“Unlocking a healthier you to love and be loved”

Are you looking for love in all the wrong places and faces?

Well, it's time for you to love and be loved by someone who shares your same beliefs and values. If not, you might as well turn down that dinner date, and say, “I've Got Dinner at Home”! Dinner is something you already have–look in that refrigerator! Yes, “no more” choosing a guy just because he looks good, yet makes empty promises! Remember, most women have the “for keeps” mentality, so it would be in your best interest to choose wisely!

In This Book You Will Discover:

• The Meaning of True Love
• How to Re-Build Self-Worth
• The Reality of Relationships
• How to Strengthen a Good Relationship

Disclaimer: “The guy that you're turning up your nose at, could be the one who will truly love you!”

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

I’ve Got Dinner at Home was written out of love for sisters who look for love in all the wrong faces and places. My heart aches when I see a woman entangled in a destructive relationship with a man who does not reflect her values…I’ve been there! She may be a well-educated, Christian woman with the financial backing of the U.S. Mint but falls into the same pattern with the same type of man, over and over again.

As I study the life of women around the world, there’s this underlying theme, “women are seeking love!” Why is this? In many cultures even in the United States, women are taught that a relationship with a man brings happiness. That’s why the most well-intended man may run away because it’s too much pressure to make you happy all the time. Happiness (joy) comes from having a relationship with Christ. He validates you because you are valuable to Him. Any other relationship pales in comparison to His love, grace, and constant presence in your life. The Bible says that “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” No one else can affirm that!

I’ve Got Dinner at Home is a reminder that what you’re seeking, God has already given to you. The question is, “Don’t you have dinner at home?” Don’t answer because I see those mustard greens and cornbread in the fridge (LOL)! And for others, I see quinoa, avocado, and garden salad. So why is it that when a man asks you out to dinner, you get giddy and blush like a schoolgirl? Unconsciously, you feel valued when a man wants to be with you. Don’t say if you go out on a date and he opens the car door, Lord have mercy…you sometimes lose it. Then you call your girlfriend and tell her, “Girl he took me out to a 5-star restaurant, kissed my hand, and opened the car and restaurant door.” At this point, you may be smitten! Can I ask you a question, “can’t you take yourself out to a 5-star restaurant (save up for it), open your own car door and any other door?” So, don’t fall for the “Okie Doke!” Remember, some men (not all) are good at impressing women initially but can’t keep up the good deed. By the third date, they may even slam the door in your face—just saying!

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post I’ve Got Dinner at Home by Mrs. Loretta Jefferson-Lang appeared first on Joelbooks.

A Spiritual Guide to Prosperity

How I Gave My Way to Wealth is an enlightening book that blends personal stories with Biblical teachings to illustrate how spiritual giving leads to financial abundance. Mitcham's journey from humble beginnings to significant wealth serves as a blueprint, showing how aligning with divine prosperity principles can result in material and spiritual riches.

The book delves into the importance of motives behind giving, the dynamics of selfless generosity, and the concept of living in accordance with Jesus's promises and having the Mind of Christ. It guides readers through the process of stepping into abundance, maintaining a lifestyle that adheres to the Covenant of Prosperity, and building a lasting Legacy of Wealth.

Challenging traditional financial approaches, the book emphasizes the transformative power of a charitable, faith-centered life, encouraging readers to unlock the potential of living in harmony with spiritual truths and the balance of giving and receiving.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post How I Gave my Way to Personal Wealth by Zachery S. Mitcham appeared first on Joelbooks.

Ballads the Cradle (the 1st book of 5), is an amazing poetry book exploring the life of Biblical Abraham. His life is not far different from the life we live these days. This book inspires the readers as they enjoy the flooding of thoughts, rhymes, and rhythms embedded with creativity from A Magneus.

“Chase of desire” and “calling peace” are part of human nature. The epic life of Abraham is a model for many, just as it was for generations in the ancient and recent past.

Abraham offers myths and mysteries, charms and challenges, fate and faith. All in one.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Excerpt from Ballads: The Cradle © Copyright 2023 A Magneus

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Ballads: The Cradle by A Magneus appeared first on Joelbooks.

AfterLife Book 1

A theodicy, an apologetic defense of God's goodness in full view of pain and suffering in narrative format.

AfterLife is a series that explores the problem of human pain and suffering juxtaposed to a good God. The exploration of the theodicy problem progresses on Earth and in Paradise concurrently. The main proposition is that our free will is the foundational cause of the problem. Other premises presented include that God does not ordain our suffering and that God loves us. An angel is the main character who travels between Paradise and Earth to witness the various story-lines play out.

The Hill family is dysfunctionally grieving the impending death of the wife and mother, Karen, due to a congenital heart condition. After Karen’s passing, two of the surviving members of her family digress into progressively decompensating behaviors, the other surviving family member tries to stay on a healthy course. Karen enters Paradise and meets previously departed family members and many notable historical figures.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post AfterLife: There Will Be Trouble by E. Vince appeared first on Joelbooks.

Hesed Volume 1

The goal of Hesed is to understand the true meaning of the Tanakh, or Old Testament, and in particular to see if it foreshadows Jesus.

Does the Tanakh foreshadow Jesus?

While arguing with the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; . . .” In this series of books we will examine the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, in order to see if Jesus' claim has any merit.

In Hesed Volume One we will study the subject of sacrificial atonement in the the Torah to see if it foreshadows Jesus' death on the cross. We will also study the lives of Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel and Cyrus. For, they each went through experiences that Jesus also wound up going through many centuries later. The question is, were these moments from their lives placed in the Tanakh intentionally or coincidentally?

Join author Mark Stouffer as he leads us on a quest to hear the message of the Tanakh, as opposed to what we want to hear. Hesed Volume One is for Jewish people who want to know the truth about Jesus. It is also for Christians who want to learn about the Hebrew Bible.

Amazon   Audible

Excerpt from Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus? © Copyright 2023 Mark Stouffer

1

The Jewish Laity

The Jewish people have typically been loyal to their leaders throughout history. The problem is that not all of their leaders were worthy to be followed. Some of them, like Moses, Joshua, and David, loved G-d. But some, like Jeroboam and Ahab, did not care for Him. Of course, the Jews are the singular people of G-d, and He is their ultimate leader. He has gone to great lengths to communicate to the Jews, and He wants to bless them. How well have the Jews done in listening to G-d and following Him?

* * * * *

In the days of great suffering in Egypt, G-d sent Moses to deal with the wicked pharaoh and set the Jewish people free. The events that transpired in the conflict between G-d and Pharaoh are well known. As the conflict reached its climax, G-d prescribed the Passover to be observed at that time and every year thereafter so that the Jews would never forget what G-d did for them in their moment of need.
After issuing the directive for each family to sacrifice a one-year-old lamb and apply some of the blood around their doorframes, G-d said to Moses:

. . . For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements – I am the Lord. And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt

Ex. 12:12-13

Why did the Jewish people need to sacrifice a lamb? Was it simply so that G-d could see the blood around their doorframes and know which houses to leave untouched? Of course not. G-d is omniscient, and He knows who His people are. In fact, in most of the prior plagues, G-d left the Jewish people unharmed as the plagues crashed down upon Egypt; and He did not need a sign to know which families to skip over.

Also, it says in verse 12 that the blood was a sign for the Jews. It was not a sign for G-d. But why did they need a sign? What were they supposed to learn from sacrificing lambs and applying the blood around their doorways? Returning to the first question, why did the Jewish people need to perform sacrifices to escape G-d’s judgement? After all, what did they do wrong? They were the victims in this event of slavery and oppression.

