Whom Shall I Fear?
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

This is the definition of the word FEAR found in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary; FEAR verb\'fir\ : to be afraid of (something or someone) : to expect or worry about (something bad or unpleasant): to be afraid and worried. FEAR noun : an unpleasant emotion caused by being aware of danger : a feeling of being afraid: a feeling of respect and wonder for something very powerful.

Fear; a tiny four letter word that packs a powerful punch; it's an emotion we have all known since the day we were born. Did you know that fear is part of our sinful-Adam nature and NOT something that GOD wants for our lives? 2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. If we let satan instill fear in our lives he will use it to drive out the love of GOD and to torment us. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

If Carlton and I had given in to the fear that satan tried to spew over our lives, neither one of us would be living in the favor GOD has for us. Does satan try to make me afraid and bring all kinds of "what-ifs" to my mind? Of course he does but do I dwell on them? NO, absolutely not! A few weeks ago, I was praising GOD for all He has done for us since June, when these thoughts came to mind;
when the Children of Israel were at the Red Sea and they thought that Pharaoh was coming to take them back to Egypt they were shaking in their tracks. Even when GOD rolled back the waters and made a dry path for them to walk through I am sure there were ones that could only focus on the fact that Pharaoh was hot on their heels and there was a huge wall of water surrounding them; they couldn't see the miracle GOD was performing or the salvation that awaited them on the other side. Even after Moses told them "...Fear ye not,stand still,and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever." Exodus 14:13, I'm sure some were still blinded by their dire circumstances.

This is exactly what satan wants us to do; focus on the circumstances that surround us and not focus on the way of escape that our Great and Mighty GOD has made for us. I have made up my mind that I serve a powerful GOD that is fully in charge of my life and there is absolutely no place in my life for fear. If we give place to fear we take our lives out of GOD's hands and it's like a slap to His face. Personally I want to know that GOD is taking care of me because He has seen every aspect of my life even before I was born and He definitely has my best interest at heart!

The only part of the definition of fear I want to work in my life is "a feeling of respect and wonder for something very powerful" which is a fear of my Heavenly Father...JEHOVAH JIREH my Provider, and JEHOVAH RAPHA, my healer!

Here are some scriptures that deal with fear. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage , fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear : what can man do unto me?

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed ; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry , Abba, Father.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have : for he hath said , I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say , The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

1 Peter 3:13-14 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled ;
~TSM~

Update on Carlton
This past week has been a roller-coaster of emotions in the Mathews' household. We went to Charleston knowing Carlton was going to have a stem cell transplant in a few days. When we got there he had blood work and a bone marrow biopsy. He signed release after release, each sounding more ominous than the previous one. There were so many things that could go wrong but in the end If all went going to plan Carlton would be in remission and cancer free for at least 2-3 years, GOD willing even longer.

During the middle of the hubbub I asked the Nurse what his numbers were and when she looked them up we were all shocked to know they had risen over 300 points in a little over two weeks. After getting his bone marrow results back it was decided the transplant had to be postponed.

The question WHY kept coming to my mind. The answer from the Lord has been more than abundantly clear...it wasn't the right time. Scripture after Scripture has been brought to my attention, to remind us that GOD hasn't forgotten what we are going through. I want you all to know we are NOT giving up on Carlton's Divine Healing...We have given this to GOD to perform a miracle in HIS time! It may be through the use of this new chemo he started last week. It may be by another way that we haven't even thought about; either way I am STANDING FIRM on all the Scripture He has brought to my mind, and the peace that only HE can give!! Thank you once again for all the support and prayers that I know are going up for Carlton.
 ~~TSM~~

Teresa Mathews Reviews So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

So Fair a Lady (Daughters of His Kingdom)

by Amber Lynn Perry

Liberty Publishing (April 14, 2014)

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Star*****

In this Amber Lynn Perry's debut novel we are taken back in time to when our countrymen were yearning for the freedom they thought they were going to achieve when they left England far behind. The year is 1773 and things in Massachusetts are heating up; there is unrest and murmuring among the Colonists. There are even those who would dare to speak against the Crown; brave men who call themselves the Sons of Liberty.

