Penny Zeller

How to Respond to Difficult People

Posted on April 7, 2026 by pennyzeller

Dealing with difficult people is never fun. Whether it’s in person or by email, text, or phone, knowing how to respond can be a challenge.

James 1:9 tells us to mind our tongues. Easier said than done. All of us can think of a time, perhaps in the not-too-distant past, when we used that small muscular organ to discourage, put down, harm, or dishearten someone. We’ve all done it, and while speaking to another in person presents its own challenges, what about when we need to respond to a distressing email or text? What can we do when that critical, demanding, or hateful correspondence needs a reply?

It’s true that there are those who will test our patience in written form. The uninformed, the unintentional, the cruel, the strife-causers, the discouragers…what is the best way to handle that email?

Ephesians 4:9 reminds us to not allow any harmful or unwholesome speech to escape our lips. To be beneficial with our words so that those words will build others up, rather than tear them down. Not easy to do in person, and certainly not easy to do when we’re typing or texting, especially when we’ve been on the receiving end of something that isn’t encouraging. While we are responsible for every word we say and every word we type, it can, at times, seem that like our tongues, our fingers have minds of their own, the words appearing on the screen before we can give them a second thought.

But that’s one of the things James 1:9 is warning us about. To not be brash. To not be hasty. How, then, can we avoid being quick to anger when we’ve received a letter, email, or text that brings tears to our eyes or raises our hackles? How can we put James 1:9 and Ephesians 4:9 into practice when we’re behind a screen?

Here are seven suggestions.

Ascertain whether or not the email or text truly needs a reply. Pray that God would give you guidance on whether to offer a response. If questions are asked or clarification is needed, then an acknowledgment is necessary. However, sometimes a reply is not required.

Determine whether you’ve taken it out of context. Remember to take into account that it’s always more difficult to express ourselves in written form. When we are speaking in person, we have the benefit of seeing the other person’s face. We can note if they are glowering, rolling their eyes, or sneering at us as they speak the words. We can hear in the tone of their voice whether they are tactful, cautious, thoughtful, angry, or frustrated. We can monitor their body language and discern whether they are attempting to be helpful or are defensive. We don’t have that benefit when it’s in written form. Be sure you’ve interpreted—to the best of your ability—the way it was intended.

Don’t respond immediately. This might be the most difficult of all. It is human nature to take an offense. Yet, striving to be Christlike instructs us to do just the opposite. In Proverbs 19:11, we are not only to be slow to anger, but we are also told it is to our glory to overlook an offense. What if the person sending the text or email wasn’t meaning to be offensive or hurtful? Regardless, taking some time before responding with a knee-jerk reaction is always helpful.

Pray about it. Going our own way is second nature. After all, it’s difficult to give up control of something. But that’s exactly what we should do. Pray that God would give us the guidance to respond in a way that brings Him honor and that doesn’t sever relationships. Pray for just the words to write and that they would be written in His timing. Pray for God’s wisdom in responding. As it states in James 1:5, if we need wisdom, we should ask God for it, as He generously gives it.

Take note of your tone. As mentioned earlier, tone can be difficult to detect in written form. However, we can take note that our words can come across not as harsh or unfeeling, but as professional and kind. Remember the Golden Rule in Luke 6:31, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.“

Wait and re-read it before you send it. Before you hit the reply or send button, put it aside, then return and re-read it. Does it convey what you want it to convey? We aren’t responsible for the recipient taking it out of context, but we are responsible for how we respond.

Ask for a second pair of eyes. Old, tired, weary eyes combined with irritation is never a good thing. Ask a trusted family member or spouse to read it before you send your response.

Pray it is received the way it is intended. Check your heart before finalizing your response, then pray that the recipient will receive it in the manner in which you intend it.

Relationships are never easy, and in this day and age, with so many means of communication, we need to be extra mindful that in all of our actions, whether verbally or in written form, that we are striving to be Christlike.

