But can having friends sometimes be worse than not having them?

I recently talked to a young woman who mentioned that she’s re-evaluating her friendships. A very loyal person, she has struggled with letting go of friends who have been in her life for some time. But the truth is, over the years, she’s changed. She isn’t the same person she was ten, or even five years ago.

While she has matured in ways that many people do, she has also grown in her spiritual life and relationship with God. A particular group of friends don’t understand.

She pours herself into their lives, but they give very little back. It’s not that these friends are bad people. Not at all! At one time—for a season in her life—these gals surrounded her with what she needed—security and a sense of belonging. But now, she no longer has very much in common with them. She’s moved into a different season in her life.

Her new friends share a common love for the Lord, and from that bond, life-giving relationships have been formed. She can trust these women to pray for her, encourage her, and be there if she needs them.

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight,
a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.                                                                         ~ Proverbs 27:9  The Message

I’m proud of this woman for making the decision to make some difficult changes in her life. I also feel blessed because I have wonderful friends—women who support and encourage me in my personal, professional, and spiritual lives.

It’s not only women who deal with broken friendships. I know a man who chose to distance himself from a buddy—even though they were at one time best friends—because their relationship became unhealthy.

I love Proverbs 27:9 because it speaks to what my friends do for me. They refresh my soul. But friendship is a two-way street. I also need to think about how I affect their lives. I need to make sure that my friendship is life-giving for them . . .

What about you? Where do your friendships stand today? Do you need to make any changes?

~ Dawn

About the book . . .

It’s 1893, and Lucy Banning is surrounded by excitement of the upcoming World’s Fair in Chicago. Although she and her family live among the rich and famous, she doesn’t feel like she fits the mold of other women of her status and age. Engaged to a young banker whose family has been close friends with hers since before the two were born, she has doubts about the marriage. Lucy is more interested in volunteering at an orphanage and secretly attending the local college.

When Lucy meets a handsome, young architect who is working on plans for the fair, she’s thrown into more conflict over her engagement. Lucy’s fiancé isn’t happy at all about her friendship with Will Edwards. And when she discovers the new maid is hiding a secret, Lucy decides to keep the information to herself and protect the young woman.

But there are only so many secrets that Lucy can juggle, and when things start to unravel, she’s forced to make some tough decisions.

My review . . .

Lucy Banning is easy to like. She’s giving and thoughtful, but also independent and courageous. Will is not only handsome and intelligent, he’s kind—a great combination for a hero. It felt right for the two of them to be attracted to each other. However, I wanted to see them have more time together—I wanted to see more depth in their relationship.  At times, it felt like I was on the surface of what they were feeling for each other and the individual things they were experiencing. Besides the hero and heroine, I also especially enjoyed two other characters. Lucy’s brother (Leo) is charming and fun—someone you’d want for a friend. Charlotte (the maid) is sweet and loyal.

From her research, the author created a setting that readers can step into and feel like they’re on the streets of 1893 Chicago. She also did a great job of bringing conflict, a little intrigue, and a few twists and turns into the story.

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning is a lovely romance, but it’s also a story about keeping secrets and the effects they have on not only us, but the people we love.

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

About the book . . .

More than anything, Corin Roscoe wants to find a way to win back his brother’s friendship. But Shasta blames Corin for destroying his life twelve years ago and doesn’t want anything to do with him. Guilt-ridden, Corin continues to test fate and himself by pushing the limits of extreme sports.

Then one day, an elderly woman walks into Corin’s antique shop and gives him a chair that she claims was built by Christ. She explains that it’s Corin’s destiny to keep and protect the artifact. He doesn’t believe her, but when a young boy sits in the chair and seems to be miraculously healed, Corin searches for the truth about the piece and its creator. If the chair healed the boy, it might help Shasta and provide atonement for Corin’s mistake.

But Corin isn’t the only one interested in the artifact. A mega-church pastor who has obsessed about finding the chair is determined to get his hands on it. There are others who also want to take possession. Corin doesn’t know who to trust, and just when he begins to discover some answers, the chair creates bigger problems for him and those he loves.

My review . . .

I became a fan of James Rubart’s work when I read his first novel Rooms, so I was excited to read this latest release. What I like about the author’s stories is that he uses people’s interest in the supernatural to nudge them into thinking about spiritual matters. He takes everyday things in our lives—like a house or a chair—and makes us think “what if?”

While the author entertains us with twists and turns, he also encourages us to think about facing our fears—and restoration of broken relationships. I love it when a Christian novel spurs me to dig into my own spiritual life; this book accomplished that.

The Chair contains adventure, danger, mystery, and a strong spiritual theme. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. He lives with his wife and sons in Washington State.

There are times when I’m going along my merry way and an image of a past embarrassing or life-changing mistake pops into my thoughts, and I cringe. I remember words that I still wish I could take back because they either hurt someone or made me sound ignorant. I’d like to return to various experiences just long enough to change my response and the outcome.

There are also memories of people hurting me deeply by their words or actions.

When I think about those moments—both when I was the offender and the offended—I still feel sick inside. . . .