Eliza Campbell didn't realize how much life was going to change for her and her sister Kitty with her father Robert's deathbed confession of his secret life. Wasn't it enough that he was going to die? Why does she now have to carry the burden of knowing her beloved father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty? Maybe when her handsome beau, British Officer Samuel Martin, comes to visit he can help her figure out what to do.

Thomas Watson is tired of being blackmailed and his family threatened by British Officer Samuel Martin. He is hoping soon to be done with all this spying on the people he has come to respect as true patriots; the Sons of  Liberty. Will this last piece of information be enough to send them on a chase in the wrong direction? Almost too late he realizes what the soldiers' real intent is and he rushes to rescue Eliza and Kitty Campbell. Arriving only minutes before the soldiers, Thomas is able to convince the girls they have to flee for their lives.

When Officer Samuel Martin realizes Eliza and Kitty are missing, he searches frantically to find them. He is determined to have Eliza for his wife. When they meet again will she find out what kind of man Samuel really is before it's too late? Or will Thomas win Eliza's heart before Samuel finds them?

Amber Perry has written a truly amazing story; one filled with exciting tidbits of American history. I was drawn in from the very beginning and things got more exciting from there! I immediately fell in love with Thomas and Eliza. I also enjoyed the friendship between Nathaniel, Thomas' friend and Kitty. I am very eager to see what comes next from the pen of this talented writer, perhaps a story featuring those two!! Thank you Amber for an extremely enjoyable read!

You can purchase this great book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and BAM

GIVEAWAY: OWG is giving away a copy of this wonderful book and Amber is also giving away one signed copy! 

Teresa S. Mathews reviews The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

The Living Water Series Book Two

Howard Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again Stephanie Landsem takes us on a journey back to Biblical times. Opening page finds us in the crowded streets of Jerusalem, where we are following along with the infamous Mouse, a young thief who is known for his speed and agility. His partner an older Greek man named Dismas has taught Mouse well; to anyone seeing Mouse they would think him just a poor, dirty, hungry boy wandering the streets. No one would ever guess Mouse's true identity.

Mouse is almost caught stealing by a fierce red-haired Centurion named Longinus. Thankfully Dismas came back to help Mouse escape or he would have been scourged or maybe worse. Now Mouse has to watch his every step because Longinus is determined to catch the thieves and Diamas has warned Mouse he won't come back again to rescue him because Mouse it not worth dying for.

Nissa, a young Jewish girl has been abused her whole life by her father, a lazy gambler and her mother, a drunk. She learned early on she is a plain, worthless girl that no one will ever want to marry.  The only person in the world that Nissa knows loves her is her blind older brother Cedron. When their father gambles away their rent money, Nissa knows she has to take up his slack so they won't starve or be thrown in the street. So with the help of Mouse she provides for her family.

When rumors are spread about a man named Jesus healing people Cedron begs Nissa to take him to meet this healer. To Nissa's joy and amazement Jesus heals Cedron but that joy is crushed when the Sanhedrin bar Cedron from ever coming to the Temple again when he gives Jesus praise for his healing. The last straw was when their parents banish them from their house. With no money and nowhere to go will Nissa be able to get help from Mouse once again or will they be caught by the dreaded Centurion?

What an incredible story this is! From the minute I read the blurb on the back I knew I was hooked. It was so incredible to be drawn into a time when Jesus walked the earth, Stephanie did a superb job describing the different things that led up to the time of Jesus' crucifixion. I don't want to give anything away but I will tell you I had tears streaming down my face at the powerful descriptions Stephanie used to portray Jesus' prayer in the Garden and then his crucifixion. Thank you Stephanie for this moving story, and I can't wait for The Tomb to come out next year! 