He is Risen!

Posted on April 5, 2026 by pennyzeller

Today we celebrate Easter…the day that Jesus Christ rose from the grave and gave us hope. Hope for eternal life spent with our Lord forever.

After Jesus was crucified, thankfully, He did not stay dead. He rose again and is alive!

This world is but a pit stop, a blink of an eye, as we journey through on our way to an eternity spent with Him.

As I contemplate what He did for me—the sacrifice He made, my sins He took upon Himself, I am beyond humbled. Thank You, Jesus, for what You did for me. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me (Romans 5:8). May I humbly remember Your sacrifice every day of the year, not just the one day marked on the calendar.

Do you know Jesus and the hope His death and resurrection brings?

From our family to yours, Happy Resurrection Sunday!

ACFW new releases

ACFW March New Releases

Posted on March 26, 2026 by pennyzeller

Sharing these awesome books before March is over. I honestly can’t believe it’s already almost April! So excited to be included on this list this month with Unexpected Target.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:
Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne — Lida Mae Beiler and Tom Fisher, both feeling betrayed by their parents, find healing, acceptance and forgiveness, while forging a future together. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:
The Case of the Duct Tape Disaster by Becca Wierwille — A mess of duct tape. A missing dress. Can Scout and Barnaby bring the dress destroyer to justice? Along with her trusty canine sidekick, Barnaby, Scout is determined to crack the case—before the Camp Gala begins and the culprit gets away with it. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:
Fairest Inn All by Amy R. Anguish — Kari White never planned to rescue a historic inn—or risk her carefully guarded heart. Summoned to coastal Georgia by seven uncles she barely knows, Kari arrives with one goal: fix the failing Apple Inn and leave before old wounds or deeper feelings can surface. But with an aggressive developer closing in, deadlines looming, and the inn’s future hanging in the balance, walking away may cost more than she’s prepared to lose. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

A Father’s Promise by Sandra Ardoin — Nothing has changed for him, but everything has changed between them. Years ago, Paige Matthews left Hidden Veil to escape her love for Sutton Vance and their opposing visions for the future. Now, struggling to relate to her adopted children, she returns to her hometown with the keys to the house she and Sutton always imagined would be theirs. But nothing in life has turned out as Paige expected. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Rancher’s Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin — Coming home isn’t easy for cowboy Zane Kingsley—but he’s eager to earn back the trust of the woman he never stopped loving. Single mom Molly Jacobs is still grieving the husband she lost six years ago, and the last person she wants to see is the man she blames for his death. When they’re forced to work together at a summer riding program for kids, Molly can’t help but notice the growing bond between Zane and her young son. Can Zane convince her that he’s a changed man and that he’s worthy of her forgiveness…and her love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Police Chief’s Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus — Tumbleweed police chief Daniel Montgomery never understood why Emily Kent walked away from him back when they were high school sweethearts. But when tragedy makes them co-guardians of their siblings’ twin daughters, Emily and Daniel find themselves together again after years apart, facing the unexpected challenges of parenthood. As buried feelings rise to the surface, the spark between them becomes impossible to ignore. With old hurts and past secrets between them, will they ever get a chance at their long-awaited happily-ever-after? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan L. Tuttle — Brooke Sumner has been carefully avoiding Storm Whitlock ever since he betrayed her trust. When he also joins Caspar’s mysterious treasure-hunting group, she steps away to focus on her antique shop and keep herself busy rather than work alongside him. Then Caspar invites her back for one final assignment, and Brooke is torn. Returning to Halstead Manor to help the team she’s been a part of find the second half of a key sounds intriguing. It also means this time, she’d be working with Storm. (Contemporary Romance from Kregel Publications)