We will answer this question more in depth in Chapter 6. But for now, let’s just say that G-d had the Jews sacrifice the lambs in order to teach them something about Himself, evil, justice, and themselves. G-d was personally communicating a message to every Jewish family, and indeed to every Jew, at the first Passover. At other times, G-d spoke to Moses who then spoke to the people on His behalf. But this time, He was communicating directly to every Jewish person through the rituals they were to perform.

G-d called for each Jewish family to select their sheep four days before they were to sacrifice them. Lambs are innocent, cute, and endearing. That would have been four long days gazing upon the poor soul that was about to die for you. Apparently, G-d did not want this sacrifice to be simply a mechanical ritual that busy people pounded out without giving it any thought. He wanted each of them to have time to think about their sins and all the people that they had hurt. He wanted them to understand that they needed a substitute. For G-d does not just judge nations, He judges individuals as well.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus? by Mark Stouffer appeared first on Joelbooks.

In the charming town of Abingdon, Virginia, Lily Parker and pastor Samuel Thompson unravel their intertwined destinies filled with faith, love, and hidden pasts, against the backdrop of the festive Blue Ridge Café at Christmas.

Lily Parker returns to this sanctuary with hope and a mission: to breathe life into her family's legacy.

This contemporary Christian romance novel unfolds her journey of rediscovery amidst challenges and dreams.

Then, Samuel Thompson enters. A pastor with a heart as vast as his faith.

Their pasts are mysteriously interlinked.

Their destinies intertwine as snow blankets Abingdon and Christmas carols float in the air.

Navigating through whispers of the past and hoping for a rewarding romance, they confront the tug-of-war between love's allure and their responsibilities.

In the glow of the café's lights, they explore the depth of their feelings, testing the strength of their faith.

Can they find love in a town where prayers shape destinies and every heart holds a secret?

Dive into a Christian romance novel where faith isn't just a belief but the foundation of true love.

Step into the world of Abingdon.

Excerpt from Love at Christmas © Copyright 2023 Kelsey MacBride

Chapter 1

Abingdon, Virginia

The quaint town of Abingdon lay blanketed under a serene layer of powdery snow. Ice-coated cobblestone streets wound between sloped-roof shops and historic buildings. The peaceful scene exuded an old-world charm, as if frozen in time.

Nestled amidst the picturesque storefronts was the Blue Ridge Café, a cherished establishment left behind by Lily’s late parents. Now, after years of navigating impersonal corporate jobs in bustling cities, Lily stood outside the nostalgic café once more, staring up at the snow-laden roof.

Frigid air pierced her fair skin through her stylish coat as memories flooded over her. She inhaled the mingled scents of roasted coffee beans and cinnamon wafting on the icy breeze. The aroma transported her back to fond memories made within these walls as a child.

She pictured her parents’ smiling faces illuminated by the glow of fairy lights as they hosted lively holiday celebrations. Patrons crowded inside, chatting amiably while frost gathered on the windowpanes. A younger Lily peeked out from the kitchen, proudly helping her mother ice sugar cookies.

With a bittersweet pang, Lily realized how much she had missed this place. It represented the warmth and community she had always taken for granted until years adrift in sprawling cities left her spirit hollow.

Stepping inside, Lily drew a sharp breath as the past enveloped her. The interior remained untouched, still suspended in time. Pale winter light filtering through frosted windows glinted off polished mahogany tables and antique chandeliers.

Lily pictured ghosts of patrons lingering at the counter, her father serving them cheerfully. Her mother bustled around nearby, exchanging friendly chatter. The mental images constricted her heart with nostalgia.

Lily’s slender fingers trembled as she traced the well-worn countertop, picturing her father going through the same motions countless times. She could almost see his smiling reflection on the polished surface. Her vision blurred with hot tears.

The jingle of bells announced Samuel’s entry, jolting Lily from her reminiscing. She discreetly dabbed at her eyes before facing this new arrival from her past.

Lily’s pulse quickened at the sight of Samuel’s athletic build, his muscular arms on display even through the wool coat that shielded him from the icy chill outside. His close-trimmed beard only partially obscured the innate wisdom and compassion radiating from his kind eyes.

Those striking blue eyes had once brimmed with playful spirit during their childhood escapades around this very café, Lily recalled. Now, they held the gravity and responsibility of shepherding their small community as pastors.

Yet as Samuel met her gaze, a glimmer of that familiar boyish warmth surfaced again when he said gently, “It’s good to see you back, Lily.” Unspoken emotion roughened his voice.

“You too, Samuel,” Lily managed faintly, the words scraping her tight throat. She hoped he couldn’t discern the tears she had hurriedly blinked away moments before.

How many complex feelings simmered beneath those simple greetings after so much time apart, so much left unresolved? The air hung heavy with the weight of words still unspoken between them.

An awkward silence swelled. Lily fidgeted with a stray thread on her scarf, unsure how to bridge the distance forged over the years away, chasing separate dreams. Her heart thrummed with a tempest of emotions.

Finally, Samuel gestured to a table with an air of ceremoniousness as if they were two dignitaries attempting to negotiate a treaty.

“Shall we sit and catch up?” he asked with a tentative yet warm smile. Relief flooded Lily at the polite offer of reconciliation.

“Please,” she replied gratefully. Lily loosened her scarf and shed her wool coat before settling onto the creaky wooden chair across from Samuel. She eyed him discreetly as he removed his own outerwear.

Even with time’s inevitable changes etched onto his features, Lily found him just as handsome as the mischievous boy who had occupied many of her adolescent daydreams. The realization sent her pulse skittering oddly.

She couldn’t help admiring the way Samuel’s beard accentuated his sturdy jawline and kind eyes. Her fingers twitched with the startling urge to reach out and stroke along his bearded cheek. Lily quickly tucked her hands in her lap, flustered.

Mercifully, Samuel broke the tense silence first. “I can hardly believe you’re back after so long. But I’m glad,” he mused. “We’ve all missed you here.”

His earnest words coaxed a fragile smile from Lily. “It feels a little strange being back after so long away,” she admitted. “Kind of like stepping into a memory. But also comforting, like coming home.”

Samuel regarded her pensively across the table that separated them. “And how have you been holding up since everything happened with your parents?” he asked delicately after a reflective pause. “I was so very sorry to hear about the accident.”

Lily tensed, staring down at her clenched hands. She focused on steadying her uneven breathing before responding quietly.

“Honestly? Some days are still a real struggle without them,” she confessed with difficulty, her vision blurring with tears. “The grief comes in waves. I just wish so much they could be here now.”

When a single tear escaped Lily’s cheek, Samuel immediately covered her tightly clasped hands with one of his broad, calloused ones. The simple gesture of comfort nearly undid her, but Lily clung fiercely to her composure.

She focused on the soothing warmth of Samuel’s skin against her own, where their hands touched. His sturdy presence radiated calmness and compassion, just as it had throughout their childhood escapades.

“I can’t imagine how difficult that has been for you,” Samuel said gently after giving her a moment to collect herself. “But I know your parents would be so very proud of you for having the courage and strength to come back here. This place always was their pride and joy, but even more so were you, Lily.”

Lily inhaled shakily and offered him a watery but sincere smile, incredibly touched by his kindness. She had nearly forgotten this innate compassion and insight that had marked Samuel as a proper spiritual guide from a young age.

