Last Sunday, my pastor mentioned the Impala in his sermon, which is thought to be the most elegant African antelope. Typically, a running Impala will jump over anything in its path. It can clear bushes and other obstacles by soaring some 10 feet in the air, and with one leap it can cover distances up to 33 feet. But the animal will not jump over a solid three-foot fence because it can’t see where it will land.

Wow! Don’t we often live like that?

I like to see where I’m going … I like to know what’s ahead and what to expect. If I know what I’m up against, I can deal with pretty much anything. But the unknowns? Those can be a little scary because …

I could fail.

I might look foolish.

A mistake could be made.

The result may be different than what I hoped for.

If I leap … will someone ensure a soft landing?

And if I jump into a deep hole, will anyone pull me out?

But that’s what faith is about—believing that despite what happens, we’ll okay. We trust our spouses to stick with us through tough times. We trust our parents to love us, no matter what we do.

Our faith in God comes from believing and trusting that even though we can’t see the future—we don’t know what will happen in the next three days, three hours, or three minutes—he does. We have faith that he not only knows what’s best for us, he’s there to help us accomplish whatever tasks he’s set before us.

God created the Impala to soar through the air. He’s also given us the tools and abilities to meet challenges, reach our goals, pursue dreams, and follow our calling. We can leap into the unknown because God is on the other side of the fence, ready to help. Our feet will find solid ground.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

What steps are you taking to leap out in faith today?

You’re not moving forward? What’s holding you back?

~ Dawn

My husband and I spent last night with the homeless. Well … not literally. We didn’t sleep on the ground or go without food. But we did hang out on the streets.

Sonny and I volunteer monthly with the Salvation Army, serving meals for people in need in the area where we attend church. And for years, we’ve financially supported the Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, which serves the homeless by offering food, shelter, and programs that help them transition from living on the streets to living more productive and fulfilling lives.

But we’ve felt a tug to do more….

When I began working on a novel that required researching programs that help the homeless, it seemed the right time to dig in and learn firsthand how the Search and Rescue Van program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission works. The first step involved filling out online volunteer applications so background checks could be done.

Last night, as scheduled, we arrived at the mission in downtown Seattle at 8:00 p.m. Both Sonny and I felt a bit apprehensive because we didn’t know what to expect. People were lined up at the front door, waiting to receive shelter for the night. Staff and volunteers loaded two vans with sandwiches, hot chocolate, blankets, socks, feet warmers, gloves, scarves, and hats.

As we worked through the coming hours and camaraderie was built, my husband and I were privileged to hear the other volunteers’ stories and what brought them there.

They included:

1. Six men who had met through AA, been sober for twenty-some years, and wanted to “give back.”
2. A mother—whose daughter had used heroin—wanted to help people surviving under the same bridges where her daughter once lived. The daughter is now clean and off the street.
3. Three college students—two guys and one girl—who felt their time was better used volunteering than sitting home and playing video games.
4. Three men in their early twenties—addicts who had completed six months in the program—and who were determined to stay clean and help others get clean and sober.

We stopped at four locations in the city: a busy street, a small park, and areas beneath two bridges. We split up and walked in all directions, looking for anyone who might need some help. If they could walk, they were brought back to the vans to get whatever we could offer. If they were unwilling to leave their spot or stuff, or it was physically difficult for them to move, food was brought to them.

We found people lying in entry ways to buildings, on the sidewalks next to buildings, and in sleeping bags beneath the bridges.

We were warned to not approach anyone without first telling them we were from the mission. We were also given a “safety” word to yell out if we felt in danger. Not once did I feel “unsafe.”

People were glad to see us. Along with several other volunteers, we prayed with one man. He was really drunk, so I don’t know if he remembers it today, but I don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Several people accepted rides back to the mission for the night. Room was found in a woman’s shelter for a lady who had gotten into a fight and acquired a whopping swollen eye, but at the last minute, she changed her mind. There was nothing more that could be done for her.

One gentleman sported four stocking caps piled on top of each other. He was deaf, but one of the college students knew a little sign language and was able to communicate with him. Someone had given him a small New Testament. He was frustrated because he knew there had to be more to the story and was excited when one of the staff people gave him a Gideon Bible, explaining the rest was in that book.

