Into the Fire

     Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) 

The spiritual war on earth is often ignored. The good versus evil part is recognized by most people. Some refuse to define evil until they become victims to it. To be unaware of the spiritual or supernatural elements present on this earth is to remain ignorant of the best and the worst possible influences in the lives of human beings. 

There are many novels which address the supernatural. Some address the good v. evil conflict and others merely portray the hero and antagonist without any deeper references. 

In most of my stories the supernatural element is included. In Destination spiritual warfare is addressed in a particular character with a personal battle to face. Done accurately gives the reader an opportunity to recognize what it can be like to war against or be victimized by the enemy of our souls. 

While many Christians are soft on spiritual warfare and unbelievers fail to fight against an enemy they don't recognize, the struggle is real and the more a person understands its reality, the more equipped he or she is to fight it. 

As I've said before, fiction can provide understanding and clear pictures of the warfare without delving into the fantasy or sci-fi genres. Bottom line: spiritual warfare is the real battle between good (God/Jesus/Holy Spirit) and evil (Satan). To ignore it is to risk the results.

Father, thank you for teaching us all we need to know to fight and thrive in our lives on earth. Your desire is to educate us by your Word. We are not helpless in you. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Finally finished decorating mine today. This girl has ALWAYS loved Christmas! Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Thank you, Lord. You didn't have to come to rescue us and yet you did. You took our sins and died on that cross in agony. Rose again that we might make our way to you. "I am the way, the truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to all mankind. Jesus is the Prince of Peace between God and man. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Words that make me enormously grateful since this novel is my one and only mystery/police procedural. Thank you is not enough.

"As a Christian, I find her writing inspiring as she unfolds the realities of life as they tie into a relationship with Jesus." — L.P. Doil

"If you're looking for a cookie-cutter suspense novel, this isn't it, and that makes it good!" — B.B. Anderson

"Have to admit I didn't suspect the killer until almost the end. I would recommend this book to all who like the who dunnit genre." — R.B. Lovell

"I'm in love with the characters and I believe this could be a series of mystery books." — J. Fischer

"I would recommend this book to everyone who loves mystery and drama." — AC

"As always Nicole Petrino-Salter delivers! She is a writer from the heart. Loved this book." — S.H. 

Thank you to all the readers of Race who left their thoughts/reviews on Amazon. Really appreciate it. 

Father, apart from you I can do nothing. Not write one word. Thank you for words, stories, characters, all of it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Who doesn't love this song?! I love it. So much. Great musicians, great lyrics, perfect voice for it. Love it! 

Father, you've given us such beauty and allowed us to indulge it. What a gift. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

We salute you, we honor you, and we cannot thank you enough. 

Father, please touch every veteran of our armed services this day and let them know, in spite of all that happens in this world, we thank them and ask that you bless their lives. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Woe to those who call evil good 

   and good evil,

who put darkness for light

   and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet 

   and sweet for bitter. 

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes 

   and clever in their own sight.

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine

   and champions at mixing drinks,

who acquit the guilty for a bribe,

   but deny justice to the innocent. 

Isaiah 5:20-23 (NIV) 

Every Bird that Falls by Sara Davison is Book three in the two sparrows for a penny group.

Here's the thing with Sara Davison novels: They're unique with fully developed characters who experience unusual circumstances in their lives and often don't act as expected. Every Bird that Falls is no exception.

Tala, Rose, and Jae are three girls in the foster-child system who've experienced heartbreaking circumstances in their young lives. When the three of them are placed with Felicity, a single woman who wants them all, the girls decide they'll each be the "sisters" they've never had and grow very close. Their lives with Felicity become meaningful and loving, but in their mid-teens they learn Felicity is ill. Not wanting to be a burden to her, they decide they'll sneak out and try to find a place to share on their own. 

Rose's older brother (Tag) and Jae started a relationship, but Tag has just abruptly ended it, leaving Jae with another heartbreak and uncertainty about everything in her young life. While the girls are walking down the street in the middle of the night, a van stops and three men try to kidnap them. Jae runs and with the self-defense skills she's learned tries her best to defend herself but passes out from a wound she didn't know she'd gotten.

From here the story tells us about Jae's strange circumstances, Tag's quest to find her, and what has happened to her "sisters." Peripheral characters surface and provide new lives after traumatic events. Jae risks her life to make things right. 

It's a fascinating story and for those readers who are looking for something "different," I highly recommend Sara's Every Bird that Falls. The clever dual meaning of the title will become apparent. 

Father, thank you for Sara's art in writing. Please continue to bless her with the stories you have just for her to tell. Guard her and her family and encourage her as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Being the drama queen in self-photography . . . a very long time ago. 

Thank you for watching over me even when I was lost without you. Thank you is never enough, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

The Lord gave me this word some time ago for this election. Tonight He fulfilled it – and He isn't done yet. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.