Already, she could feel her battered spirit healing just from being near him again after so many years spent adrift and alone. He had always been her safe harbor in any storm, even when they were just children.

After taking another moment to fully compose herself, Lily turned the conversation to Samuel’s life and time away. She was eager to shift the focus of her own raw grief for a bit.

“So, tell me, what have you been up to all these years since we went our separate ways?” she asked brightly, hoping the lingering redness of her eyes didn’t reveal the inner turmoil still churning within.

Samuel leaned back in his chair and stroked his bearded chin, gathering his thoughts. Lily stared at the distracting motion.

“Well, attending seminary school was definitely a big change of pace,” Samuel began contemplatively. “The quiet campus in the countryside felt so removed from everything familiar. It definitely took some adjusting after our small-town upbringing.”

Lily snapped her focus back to the conversation, genuinely intrigued to learn more about this phase of Samuel’s life she knew so little about.

“That must have been an intensive program of study,” she remarked, hoping her interest sounded natural rather than prying.

“Absolutely, the curriculum was quite rigorous,” Samuel chuckled good-naturedly, either not noticing her scrutiny or politely ignoring it.

“But those long days of studying and mentoring prepared me for returning home and taking on this pastoral role,” he said.

Samuel’s kind eyes took on a look of sincere meaning. It has been gratifying to be trusted with spiritually guiding this community. My congregation makes all those hours of academic work and examinations worthwhile.”

Lily’s expression softened into an affectionate smile at the passion so clear in Samuel’s voice when speaking about supporting the church members who depended on him. She could relate to that sense of purpose he had clearly found.

“It sounds like you truly have found your calling,” Lily remarked warmly. “I’m sure you must be touching so many lives here as pastor.”

Pink tinged Samuel’s bearded cheeks at her praise, and Lily found herself charmed by this evidence that traces of his youthful shyness remained.

“I just try my best to emulate the grace, compassion, and wisdom Reverend Mills always exhibited during our childhood,” Samuel replied modestly. “Though, of course, I still have much more to learn from those wiser than myself.”

Lily’s smile widened, feeling endeared. Even as adults, some things hadn’t changed. Samuel still saw the good in everyone, rarely giving himself enough credit. And the way his face had lit up discussing mentoring local youth told her what a natural caretaker he was.

“The joy you clearly get from guiding the younger generation says enough about your spiritual gifts,” Lily said affectionately. “Your congregation is truly blessed to have you, Samuel.”

The flush on Samuel’s bearded cheeks deepened at her heartfelt words. He took a quick sip of coffee before gesturing for her to share her journey since they had parted ways.

Lily sobered slightly, realizing her experiences contained far less fulfillment or passion than Samuel’s sense of divine purpose. Suddenly self-conscious, she traced the rim of her coffee mug as she attempted to summarize years wasted in unfulfilling corporate jobs in the sprawling city.

Lily confessed, feeling increasingly lonely in such impersonal environments yet lacking the courage or direction to seek something more meaningful.

“It was like I just got stuck on autopilot, passively allowing life to happen around me rather than intentionally living,” Lily admitted with a heavy sigh. She kept her eyes downcast, afraid to see disappointment or judgment in Samuel’s piercing blue gaze.

But when she risked a glance upward, she only found compassion radiating back at her. Samuel had propped his bearded chin on one broad hand and was listening intently, his focus unwavering.

“That must have been an incredibly isolating experience,” he said when she had finished her recap. “I admire you for trusting your instincts enough to seek a better path by coming back here.”

Lily bit her bottom lip as she mulled over his insightful words. “I suppose I finally realized I couldn’t keep ignoring that inner voice urging me to take a chance again,” she mused.

“I only hope I can live up to that leap of faith now I’m back,” Lily confessed, meeting Samuel’s gaze. “Everything still feels so uncertain. But maybe you’re right that the answers will come if I just give it time.”

Samuel nodded slowly, holding her gaze with certainty. “You’ll find your direction again,” he said. “Just listen to your heart and have patience with the process. I have faith in you, Lily.”

His calm conviction flowed over her like a soothing balm, temporarily easing her turbulent doubts. Lily clung to it like a life preserver, keeping her afloat. Samuel knew how to steady her spirit with a look or a word. She had missed that more than she realized.

By now, dusk’s hazy light had faded to night outside the frosted windows. The inky darkness and twinkling stars seemed encroaching, hinting that their time together was drawing to a close.

Lily tamped down the irrational urge to reach across the table separating them and grasping Samuel’s sturdy hand. She longed to extend this connection a little more.

Seeking an excuse to linger with him, Lily leaned forward and placed her hand lightly atop Samuel’s weathered knuckles. His skin radiated a comforting warmth that she tried not to focus on.

“Do you remember many of our childhood adventures here?” Lily asked with an attempt at a casual smile, hoping Samuel wouldn’t notice the way her pulse had quickened.

Fortunately, Samuel appeared distracted by his own memories. With a faraway look in his eyes, he turned his palm upward to meet hers in a loose grip, causing Lily’s heart to flutter.

“Of course,” he said wistfully. “This place holds so many fond memories for me, too.”

Samuel’s tone was low with emotion. Lily shivered when he stroked his thumb across her knuckles, clearly lost in their shared past.

Desperate to ground herself, Lily prompted, “Remember the giant snow fort we built out back one winter?” She giggled girlishly, the sound embarrassingly high-pitched to her own ears.

Samuel’s eyes lit up with joy at the nostalgic reminder, making Lily smile. The tension slowly dissipated.

Remember when we thought putting milkshakes in there to keep them cold was such a great idea?” Samuel chuckled, reluctant to relinquish the comforting grip of their hands.

“I’d nearly forgotten about that,” he mused with a shake. “My mother was so confused when I stumbled inside covered in sticky chocolate syrup.”

Lily’s laugh became more breathless at the physical reminder of Samuel’s touch gliding along her sensitive skin. Flustered by her body's instinctive response, she gently withdrew her hand from Samuel's loose hold, pretending to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“We did some crazy stuff back then,” Lily replied, hoping to sound affectionate and not shaky. She tried to steer the discussion to safer, more neutral territory.

“Remember when we staged that little play in my parents’ cafe after hours, and my mother nearly had a heart attack when she caught us?”

Samuel winced with exaggeration. “Oh goodness, I think I’ve blocked that one out,” he said, playing along at the memory. “We really were the troublemaking pair, weren’t we?”

His eyes reflected the faraway glint that did funny things to Lily’s insides. It reminded her of the tender looks they exchanged as curious adolescents before life’s paths diverged.

“We certainly had our share of misadventures,” Lily acknowledged, her playful nostalgia softening into something more tender. “But we were very close back then. I’ve really missed that…”

She faltered, throat clenching up unexpectedly on the admission. Lily realized suddenly just how very much she had missed Samuel’s steadfast presence and understanding over the lonely years.

Samuel's teasing expression softened into something more serious, as if he could sense the shift in her mood. “I’ve missed it too, Lily,” he confessed quietly. “Very much so.”

The air between them changed, growing heavy with unspoken longing. Lily shyly met Samuel’s tender gaze, pulse-quickening as if she were a smitten teenager all over again. She worried he could surely hear her frantic heart.

Uncertain what to say or do next, Lily felt relief when Samuel cleared his throat gruffly and withdrew his hand to bring their loaded moment to an end.

“I should let you get some rest,” he announced, glancing outside at the night sky as he moved to stand and gather his belongings.