Sonny and I thought we were dressed for the chilly weather. I wore a heavy winter coat, boots, and gloves. Several layers of clothing covered his upper body. But whenever we stopped walking, we felt soooo cold. By the end of the night, we were chilled to the bone, even though we’d had the opportunity to warm up in the van in-between locations.

After we arrived home, we were still chilled.

How do people do it? Day after day—night after night—surviving low temperatures with little or no relief?

Men and women slept under a bridge—on hard dirt—with obnoxious traffic noise overhead.

Climbing into our warm, safe, comfortable bed felt like a luxury.

Will we spend another night with the homeless? Yes. Definitely.

It was both a rewarding and humbling experience….

~ Dawn

About the book …

It’s 1866 in Noble Springs, Missouri, and people are trying to put the Civil War behind them. As a child, Faith Lindberg lost her mother, and the war took her father and brother. The only person she has left is her grandfather who is experiencing problems with his memory.

Faith wants more than anything to sell her grandfather’s mercantile and move out west to Oregon. She’s convinced that putting distance between them and the town will provide a fresh start and help them leave their grief behind. Although her grandfather has put her in charge of the mercantile, he’s not ready to sell, and there’s nothing Faith can do without his signature.

Determined to make the store successful enough that she’ll be able to find a buyer, Faith didn’t anticipate dealing with her grandfather’s strange bookkeeping and other challenges that threaten to destroy that hope.

Curt Saxon is the new employee at the livery stable who befriends her and who seems to always be there when she needs him. She’s attracted to the kind man, but doesn’t understand his attitude towards her, which vacillates between warm and cool temperatures. When Royal Baxter, the handsome young man she’s had a crush on years, returns from the war and begins courting her, Faith is swept off her feet. She believes he’s the answer to all her problems and making her dreams come true.

My review …

Ann Shorey has created characters that readers can love. They’re strong, but vulnerable—good, but not perfect. Faith has a soft heart and wants to do the right thing for everyone, but she still has an independent spirit that influences her to do things her own way. Curt is kind and protective, but he’s still proud and hesitant to disclose his own secrets and challenges. Faith’s grandfather is stubborn, but is loving and wise, despite the issues with his memory. I enjoyed the loyal friendship that developed between Rosemary (Curt’s sister) and Faith, which displayed what it means to respect and truly love a friend.

Readers can relate to the struggles the characters experience. How often have we wanted to run away from uncomfortable memories, pain, or our past? How often have we wanted to jump at the first thing that promises happiness? How often have we been so focused and so determined to go for what we think we want, that we fail to look for or recognize red flags that go up? And how often do we fail to ask direction from God, who knows all and wants the best for us? The story is full of reminders that we are to do good and not withhold blessings from others, but how often do we blow off opportunities to bless other people because we don’t want to take the time or make the effort?

Where the Wildflowers Bloom is a story about love, loyalty, and letting go. I enjoyed this novel, and if you enjoy historical Christian romance, I think you will too!

 Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a copy of The Search by Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Ann Shorey is the author of The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Shorey lives with her husband, Richard, in Oregon.

GIVEAWAY – click on the photo above to enter …

To celebrate the story, author Ann Shorey and Revell Books are proud to announce the MERCANTILE MEMORIES giveaway, featuring three incredible prizes.

GRAND PRIZE

Our Grand Prize winner will receive an heirloom chess set, handmade from 1830s chestnut & cherry wood, just like the one Judge Lindberg and Curt use in their chess battles.

SECOND PRIZE

Our Second Prize winner will receive a deluxe, Missouri-shaped box of mercantile goods from the Missouri Mercantile company. The box features an assortment of items just like those stocked by Faith in Lindberg’s Mercantile.

THIRD PRIZE

Our Third Prize winner will receive a Memoirs Gift Set. Write your memoirs just like Judge Lindberg does in the story! The set includes the bestselling Writing the Memoir book, and a $30 gift card to Blurb, to create and print your story.

I had wonderful, encouraging meetings with an agent who I respect both professionally and personally.  I believed we would work well together, and I was encouraged by the positive feedback I received from her. She requested that I send a proposal and first three chapters from the novel I presented. Several times during the conference, I had unplanned opportunities to spend time with her, and I came home excited to see what God had in store.

Last week, I received an answer from the agent. She could have just sent a form letter, but instead, sent a lovely, personal note. Unfortunately, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. Although she felt I have talent and would love to work with me, she needed to decline. In the past, she hadn’t experienced success with the “type of story” I proposed.