You can find this book at Amazon, Christian Book, Barnes and Noble and your local bookstore.

Giveaway:  We are giving away one copy of this great book this week, winner's choice of paperback or ebook. International Winner ebook only. To enter the giveaway please like Stephanie's Facebook Author Page and tell us you did in your comment. Don't forget your email address so we can contact you if you are our winner!

Teresa Mathews' Review Of 'Dark Justice' By Brandilyn Collins

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

B & H Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

***Now I know why it's called Seatbelt Suspense***

Since I was first introduced to Brandilyn Collins’ books I have been hooked. So when I found out I had missed this one back in November I was beyond upset and I knew I had to read it ASAP! I am so glad I DID, what a spine-chilling story filled with so many twists and turns you may find yourself holding onto the edge of your seat!

Hannah Shire is a very dutiful daughter taking care of an elderly mother with dementia; she longs for the days when her husband was alive and her mother was well. Wanting to help her mom hold on the present, she takes her to the coast for a weekend getaway. On the return trip she decides on a whim to take the beautiful scenic route home. What a mistake that would be!

Not far into the drive Hannah’s mom calls to her attention an overturned car by the roadside, wanting to be of help, Hannah stops. Finding an elderly man lying a few feet from the car Hannah checks to see if he is ok, concerned when he appears to have difficulty breathing she calls 9-11. While waiting on help to arrive the man uses all of his strength to utter a few words to Hannah and her mom. What he begs them to do and what he secretly slips into Hannah’s pocket will forever change the course of their lives!

Despite being questioned at the scene by the police Hannah doesn't divulge what the man said to her and she is released to go home, once there she discovers a flash drive in her coat pocket. The information she finds on that flash drive doesn't make a lot of sense to her so she calls her daughter to ask her to watch it. What she discovers will have them both terrified and running for their lives not knowing who they can trust to help them!                                                             

Brandilyn Collins has once again created a suspense so consuming I found myself torn between reading it in one setting or stopping to get a few hours sleep. Without giving anything away let me say this plot could very well happen here in the US and that made it that much more terrorizing to me!! Thank you Brandilyn for a most enjoyable although heart-stopping read!!

Bibliotherapy: Brandilyn did a wonderful job describing the effect dementia had on Hannah’s mom. I too have a mom that has dementia and it is very heart-rending to witness your loved one lose their grip on reality.

***Thanks to Net Galley and B & H Publishing for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion!*** 

QUESTION:  Do you know Brandilyn's Tag Line?  Hint: If you "LIKE" her Author's Facebook Page you will find it. Make sure to let me know in your comments.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away one copy of this wonderful book, if you can find the answer to the question please put it in your comment! Don't forget to leave your email so we can contact you if you are our lucky winner! International winners e-book only!!  

Teresa S Mathews Reviews Julie Lessman's Dare to Love Again

Dare to Love Again 
by Julie Lessman

Revell Publishing 2014

Reviewed by Teresa S Mathews

5 Stars*****

Another Romantic Masterpiece by The Queen of Romance!

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In this book two of The Heart of San Francisco series Julie Lessman takes us on an exciting topsy-turvy adventure that mirrors the ups and downs of a cable car ride on those infamous San Fran hills.

Allison McClare, the beautiful and feisty oldest daughter of Caitlyn McClare is ready to put her broken heart behind her and spread her wings in this new chapter of her life. She is determined to be the best teacher possible to the dear underprivileged girls that are going to attend the new school her mother is opening on the Barbary Coast. Even though she was born into a life of riches, Allison has a servant's heart and wants to see these girls have a better life than the debauchery most have been exposed to. Her plan is going well until a handsome, ornery Detective shows up in her classroom, smelling of Bay Rum and animal crackers!!