Disappointment set in, but Lily smiled politely as she walked Samuel to the door, shoving down the confusing emotions his presence had ignited. She hesitated, hand on the frame, watching as he buttoned his wool coat.

Overwhelmed by the desire to prolong their connection, Lily reached out to grasp Samuel’s sturdy forearm.

“Thank you again for today, for everything,” she said earnestly, hoping he would sense her sincerity. “Having your support here during this transition means the world.”

Samuel’s eyes creased with shared emotion as he covered her tiny hand with his larger one. “You’ve always had my support, Lil. And you always will.”

The casual nickname sent shivers skating down Lily’s spine. She reluctantly dropped her hand back to her side when Samuel gave a final parting wave and headed into the moonlit darkness.

Lily watched until his broad silhouette disappeared entirely from sight. Only then did she close the cafe door and lean against it weakly, ignoring how her legs had gone unsteady.

Being with Samuel again after so long had felt so easy, so familiar, like coming home. However, their dynamic now appeared more delicate and hesitant, pulsating with an undercurrent of attraction that hadn't been there during their youth.

With a weary but lighter heart, Lily retreated up the creaky stairs to her small apartment. The coming days held so much uncertainty. But Samuel’s compassion had rekindled hopes she thought long extinguished.

Maybe with him there, she could find her purpose again. Lily clung to this delicate hope as she drifted off, feeling a sense of peace washing over her.

Despite the uncertainty of the path ahead, she found comfort in knowing she had someone by her side this time. Samuel's presence gave her a sense of stability, making her believe she could accomplish anything. The future seemed to glow with newfound promise.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Love at Christmas by Kelsey MacBride appeared first on Joelbooks.

Missal with Celebrations of the Liturgical Year 2024 with Helpful Prompts for Writing

Attention Devout Catholics! Yearn to feel deeply connected to your faith and the global Catholic community every single day?

Dive Deep into the Sacred Texts with: Catholic Daily and Sunday Mass Readings for 2024.

This isn't just another scripture book. It's your personal key to immersing yourself in the very words that resonate in Catholic churches worldwide throughout 2024.

Key Features:

• Deepen Your Faith – Embrace the Word of God daily to nourish your spiritual bond.
• Personal Reflection – Unique spaces for you to jot down divine insights or personal revelations each day.
• Connect with the Worldwide Catholic Community – Feel the collective spirit and strength of believers from every corner of the globe.

Inside the lectionary you will discover:

• Scripture readings precisely as they're shared in global Catholic churches.
• Opportunity for daily communion with God and reflection on His message.
• A tangible sense of unity with fellow believers.

Imagine a 2024 where you're constantly in tune with God's word, fortified by the knowledge that millions worldwide are on the same spiritual journey with you.

Elevate your spiritual experience in 2024! 

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Excerpt from Catholic Daily and Sunday Mass Readings for 2024 © Copyright 2023 Billy James

Monday, January 1, 2024
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

First Reading: Numbers 6: 22-27

22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel. You shall tell them, 24 Yahweh bless you, and keep you. 25 Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. 26 Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’ 27 “So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

2 That your way may be known on earth, and your salvation among all nations, 3 let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you. 5 Let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you. 6 The earth has yielded its increase. God, even our own God, will bless us. 8 God will bless us. All the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Second Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, 5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children. 6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba,† Father!” 7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21

16 They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

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A Black and White Study

In Timing of the Rapture: A Black and White Study, author Giancarlo Rodriguez takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the pages of scripture to unravel one of the most enigmatic and debated topics in Christian theology – the timing of the rapture. This meticulously researched book seeks to peel away the layers of bias and preconceived notions that have often clouded our understanding of this vital aspect of eschatology.

In a world where interpretations and teachings on the rapture vary widely, this book offers a refreshing and objective perspective. The author's mission is clear: to examine what the scriptures themselves actually say, free from the influence of past interpretations and theological dogma. You won't find typical fluff in this book or many opinions, just what the scriptures state.

Key Highlights:

• Four Main Views Examined: Timing of the Rapture presents an in-depth exploration of the four primary views concerning the timing of Christ's return for His church, ensuring that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of each perspective.
• Daniel's 70th Week: Delve into the prophecy of Daniel's 70th week, a critical component of end-times prophecy, to uncover its significance and implications for our understanding of the rapture.
• The Day of the Lord: Gain profound insights into the concept of the Day of the Lord, a pivotal event in biblical eschatology, as the author dissects its meaning and relevance in the context of the rapture.
• Verse by Verse Revelation Analysis: Embark on an illuminating journey through the Book of Revelation as the author meticulously examines each verse, seeking to discern the presence of rapture-related themes hidden within the text.

Timing of the Rapture is a well-researched and unbiased resource that will empower readers to approach the rapture question with clarity and discernment. It encourages a return to the foundational teachings of scripture, allowing readers to form their own conclusions based on a deeper understanding of God's Word.

Whether you are a seasoned theologian seeking a fresh perspective or a curious believer eager to explore the mysteries of end-times prophecy, this book provides a comprehensive and balanced study that will enhance your understanding of the timing of the rapture. Prepare to embark on a journey that will challenge your preconceptions and deepen your appreciation for the wisdom of the Bible.

Excerpt from Timing of the Rapture © Copyright 2023 Giancarlo Rodriguez

PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY

The main purpose of this book is to understand the timing of the rapture while examining the scriptures in an unbiased manner, which I call “the black and white”. We will find this by doing the following:

1. Review the relevant scriptures with a “black and white” approach, meaning without inserting interpretations
2. Review some claims about the rapture that are assumptions or presuppositions
3. Do a verse-by-verse review of the book of Revelation until we locate the event of the rapture.

The intended result is for each of us to be more spiritually prepared for what is to come, to be encouraged and emboldened by the Holy Spirit in your daily walk with the Lord. My personal goal in this study is to provide a solid study while eliminating presuppositions, especially what I or many others were taught about the rapture in the past by pastors, family, or preachers.  Some of this material will REALLY challenge what you have been taught and other parts of the material will be things that maybe you never even heard of before.

Why should we be focusing on end times and Revelation? Scriptures show us the following:

Revelation 1:3 NASB –  Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Hosea 4:6a NASB – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

So first, I want you to be blessed.  But notice Jesus provides a condition to be blessed.  Reading the words of prophecy alone do not yield blessing, but those who read and take heed of what is written will be blessed.

Second, I want your faith to grow and your trust in Jesus to increase.  After we walk through this, we will understand how much more we need Jesus than we currently do.

Third, I don’t want anyone to be deceived by teachings of the past or lack of information.  As scripture says, God’s people perish/are destroyed due to lack of knowledge.

Fourth, I want all of us to be ready spiritually for the times that Jesus warns about.  Being ready is important.

It is my intention that we all remain spiritually awake of what the scriptures tell us.

I highly recommend each of you prays before reading each chapter and if possible, do at least a partial fast or full day fast 1 day per week as you read this book.  Ask the Lord to speak to you and ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and understanding as you read. I will also add that all scriptures written out, unless otherwise written, are from the NASB translation.

FOUR PRIMARY FUTURIST VIEWS

There are 4 main views regarding the timing of the rapture as an event that is still to come.  There are a few other views that consider there is no rapture or that the rapture occurred many years ago, but we will be focusing on the future views only. In the next few chapters, we will cover the general particulars of each view.  Of course, there are people who may accept one of the views but believe in additional differences than what I have written, but we will be focusing on the generally accepted ideas within each view.