Cozy Mystery:
One Rotten Apple by Penny Frost McGinnis — Lyndie Lavender expected apple pie and pumpkins, not murder. With her sister and her aunt’s handsome tenant, she sleuths through Seldom Seen to catch a festival killer. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:
A Most Peculiar Providence by Angela Hunt — Joshua Donnelly has lived a careful, orderly life in the old house on Church Street, as his mama taught him. Then, on the coldest night of the year, a newborn baby appears in his care with no explanation and no instructions. Only a prayer answered in the most unexpected way. Heather Thomas arrives in Peculiar carrying her own heartbreak, running from mistakes she cannot undo. When her path crosses Josh’s, the two form a fragile, improbable unit built on kindness, faith, and more hope than sense. (General Contemporary from Hunt Haven Press)

Historical Literary:Chasing the Wind by William Isley — Three young men, James an Epicurean, Freddy an atheist seeking knowledge, and Bart desiring wealth, make a pact in 1972 to meet 25 years later to see how their philosophy of life worked out only to discover that their dreams were not only unfulfilling, but deadly, without God. (Historical Literary, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:
The Blacksmith’s Songbird by Kimberly Burkhardt — Beneath the glow of the gaslight lamps and smoky haze of the Big Blue Saloon, nineteen-year-old Laura Shining feels like a songbird trapped in a cage. She longs for freedom, a life away from the leering eyes of the drunken cowhands and controlling saloon owners. When one of the saloon owner’s simmering jealousy turns violent, Laura must rely on courage, friendship, and the love of a man who has forged his way into her heart, to escape the saloon life. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Eyewiness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti — CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Shetland Sunset by Linda Shenton Matchett — Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war? After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fisherman who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Listen For the Chickadees by Terri Wangard — John Walsh is a skilled aircraft carrier fighter pilot, but on December 7, 1941, he’s shot down over Pearl Harbor by American sailors. Taken to an aid station, he comes face to face with … Gloria Bloch? His friend Daniel’s cousin? She’s all grown up now and a navy nurse. And she’s gorgeous. Gloria’s thrilled to see John. She’s loved him her whole life. As a nurse aboard the USS Serenity, she follows the combat task force across the Pacific. John comes to the Serenity often because he’s frequently wounded. He’s always pleased to see her, but is she more than just a kid from home? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Zenith of Tea by R F Whong — Tomb robber Wang Mijen survived the 1920s with her blade, but her heart remains guarded. When she saves Joseph Cheung, their journey leads from dangerous bandits to a Vancouver teahouse. Can faith and a fight for justice turn a hardened survivor into a woman of hope? (Historical Romance from Vidasym Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:
Unexpected Target by Penny Zeller — What if a random break-in isn’t as random as initially believed? That’s what Oaklee Newbold thinks when a series of forced entries shakes her quiet neighborhood. With seemingly nothing stolen and no obvious motive, the police are stumped. No one is prepared when the perpetrators strike again. Only, this time they aren’t targeting houses—they’re targeting Oaklee. (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Suspense:
Special Target by Jerusha Agen — For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew. (Thriller/Suspense, Independently Published)

Suspense – Police Procedural:

Logan’s Way by Urcelia Teixeira — Logan’s Way is the long-awaited turning point of the Angus Reid Mysteries. What begins as a procedural investigation becomes a dangerous descent into family secrets, small-town corruption, and a system built to quietly erase inconvenient lives. The deeper Angus searches, the higher the cost. Because some truths don’t set you free. This isn’t just another investigation. This is the one that will shake his foundation. (Thriller/Suspense Police Procedural, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats by Kayla E Green — Hadley the Hippo is hungry, and she won’t rest until she finds something to eat. But as she walks through her jungle home, she finds that the snacks in the jungle have an odd effect on her-they change her color! (Children’s Picture Book)

Trading My Way To You by Elle Ann Brown — When a hopeful nurse barters her way toward a new home, the only thing more complicated than the trades is falling for the man she’s not allowed to love. (Contemporary Romance)

