southern proslavery extremists were fomenting secession and if necessary, war so they could maintain their standard of living and wealth built on the backs of enslaved human beings.

Erik Larson did a tremendous amount of research and tells the story of what happened from many different viewpoints.  He compiled the personal narratives from diaries and wove them together with many historical records to document this time in history. 

I was most compelled by Fort Sumter’s commander, Major Robert Anderson, and President Abraham Lincoln.  There were so many details that it kind of overwhelmed the personal side of the story and what the people went through and endured. 

The Demon of Unrest is a long book and it took me over two months to read.  I was about 20 percent in to the book and I almost called it quits.  I was disgusted by the moral depravity of James Henry Hammond that was shared in too much detail.  I would like to have had that summed up without going into the gross details of this vile man.  If I had it to do over again, I would have skipped that section.  Since I respect Larson’s writing, I decided to give another try.  I am glad I finished the book.  I found it hard to comprehend and relate to the southerner’s mindset, tolerance, and approval of slavery. 

My favorite chapter was the epilog that summed up the how the war ended and impacted the various people whose stories were included in this historical book.  I would like to have had several charts or overviews on the timeline and the people from both the north and south, with their titles and a brief description.  It would have helped me as I was reading through this historical narrative. 

Erik Larson started off the book talking about January 6^th and related it to the Civil War.  Other than a reflection of a Nation divided, I did not see the comparison.  It was a bit off-putting. 

If you love history, especially US history or the Civil War, or are an Erik Larson fan, I recommend this book.  

I would like to thank Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Lavender Companion by Terry Barlin Vesci and Jessica Dunham – Beautiful, Helpful, and Informative

 

I was excited to read The Lavender Companion by Terry Barlin Vesci and Jessica Dunham.  As a gardener, I love growing herbs and lavender is one of my favorites. 

 

This book is beautiful, informative, and helpful.  The authors go into detail about the benefits of growing lavender.  This herb has many uses in recipes for food and drinks, seasoning, herbal recipes for bath and skin care, decorating and making your home more enjoyable with lavender’s lovely fragrance. 

 

I appreciated learning about the history of lavender, the different varieties, and the best growing conditions for each variety.  Knowing this information, will help me choose the plant that is most suitable for where I live. 

 

The authors also share food and drink recipes as well as medicinal or botanical recipes for bath and body and so much more.  I also enjoyed learning about their lavender farm and how it has grown and developed over the years.  For those who enjoy visiting gardens and farms, you may want to visit Pine Lavender Farm in Arizona.  They have an online shop where you can purchase and enjoy their products.

 

I enjoyed reading The Lavender Companion - Enjoy the Aroma, Flavor, and Health Benefits of This Classic Herb by Terry Barlin Vesci and Jessica Dunham.  I recommend this book for gardeners, those who enjoy growing herbs, or enjoy trying new recipes with the herbs grown in their own garden.  The photographs are beautiful. 

 

I would like to thank Story Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Lavender Companion by Terry Barlin Vesci and Jessica Dunham.  It was a helpful and enjoyable read and a great reference book.