Pre-Tribulation

• Moderate popularity
• Teaches church will be raptured right before the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week
• Teaches the rapture event will be at an unknown day and hour so long as it happens before Daniel's 70th week
• -Church will miss all tribulation and the great tribulation from antichrist and all of God’s wrath that follows -Considers all “negative” events as part of the 7-year end times period
• Believes no signs required at all before rapture can come -Usually believe the rapture will be an invisible event

Mid-Tribulation

• Least common view
• Teaches church will be raptured exactly in the middle of the 7 years
• Church will experience tribulation in first half of 7 years but will experience no suffering in the second half because church will be raptured at mid-point
• Considers 1st half as tribulation suffering for saints but second half God’s wrath for wicked

Pre-Wrath

• Moderate Popular view -Teaches church will be raptured at unknown day or hour after the end of the first half of Daniel's 70th week
• Church will experience tribulation in first half of 7 years and Great Tribulation period which is part but not all of the 2nd half of the 7 years
• Church will not be present and will not experience any of God’s wrath which takes place after the great tribulation concludes
• The church will face tribulation from the antichrist through the end of the Great Tribulation and will be raptured at its conclusion before God's wrath is poured out on the wicked

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

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Irina Balabanova is a beautiful Ukrainian girl, twenty-seven years of age and heartbroken. John Masters, a middle-aged American businessman, travels to eastern Ukraine on an ill-advised romantic venture, and is stranded in Kharkov with the onset of winter. Despite their wide differences of culture, language, and generation, the two are brought together in a whirlwind of love and adventure.

But their dreams of a life together are threatened by the acts of an extremely jealous Ukrainian State Security officer, who will stop at nothing to stop Irina from leaving their native country to marry an American. With perseverance and divine intervention, their love story unfolds in the most incredible way.

Inspired by actual events, Miracle From Ukraine is a story of international intrigue, faith, and romance.

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Excerpt from Miracle From Ukraine © Copyright 2023 James Herbert Harrison

John took a shuttle flight that ran daily from the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport to Lambert International. Upon exiting the small aircraft, he entered the terminal and made his way toward his gate in preparation for his departure to Chicago. A former boss in Atlanta once told him he should never make important decisions when you're emotional, advice he always valued but couldn't apply this day. Once settled and waiting to board, he dialed up his parents’ phone, and his mother answered on three rings.

“Mom, I’m in St. Louis, getting ready to fly out to Kiev.”

“My, this is sudden. So, when is her interview?”

“I don’t know,…yet,” John replied and gave his mother the long litany of events, or lack thereof, that had occurred over the past three weeks.

“You know this doesn’t sound too good… And there’s no sense in us trying to talk you out of going back over there,” his mother stated, knowing her oldest son all too well.

John paused before answering. “Johnny knows to come to your place after school, Mom. I’ll call when I get there. Love you all.”

“Love you too, John. We’ll be praying for you.”

***

After yet another long and sleepless night, Irina entered the kitchen in dire need of some coffee. She picked up her phone to check for missed calls and messages, noticing the battery being nearly dead. This is strange, I know I plugged this in to charge it overnight. It had to have been unplugged… Dimitri!

There was now little mystery as to where Kuznetsov had received such detailed information over time about her calls and she assumed Dimitri had also snooped around the apartment for any other incriminating information he could find. The damage had now been done and the only remaining question was how she would get rid of him.

Setting the issue with her tenant’s betrayal aside, Irina decided to send John an email message, one that she hoped wouldn’t break his heart as much as it was breaking hers.

Dear John, I am sorry you have not heard from me. Because of issues within my family and a police investigation on me, I cannot emigrate to America in the foreseeable future. I hope you will forgive me. You will always have a place in my heart.

Love, your Irina

PS: Feel free to transfer the money still in my account and cancel it. I will try and pay you back the rest someday.

She sat and proofread the message, preparing to hit SEND when she heard a knock on the door. Who could this be at this time of morning? Momma and Papa or Alika would have called before coming over here… And they never knocked before entering anyway.

Irina opened the front door and standing before her in the hallway was a young woman, perhaps her own age and one distant in memory, wearing an official-looking female uniform and the SSU badge displayed prominently on the collar. Irina saw a red flag of concern flash before her, which immediately instilled an extreme sense of dread. “Yes?”

The young woman struggled to recognize the lovely Irina Viktorivna Balabanova, as the woman facing her looked terrible, one who appeared to have not slept, washed, or applied an ounce of make-up in days. She thus held up a copy of her photograph for credence, while also handing over a prepared handwritten memo and signaling with an index finger to her lips to be silent. Irina read the scribbled note, looking up at her with a confused blank expression, and then the SSU agent leaned forward to whisper in Irina’s ear.

“I am Calina Zhukova, from the State Security of Ukraine, Kharkov Oblast office. Your apartment may have listening devices. I suggest we talk outside, perhaps around in back of the building.”

Extremely wary about the nature of this visit, Irina also knew she had best cooperate with this female officer. She nodded and hurried to don some clothing while the official woman waited, and stepped out into the corridor, closing the door behind.

The two walked quietly down the hall together and toward the stairway, descending to the first floor, out the rear building exit, and into the small courtyard when Zhvikova asked, “May I address you as Irina?”

“Yes, of course,” Irina replied, her pulse rate starting to subside, if just a bit, as if realizing this woman may be a friend and not a foe, although still suspecting the probability of the evil Colonel Pavel Kuznetsov somehow being behind this.

The woman looked around for bystanders, already knowing there were no security cameras overlooking the rear of this particular apartment complex. She guided Irina toward a park bench in the far corner, away from the building and under a large shade tree where the two sat down together.

“I work in the SSU office. My superior is Colonel Pavel Kuznetsov, a man whom I believe you are quite familiar.”

Irina’s facial expression turned from being serious to genuinely fearful.

“You need not be afraid of me, Irina. I know by the colonel’s actions that he has eyes on you and that you have rejected him in the past. He is also a man who hates Americans and gets enraged when an ethnic Russian woman, especially one young and beautiful as yourself, leaves this country for a man in the West. He has been watching you for some time now and is also getting much information from the man you live with, Dimitri Gusev.”

“I know Dimitri has been spying on me,” Irina said in a sign of resignation.

“What you do not know is he was called into Colonel Kuznetsov’s office yesterday. I know not the total of what they discussed behind closed doors, but within minutes of Gusev leaving his office, the colonel handed me a memo and ordered me to type up a sworn affidavit that he pressured Gusev to sign, stating that you had accessed the More Security Supply company codes for entry into the SSU security system. He also handed me two sealed envelopes, one addressed to the US Embassy FBI Liaison Office in Kiev, and the second to SSU National Headquarters, Emigration Security Division, also in Kiev. I do not believe this was coincidental.”

“It matters not now,” Irina replied in resignation. “I am halting my relationship with the American I have met. I haven’t even spoken to him for weeks now. And believe me, I worked at More Security Supply for five years and was nothing but a receptionist and accountant. I had nothing to do with the technical side.”

“Regarding your relations with an American, that is your personal business. But I will tell you that Colonel Kuznetsov is a wicked man and one who does not accept failure when it comes from women. He will use the Gusev statement to keep an investigation open on you indefinitely. I know that you attempted to reacquire your old position with Arkady Petrov. He would have brought you back and even given you a generous raise in pay, but the colonel stopped it cold. He was suspended by the SSU Commandant in Kiev last fall for weeks and he somehow blames you. Trust me, you have not seen or heard the last of him.”