Frazzled Moms Play Matchmaker by Stephanie Paige King — Two moms play matchmaker to pair up their cantankerous colleagues only to find out the hard way that love can’t be managed or organized, no matter how hard you try. (General Contemporary)

Sunshine Alley by Gail Kittleson — Sunshine Alley is a sweeping, multi-generational saga set against the historical backdrop of rural Texas, the American home front, and the fractured battlefields of the War in the Pacific. (Historical Romance)

Shadows Over Hotel Grim by Robin Caroll — In the heart of Texarkana at the Texas/Arkansas state line in 1946, the Hotel Grim stands as a beacon of grandeur, but beneath its elegant facade lurks a shadow of fear. The Phantom Murderer, a cunning and elusive serial killer, haunts the areas teenagers like to use as a “lovers’ lane,” preying on unsuspecting victims. (Historical Suspense)

Shield of Fire by A L Evans — When Elizabeth’s supernatural special-ops team joins forces with local law enforcement to dismantle a human trafficking ring, they expect monsters of the mortal kind, but what they uncover is far darker. (Speculative Fiction/Romantic Fantasy)

about my books, about the books

Happy release day to Unexpected Target!

Posted on March 17, 2026 by pennyzeller

Sometimes evil lurks in plain sight…

Oaklee Newbold never imagined her quiet life would be disrupted by a break-in that isn’t as random as it seems. When stalkers and unanticipated enemies begin targeting her every move, she learns the spaces that should be the safest are anything but. Someone sees her as a threat, but she has no idea who…or why. She finds an ally in handsome Detective Grayson Brenneman, who has his own struggles after hastily leaving, then finally returning to his hometown.

Questions mount, and danger intensifies. As it becomes apparent that random acts of crime aren’t as random as initially believed, Oaklee finds herself in a literal fight for survival. When a series of sinister events finds her held in the deadly clutches of evildoers, Grayson races against the clock to find the woman he has grown to love…before it’s too late for everyone involved.

Hidden enemies watching her every move.
Danger lurking in every shadow.
Answers just out of reach.

Snag the ebook here

snag the paperback here

watch the video here

devotionals, Growing in the Lord

5 (more) prayers to pray each morning before you start your day

Posted on March 16, 2026 by pennyzeller

As a follow-up to my previous post, six prayers to pray before you start your day, here are five more prayers to lift to the Lord before beginning a new day.

-1-

Lord, this is a crazy world full of worries that most never expected we’d have. When I’m tempted to allow fears, concerns, and unwelcome distresses and anxieties to enter my mind, please keep guard over my mind and keep my thoughts stayed fully on You.

-2-

Lord, please keep a guard over my mouth. I’m sure I will be tempted to say things I shouldn’t, respond at times in ways contrary to Your Word, or allow pride to exhibit itself through my lips. Guard my tongue today, Lord, and remind me that I represent You.

-3-

Father, I’m fairly sure I will have a few burdens tossed my way today, whether direct problems and obstacles, or secondary problems of others that give me great concern. Help me to remember when those times come to lift my burdens to You.

-4-

Lord Jesus, You have called me to be an encouragement and a blessing to others. Knowing myself well, I’m confident I won’t always heed that calling. Please help me to encourage others, to build them up with my words, actions, and deeds, and to be the shoulder they may need to lean on in their times of trouble.

-5-

Lord, remind me just how important it is to share Your love and what You did on the cross with others. Let me not waste any opportunities or any chances to share about the gift of eternal life one can have by placing their faith and trust in and surrendering their lives to You.

What is your favorite prayer to pray first thing in the morning?

Growing in the Lord

6 prayers to pray before you start your day

Posted on March 3, 2026 by pennyzeller

Before we climb out of bed in the morning and tackle our sometimes lengthy to-do list, before we allow our minds to wander on the upcoming events of our day, the best way to begin our day is with the Lord. Here are six prayers to help us do exactly that.