I was stunned and disappointed. My confidence was shaken. And to be honest—my ego was bruised. I believed so strongly that God had directed and was right in the middle of everything that had transpired during that conference—and I still received a “no.” I still don’t have a clue as to what “type of story” she referred to.

But you know what? Authors who had been praying for me sent their own notes of encouragement—and relayed their own “war” stories on the journey to publication. They reminded me that God is still in control and knows what’s best for me—whether it be the people I work with or the timing of successes.

For a moment, I’d forgotten that for years my life verse has been: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Some writers have searched, prayed, and waited for God to give them a verse or “word’ to take with them into the new year. Some have been given words like: passion, courage, trust, and compassion.  In December, I wrote a blog post called A Season of Hope. I realized as I asked for my “word” for the year, it was to be “hope.”

It sure didn’t take long for me to be presented with a situation where I had to focus on hope. I guess God knew I’d need that word sooner than later.

My little incident is so insignificant compared to what many people are striving with on a daily basis. Some don’t know if they’ll be able to hold onto their homes, if they’ll be able to put food on the table, or if a loved one will survive a terrible disease.

But this recent experience was a reminder of how important it is to not only have hope, but to help restore it to others. My author friends helped restore my hope …

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”  ~ Proverbs 13:12 NIV

I want to help restore hope for those who have little or none. Will you join me?

~ Dawn

About the book …

To Die For is the story of Anne Boleyn’s life as seen through the eyes of her best friend, Meg Wyatt. It begins with the two young women pledging their loyalty to each other, no matter the consequences. Both have romantic aspirations, and Meg has already fallen deeply for a boy from a nearby estate. Will Ogilvy loves her, too, but feels called to become a priest. Meg, heartbroken, turns her back on God.

With no control over who she marries, Meg is married by proxy to a sick and elderly baron. But when Anne gains popularity in the English court, Meg is asked to join Anne there. As a lady-in-waiting, Meg watches King Henry VIII and Anne fall in love. He finds a way to twist Scripture in order to rid himself of the queen and take Anne as his wife. At first, life is exciting and promising, but without producing an heir, Anne’s favor with the king and others in court begins to wane. Deceit resides around every corner, and it’s difficult to know who to trust. At the same time, Meg continues to have her heart wrenched each time she’s in the presence of the priest she loves, but cannot have.

Anne agrees with the reformation of the church, supports the Bible being translated into English, and encourages change. Through Meg’s friendship with Anne and what she’s seeing, hearing, and experiencing, Meg feels drawn back to God. But the relationship between Anne and the king deteriorates, and with Meg’s own life is in jeopardy, she’s faced with difficult choices.

My review …

Although I’ve seen movies about Anne Boleyn, this is the first book I’ve read. I didn’t know what to expect, but given the opportunity to see her life through the eyes of another person was intriguing. To Die For is not only Anne’s story, it’s Meg’s. Although what happened in these two women’s lives is fictionalized, the story is richly filled with facts taken from extensive research done by the author. For instance, Meg and her family were friends of the Boleyns, and Meg’s brother, Thomas, did have feelings for Anne that almost cost him his life.

Like many people, I’ve known that King Henry VIII had his marriage to Katherine of Aragon annulled so he could marry Anne. Then, when he grew tired of her and frustrated because no heir had been produced, he found a way to have Anne beheaded so he could marry another. What I had not been aware of—or paid attention to—was Anne’s devotion to God and the influence she had on the reformation. I’d never thought of her as being compassionate or wanting to do the right thing.

To Die For is beautifully written—the pace is kept throughout. While the language used is inclusive of words used during that time period, the book never felt bogged down with them. Instead, the words enhanced the experience of being placed into the Tudor life. And while this story takes place in 1518-1536, readers can still relate to many similar struggles and challenges as the people in the novel face. Some things don’t change….

For instance, it’s often easy to blame God when things don’t go our way. When Will joins the priesthood, Meg initially holds God responsible for taking the man she loves away from her. She’s also had to deal with an abusive father and a brother (Edmund) who seems to hate her and who will do anything he can to make her life miserable. She’s forced to marry a man she doesn’t love. We watch Meg in her spiritual journey and discovery that God has an ultimate plan for her—as he does us. It’s not always clear—often times it’s initially muddy and confusing—but if we can trust him, we’ll be rewarded with more than what we could accomplish on our own.