Irina listened carefully to this government police woman, one quite attractive in her own right. “Calina? Did you not state that as your name? You were the staff agent at the SSU who disclosed this information to Marko Palenko, my father’s old boss at the petrol refinery, were you not?”

“Yes, that is true.”

“You place yourself in great peril,” Irina added, curious why she would do such a thing.

“I am not worried about Marko, Irina. He and my father are old friends. But I caution you, do not share what I have told you too openly. Colonel Kuznetsov will suspect where it came from,” Calina replied. “If you need to contact me, here is a number. But do not call me on your home phone, Irina. I have not seen the order as of yet, but the colonel may have it bugged, the same with your cell phone. We cannot listen or record calls on cell phones yet but are able to identify the phone numbers in and out of calls made.”

As the SSU staffer stood and prepared to leave, Irina grabbed her arm gently and asked, “Calina, why are you telling me all this? You do not even know me.”

The young woman briefly looked around nervously and sat back down. “I do know you, Irina Viktorivna Balabanova. I see you every time I look in the mirror. I was in love with Pavel some time ago and then learned he was a married man. I prepared to leave him but found out I was pregnant. He promised to divorce his wife and that we would have a life together, get married, and raise a family. But he backed out, telling me it would damage his career if he left his current wife and children. I was afraid and had an abortion. The operation was difficult and left me unable to conceive any more children,” the woman explained, her eyes starting to well up with an obvious painful sadness.

“Pavel Kuznetsov is an evil man who knows nothing of love but only sees young women as trophies to be won and paraded around with. He would not hesitate to do the same to any other, and right now, Irina, he has his sights on you.”

Irina listened intently, herself saddened by this Calina’s story, and realizing no matter how tragic her own life’s saga had been, there would always be someone who had it worse. “Calina, it is not my business, but how do you still work there, around that,…that monster?”

“My parents know nothing of my abortion and Pavel Kuznetsov would care less in telling them. He holds that over me. And I have to work to support myself.”

The two young women embraced each other warmly while both came to tears.

“We did almost meet before, Calina,” Irina stated emotionally. “It was at a company Christmas party two years ago. You were with Colonel Kuznetsov there. I am sorry.”

“Yes, I remember,” Calina responded solemnly. “Please do not have pity on me, Irina. If I didn’t work at the Oblast security office, I would not be able to help women like you. That is my reward.”

“I don’t know how to thank you, Calina. I hope you find happiness in your life, somewhere.”

“No man wants to marry a woman who cannot have children, Irina,” Calina replied, as she rose and strolled toward the side of the building and out to the street.

Irina sat motionless as she watched the brave young woman walk away. I have an idea! She got up from the bench quickly and ran swiftly to catch up with the SSU girl, speeding around the corner of the building, just as Calina entered the awaiting car and closed the door.

An official vehicle from the SSU? Oh my god, Calina! Kuznetsov will know you have been here!

Her terrified look changed quickly to an optimistic bewilderment as she watched the black Mercedes pull away from the curb and make a sharp U-turn before heading back in the other direction and passing right in front of her. Not easily recognized through the bulletproof and tinted window, the driver rolled it down and appeared to give Irina a friendly wave,…a slightly built man for one serving in the SSU,…and wearing a goatee!

“There will be a man who would love you someday, Calina!” Irina yelled out, oblivious to any listening neighbors or bystanders.

She stood by the curb as she watched the black sedan motor off into the distance, a sadness overcoming her as she felt the irony of getting such support from this unlikely of sources, “I even know a man like that,” Irina spoke silently to herself, becoming misty-eyed again.

***

Tired from the layover in Chicago, John settled in for the long trans-Atlantic flight to London, attempting to settle back in the cramped coach section and get a bit of catch-up sleep following the standard fare airline dinner. He would arrive at Heathrow at 7:00 AM local time and would be thankful for the lengthy layover, as getting routed to connecting flights at the large and aged airport was very challenging, especially for infrequent international travelers.

Per habit, John sought out an internet access source at the main terminal to check his emails, prudent in handling agenda items in his business and hopeful that something from Irina would be there, a wish not forthcoming.

John boarded and got seated on the connecting Ukrainian International flight, having a tentative plan in place on what was going to happen in the next couple days, as he felt the need to do something and face this crisis head-on, and avoiding any thoughts of possible failure.

Had he received some sort of communication while still in London, either by email or voicemail, that Irina was cancelling their engagement, he had resigned himself to cut his losses, halt travel on the spot, and return home, even as difficult as that would be. As there was nothing, the UIA Boeing 737 flew eastward over Europe while he still held out hope that a live visit could resolve whatever had come up.

Landing again at Boryspil International in Kiev, John completed the now routine formality of passing through Ukrainian Customs and Immigration and then approached the domestic flight ticket counter where, lo and behold, the same two female agents awaited, smiling at him as though it was only yesterday. There is that supervisor! Like I haven’t seen her before.

As if John had a reservation, the supervisor waved him over to an unoccupied terminal, smiling at him as she logged in and powered up the idle system.

“I feel like I know you from somewhere, Nastya,” John stated, reading her nametag.

She looked up, again smiling. “Do you fly in Ukraine regularly, Mr. Masters?” she asked as she glanced at his passport and credit card.

“Well no, but?”

“I am afraid the last shuttle flight to Kharkov has been cancelled. The aircraft has some sort of mechanical problems,” Nastya stated, still smiling.

Mechanical problems? Didn’t ground that museum piece before!… “Okay, well when does the next… Wait a minute. How did you know I was planning to fly to Kharkov from here?”

Not changing an expression, she replied, “I see you in the system. Your last ticket was purchased for travel to Kharkov. That was back in”…

“Yes, yes, that’s okay. I know when it was.” Your system also shows I bought a ticket to Odessa once and wanted a second ticket… Oh well.

“May I suggest a car rental. The agencies are right down the hall, and it may be difficult for you to rent a car in Kharkov, and actually more expensive.”

A car rental? Not very good sales people, these agents. “Very well, I’ll head to the car rental counters. Will you be the agent there, too?”

“Excuse me, Sir? I do not understand.”

“Never mind,” John replied, smiling off handedly as he gathered his passport and credit card before walking away.

Not resisting a final glance, he turned around. I know that face…

Already preparing to assist the next flyer, the ticket agent supervisor looked up toward John…and smiled.

***

Irina hadn’t slept a wink as she now had the burden of this seemingly never-ending SSU investigation to add to the emotional trauma regarding John. Still feeling tremendously guilty over cutting off communications with him, she decided to proceed in sending him the message she had written out early the day before. Thinking herself strong enough to finally send it, she began to feel awfully weak afterward and began to tear up, yet again.

She picked up the gray cat, one that Dimitri had given her earlier. The pet was fat and ugly as cats go, but she had gradually gotten attached to it, enjoying the sound of the purring as she stroked its fur.

You’re supposed to have nine lives… I wonder how many I get?

Suddenly she heard a knock at the door. Not a subtle, polite knock, but three hard knocks seconds apart. Opening the door, she faced the last person she ever wished to see, Colonel Pavel Kuznetsov.

Displaying perfectly white dentures that only served to accent a devious smile, he began, “Irina Viktorivna Balabanova, how pleasant to see you again.”

Attempting to hide her contempt, more out of fear than respect, she replied, “Colonel, how may I help you?”

The arrogant SSU official walked in and past her without an invite, looking around as he stood in the foyer. “Dimitri is not home, yet?” he asked, as if a formality.