-1-

Thank You, Lord, that each morning You see fit to give me another breath. Help me use this day wisely and without waste. Thank You that You are the giver of days. Help me rejoice in each and every day that you have made no matter what my circumstances.

-2-

Thank You, Lord, that your steadfast love never ceases and that your mercies never come to an end. Never can I exhaust the immeasurable love You have for me. Thank You that your mercies are new each morning and that You are always faithful.

-3-

Today’s load might be heavy and the burdens many, but You, Lord, have it all under control. Help me not to be anxious for anything that comes my way. Guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus and help me to focus on things that are true and honorable. Help my thoughts to be pleasing to You.

-4-

Lord, it’s so easy to put myself first. To care only about my needs and my ambitions. Help me to do nothing with selfish motivation. Help me to put others first and to be caring and compassionate towards others.

-5-

Lord, please help me to walk worthy of the calling You have placed on my life. Help me be brave and bold in sharing the gift of eternal life that Your Son gives to those who have put their faith and trust in Him.

-6-

As I begin the next phase of my day, cover me with Your full armor that I may stand strong against the enemy. Remind me, Lord, that I live in this world, but not of it, and that nothing and no one can stand against You.

Thank you for joining me for today’s post. Have a blessed day!

Growing in the Lord, making a difference

10 people to pray for

Posted on February 16, 2026 by pennyzeller

I recently went for a prayerwalk powerwalk this morning before work. As I often do, I prayed I would be a blessing to someone today. I then proceeded to go down my prayer list and lift needs to the Lord.

Moments later, I came across a friend I hadn’t known for long. Something in her countenance indicated all was not well, and when I gently probed, she shared with me a huge concern. I was reminded how important it is to pray for our friends.

As my friend and I stood there talking after we prayed together, a solemn young lady with the weight of the world resting firmly on her narrow shoulders walked past us. Her face showed a mesh of hurt and anger. It was clear this young woman struggled with a significant burden.

I was reminded how important it is to pray for strangers and those we don’t even know.

The Lord tells us in His Word that prayer is powerful and effective. He reminds us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and He assures us that He hears our prayers. His phone line is always open, never emitting a busy signal. He welcomes our concerns, worries, fears, and sorrows. And He welcomes our gratitude and humility for all He has done for us.

Below are ten people to pray for on a regular and consistent basis.

Your spouse. Being married is not an easy feat, even for those with strong marriages. Whenever you have two completely different people with different personalities and different backgrounds, conflict can and does arise. Parenting, jobs, health, finances, and other items can take a toll on couples. Praying for our spouse and our marriages is paramount.
Your children. We parents learn early what it means to be in constant prayer. From the time our babies are in the womb to the time they are grown and with families of their own, and all times in between, prayer is necessary. Praying for their walk with Christ (or that they will surrender their lives to Him if they have not yet made the decision to follow Him), praying for whom they choose to marry, their jobs, health, and other major decisions in their life are a longtime investment.
Your extended family. I am blessed with a large extended family. Unfortunately, they all live in other states. As our parents age, that becomes an additional concern to lift to the Lord.
Yourself. Were it not for His grace, where would we be? Were it not for His sacrifice, what would our eternal future hold? Yet we are faced with numerous temptations every day—from the words we speak (or write) to the way we treat others, to our actions, and personal struggles we all have, it’s critical we pray for ourselves to stay firm in Him. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to Him. (Psalm 19:14).
Your friends and neighbors. Friends are most often easy to pray for. Most neighbors are as well, and going for a walk and praying for each person who lives in each house in the neighborhood is a great way to lift them up to the Lord. But what about those neighbors who are more difficult? While that can at times be a challenge, we are to pray for them as well.
Your pastor and those in your church. Many pastors put in long hours for little earthly pay. They carry the burdens of those in the church, and oftentimes face burnout. They struggle with their own temptations.