Nick Barone, (long E) is a hardworking, ill- tempered Detective that hides a big heart underneath that gruff exterior. Nick has had his fill of spoiled little rich girls so he knows to keep his distance from Allison McClare. But all it takes is just one look into Allison McClare's eyes to know she is going to be hard to run from.

Allison will not be duped by a man again; Nick will not lose his heart to a "Snob"-Hill rich girl; but what happens between these two people that are carrying around hidden hurts will have you on the brink of tears one moment and laughing out loud the next. And in true Julie fashion she will have you mumbling under your breath wanting to shake some sense into at least one or two of the characters! Oh Wait...maybe that only happens to me!!  :-)

Julie Lessman is truly the Queen of Romance! She knows how to insert just the right amount of tension into a scene so that you are pulled in so far you will find yourself falling in love right along with the heroine. What rapture! What ecstasy! This story has it all! Julie has certainly left her mark on my heart with this story, and it wasn't just Allison and Nick's story either, it seems Caitlyn now has TWO men that want to catch her attention. Thanks Julie for giving me another sweet family to fall in love with!!

You may  purchase this book at Amazon, CBD, and BAM and your local bookstores.

QUESTION: To be entered in the drawing go to Julie's Facebook Author Page and "Like It" if you haven't already. Now just for fun let's see how many of you can tell me Julie's Tagline? I'll even make it easier, just fill in the missing word; _______With a Purpose! HINT: This is something ALL of Julie's books are filled with! Wink!! Wink!!

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away three books of this treasure, one gently used paperback, one new paperback and an e-book copy. E-book copy only to International winners. 

Teresa S Mathews Reviews Love's Awakening

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

Revell Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S Mathews

~5 Stars *****

A year is a long time to wait for something you really, really want but I can tell you when it comes to a Laura Frantz novel it will be well worth the wait! So it was when I opened Love’s Awakening and was transported to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania 1822. There we meet the youngest daughter of Silas and Eden Ballantyne, Elinor “Ellie” Louise. After seeing an ad extolling her monetary value in a bulletin from The Matrimonial Society of Philadelphia; Ellie realizes that four years of finishing school is enough and she heads home. On the trip Ellie is waylaid by a horrific storm that robs her of all of her belongs, including her money and leaves her stranded in a tavern.

Jack Turlock, handsome to a fault and known for his roguish ways, is stopped by the same storm and helps to clear the debris. Afterward he heads to the tavern for some food and to his surprise he spots a much disheveled Ellie Ballantyne hiding in a corner. After speaking with her and realizing her plight Jack buys her something to eat and then offers to see her safely home to New Hope.

When Ellie returns home she finds her parents away on a trip and her brothers and sister are acting strangely, it's as though they don't want her there. There seems to be some mysterious goings on at New Hope. After trying to find something to do with her time she decides to start the Day School for young ladies she has always dreamed about. One of her first students is Chloe Turlock, thirteen year old sister of Jack. Ellie agrees to come to River Hill to teach Chloe, while there she spends enough time with Jack to realize he is not like the rest of the Turlock clan. It doesn't take long for Ellie and Jack to develop feelings for each other, but both know there is little hope for them. He comes from a family that owns slaves and makes whiskey; she comes from an upstanding family who are abolitionists. Will they be able to conquer these insurmountable circumstances? 

Laura Frantz is a storyteller extraordinaire and once again I found myself lost in the wonder of another one of her masterpieces. When you have characters that are so real you feel you know them and you have descriptions that are so in-depth you feel you are there you just don't want to put the book down until the last words have been consumed. This is the way I have felt with every book I have read written by Laura and this one was no different. Last year when I turned the last page in Love's Reckoning I felt as though I couldn't wait for this one, now I feel the same again. Laura I can't wait to see what beauty will again flow from your pen for this coming year, I only hope I have the patience to wait for it!

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

You can find this book and others by Laura at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deeper Shopping and you local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away one copy of an e-book of this fantastic book! Leave a comment and don't forget your EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you should you be the winner!!