“No,” Irina replied. She suspected Kuznetsov knew exactly where her tenant was.

“How old is this building?” The colonel asked, looking around as if to imply her apartment was subpar. He continued to stroll from room to room, much to Irina’s exasperation.

“I believe it was built in the 1960s. What can I do for you, Colonel?”

“I spoke to Arkady Petrov just the other day. He informed me that you wanted your old job back,” the colonel commented with a feigned expression of concern. “But he had already hired someone. A great pity, Irina. You were very good in your position there.”

What an arrogant ass! You know very well why I cannot get my old job back! “I knew the business.”

“It must be very difficult for a young single woman to support herself, no?”

“I will find a way,” she answered, now extremely uncomfortable and wishing the sinister Kuznetsov would leave.

“You are quite versed in security affairs, a talent we could use in the SSU Oblast office, Irina.”

“The Oblast has my application, from years ago,” she replied, trying to say anything to conclude the conversation and unpleasant incursion by this pompous official.

“Should you decide to move to Kharkov and work for me, I could arrange a modern apartment for you, paid for by the agency, of course,” Kuznetsov offered, believing such an offer could not be refused, considering the young woman’s current financial predicament.

“I will think about it, Colonel,” she repeated, almost shocked this wicked man could behave so casually after their earlier restaurant encounter, even if it was months ago.

“How much does Dimitri pay you in rent every month, Irina?”

“He pays me six hundred hryvnias per month,” she replied, continuously irritated at dealing with questions she was quite certain this SSU man knew the answers to.

“Six hundred hryvnias… That is about a week’s pay for you, correct?”

“Yes, Colonel. It was.”

“It was…it was,” Kuznetsov repeated as he continued to snoop around the apartment, very much to her displeasure. “You know, Dimitri may very well be suspended from his position at Petrov’s company, pending the results of the investigation on his security clearance. In fact, you yourself may have difficulty finding employment for the same reason…Hard times we live in nowadays, very hard times, Irina. But you know a man in my position”…

“I wish you to leave, Colonel!”

“You wish me to leave?… You wish me to leave?! Let me tell you something, Irina Viktorivna Balabanova! You will never leave this nation with your American lover! I have made certain of that! I know you! I know you better than you know yourself. You will give me what I want. Women always do!”

“Get out! Get out or I’ll scream!”

Irina, now terrified and backed into the kitchen, struggled as Kuznetsov placed his left hand around her neck while tearing at the top of her blouse with the right. Fearing the worst, she spied her collection of cooking knives out of the corner of her eye, arranged on a hanger below the cupboard. She was a split second from grabbing one when yet another sudden hard knock was heard at her front door. The two froze just for a few seconds when the hard knock continued.

“Open up! This is an emergency! Open or we will have to break in!”

The voice was loud and authoritative. Kuznetsov released her as she ran for the door, opening it as fast as she could turn locks and knobs. Two uniformed men walked in, carrying a myriad of tools and small tanks. Seeing the young woman in a state of distress, the older of the two inquired, “Is everything all right here, Miss?”

Kuznetsov stepped in front of her and stood erect. “What is your business here?!” he demanded, staring back at Irina sternly as if to command that she remain silent.

“Sorry for the interruption. We are from the gas company and there has been a serious and very dangerous gas leak detected somewhere in this building. We have been ordered to have all occupants assemble outside in the courtyard until we isolate and repair the problem.”

The still angry and excited colonel shot past the three of them and out the door, moving rapidly while shoving people out of his way who were exiting their own apartments, eventually stomping his way out of the building to his awaiting staff car and drove off.

Irina marched down with the other apartment owners and tenants to the courtyard, extremely thankful for the timing and trying to recall if they had ever had such a drill in the building before. Thirty minutes later, the two servicemen in gas company uniforms walked out, announcing to the crowd it was safe to return to their apartments.

Irina overheard one tenant ask if they had found the problem and the youngest and largest of the two replied, “Yes, just some loose pipe connections in the basement.”

Still in process of lowering her heartbeat, she engaged in some small talk with the two, along with a few of her neighbors, as they gathered their tools and supplies preparing to leave. She asked the older one just how long he had worked for the gas company.

“Just long enough, I believe,” he answered, smiling, before downing a huge gulp of cold water, kindly given to each of them by an elderly tenant. He then made an amusing display of using the lower part of his shirt to wipe the dripping water off his beard, a goatee.

***

John left the airport in his rental vehicle, a Renault Logan sedan, not clear on the overall rate he would pay for a few days but certain it would be too much if he had to extend the time on it. No sooner than he pulled out and onto the E40 Expressway, he noticed the fuel tank was down to less than a quarter tank, so he motored into a gas station just off the four-lane highway to fill up. The weather was warm but rainy, so he chose to check under the hood where he found a near-empty windshield washer tank. Walking inside, he purchased a gallon of the cleaner and topped off the small reservoir, which held just less than half of it, thus he sat the remaining half-full plastic jug on the back seat.

Left over from the former Soviet days were traffic checkpoints, something many foreigners were not accustomed to. Aside from speeding and responding to accidents, Ukrainian police would be posted every 150 kilometers, less than one hundred miles, to halt motorists and check everything from car registrations to passports (Ukrainians had to carry internal passports) to narcotics to open onboard liquor.

John’s first encounter occurred approximately a third of the way toward Kharkov and went smoothly. The officer checked his documents, reached in the car and sniffed around a bit, and happily waved John on his merry way.

The second stop was unnerving. That officer followed the same routine but asked John to step out of the vehicle, and began to go through all of the contents, including his travel belongings. John’s lack of the local language didn’t meet with any reprieve as the officer began barking numerous questions that John couldn’t comprehend. When the policeman got on his radio and began to chatter to someone, John thought he was in big trouble. The two stood side by side, leaning up against the front left fender of the Renault for what seemed like an eternity, when a second police vehicle drove up and parked right behind them, as John wished he had more hryvnias in his pocket right then. Another officer got out and the two talked for a just a few minutes prior to the second officer, who spoke a bit of English, approached John.

“You have vodka? Liquor?”

Making certain he understood clearly, John made some signs of a man drinking, then pointed to himself, and said, “No.”

The officer then began to check in the car again and pulled out the half-full jug of washer fluid. He took the cap off and took a whiff of the strong-smelling chemical, quickly grunted to himself, then promptly resecured it, and placed it back on the rear seat.

The two officers made a point of then chatting away from John, an act he thought of as folly because he would little understand what they were talking about anyway. The second officer then chose to revisit John’s documents, strolled back to hand them back over, and stood away from the car to wave the “tourist” onward as John’s heartbeat started to finally subside a bit.

He slowly pulled away, thinking he would hesitate to use the wiper washers again.

He must have smelled it on the outside… Who said this renting a car was a good idea?

***

John had come better prepared this trip, at least partially, as he had picked up a prepaid phone at the airport in Kiev and proceeded to call over to the Belanov Agency. They agreed that Sergei would arrange for an apartment as before and that he meet John early the following morning, planning on a day as a hired interpreter. It was well past midnight when John got into Kharkov and arrived at the reserved apartment in the same building as before.

Treating with the same security guy at the check-in kiosk, John was remembered and happily handed his key to his apartment, this time on the third floor. The place was laid out identical to the previous apartment with an entry foyer, closet and bathroom off the hallway, a parlor, a kitchen, and a bedroom. The rental was parked out on the street and locked, well it had insurance plus John had paid extra for the deductible.

He unpacked his bags and went to the kitchen, wondering if the plug-in devices here would have the same electrical problems and decided not to chance it. Strolling to the parlor, the old sofa was of different colored material but eerily the same and very uncomfortable to sleep on, he was certain. In the back of John’s mind, he would consider it a godsend if Irina would have need to stay here and the old couch would come into play as a point of conversation again.

The place was bringing back memories as John opened his laptop, connected to the apartment’s internet, and logged in to his email, seeing he had a response from Irina for the first time in over three weeks. Reading its content, John felt crushed.

Issues with her family? Police investigation? Irina?

After spending what seemed like hours wearing out the tired old carpet, John went to the bedroom and laid down, hoping to get a bit of sleep, thinking and hoping tomorrow would be a better day. Sleep was hopeless as his mind raced a hundred miles per hour.

Will I be able to find her? If so, what if things go badly? What could I do, anyway? I’m no lawyer, and even if I was, what good would that do me here?

John looked at his prepaid phone, hoping it would ring and Irina would be calling him, but then reminding himself how foolish the thought as she wouldn’t know the disposable phone’s number anyway. He thought numerous times about calling her but the shear idea of getting shut down over the phone had him spooked. No, I’m going to face this music head-on, and then let the cards fall where they may.

***

Irina had just left the family home for her apartment after spending most of the afternoon. She announced to them that she had broken off her relationship with the American and now her mother worried less about Mikhail going on a rampage against Pavel Kuznetsov. Irina had decided against telling them about the altercation with the colonel at the apartment earlier, knowing that would just feed the fire.

Nadine was now concerned about her oldest daughter and wished the girl had just stayed over for dinner and perhaps even a few days. She knew the cottage was a bit crowded since Alika was married and Misha had moved in, not to mention both Nadine and Alika knowing that Irina tired of her brother-in-law’s subtle but ongoing hints about hooking her up with his pal, Kolya.

The family had all seen the pain Irina went through a year ago when Daryle had left her, knew of all the sad loneliness through all those months until the weeks just before Christmas. Something had happened. She had met another guy, another American, and then saw that sparkle again in Irina’s beautiful big brown eyes.

But why did she hide it from us? Nadine pondered. Was it just the pain from her past? Or was it something else?

***

Irina entered the apartment just past seven, hearing a stir in the kitchen and knowing Dimitri must already be in for the evening.

“Irina, is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me.” Who else would it be?

“I have some borscht on the stove. You are more than welcome to have some with me,” Dimitri asked loudly, assuming she was in her bedroom with the door closed. “Have you found another job, yet?”

Irina suddenly appeared in the kitchen doorway showing little effort to hide her disdain. “No, and I need to make sure you pay your rent on time next week.”

“How have you been, Irina?… I mean you seem kind of down these past few weeks.”

“Why don’t you tell me, since you have been spying on me?!”

“Irina, I know you are upset with the job thing. But don’t get paranoid on me,” Dimitri responded nervously.

“You are dumber than you look, Dimitri. It was you that snooped through my phone the other day. You should have at least been smart enough to plug it back in. My calls! My emails!… Colonel Kuznetsov was here! He is the reason I cannot get a job and guess what else. Did you know he may have you suspended from your job? He’ll do that because then you will not be able to pay me rent! You think being a rat and backstabbing me would play favor with a man like him? You are such a fool, Dimitri!”

He stood stunned in the kitchen momentarily and unable to speak. Now in panic mode, Dimitri replied, “Irina, think this through. I heard from over at the SSU office that Colonel Kuznetsov plans to get rid of his main staff assistant to make room and hire you, and at double what Arkady was paying. If you take that job, we’ll both be in the clear.”

Irina could not believe her ears. “Dimitri, you disgust me! You are nothing but Colonel Kuznetsov’s lap boy! By the first of the month, I want you out of here. You hear me? I want you gone and never want to see your sorry butt here again—ever!”

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Miracle From Ukraine by James Herbert Harrison appeared first on Joelbooks.

A Missionary Family Discovers The Essentials Of How Jesus Made Disciples Who Made Disciples

Ian and his family's goal is to help others to hear the voice of God and encourage them to take action on what He is calling them to do!

In the greater church-community the word discipleship is not uncommon by any means. For a new believer it, could be one of the first things they hear. Maybe they hear something like, ‘Well now you need to plug into a church and get discipled.’ What can be uncommon is finding many believers in the global church consistently multiplying disciples. Why isn’t the discipleship process multiplying through-out the greater church the way we see in the gospels and the book of Acts? Jesus was the greatest model in history of true discipleship multiplication. He started the process with himself by answering the Father’s call on his own life. Then he found and invited a few to come with him, built deep relationship and trust with them, began a small movement that rapidly grew into the greatest movement ever recorded, and finally left an incredible map for us to continue the work to the ends of the world!

In Making Disciples and Leading Others To Make Them author Ian Kristofer dives into this on-going global church challenge in a unique and personal way. With eight years of experience living among an unreached oral-only community in South-East Africa Ian shares the essentials he has learned from Jesus on how to continue the discipleship map Jesus started, and how it is creating a small movement through-out the country. What makes this book unique is that since February 2015 Ian and his family are still currently serving in the country full time and daily continuing to apply these strategies. These essentials can be used anywhere, with anybody!

You will experience:

• essential and biblical guides to multiplying disciples
• real-life stories from their groups and process
• practical guides and exercises that lead to results for you to practice

Jesus called every follower of him to go make disciples. He didn’t exclude anyone in his process! After reading this book Ian believes you will find the courage and faith to say, ‘if a normal guy like him can do it, so can I.” And Christ himself will be with you always, even to the end of the age!

Amazon   Author's Amazon Page

Excerpt from Making Disciples And Leading Others To Make Them © Copyright 2023 Ian Kristofer Gennari

Introduction (Part)

I’m writing these words from a small town in Northern Mozambique while attending a provincial team meeting with all of our teams from different locations to end the year. We have been discussing the fear of the Lord and the love of God and how we apply these principles in our lives and ministries. My family has been doing this for the last seven years. During this time, we have been missionaries and strangers in this wonderful, beautiful, and let me add, challenging land that is not our own. Early in 2015, God called my wife and three boys individually to reach out to the unreached people of Mozambique. Thereafter, they corporately agreed to follow God’s call. I am specifically mentioning that God spoke to my kids because they played a very important role on the road to discipleship on which God was about to take our family. We have taught our children from a very young age to get to know and listen to God’s voice. We saw firsthand how God invited them into their own calling within our calling. We believe that just like God invited our boys into their calling, discipleship also begins with an invitation. But more on that in Chapter 1.

March 2023, will mark eight years of us living in Mozambique but this process actually started around the middle of 2016. So, in 2015 we moved overseas full-time. We spent the first two years in the central part of Mozambique on a small base right in the middle of a few villages. For the past six years, we lived in the Northern part of the country. Just as we started getting comfortable and seeing fruit, God called us out of our comfort zones to “go forth” similar to how He had called His disciples to go out. In this process, He tested our faith, obedience, and willingness to go out and follow His instructions. We were willing, so we followed and obeyed. God granted us more and more authority as we walked the road that He carved out for us.

All of the stories shared in this book are true unless other‐ wise stated. Due to cultural sensitivity and to protect the privacy of the saints mentioned, we have changed their names. We have seen exponential growth over the past two and a half years and will never truly know how much multi‐ plication has taken place.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Making Disciples And Leading Others To Make Them by Ian Kristofer Gennari appeared first on Joelbooks.