Loyalty is a driving force in this story—loyalty to friends, lovers, family, and God. We all must make choices almost every day as to who or what we’re going to be loyal to—and then be willing to accept the blessings or consequences. Meg feels so strongly about her calling to be a true friend, she’s willing to set aside her personal dreams and risk her life to stay with Anne until the bitter end.

When I read a novel—along with being entertained—I want to be challenged, moved, or changed in some way. And Sandra Byrd has delivered with To Die For. I was literally moved to tears by this story and the beautiful friendship portrayed. I will never look at Anne Boleyn the same way again….

Sandra Byrd has published  more than three dozen books in the Christian fiction and nonfiction market, including her series for adults, French Twist, which includes the Christy Award finalist Let Them Eat Cake (2007) and its sequels, Bon Appétit (2008) and Piéce de Résistance (2009). For over a decade, Sandra has shared her secrets with the many students she mentors through the Christian Writers Guild. She lives in the Seattle, Washington, area with her husband and two children.

Some years ago, I was going through a difficult time and didn’t know what the future held. Life just felt scary. But I didn’t know at the time that the following year, things would turn around, and God’s many blessings would once again pour over me and fill my life. I just knew that I was hurting emotionally and spiritually. The sermon that Christmas Eve happened to focus on not being afraid.

 “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.’”  (Luke 1: 26-31 NIV)

When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive, her heart rate and anxiety probably increased substantially. After all, she was a virgin. And gossips were alive and well back then, too, not to mention the stress that would come with trying to explain a pregnancy to her parents and fiancé.

And when the shepherds were out tending their sheep, just minding their own business—again, an angel suddenly appeared. Anyone would be startled. The Bible says they were terrified.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2: 8-12 NIV)

Did you know the exact words “do not be afraid” are used sixty-five times in the NIV Bible? Hmmm …

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that along with the promise of eternal life, Jesus’ birth also brought other blessings. Not only are we free from fearing death, we have the assurance that God will provide for all our needs while we still live on earth.

Next time you feel anxious about what’s happening in your life today or what may happen in the future, remember that you’re never alone. God is with you always—standing at your side—knowing all—seeing all.

Do not be afraid.

Dawn

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 NIV

I’m even more aware this time of year that many people slog through their days sad, lonely, without everyday necessities—without joy or hope.

During the holidays, many of us are asked to reach into our pockets and give to help those in need. My husband and I regularly support ministries that serve the homeless, elderly, and children. We try to provide a little extra at Christmas. It’s hard to see people who have so little when we have so much.

But not only the poor or those living on the streets need hope…

This Christmas, like others, I have friends—or have friends who have close relatives—who are struggling. Last week, I learned that someone was diagnosed with cancer. If praying and treatment doesn’t work, she won’t have long to live. Another is experiencing scary symptoms and is fighting the insurance company to cover and allow important tests to be given. Others have lost jobs and are seeking new opportunities to provide for their families.

My husband and I have been there. Early in our marriage, he lost his job and couldn’t find work. With thousands of others laid off at the same time from the same company, there wasn’t work to be found. Dealing with finances, or the lack of, can be stressful. After being laid off for 19 months, the biggest Christmas present we ever received was a call on December 23, requesting that he return to work in January.

People need hope … they need something to help keep them going when times get tough.

Maybe you don’t have extra dollars, nickels, or pennies to offer those in need this year. But there may be other things you can do to lift someone’s spirit. Send a card or note. Include them in your dinner plans. Even offering a hug, a smile, and a few encouraging words can help make someone feel better.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Jesus came to bring hope to a dying world. Share that hope this Christmas.

Hope changes everything!

Dawn

It’s 1949, and Dottie Morgan is a widowed librarian in Frost, Minnesota. Her beloved son died while serving in the military during World War II, and Dottie hasn’t been able to get past her loss. Since then, she’s pretty much become a loner.

It’s almost Christmas Eve, but Dottie is finding it impossible to embrace any Christmas spirit. When her fellow librarian, Violet, arrives at Dottie’s home to make a special request, she can’t find the strength within to give the younger woman what she wants. Violet leaves empty-handed and almost runs down a stranger in the driveway, not aware that handsome Jake has been searching for her.