Teresa S Mathews Reviews Dance From Deep Within by Dina Sleiman

Dance From Deep Within

by Dina Sleiman

WhiteFire Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S Mathews

~5 Stars*****

In this contemporary Christian novel Dina Sleiman introduces us to three young women who come from three extremely different walks of life. Each one believes their way is the road to happiness, but when their professor assigns a project where they have to learn more about the others beliefs, neither of these women will ever be the same.

Layla Al-Rai, a devout young Muslim woman is excited to finally have the chance to earn her engineering degree. Most Muslim women are not given this much freedom, Layla is very grateful to Allah for this privilege. Layla hopes this assignment will allow her to share more about herself and she in turn will learn more about her two new friends.

Allie Carmichael, a ballerina who decided to come back to school after an eight year stint with a Christian dance company. Allie has been a Christian most of her life; she was raised by strict parents and made to attend a church where it seemed everything she did or longed to do was “sinful” including her dancing. Allie is eager to share her beliefs about the one true God with the intriguing young women she has just met.

Rain Butler-Briggs is a bi-racial upbeat free-spirited hippie. Rain is working on an English degree so she can finish her book detailing all the various places she has been in her life as a child and as a young woman traveling the world with her bohemian boyfriend. Rain was raised with the mentality if it feels good or makes you happy, do it.

Will these three young women find the happiness they long for? Will Allie be able to overcome the dark secrets from her childhood and reconcile with her parents and her ex-fiancé? Will Layla make the right choice and follow her heart or will she remain forever in bondage to her family’s religion? Will Rain be able to have the one thing she most desires or will she have to choose between it and her boyfriend? Will these young ladies find their way to the One who writes the symphony to which their hearts long to dance?

I always look forward to reading Ms. Sleiman’s books and this one was by far my favorite. I found myself rapidly flipping the pages to see what outcome was in store for these three young ladies. Each of these characters will find their way into your heart the more you read about them. Layla’s story was the most touching as she had the most to lose if she followed her heart. I loved the way Ms. Sleiman dealt with each ones challenges; it pulled me into the story and held me there until the last page was turned. The depth with which Ms. Sleiman has written this story makes me know she put her whole heart into it! I was truly blessed to have been able to read it.

Links to purchase:   Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Teresa S Mathews Reviews A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
Bethany House, 2013

Reviewed by Teresa S Mathews
5 stars~*****

Everett Cline thought he needed a wife but after being jilted be a local girl and three mail-order brides, he has given up. He has no desire to go through the humiliation again, no way, no how; until his best friend's wife decides she can do a better job of picking out a wife for him and the stunning Julia Lockwood steps off the train.

Julia has come all the way from Massachusetts running from a father that she feels doesn't love her and a fiancé that has damaged her so badly she may never trust a man again. What possessed her to think she could come to the plains of Kansas to marry a man she doesn't know?

Everett can't understand why a woman as beautiful as Julia would want to marry him; obliviously he has something wrong with him that all those other girls refused him. Julia is terrified that Everett is going to be like her ex-fiancé; surely a handsome man like Everett cannot be trusted! These two tortured souls finally get married but not before Julia makes it clear it will be in name only! How can they make a marriage that will last when neither will even speak to the other?  

This is Ms. Jagears debut novel and what a terrific one it is!! I love the depth she put into the characters, Julia and Everett. On the surface you have two seemingly normal people but the more you learn about them the more you realize the hurts these two carry. I was so drawn into the story I found it hard to put down. I am certainly looking forward to hearing more from this author in the future.  

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***

You can find this at Amazon, Christian Book.com, Deeper Shopping, Barnes & Noble and other outlets.

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GIVEAWAY: We'll be giving away winner's choice of format for the book (ebook only to international winner.)  Also a gently used paperback copy to another winner this week.

*** Please leave your email address for contact purposes! ***