Clop, clop, clop! I walk through the house in my husband’s large slippers. Mine have disappeared. Vanished. Evaporated. We’ve looked everywhere we thought they might be – under the bed, couch, in the closet, bath…so for now, I’m clop, clop, clopping along.

I don’t know about you, but I love to wear slippers at home, rather than shoes. They’re warm, cozy, don’t grip, and are comfortable.

So Don and I laugh when I walk. Today I have shoes on because we drove to our dentist across the Santa Cruz Mountains, and are expecting an electrician any moment. I thought I should look fully dressed.

Then I think of those in Ukraine, in Gaza and Israel, in Iran, who have lost everything. What might they give for a pair of big, floppy, warm slippers?

Exciting News on my Novel, Out of Russia

I have some exciting news! I’ve signed a contract for the publication of my first novel, Out of Russia: A Flight for Faith, Love, and Freedom.

The title may change, but we are so excited to get this book out. As some of you know, it is a cross-continent love story inspired by my father’s family escaping Ukraine (then a part of Russia) in 1929. They fled after church leaders learned my grandfather, a pastor, was on a list for deportation to Siberia. I can’t wait to tell you more about the book as we move forward.

What I’m Reading

As It Was In The Days Of Noah, by Jeff Kinley, is very thought-provoking. We may remember the story of Noah and the Great Flood being told in Sunday school, with felt-board animals (now I’m dating myself). But Matthew 24:37 says there is more to that event than a simple story.

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Scripture paints a dark picture in which the world’s people became so evil God had to destroy them in a global flood. Thousands of years later, Jesus prophesied the same widespread spiritual rebellion would mark the days leading to the end times.

Parallels Between Noah’s Day and Ours

The parallels between Noah’s day and ours are many, including the rise in evil, a surge of immorality, and a host of mockers of God. Think of the man who murdered Charlie Kirk. The churches that have been attacked. Those who have been sued for standing for Christian principles in their workplaces.

But the book also gives real hope for those who choose to follow Christ.

While I haven’t yet finished reading the book, I recommend it if you want insight into the events leading up to end times, as well as a clearer view into God’s extended heart for people to repent. It took Noah and his sons 120 years to build the ark, all the while inviting people to repent and turn to God. Then, when God closed the door of the ark, it was too late.

God Wants a Relationship with Each of Us

That’s why He sent Jesus. Even now, God is giving many chances for people to turn to him in repentance and faith. M*slims have dreams about Jesus. Some preachers talk about the importance of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Missionaries have given their lives to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to many who have never heard His name.

And scripture says one day a trumpet will sound that the whole earth will hear. Jesus will return to take those who have accepted His forgiveness and followed Him back with Him to heaven. I want to be ready!

It’s Evening of a Long Day

So I’ve put Don’s slippers back on and will clop, clop, clop to join him in the family room for the evening. I appreciate each of you who reads my blog posts, and pray they bring, not fear, but hope.

There’s an old hymn that says,

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found:
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
Faultlesss to stand before the throne.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

—Romans 15:13

Where is your hope?

Please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.