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Today’s Proverbs 31 Woman

With Mother’s Day tomorrow it made me think of all the women I have known. The ones that have crossed my path, shaped my faith, loved me, and some I haven’t seen in a long time. I couldn’t think about women without pondering the Proverbs 31 woman. Have you ever thought about her? She was a phenomenal gal, a Wonder Woman for her family and the community.

What if that was written today? How would it sound? Who is today’s Proverbs 31 Woman?

Can any man find a moral, virtuous wife?
She would be more valuable than diamonds or gold.
Her husband could trust her with everything,
Especially his love, and would lack nothing of true value.
She gives him her best and does not deceive him ever.
She does laundry, ironing, and makes delicious meals with loving hands and never complains.
Her alarm clock went off while it was still dark so she could prepare breakfast, fix school lunches, and fill the slow cooker with dinner.
She does not gossip, lie, or slander. Her word is true.
Never does she steal even one penny. She does not take from others.
She attends church each Sunday and has raised her children to go.
She gladly gives her time, money, and self to those that need it.
She helps those in need giving money and food to young families and
Taking hot meals to elderly, staying to visit and clean for them.
She volunteered in the community and at church. She loves to help.
Her husband is respected in their church and community.
She does nothing to disgrace, only honor him.
She has a strength and dignity that she wears like a sweet perfume.
She trusts in God and does not concern herself with worry over the future.
She is wise and gives good, sound advice. When her girls need to know how to do something they turn to her for direction and instruction.
She keeps an immaculate house and is never lazy, always working to make her home better.
Her daughters call her a treasure and blessing. Her husband praises her, also.
Many women do noble things, but she is above them. She does everything with love for God and family.
Some women are only pretty on the outside, but she is a true woman of faith.
Beautiful inside and out.
Her family loves and cherishes this wonderful, beautiful, perfect for us Proverbs 31 woman.

As you might have guessed, this was about my precious Mother, our sweet Proverbs 31 woman. She is the best, most perfect for us. God blessed us by giving this amazing woman to our family. He is awesome. Think about your family’s Proverbs 31 women. Have you told them how fabulous they are? How loved and appreciated? Mother’s Day is a great time to start.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. You definitely are the Proverbs 31 Wonder Woman of our family and loved beyond what we could ever say. Enjoy Mother’s Day and always. You deserve happiness.

Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV
10 [a]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Let’s Get Cookin’ Thursday, Drop Dumplings Recipe, “Man Cannot Live by Bread Alone”

Food carries not only taste and smell, but sometimes memories. Certain dishes remind me of a loved one, holiday, or place. It can also provide comfort. Do you have a favorite comfort food? How about a food that takes you back to your Mother’s table or the school cafeteria? Do you have one of your own?

My aunts each made dishes that were unique and special. Same with my two grandmothers and especially my Mother. No one could make the recipe quite as delicious as they could. Aunt K made the best sugar cookies and Red Velvet Cake. No one at all could hold a candle to Aunt M’s cobblers or ribbon salad. Aunt J did butterscotch meringue pie and noodles. Yes, the rolled out homemade ones. Aunt E made rolls that no one can duplicate. Light, fluffy rolls. My Mammaw made oatmeal cookies that were a winner with people that disliked oatmeal. Perplexing but true. She made sugared popcorn on the stove that tasted like love. Grandmother made Christmas candy to rival the kind you buy in fancy stores. She also made a cheese spread for celery or crackers that she made up herself. It was delicious and unduplicatible. My Mother would need a page, or book, all her own to list her best dishes. Comfort food for me is still anything she makes. Her Christmas Salad is phenomenal and apple dumplings simply out of this world. My kids love her drop dumplings, any flavor. Blackberry, peach, or cherry are all favorites with them but only if Grammy makes them. Actually my daughter says that about a lot of Mom’s recipes. “Did Grammy make this?” What about the ladies in your family? I would love to hear their specialties in the comments if you would share.

Our bodies need food to survive. Our mind sometimes wants food for comfort. What does our soul need? Do you ever think about feeding it? Scripture tells us in Matthew 4:4 that “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.’” So, our soul needs much more. It needs God and His Word, the Bible. Just as often as we eat food and drink something, we need to read our Bibles, worship Abba, and communicate with Him through prayer. We need spiritual food. Are you feeding your spirit?

