God Leads Us Along

"Your way [in delivering Your people] was through the sea, and Your paths through the great waters, yet Your footsteps were not traceable, but were obliterated." (Psalm 77:19 AMP)

This verse resonated in my heart this morning. We often desire and seek deliverance in our own lives.  It's a sign of growth. We become aware of a place that is keeping us from oneness with the Lord- a place of bondage. We yearn to be free and continue our journey to the promised land. But there is always something that stands in the way. Just like the Israelites- we have to cross a Red Sea. 

The Lord's heart is always for our deliverance. And our great God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, tests us in the same way he tested His chosen people. He leads us through the waters. This should be a lesson we've learned well- one that no longer surprises us. The crossing is much longer than it looked from the shore. It's dark and cold at the bottom of the sea, and the towering walls of water loom large above. We question the wisdom of God. We don't see His hand- or His footsteps- and our strength to continue on is tested to the core. 

As I was meditating on this verse, the Lord brought a sweet old hymn to my heart.

1. In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,
God leads His dear children along.

2. Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

3. Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

4. Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity's day,
God leads His dear children along.

Chorus:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Our great God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, never stops leading us. Even when His footsteps are completely obliterated- He is there. Are you walking through a flood? Be encouraged. God is leading- and you will reach a far better shore. 

2012- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 1!

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

There are several reasons 'A Lasting Impression' is my number one pick.
1) The setting. I'm enjoying Tamera's latest fiction titles that are placed in existing buildings in the U.S. Choosing Belmont Mansion, a place already steeped in history, is akin to adding another character to the story.
2) The characters. Putting a fictional spin on a real person while maintaining believability can be tricky. Tamera Alexander does her homework, and her characters shine as a result. Claire is a beautiful, talented artist who only wants to make her mark on the world. Instead of using her gift to create art that is all hear own, Claire is forced to forge famous paintings. Will she ever be able to create something entirely her own? Sutton is a handsome young attorney who wants nothing more than to reclaim his land, and his family honor, from the Federal Army. Will his single-minded pursuit blind him to the opportunities right in front of him?
3) The Spiritual depth. When you find the truths that the characters are learning speaking to your own heart, it's impossible to not connect with what you are reading.

Tamera's books always leave a lasting impression on me- I'm so thankful to have her voice out there in the writing world.


Back Cover:

To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire's path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she's sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville's elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach. 

 

All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He's determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined. 

 

Set at Nashville's historical Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera's stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers' hearts and leave them eager for more.

2012- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 2!

Tomorrow's Sun by Becky Melby

I love books that tie the past with the present, especially when that past happens to be the Underground Railroad.

 Emily Foster is on a mission, and she will 'flip' as many houses as it takes to accomplish it. She hires contractor Jake Braden to help her with the remodel. There's only one problem. Jake can't bring himself to destroy a piece of history. When they find a stash of love letters hidden away in the house, Emily and Jake are drawn into the hurts of the past, and ultimately find healing for the present.

 This book is amazing- read it as a stand alone or pick up the other books in the series.

For more information, visit Becky's website:

http://www.beckymelby.com/Books.html

Back Cover:
Emily Foster's scars have faded, but she can't forgive herself for the accident that stole a young girl's dreams. Before she can allow herself to live again, she needs to make restitution. The first step toward her goal is gaining money by flipping a house built in 1847, but Jake Braden, her contractor, doesn't share her vision. Jake has bigger battles to fight as he tries to gain guardianship of his late sister's twins. When they discover the house was part of the historic Underground Railroad, they uncover clues about an old love story...and God's plan for their future.

2012- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 3!

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

I discovered Karen Witemeyer this year, and she is becoming one of my favorite authors. 
One of the reasons I appreciate her so much is because she works hard to keep a strong faith thread running through her stories. Her characters are flawed- but beautifully so, and their redemption is always poignant. 

What happens when you cross a blacksmith who is trying to hide his past with a librarian who has her own ideas about love? The answer is a fun & heartwarming tale about looking beyond first impressions and trusting the heart of another person.

Back Cover:

Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets. . . Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart. Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

2012- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 4!

Angel Sister by Ann H. Gabhart

Ann Gabhart's book was an unexpected treasure. 

Every once and a while I casually begin reading a book and suddenly find myself wholly absorbed in the story. 'Angel Sister' is set in 1936 and follows the struggles of the Merritt family. As each member seeks to find their footing through the fallout from the Great Depression, you will see yourself reflected in the mirror of their struggles. 
Ann paints a beautiful picture of what perseverance looks like, and what it means to believe in the goodness of God. In Kate we find the illustration of child-like faith, and how tightly we must hold on to hope in the One who made us.

Back Cover:
It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine, works hard to keep her family together. Her father slowly slips into alcoholism and his business suffers during the Great Depression. As her mother tries to come to grips with their situation and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to it, it is Kate who must shoulder the emotional load. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what the Merritts need?

In this richly textured novel, award-winning author Ann H. Gabhart reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times. Multidimensional characters face real and trenchant problems while maintaining their family bonds, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer. Readers will be drawn into the story and find themselves lingering there long after they've finished the book.

2012- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 5!

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

 This one is for all my fellow Jane Austen fans. If you haven't discovered Julie Klassen yet- consider yourself enlightened. Julie's books are well researched and they show it. 
Add to this compelling characters and a setting (Regency England) that just begs for conflict and romance, and you have an engrossing and addictive story difficult to ignore. 
A word to the wise: do not pick up 'The Silent Governess' to read unless you have the time it takes to finish the whole book.

I also highly recommend 'Lady of Milkweed Manor' and 'The Maid of Fairbourne Hall'.

Back Cover:
Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems. Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley's secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

2012- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 6!

Blood of Adam by Rachel Neal

Here's another Biblical fiction title for you! 
This time we take a look at the life of Noah through the eyes of his daughter-in-law, Denah. 
This unique perspective allows the reader to get a feel for what it must have been like to be part of Noah's family- a man the world mocked and belittled. Denah's struggles for acceptance and love are ones we all face.

 If you enjoy Tessa Afshar you will enjoy Rachel Neal. I happen to know she is working hard on Book 2 in the series.... I can't wait to read it. 

Back Cover:
Before the earth splinters into continents, before the first raindrops fall from the sky, only one family is destined for salvation. Denah is not among them by choice. Her husband is a disgrace, her sisters-in-law are cursed, and the family adheres to the rigid demands of an outdated God. Denah simply wants the life she deserves. She will follow her own forbidden path to fulfillment, encountering blackmail, jealousy, and betrayal along the way. What she deserves turns out to be far different than what she imagines, and she must face the tumultuous consequences of her decisions before the past and future of all mankind collide in the shadow of Noah's ark.