A blizzard blows in and before the two visitors can leave, Dottie, Violet, and Jake realize they’re housebound. They’re joined by Gordon, the man who lives nearby and has loved Dottie since they were kids.

No one is happy to be stuck and tension develops between characters. But when they discover a little boy, seeking refuge on his way home from school, they join forces to make sure he feels safe and secure, and they try to create some Christmas spirit for the child.

My review …

Once again, Susan May Warren has crafted a delightful story that is not only fun, it contains depth and a strong, spiritual thread without becoming preachy. The characters are well developed. Dottie and Gordon are both stubborn, and because of past experiences and hurts, are not willing to give in and make the first move toward reconciliation. Jake and Violet are both afraid to be truthful about who they are and what they want.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside is a story about being the person God created you to be, healing from past wounds, forgiving others, and living without regrets. It’s a story that can warm a reader’s heart.

If you enjoy reading Christian fiction that focuses on the spirit of Christmas, you’ll want to check out this novel. I highly recommend it.

Susan May Warren is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than thirty novels. A former missionary to Russia, Susan now lives in a small Minnesota on the shore of beautiful Lake Superior with her husband and their four children.

But life has not always been this joyful for either of them. They’ve taken their lumps. They’ve struggled along the way. But they continued to trust God’s ways. And in His timing, when He knew they were ready, God created opportunities for them to find each other. (You can read more about their story in my blog article, A Mother’s Prayers.)

I’ve had moments of questioning God … I’ve wondered why certain prayers weren’t answered as quickly as I’d like. I’ve prayed for my daughters’ dreams—for my husband’s hopes and desires—and for my own.

After waiting for answers, I’ve been in awe this past week at how my heavenly Father has poured out His blessings upon our family. Ana found a wonderful man who wants to share her life. Brooke is performing in a national tour of Fiddler on the Roof and getting rave reviews, and she has a loving and supportive husband. God provided an unexpected opportunity for my husband and me to travel to New York to see her perform there. My stepdaughter and her husband are doing well, traveling, and experiencing new things.

Right now, we’re living on the mountaintop.

We won’t always remain there. We can’t. That’s not how life works. But when we have to slog through the valleys, we learn to appreciate and cherish the good times.

I’m learning to trust God’s timing. I’ve seen proof of what can happen when we wait. If Ana had been willing to settle for any man, she wouldn’t have received the gift of Shawn. If Brooke had not persevered, but had given up acting, she would not have received the blessing of this tour.

My heart is so full of joy and thankfulness for all God has done and continues to do.

Someday, I’ll be tested and challenged with hard times again. If you aren’t now, you will be too.

The question is … will we remain full of joy and thankfulness?

I think all I’ll need to do is look at these photos again to be reminded “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NIV).

Dawn

The author is a wife and mother of four who is passionate about her faith and allowing God to be the center of her marriage and family. Out of this passion comes a desire to share what she’s learned on her journey to creating a home where every member thrives in relationship with each other and God.

Some of the topics touched on in the book include: forgiveness, temptation, money issues, men’s needs, women’s needs, and children’s needs. The behaviors and attitudes she promotes are backed up with Scripture. Amanda has also gathered additional suggestions given by both Christian men and women on how to create a happy family.

Other authors have tackled everything that Amanda Beth discusses in You Can Have a Happy Family. But one thing I especially liked about this book was the tone. There were times when I almost felt like I was sitting down with a cup of coffee and having a conversation with a friend.

I also appreciated the author’s willingness to share pieces of her personal story. She was vulnerable enough to share her own struggles and victories, but I never felt she crossed boundaries. Jesus used parables to teach because people relate to and learn from story.  I believe readers will find hope through the author’s examples of what she’s experienced and what has worked for her.

Golden nuggets are offered in this book. I recommend getting a copy if you are looking for encouraging ways to strengthen the personal and spiritual relationships in your own family.

Amanda Beth has been married for fifteen years and has experienced a transformation in her life and her marriage since she surrendered her heart to Christ ten years ago. She passionately desires to see individuals and families transformed through the power of God. Her teaching on marriage and spiritual growth can be found on her website (amandabeth.net) and her blog (sharingtruths.com). Amanda and her husband, Jason, live in Michigan with their four children.