Be careful what you feed into your mind, too. Lyrics from certain songs, scenes from some television shows or movies, and passages from magazines and books might not be the clean food your mind deserves. In fact it might be poison. A lot of sin is made acceptable and glamorous in the media. Just like we watch what we put in our mouths, we need to be mindful of what we put in our souls and brains. Then we will be healthy in all areas of our lives. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Choose Him. Choose life. Live for Him.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 ESV

Mom’s Blackberry Drop Dumplings

4-6 c. blackberries* & 1 c. sugar
Water to cover
Dumplings:
2 c. Bisquick baking mix
1/2 c. milk
2/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

*or substitute another fruit or berry.

Place blackberries in large covered pot, add 1 c. sugar, and cover berries with water. Bring to a boil. Boil softly for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, in a small bowl, mix Bisquick, milk, vanilla and 1/2 c. sugar to form a dough, (not as thin as pancake and not as thick as biscuit dough).

Into boiling berries, drop dough by spoonful spacing over top of pot. Reduce heat immediately to medium low and cover. Steam for approximately 15 minute covered so dumplings will cook through. Serve topped with whipping cream or ice cream.

Week or Weak Christian Example

Are you a good example? I can see your wheels turning, and you are wondering “an example for what?” For living a good Christian life. Do you walk the walk seven days per week or just barely, a weak walk? Can your children, family, and friends see Christ and hear His words through your words and actions? Or are you different at church than the rest of the week?

The other day when driving home I was caught in a lot of traffic. Cars were being funneled from two lanes into one, the left one. I got over pretty far back, but the closer I got to the end I noticed more and more cars desperate to get over. No, they didn’t wait their turn like everyone else but jumped the line and nudged their way in. Finally, enough was enough. I was tired of sitting in traffic, too, and was determined to quit being nice and letting line cutters over. That’s when it happened. The Holy Spirit put me under conviction. Stepped on my toes right in the car. Really, what did it hurt to show grace to the people doing that? Would I do that in church? Let people out of a pew? Certainly. Well, shouldn’t I also do it here? Yes, I should and did.

I also thought about the words I almost said, wanted to say, but didn’t as the cars kept coming to cut in line. Some blatantly veered into my lane not waiting for an invitation. Even though no one was in the car I wasn’t alone. Boy was I glad those four letter words didn’t come out. That reminded me of a story my son told. A girl that spends the night frequently with his daughters told them that she liked their house because the girls’ parents did not use bad words and hers did all of the time. What a great example for his daughters and their friends. Children learn what they see, hear, and live.

How are those Facebook postings of yours? Are your words and pictures things you would gladly share with the entire congregation? And Jesus? I am not a fan of the postings bashing spouses, children, family, or friends. They promote gossip. We need to teach love and forgiveness not humiliation. Not a fan of making fun of others or the crude jokes. I also don’t like the vulgar language some people so flippantly toss around. Respect for others has seemed to disappear along with good examples.

How are you influencing someone by the way you live? Are you living as outlined in scripture? Many people look to church going Christians for examples of what to or not to do. Are you helping them or leading them astray? Would the words you say outside of church, the things you do, and the attitude you have be acceptable inside the church, too? More importantly approved by Christ?

I am not perfect, far from it. The Holy Spirit guides me and helps stop me when I run off course. After I think about what type of example I am, I want to be better. Don’t you? For some people we might be the only glimpse of Jesus they see. Let’s show them love and how Scripture tells us to live, not dirty jokes, gossip, bad words, road rage, and bad attitudes. I want Jesus to say “good job” and not “you knew better than to do that”. Let’s be good examples and encouragers starting today. Are you with me?

“But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 1:22 ESV

Have you heard of the Shakers? They were a religious sect in Kentucky a couple of hours from where I live. Appropriately named Shaker Village is still there today offering historical tours and insight into this unique way of life. This is far different than Amish. They are set apart from the world but in a much different way. Kentucky author Ann Gabhart has written some novels about the Shakers. I love them all and anything else she writes. Her down home style lures me in within a few pages and I am hooked.