The reality is that many of those situations have probably long been forgotten by others, but for some reason, I can’t seem to let go of them.

Why?

Because I’m a perfectionist, is pride the root problem? Or is it Satan’s way of trying to take hold of my emotions and trick me into believing that I’m not free of the past? Even though I’ve asked for forgiveness and have forgiven others.

We’re supposed to learn from our blunders. Maybe my subconscious brings them to mind now and then so I don’t repeat the same mistakes. But wouldn’t it be better to just remember them and not be emotionally affected all over again?

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18 NIV)

The other day, I saw a created photo of a beautiful butterfly tied to a rock. The stone was obviously so heavy, it was impossible for the butterfly to get very far. All it could do was drag the large stone behind it.

That’s what it can feel like when we dwell in the past and focus on what went wrong as opposed to what opportunities wait ahead.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Is anything holding you back from living a joy-filled life? What do you need to leave in the past so that you can move ahead and live the life our Lord has so graciously offered?

Leave them behind … and fly!

~ Dawn

Because I’m such a fan of films, I tune in to watch the Academy Awards. The event was just held last weekend at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Billy Crystal did a great job of hosting. I enjoyed guessing who would win in each category, watching clips from various movies, listening to heart-felt acceptance speeches, and seeing the gowns. Oh, yes … those fabulous gowns!

I understand the excitement and pride the nominees and winners feel in each category. They’ve worked hard. Sometimes for years before receiving any recognition. And who doesn’t like being acknowledged by his peers for a job well done? Everyone needs affirmation.

My husband gives me a hard time (half teasing) about watching award shows. He jokes that it’s just idol worship. People hoping to win a little gold statue that they can boast about the next day. He grew weary of award shows a long time ago. I don’t blame him (but I don’t tell him that). After all, there is a continuous flow of them. There’s the Grammy, Tony,  American Music Award, Country Music Award, Daytime Emmy, Nighttime Emmy, Golden Globe, MTV Award, SAG Award … and the list goes on.

But, the other night I gave my husband a hard time back. People involved in movies may have the Academy Awards and the Oscar, but football has the Super Bowl, enormous trophies, and every player on a winning team gets a huge ring. Holding a large trophy in the air or raising a player on the team’s shoulders could also be viewed as idol worship. Don’t you agree? {wink}

It’s fun to be on a winning team. It feels good to receive an award….

We may envy those who carry home the trophy, receive a promotion, fall into a large sum of money, or are honored for work we had a part in.

Reality is that football wins are soon forgotten. Your team is only as good as your current standing in the league. There will always be a better team or player in the future. A win in a category at the Academy Awards won’t matter if the next movie is a flop. Some winners place their Oscars in prestigious places, but I’ve also heard numerous actors say that their awards stand in a random place—like a windowsill. Those rewards are temporary.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.             ~Luke 6:23 NIV

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.  ~ Luke 6:35 NIV

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.  ~ Matthew 6:27 NIV

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.           ~ Colossians 3: 23-24 NIV

As Christians … as people who love, honor, and serve God … we will always be winners. And our reward is eternal!

Questions: What do you think about awards and trophies? Do they serve a worthwhile purpose?

~ Dawn

About the book …

It’s 1866 in the French Quarter, New Orleans. Since her mother’s death, Claire Laurent has copied and forged the famous works sold in her father’s art gallery. Some of their customers have requested replicas, but others believe they have purchased genuine paintings by the original artists. Claire complies with her father’s demands that she create the counterfeits, but in her heart she knows it’s wrong and only desires to paint her own work.

Tragedy strikes and Claire is forced to flee her home to Nashville, Tennessee. She applies for a position as personal assistant to Adelicia Acklen, socialite and owner of the beautiful Belmont Mansion. Sutton Monroe, a handsome young lawyer, is also employed by Mrs. Acklen. He’s trying to clear his family’s name and reclaim confiscated land (destroyed during the Civil War). As Claire and Sutton are drawn together, they both fear the other discovering their hidden past.

My review …

There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book. First of all, the setting was intriguing and it was fun to experience Belmont Mansion and high society through Claire’s eyes. Now having read this story, I would love to tour the building and grounds myself where the real Adelicia Acklen lived. The author has included photos of the mansion, artwork, and sculptures on her website.

The heroine’s job as an artist who forged famous paintings provided an interesting storyline. My youngest daughter worked as a special events planner for several years, so Claire’s role as party planner for the events at the mansion also intrigued me.

The characters were engaging. Both Claire and Sutton struggled with trying to put the past behind them and feeling unworthy of each other. They both wanted to find their purpose in life. They desired God to use their gifts and talents and were frustrated because they weren’t being used in the capacity they desired or in their timeline. Many readers will be able to relate to those same struggles.

I’ve loved every novel that I’ve read by this author, and this is another winner.  If you enjoy reading Christian historical romances, I highly recommend that you read A Lasting Impression.

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose works have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the Christy Award, the RITA Award, and the Carol Award. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband have returned to their native South and live in Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children.

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