Into the Fire

For some veterans it's not a "Happy Veterans Day". For some it's a day of sadness or sorrow, remembering those friends or relatives who are no longer here, having given it all in their time of service. For some it's a time when they're working to get some normalcy back in their lives after what they've seen or experienced in their time of service. Some are trying to recover as best they can with debilitating injuries and painful memories. 

All those things remind us why we need to honor those who serve this country. Those who've come away from their time of service deserve a day to be honored for the sacrifices of their time and much more for our great land. They need to know we care that they have done what perhaps most of us could not do. And that's worthy of honoring.  

We honor you, Veterans. This is your day. Be proud. You deserve to be thanked, honored, and celebrated. God Bless You and God Bless America. 

Father, I pray your hand of blessing on each veteran of every branch of the service in the USA, One Nation under God. Please watch over them and give them what they need as individuals and as a group. Thank you for each one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

How I feel most days lately. Chunky little me with 'tude. Funny how some things never change – the 'tude part. 

Father, you've watched over me my entire life, and finally when my heart was right, you saved me from myself. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

A beautifully veiled song about the redemption of Jesus Christ. God is love (1John 4:16). Jesus is the Light of the world. Beautiful song. Timeless. 

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for rescuing us and setting us free. 

I realize there are anti-heroes in literature. Some are unique and lovable in spite of themselves. Written with creative twists in their character, they're entertaining. However, if you can't give me a character I like even a little bit, I don't want to read your novel. There. I said it. 

I recently read a novel where the character began her story as likable, had a softness, a caring, loving personality. However, an event occurred, not the least bit tragic or dangerous, having to do with something she wanted to do. It turned her into someone I couldn't stand. She made me angry and I almost didn't finish the book. Yes, she did a doubletake of herself, but I'd come to dislike her so much, I didn't care that there was a relatively "happy" ending. She wasn't who I thought she was, and it was more than just disappointing because of who she became. I could find no valid excuse for her change.

As an author, you can experiment with characters, but be very careful with your main characters. If you take one too far away from their appeal, make them do a turnaround from who you start them out to be, or create them to be completely unlikable at some point in the story, the risk is your readers might just slam the book closed and give it away after throwing it against the wall. Just sayin'.  

Father, thank you for your writers and authors. What a privilege to put words down and hope they will be directed to bless others. Apart from you, I can do nothing. And thank you will never be enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

For you have struck all my enemies on the jaw;

   you have broken the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.

   May your blessing be on your people. 

Psalm 3:7b-8 (NIV) 

Grim Death by Karin Kaufman is Book 12 in The Juniper Grove Mystery Series. 

The Juniper Grove Mysteries have become a wonderful haven for Cozy Mystery lovers. A fine community celebrating the joys of neighbors – well, some neighbors – coffee – well, some coffee – tea – well, some tea – and always Holly's Sweets, the absolute best pastries, cream puffs, and cookies for miles and miles. 

It doesn't take long for this mystery to take off. As soon as the newlyweds Chief of Police James Gilroy and his bride, mystery writer Rachel Stowe, arrive at the New Year's Day brunch, the hostess (Mary Blackwell) tells Rachel that she's slipped some papers into her coat pocket with instructions to call her back that night.

Told from Rachel's first-person point-of-view, the tension at the table is captured perfectly as barely veiled insults and barbs pass between the sarcastic, condescending artist Dalton Taylor, whose work will be displayed at the new art gallery the host (Clay Blackwell) and another guest (Izak) hope to open soon, the website designer Shasta, the card and website designer Laura, and a few others. A comment incites Laura to abruptly get up from the table and walk into the living room to view again one of Dalton's paintings on display. Her anger is instantly apparent and she leaves in a huff. 

From the uncomfortable exit to the eventual departure of all the guests, James and Rachel rethink their intention to socialize more often. However, the fallout from their visit proves to be far more dangerous than just hurt feelings. And so it begins. 

With multiple suspicious characters – and some unlikable – the Juniper Grove Mystery Gang (consisting of two of Rachel's neighbors, Julia and Holly, and Julia's "boyfriend" Royce) gathers at Rachel's home while James is at work to sort out the magnitude of information, much of it passed to Rachel by Mary Blackwell. Turns out to be a convoluted mess with more than one suspect of the crime that results from that New Year's Day brunch.

I've read all the books in this series and many of Karin's other novels. She's a fantastic writer, adapting to any venue she chooses. She creates unique mysteries with both quality and vicious characters in her stories, and it truly is a pleasure to read her work. Most of you know I'm not generally a fan of Cozy Mysteries, but there are certain authors who do them so well, I will read their books exclusively. Karin is one of two. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. Start at the first one – you won't be sorry you did.   

Father, you know Karin's every need and desire. Only you can fulfill them all. I pray you would watch over Karin and keep her safe from all harm. Give her many more stories that you have just for her to tell. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

This self-photo (my original "selfie") back in the day was taken with my brand new 35mm Konica which I was just given for my 20th birthday right before my friend and I took off for Great Britain and Europe on our grand almost 3-month adventure. Of course I titled it: nicole by nicole. Silly girl.

I loved that camera and it took fabulous pictures. I miss it. It was stolen many, many years later.

We both worked for a year to save our money to make this trip of a lifetime. It satisfied my need to do any "big" traveling, but over time she went back more than once to places we hadn't gone, having caught "the bug" to see the world. I went to Longacres Racetrack where working with horses fulfilled a dream. 

Lord, you know how I feel. Thank you is never enough. You've protected me time and time again from myself and foolish ways. Thank you for rescuing me. I'm still desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

When all you want to do is kick back in the beauty and read a good novel . . . 

Father, you didn't have to leave this beauty for us to see, experience, appreciate, and celebrate. But you did. Thank you is never enough. Please help us to know your love deeper. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Here's a real oldie from the Beatles. I actually like their older songs better than their psychedelic journeys with music and other things.

Father, only you know hearts and souls. Please continue to reach those who need you. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.