It’s important to pray for our pastors and elders for guidance and wisdom as they lead our churches. For our pastors as they write their sermons that those sermons would be God-honoring. For the families of our pastors and elders as they continually share their husbands with those in the congregation in need of assistance in challenging times. Both roles demand a lot of time, wisdom, and patience.

We should also pray for our fellow church attenders, many of whom have struggles we don’t even realize. During each service, I make it a point to pray for several different people in the sanctuary, some of whom I know are struggling and some with unknown-to-me struggles.
Those who are going through difficult times. If you take even a brief minute to scroll through social media, you’ll find numerous people with a variety of struggles. Loss of a loved one, chronic health issues, job loss, wayward children, marriage struggles, and more. Be a prayer warrior for those going through difficult times.
Coworkers and bosses. Bosses and coworkers can be sources of stress, but whether we love them or are not too fond of them, prayer is essential.
Public officials and those in leadership from the local, state, and national levels. Some are easier to pray for than others, but we need to pray for them all. For the decisions they make, for their integrity, and for the ability to do the right thing, even when they are pressured (or tempted to do) otherwise.
Strangers. Just like the young lady who passed my friend and me this morning, we need to remember to pray for strangers. I especially pray for their salvation if they are not yet Believers. And while we don’t know the details of their struggles, our Heavenly Father does. When I wrote 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others, I told of how when we hear sirens, our daughters join us in prayer for whoever will be riding in the ambulance. For healing for them and for guidance and wisdom for the doctors and for safe travel whether they are taken by ambulance or helicopter to the hospital. We also pray for their families for peace and comfort.

As we go about our busy day, we need to remember to be in prayer.

about my books, about the books

Happy cover reveal day to Unexpected Target and cast your vote!

Posted on February 3, 2026February 16, 2026 by pennyzeller

I’m thrilled to announce the cover reveal of Unexpected Target! Read on for the details:

Sometimes evil lurks in plain sight…

What if a random break-in isn’t as random as initially believed? That’s what Oaklee Newbold thinks when a series of forced entries shakes her quiet neighborhood. With seemingly nothing stolen and no obvious motive, the police are stumped. When her own home is broken into a second time, Oaklee is determined to help solve the case…whether handsome detective Grayson Brenneman likes it or not.

No one is prepared when the perpetrators strike again. Only, this time they aren’t targeting houses—they’re targeting Oaklee. When a series of sinister events finds Oaklee held in the deadly clutches of evildoers, Grayson races against the clock to find the woman he has grown to love…before it’s too late for everyone involved.

**Please note: Unexpected Target is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.**

snag your ebook copy here

Check out the YouTube video here

In other news…

Love on the Horizon is up for cover of the month! I would be so honored to have you cast your vote. You can vote once each round. Please go here to vote. Thank you again!!!

devotionals, Growing in the Lord, importance series

The importance of patience

Posted on February 2, 2026 by pennyzeller

In Galatians 5:22, God points out the importance of patience as a fruit of the Spirit. But just how easy is it to be patient in day-to-day life and why is it even important?

Some time ago, our family was on our way to church when we came upon a lengthy line of vehicles. Our church is a few miles outside of town on a relatively busy two-lane road, but we’d never been in completely stalled traffic in our rural town on a street with no stop lights or stop signs.

I glanced at the clock on the dashboard as we waited for the cars to inch forward and lifted a prayer to the Lord that the holdup wasn’t because there had been an accident and someone had been injured. There were no ambulances, so it was likely someone just broke down and had to be moved from the one-lane-each-way road.

Our family chatted, sang along with the radio, and joked about how the Zellers might actually have to sit in the front row for the first time in our 25+ years of attending our church.

From somewhere behind, an SUV zoomed forward, passing all of the cars, which at this point numbered at least a dozen and was backed up all the way into town. I winced as I thought of what would happen if a driver came from the opposite direction at the regular 45 mph speed as the oncoming traffic lane was still fully functional. A head-on collision would be unavoidable.