Her book “The Innocent, A Novel” was one of those fabulous books. I was invested within a few pages of reading this 402 page paperback. It was easy to become emotionally invested in Carlyn Kearney and her big dog, Asher, as the author vividly described their life in troubled Kentucky. As I read through the trials and tribulations this post civil war woman endured, I kept thinking that this would make a great movie. I wanted to watch this book! It had history, suspense, romance, mystery, information on the Shaker religion, a good looking sheriff, pretty leading lady, a massive dog, villain, and more. Kentucky always makes a nice setting for a movie, too.

Carlyn’s husband has been gone in the Civil War for a long time with no word. She and her dog are left to take care of their cabin and homestead. They live near the Shaker Village. With twists and turns things happen and she must take shelter there. In this story you will find heroes, villains, mystery, adventure, romance, intrigue, action, and inspiration. Wow! All packed into one book.

The author took this reader to the Shaker Village on a trip that seemed real. I learned about their views on worship, work, meals, and marriage. They certainly have strange ideas on marriage. The story was heavily sprinkled with scripture and a good inspirational message to “just pray”. The characters were well described and relatable. Some became friends and others were downright unlikeable. At points I chuckled and others I teamed up. Best of all were the twists, turns, and surprises.

I expected to like this book since I like Christian historical fiction, but I loved it. The descriptive language, dialogue and colloquialism used by Ann Gabhart made a smooth, enjoyable read. The well researched, well organized, and well written story made a book I could not put down. If you haven’t read anything by this talented author you should give one of her books a try. She has more Shaker novels, some other fiction, and a cozy mystery series. I rated this a 5 out of 5 stars. Anyone who enjoys Christian fiction, historical or romance, even Amish or Quaker will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Let’s Get Cookin’ Thursday: “God is Always Available to Chat” and Aunt T’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crunch

My husband had an aunt that was like a second mother to him. She was a delightful woman and had a strong faith. When talking about death Aunt T often said she hoped she went to sleep one night and woke up dead the next morning. Funny lady. She lived into her nineties and almost got her wish.

The entire family misses her, and the impact she made on its members is remarkable. Aunt T took time to talk whenever someone needed a listening ear, send a card if you were sick, go to all church and family functions, and not only was the family historian but honorary grandmother to all of the children. If family or friends needed money or a place to stay, she freely gave without hesitation.

Many days my husband and I wish we could call and talk to her. There might be a family question that only she could answer. Perhaps we are just lonesome for her. Do you ever get like that? Lonesome to talk to someone? If we do can you imagine how much God does? Surely He longs to hear from us, His children through prayer. While we might not be able to talk to friends or family everyday, God is available all of the time, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He is just waiting to hear us call out to Him.

Think about that. God, the powerful maker of the universe and Creator of all things is waiting on us to reach out in prayer to Him. Wow! Why are you waiting? Start now even if it is just to acknowledge His power and who He is. The more you pray the more you will want to pray. You will long to talk to Him like He longs to talk to you. Amazing, isn’t it? My husband and I might not be able to talk to Aunt T anymore but we can always talk to God. So can you.

“Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12 NIV

Aunt T’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crunch

1 cup flour, all purpose
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup oatmeal, uncooked
1/2 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups diced rhubarb*
2 cups diced or sliced strawberries
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
*If you are too skittish to try rhubarb, use 2 cups of another berry or peaches.

Preheat oven to 350°.
In bowl, combine flour, sugars, oatmeal, butter, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix until crumbly and press half into a greased 9″x13″ baking dish.
Cover with rhubarb and strawberries.
In small saucepan, heat water, cornstarch, and extracts over medium-low heat until thick and clear, (approximately 5 minutes) stirring frequently.
Pour over the fruit layer.
Top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake for 60 minutes. Watch to make sure it is not getting too brown. If it is, cover with foil.
Serve warm. Good with ice cream for dessert or for breakfast without.

Two Choices: Pity or Praise

Yesterday was one of those days for me. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever had one? Nothing life changing or threatening happened. Things that happened were disappointing, surprising in a not so nice way. Our checking account took a hit. A big old grand slam. Things needed fixed, unexpected bills came in, and expected bills were higher.

There are two ways to react to days like this: pity or praise. It is easy to give in to the bad and wallow in pity. Praise is harder to do. Are you an easy way out or tackle the hard part kind of person? Which road will you take?

I could have a good old fashioned pity party. Like the song goes “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to……you would cry, too, if it happened to you.” It would have been easy to sit and cry. I could have been depressed without much effort. It is a natural reaction sometimes when a string of bad things hit. Another activity would be to add refreshments to my party, like ice cream or candy, and seek comfort. Those unfortunately provide fleeting and not lasting ease, like a bandaid.

The second option, praise, is the better one for me so I chose it. I know what you’re thinking. If I’m having such a horrible day, why should I praise God. Lots of reasons, my friend. Many of them. I praised Him first because He has this. This situation, this day, but most importantly, me. He has me. I praised Him because these are all material and monetary issues. No one is hurt, sick, or dead. No tragedy has happened. I am fine. I still have my husband, my parents, children, grandchildren, family, friends, pets, and home. Do you see what I mean? The things that matter most and make me happy are still here.

Once I started thanking and praising God because He is my Creator, Abba, it was difficult to stop. He is omnipotent and powerful. He can do all things. He loves me, cares for me, heals me, and provides. I saw birds outside and marveled at how creative He is to have made so many different ones. My mood improved, things got into perspective, and the bad news of the morning was like a bug that I swatted away. Sure, I will need to deal with it later but next time I won’t be surprised. I will be prepared. God has calmed me, given me time to think with a level head, and stands beside me. Praise is much more than a bandaid. It is a healing.

Next time you are having one of those days, choose praise over pity. Contact a prayer partner or me if you need help praying through it. Remember, God is powerful and has this, but more importantly, He has us.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

Read a Book Monday: English Lessons by Andrea Lucado

“English Lessons, The Crooked Path of Growing Toward Faith” is a 221 page Christian Living hardcover book by author Andrea Lucado. Before you google her, yes, she is the daughter of minister and author Max Lucado. Author Andrea is a gifted writer like her daddy. Her debut book “English Lessons” attests to that. It was a delight to read and sincerely moved me.

Author Andrea has a really pleasant writing style for me. Her words and sentences flowed seamlessly. I felt like I was playing at church with her or riding in England. She definitely is talented. This book is about her life, but the way she wrote it I felt like I was reading a novel or at least most of the time. It was never boring. Her book is open, honest, humorous, and inspirational. It touches on things most people have thought or questioned at one time or another in their lives. Strong faith, wavering faith, family, friends, being away from home, raised in church, salvation, becoming an adult, purpose and identity, does God exist, truly knowing God are a few things discussed. Have you thought about any of those things? Me, too. The author is a gifted writer. She drew me in quickly, and I was invested in her story, her life. Her love of God shines through her book. The struggles and subjects were real, very real, and relatable.

In “English Lessons” the author discusses going to Oxford to school and writes about her time in England. It obviously made an impact on her. She tells her story transparently. We hear of her triumphs and trials. Even though her father is a well-known minister, it doesn’t mean she is perfect. As she grew up she became a bit rebellious. While she might have changed, God never does. He is always the same, a lesson we all need to retain. God is always there and always the same. We are the ones that change or step away. A quote from her book that has stuck with me is ” Sooner or later we have to say goodbye to that person we were before.” Read the book and think about that.

I would highly recommend this book. Anyone would enjoy it and glean something from it. It is fabulous. The ideal audience would be early adults because that is the author’s age in her memoir. That’s just the ideal age not the target age. Old or new, man or woman, anyone will be inspired and encouraged when reading “English Lessons”. Readers’ faith will be strengthened and moods lightened. Walks will become closer to God. It is that good. It would be perfect for a book club or small group. Just note, it has no discussion questions. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) was provided for my honest review. The opinions in this review are my honest ones.

Revelation 1:8 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

The book will be on sale Tuesday, May 2, 2017, but if you preorder before that you will some free items!

IMG_3739

Jury Duty

Have you ever gotten a jury notice in the mail? Were you excited or did you think “oh man, this is not what I want to do”? Most people aren’t too keen on getting a jury duty notice, but it is our civic duty and we get paid. Have you ever volunteered to judge someone for free? Many people have, including me, but not in a courtroom.

When my daughter and son-in-law decided to speed up getting married the gossip mills were working overtime. There were many judges that pronounced them both guilty. Guilty of being pregnant out of the sanctity of marriage. Pregnant out of marriage. They were wrong. Anyone that knew, really knew, my daughter would never have said that. If they had thought with their hearts they would know why. Her fiancé was active in the Marines and just received word he would be deployed soon. Within three months they were married in a beautiful service.

The gossip about my daughter hurt me. Some of the people that asked me if she was “having a shotgun wedding” were close friends or family. My daughter kept her focus on the wedding, her sweet fiancé, and I’m sure the honeymoon. She just calmly said “well, they’ll see the truth in the months to come.”

How often do we, do I, reach a wrong, judgmental conclusion about someone? The world thinks one way and I get swept away with its worst case scenario negativism. It happens often. When my sister and her hubby were engaged they bought their first house. Gossips began circling to ask if they were going to live together before the wedding. No, they were not. She would still live at home until after they were married. They wanted to buy a house and not rent an apartment.

It is easy to jump to wrong conclusions about anyone, even people we know are good Christians. Judging and finding faults with others makes us feel better. “I never did that.” Or “I knew she wasn’t all that good.” We want to celebrate and share to others what we think is a fault or failure. What is the real fault here?

Judging has always happened and always will. I guess it is our nature. The Bible tells stories about it. It also says it is wrong. Don’t do it. We have a High Judge that died to pay for our sins. Let’s leave the judging to Jesus. The next time you are tempted, think of it as jury duty. If that doesn’t help, picture the person you are chatting with Jesus. That should stop the conversation. It does for me.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Jehovah Jireh, God Provides

Over a year ago my husband was struggling with health issues that had been escalating for a few years. It was hard on me watching him change physically and emotionally. No one could possibly understand what I was going through or so I thought, but God provides. He provides even when we don’t know what or who we need.

I am a member of a Christian reading group that review’s books. Once a month we have an online meeting or chat. If you attend you are in a drawing for one of three door prizes. One Monday morning last May as I was praying to our Father in Heaven I heard Him speak to me. “You will win a door prize tonight. When Hollie (not her actual name) calls, ask her to pray for your husband, Dennis.”

Being a private person, I hadn’t shared with the group that my sweet hubby was struggling with thyroid and parathyroid issues along with a long list of other things. Two aneurysms, emphysema, osteoporosis, and depression are just a few. The day went on as usual. My hubby was feeling sick and stayed in bed. I tried to work on the deck in my flowers and plants but kept being distracted. Would Den ever get better? Should I be inside with him? Is this my life forever now? What can I do to help Den?

Eight o’clock finally rolled around and I logged into the chat. Later my phone was ringing as Hollie called to tell me I had won. The conversation went like this:
“Hi, Is this Nyla Kay?”
“Hi, Hollie. I knew you’d call me tonight,”
“You did? How did you know that?”
I told her about my prayer time earlier and God speaking to me.
Hollie said:
“What’s wrong with your husband?”
After I explained she said: “My husband has dealt with that thyroid issue for nine years. Let’s pray now. The others can chat among themselves for a minute.”
We prayed and I immediately felt better. Like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I could feel God’s Spirit among us.

We made plans to chat on the phone later in the week. I enjoyed talking to hear. It was amazing hearing how I was chosen for the prize and call. It seems that the first three people drawn for the prizes could not be reached, wrong number, no answer, and disconnected. Hollie was exasperated and asked her daughter to just look at the list and pick a name. She chose mine because it rhymed with hers. Totally God’s hand in this.

Jehovah Jireh. God provides. How awesome is that? He sent me someone that fully understood the turmoil and trial I had in my life. We speak on the phone often and email everyday. Now I have a new Sister in Christ and a new prayer partner. We have a friendship that has only grown stronger and deeper because of our love for Abba and that He is in our relationship. He orchestrated having His two faithful daughters, hundreds of miles apart, getting connected. We encourage each other, pray for and with each other, and share things. Hollie has become one of if not the best friend I have.

God provides. Continue to take your concerns to Him. I didn’t ask Him to send me someone that would listen, encourage or understand. He knew I needed that so He provided Hollie. Certainly I have many Christian friends, but this one is different. Abba provided more than I would have asked for in a friend. He knows better than we do what we need and when we need it. He blessed me. Jehovah Jireh, my Father God, provides.

Psalm 115:11 “All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us.”

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”. Ecc. 4:9-10

Read a Book Monday: A Heat Most Certain is a Most Certain 5+ Stars

Are you looking for a good Christian novel? One that is delightful, thought provoking, entertaining, enlightening, and just plain great. I have one for you. This is not Christian fluff but a hardy serving. It is Book One in a series and Book Two, A Love So True is releasing soon.

“A Heart Most Certain” by author Melissa Jagears is Christian romance novel published by Bethany House. It is the first in her Teaville Moral Society, and I was captivated quickly. It is by far the best one I have read by this author.

Jagears is a genuine storyteller. She has woven and developed a tale that interested me immediately. It didn’t take pages or chapters to get into this book. I was into it immediately. Her main characters are believable and relatable. I found myself trying to mimic some of their movements and gestures myself. Descriptions are not overly long and boring, but enough to put me in the time and place. Conversations flowed effortlessly. I would repeat a line sassily from the book as I tilted my head. The heroine, Lydia King, is a fledgling Christian in a women’s group, The Teaville Moral Society, at her church. This Society marches against the Red Light District in town. They help on their terms for what they deem worthy only. Lydia finds herself assigned the monumental task of obtaining a donation from one of the town’s richest men, Nicholas Lowe. Lydia is promised to Sebastian Little, son of the mayor. While Lydia and Nicholas have a relationship built on getting a contribution from him, sparks begin to fly amidst frustration and irritation. Slowly Lydia begins to learn precious lessons from Nicholas, better ones than she has learned in her moral society. He in turn learns from her. There are many supporting characters. The author uses them effectively.

This book is filled with everything I love in a Christian novel. First and foremost it has great messages. This author clearly knows her Bible and loves God. I love scripture in a novel. The inspiration in the book encouraged me and warmed my heart. Using scripture, biblical stories and parables the author hits us not only on our head to think about these things, but she hits us in our heart where we feel things. My favorite line was “So if a whole lot of nice people can’t keep you in church, then you can’t use a whole lot of bad people to keep you out.”

This book had a great romance. I could smile, blush, or cry with Lydia. I could relate to her. She loved books and to read. Her heart would lead her but others might pull her away from what she knew was right. She was often torn between taking care of family or doing for herself. She was a people pleaser but she was determined.

The men were opposites. There was competition between Sebastian and Nicholas. Sebastian wanted arm candy since it was a campaign year. A Christian pretty wife on his arm would help him win. He liked Lydia despite what his parents thought. Nicholas was hard and guarded until Lydia cracked his shell. He led a secret life and was judged unjustly by his church congregation. No one ever saw him tithe or give to anything. He appreciated Lydia but unjustly judged her also. They taught each other a lot. The author knows how to create tension and purity in her love stories. She is a professional in writing breathtaking kisses.

It had a great plot, adventure, suspense, mystery, drama, inspiration, and even humor. There were historical things I didn’t know. This story was complete, but There is a second book. Jagears is a master at making me laugh “”Though I’m certain I’d have an easier time convincing a turkey to crawl onto our table and stuff itself for Thanksgiving than getting Mr. Lowe to hand me a penny.”

I would highly recommend “A Heart Most Certain” to anyone. It would make a great book club read or women’s study group book. There are discussion questions in the back. It has so much substance in it that readers will want to talk to others about this wonderful book. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars only because there was no 10! Get ready for book two! A copy of the book was provided by Bethany House for my honest review.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matt. 7:1-2