We lost track of the SUV. Was it able to merge into the line? Cut in front of someone else? What was so important that they would put so many lives at risk?

About fifteen minutes later, the line began to move, and only then were we able to angle our heads enough to see what was holding up the line.

Horses.

I don’t know the full story of why the caravan of horses were trotting down the road on an early Sunday morning, but I was glad it hadn’t been an accident and instead just an interesting happening in our western town.

We did eventually make it to church and were able to secure our regular spot near the back.

Patience.

It’s a difficult concept to practice, and even a more difficult one to hone. We’ve all been impatient a time or two. It’s not something that comes easily to us, especially in our incredibly fast paced-culture.

In the olden days, we waited for food to be cooked. Now we have microwaves and fast food.

In the olden days, we had dial-up internet, now we’re frustrated if we don’t have high-speed internet.

In the olden days, we were content to drive 55 mph on the freeway. Now it’s 80 mph in many places.

Why is patience important and why is it so challenging to achieve?

God’s Word tells us in several verses the answer to the first part of that question. As mentioned previously, Galatians 5:22-23 talks of patience as a characteristic of a Christian.

Patient with God. In Psalm 27:14, we are to wait for the Lord. His time frame is vastly different from ours, as is stated in Psalm 90:4.

Patient with others. Ephesians 4:2 reminds us to be patient with others, exercising humility and gentleness. Ecclesiastes 7:9 reminds us not to be easily provoked. An enormous task at times when others can get “on our last nerve”. Proverbs 15:18 reminds us that the one who is patient calms a quarrel and that it’s far preferable to being a hot-tempered man who stirs up strife. First Corinthians 13:4 tells us that love is to be patient. How challenging can it be at times to be patient even with those we love the most?

Patient in affliction. Romans 8:25 tells us to wait in patience. Romans 12:12 reminds us to be patient during tribulation.

Patience is important because God reminds us in Colossians 3:12-13 that bearing with one another and clothing ourselves with patience, as well as compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness are indicative of one who strives to be like Christ.

It’s also important because our good and gracious God has been so patient with us. How often have we sinned? Completely blown it? Disappointed a Holy God? So, so many times if we are honest. Yet, even so, when we come to Him in sincere repentance, He forgives us. Is patient with our shortcomings. Loves us even when we mess up. Sent His Son so we can have eternal life with Him and so that we can be forgiven when we express impatience, discontentment, agitation, and irritation.

Patience isn’t easy, and most of us aren’t eager to pray for patience. But the Lord calls us to be exercise forbearance, diligence, and self-restraint, especially in those times when it would be far easier to react with impatience. Not only that, but those who don’t yet know the Lord are watching us to see how we respond. Is our character Christlike when there are horses in the road and we have to wait? When the meal at the restaurant is taking forever? When we’re waiting for a return call or email? When someone in front of us is driving slow and we’re in a hurry? And the list goes on…

No, patience doesn’t come easy, but as those who strive to be more like Christ each day, we must, with God’s help, practice this characteristic that the Lord reminds us so often in His Word is important.

about my books, about the books

Happy Release Day to Deadly Secrets!

Posted on January 20, 2026January 19, 2026 by pennyzeller

Happy Release day to Deadly Secrets! I’m so excited to share Harper and Kade’s story with you.

Betrayal has consequences…

Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. Stalking, threats, and robbery are just a few of the dangers she finds herself encountering in a short amount of time. Why is her stalker so fixated on one of her listings? And what lengths will they go to keep her from selling it?

Running from the pain of a case that went wrong, Detective Kade Lassiter is determined to start afresh in Lake Radford. What he doesn’t expect is to face a new case similar to one that still haunts him. With his feelings for Harper growing, the menacing events soon become personal.

When things escalate, can Kade uncover the culprit before it’s too late?

A deadly secret.
An unknown enemy.
Danger at every turn.

Deadly Secrets is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense with the following tropes: