Devotionals for the Heart: When God protects you from harm and danger

The Shield of Freedom
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to Him.”—Proverbs 2:7-8 (NLT)

I was a young sailor stationed aboard the USS Midway (CV-41), an aircraft carrier. The ship was home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. The day when I came aboard, we left Yokosuka on an 8-month cruise that would take us to some exotic ports and to the cutting edge of an international crisis.

Our first liberty port was at Subic Bay in the Philippines. This was my first experience on a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) cruise. I had only been on the ship for eight days when we pulled in. There were about 3,500 people on the ship. I did not know many of them.

Our division was having a party at Shakey’s Pizza restaurant that was located about two miles from the pier where we were docked. When it was time to go, one of my shipmates and I decided to walk through the small city of Olongapo.

We exited the gate of the base and crossed the bridge over the Olongapo River. I was living my dream. I was walking down the street of a tropical city far away from home. There were vendors with heavily loaded wagons or stalls every few feet. Each vendor was clamoring for attention and dollars. There were lots of beautiful women around as well.

As we walked along, two American men stepped in front of me and my shipmate. One of them, the tallest one, looked angry and agitated. In his right hand he held an opened, straight razor. He yelled my name and with vile profanity said, “I will cut your throat right here!” He swung the razor at me. I blocked him and held his arm. My shipmate engaged but did not strike the other man. I held my assailant’s hand in the air above me. He did not move, and I did not strike him. We stood there staring at each other for what felt like a long time.

I knew that I was looking into the eyes of evil. Strangely, I had no fear. After what seemed like a long time, the man blinked and relaxed. I took the razor from him with my left hand and threw it to the ground. I said to him, “I don’t know you. Why would you do that?” He replied, “I don’t know.” I asked, “Are we all right?” He apologized and we moved on.

A few blocks from that spot, my shipmate stopped me and said, “What was that about back there?” I said, “I have no idea. But what you saw was God’s protection.” We went on to the pizza party. Afterward, we took a taxi back to the base. I tell this story so that you can have confidence that God does protect us from evils seen and unseen. The times when evil does overwhelm us or others, even if the onslaught is fatal, it is not final.

We are assured in Proverbs 2:7-8 that God is a shield for the saved, right doers. Romans 8:39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. So, go and live your life boldly today. God’s got you covered. He has already and does continually smile on you!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank you for giving us your grace, divine top cover, strength, discernment and salvation. As we go into the day and days to come, may we be blessed with confidence and security. Guide our steps and guard us and our families. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God Has Smiled On Me” by Elaine Norwood. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.
He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: God and His Angels protect you from danger

God is Our Protector
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

—Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you narrowly escaped involvement in a car accident? Maybe you were in an accident but when you look back at the aftermath, you wonder how you made it out alive. This is evidence of God protecting you from apparent danger.

God is also in the business of protecting us from dangers that we cannot see. There are daily situations that are happening behind the scenes of which we are unaware. These situations remain unseen because God is constantly dispatching His angels to encamp around us (Psalm 34:7). He deactivates the traps that are set by Satan. The weapon may be formed, but it will not prosper! (Isaiah 54:17). God has this uncanny ability to orchestrate circumstances with the goal of rescuing us. He never leaves us alone. He is always right there.

God also offers us protection from the spiritual battle that occurs in the life of a believer. We are reminded in Ephesians 6:12 that this is not a physical fight, but completely spiritual. We are not up against people or objects, but Satan uses these things in the battle in an attempt to distract and defeat us. Our true opponent is Satan and he wants nothing more than for all of us to fall prey to His evil plans to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).

In order for us to resist Satan, we need to stand and cover ourselves with every piece of God’s armor. This includes truth tied around our waist which are integrity and moral courage. The breastplate of righteousness is to protect an upright heart. When the gospel of peace is strapped to our feet, we will be stable and be prepared to face Satan with readiness that originates from the good new. The shield of faith protects us by extinguishing Satan’s fiery darts that are thrown in our direction. The helmet of salvation guards our minds as we focus on God, and the sword of the spirit is the word of God that should be hidden in our hearts so that we are less prone to sin. When we put on God’s armor, it not only protects us, but it also emboldens us to live a genuine Christian life.

God’s protection in our lives is beyond what we could ever imagine. We can praise Him now for what He has already done and in advance for what He is going to do!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Thank you for Your protection as we go about our lives each day. Help us to realize that You go before us, You are always with us, and You are all around us, no matter where we are. Continue to bless us with Your abiding presence. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Protector (Live)” by Kim Walker-Smith. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood.

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/

Note: Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should stay close to God all the time

Stay Close to God
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” –Psalm 27:5 (NIV)

It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze. I decided to take a walk at the neighboring park which had a lake and plenty of seating area. I also took my journal and a pen with me, just in case I found a nice spot to sit down and write.

The park was full of people, but it wasn’t too crowded. It was as if everyone realized it was too nice outside to stay indoors. I walked around the lake two times, and I passed by the same people who were walking in the opposite direction. We greeted each other with a smile as we continued to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

I saw a picnic table under a gazebo directly next to the lake. I walked off the path, away from the other people who were walking around the lake, and I sat down at the table. I made myself comfortable as I opened my journal and prepared my pen to write down some thoughts.

In less than a minute, I saw a lady walking toward me. She was looking directly at me, and she sped up as she approached my table. She had been walking behind me when I circled the lake, and she noticed that I was sitting by myself. As she drew closer to me, she said hello and she smiled, but she did not sit down. Instead, she told me about a man who was seated on a bench just directly over her shoulder almost behind a tree. She asked me if I noticed him, and I could not remember seeing anyone over there.

She asked me not to look in that direction as she was speaking to me. She explained that the man was talking to himself, and his words were forceful and somewhat violent. She said that he was very animated, and it was rather intimidating. Then she said she followed me to the table because I was isolated and away from the crowd. I was seated alone and that made me vulnerable. She was concerned for my safety. I thanked her as I promptly gathered my belongings and made my way back home.

As I left the park, I was reminded of how similar this instance was to our daily lives as believers in Jesus Christ. During this journey called life, it would behoove us to stay on the path that leads us to Christ. This includes spending quality time with God, praying throughout the day, reading the Word of God (The Holy Bible), and surrounding ourselves with other believers. When we veer off the path away from others and find ourselves alone and vulnerable, we must remember that the enemy is waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack us. He waits patiently like a lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Once we let our guard down, that is when we are the most susceptible to the devil’s schemes.

Whatever the cost, be vigilant and aware. Seek the attention of other caring believers who will look out for you, and by any means necessary, stay close to God.

Let’s Pray: Loving Lord, thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. If we ever wander from your side, Lord, draw us back to you, and keep us safe in Your loving care. Thank you for Your protection. In Jesus’ s name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” (song) by Mahalia Jackson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood.

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Romantic Reads: Sweet Summer

The Story Behind the story Sweet Summer by Christina Sinisi:

First, thank you, Alexis, for this opportunity to share the story behind the story with your readers. I’m excited to share and hope to inspire others!

As soon as I could begin to write, I did—in third grade. I started with poems and then wrote a play in fifth grade. In eighth grade, I wrote a “novel” about the “monstrous goop” that evolved from dirty dish water and devoured everything in its path. In high school, I was “Creative Writing” student of the year as a senior. In college, I published poetry in the college magazine. Then, after graduating, I wrote another novel, submitted it, and received my first rejection letter. I didn’t know where to go from there, so I concentrated on graduate school, a day job, and raising children.

When my daughter began kindergarten, I started again. I'd been writing for pretty much my whole life, getting close to being published, but then getting a no every time. At the beginning of June 2019, after experiencing losses in my personal life, I read a call on the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) email loop for Christmas novellas. That was June 6. The deadline was the end of the month. With a lifetime of experience behind me, I sat down and wrote Christmas Confusion in three and a half weeks. Then, Anaiah Press bought the book!

Because of the rush to meet that deadline, I hadn't had time to send the manuscript to friends to proofread or even to my mentor to read. When my mentor, Eloisa James, did read the book, she said, “Now, I want to hear the sisters' stories.”

I had already started a new book, The Christmas Promise (I'm working on finishing it now), but I put it aside and started writing Shelby's story. I finished her book by December 2019. The book went to Anaiah and my editor was surprised it was a full-length novel. They didn't have space to publish a full-length novel in 2020. But they would consider it for 2021. Not wanting to lose momentum and not wanting to wait a whole other year before publishing something else, I sat myself down and wrote Christmas on Ocracoke and finished it by June.

But now it's 2021, and it's Shelby's turn! Let me tell you about her story … 

Shelby Marano is the youngest of three sisters and was always Daddy’s baby girl—until her father was murdered when she was only eight years old. Ever since, she’s been running from anyone or anything that could truly hurt her. Instead, she seeks calculated thrills that leave her exhilarated, but when she’s caught outside during a summer storm, she quickly realizes not all adventures are within her control.

Tyler Burgess struggles with the responsibility of caring for a mother suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Forced to take a leave of absence from work and put his life on hold, his only reprieve is the volunteer work he does at the local museum. When a soaking-wet Shelby barges in, he offers her both refuge from the rain and a safe place to land. She’s the breath of fresh air he didn’t know he needed.

Tyler proves to be much more than just a nerd in a history museum, but what she finds out about him is a deal-breaker for her. As family health issues and an unknown stalker threaten Shelby’s perfect little world, she learns a hard lesson: no one can hide from the dangers of life. Can Shelby let her sisters, Tyler, and even more importantly, God, show her in one Sweet Summer that love is worth taking the risk?

Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear others’ stories of times where they struggled and persisted. God can certainly open and close doors—we just have to be willing to walk through!

~*~
Author Bio:

Christina Sinisi is a member of the ACFW. 

She writes stories about families, both the broken and blessed. Her works include a story that became a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and the American Title IV Contest, in which she appeared in the Top Ten in the Romantic Times magazine. 

Christina’s published books include Christmas Confusion and Sweet Summer, the first two books in the Summer Creek Series, as well as the Christmas On Ocracoke and the upcoming Why They Call it Falling.

By day, she is a psychology professor. Christina lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with her husband, two grown children, and Chessie (her Hemingway cat).

~*~
Buy Christina’s book on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Christina:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/christinasinisi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaSinisiAuthor/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csinisi123/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/csinisi/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/101218889-christina-sinisi
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christina-sinisi
Website: https://www.christinasinisi.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: God's View

A Higher Perspective
A devotional by Wade Webster

“As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

I've spent the better part of the past thirty years or so driving trucks for a living, 18-wheelers mostly. Like any job, it has its good parts and its bad parts. Sharing the roads with people who seem to routinely make unwise maneuvers while driving on the road, has got to be the worst part of it.

I've seen so many not so smart moves on the road that I've learned to expect other drivers to do the most unexpected thing. That way I'm not disappointed very often. Yes, if I'm totally vulnerable with y'all, I have to admit to performing my share of not so smart things while being behind the wheel myself.

I've hauled everything from dirt to a fully tripped out military Hummer. I delivered Christmas mail and completely decorated Christmas trees. It's been quite frustrating when I have a load of mattresses while forcing myself to stay awake while driving down the interstate.

I've lost count on how many kids have pumped their fist in the air at me just to get me to blow my own air horn. God only knows how many bugs have splatted on my windshields over the years. I've endured my share of blown tires and breakdowns. Driven through thunderstorms and blizzards … all for the satisfaction of a job well done ... and a paycheck, of course.

Oh, sure, there are many disadvantages to pulling a small warehouse down the road, like turning a corner on city streets. It's considered bad luck to run over nice people who are simply trying to cross that same intersection. So why won't those not so smart drivers back up in the left turn lane so I can swing out far enough to keep my rig off the sidewalk? Yes, it does take three lanes to safely maneuver a right hand turn.

One of the main advantages of driving a big rig is the ability to see farther down the road than most drivers. My driver's seat sits so high it's like I'm sitting on the roof of a large SUV or pickup. I do my best to look over those four-wheelers so I can slow down when I see brake lights glaring ahead of us...even if drivers who are zooming around me don't trust my judgment. Their brake lights work eventually.

My ability to see ahead better than other drivers reminds me of God's perspective in my life. Isaiah 55:8-9 explains this better than I can: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I don't know about you, but my life hasn't made much sense for quite some time now. I know I'm ready for a career change. That's for sure. But I trust God always works things together to make me more like Jesus Christ everyday.

I remind myself that God has an eternal perspective on everything that sees much more than I ever will. His plans might not make sense to me now, but someday they may. Even if they never do I still trust my heavenly Father to keep me safe and build me into the child He wants me to be.

Whatever you're facing in your life that doesn't make sense to you, trust God to see what's ahead in your life that needs this training you're going through now.

Even if it's painful, God will use it for His glory.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster is a farm boy turned city slicker, heathen turned born-again Christian, truck driver turned writer doing his best to point folks to his best friend, Jesus Christ. 

He currently lives in Plano, Texas.

Wade is the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer, a book that didn't begin as a book, just weekly prayers to a group of writer friends.

He enjoys spending time in nature, running for exercise and dark chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Apart from driving 18-wheelers for a living he has a part-time job painting houses on the side...and the front and back and inside.

As a teenager, he told his friends he never wanted to be considered normal. So far he's done a pretty good job of living up to that aspiration.

Thankful Thursdays: A God Who Holds My Hand through this life

Thankful Thursdays: A God Who Holds My Hand

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for a God who holds my hand!

Earlier today, I was leaving the grocery store. As I pushed my shopping cart to the side, I heard a woman behind me tell a toddler in a motherly tone of voice, “Hold my hand.”

I watched as the woman carefully guided the child through the parking lot, watching out to make sure that no car or person would hit or hurt her little girl. And I thought, “Wow! Isn’t that how God interacts with us, His children?”

God offers to hold our hand and help us navigate safely through this treacherous life here on Earth. Just like a mother wouldn’t dream of allowing her child to cross the street or walk through a parking lot without holding her hand so that she could keep her child safe, God doesn’t want us to try to make it through this life here on Earth without Him.

God wants us to hold His hand and trust Him to carefully and skillfully navigate us through the trials, obstacles, heartache, pain and other discouraging or dangerous situations we may face. Why? Because He is our Heavenly Father and He loves us will ALL of His Heart. Keeping us safe and saved in His Kingdom is what He wants.

The Word of God says in Isaiah 41:13 (NIV), “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

What a powerful promise from the Almighty God!

Won’t you allow God to hold your hand and help you through life? He is the best person to do so and you can trust Him. He never fails to guide, protect and bless you! And He will always be there for you, even when you cannot sense Him near. He loves you too much to leave you to do life alone.

Always remember that the Creator of the Universe (God) loves you!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of “God is Love” blog

Falling for Books: Sara's book

Interview with Sara L. Foust about her book, Camp Hope: Journey to Hope (Love, Hope, and Faith Series Book 2):

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Sara: The idea first came to me from a nightmare I had about our own foster daughter being kidnapped. I woke up and thought, “That was horrible! But it would make a good story.” 

Alexis: What is the significance of your book title, Camp Hope: Journey to Hope?

Sara: Amy shut hope out of her heart a long time ago. After an abusive childhood, she is afraid of men and believes God abandoned her. Camp Hope is her journey to rediscover the hope that lives in God’s love.

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s heroine Amy Dawson. Describe her looks, personality, hopes, and dreams. What does she do for a career?

Sara: Amy is a dark-haired beauty who doesn’t even think for a minute she is beautiful. She is self-sufficient and independent. A horse-woman and a business owner. But she is also fragile and scarred. More than anything, she needs healing from her childhood and the courage to accept that God loves broken people.

Alexis: How did you determine the setting for your book? Is it fictional or real? Describe it.

Sara: The setting is the mountain chain of Royal Blue, Tennessee. It is a real Wildlife Management Area complete with unpopulated, dense forest. It is home to elk, black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, wild hogs, and more. It is a favorite place for locals to hunt and 4-wheel. And it is gorgeous! I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many parks, mountains, and forests.

Alexis: What—or who—led Amy to becoming a foster mom? Does she enjoy it?

Sara: Her own experience as a foster child primed her to want to help others. She also runs a camp for foster children. Once she realized she couldn’t ever (she thought) love a man but she wanted to be a mother, she decided to become a foster mom and help a young girl in need of a loving and safe home.

Alexis: What is the name of Amy’s four-year-old daughter? What role does she play in this story?

Sara: Her name is Mattie. Mattie’s kidnapping is the catalyst that gets this story moving. It is what drives Amy out of her comfort zone and into the wilderness.

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s hero, Jack Evans. What is he like? Describe his looks, personality, and heart.

Sara: Jack is handsome but he is scarred too. His scars are emotional and physical, though. He has a large, actual scar running down his cheek from a teenage beating he received. But, unlike Amy, he has found God and discovered the peace of His redeeming love. Jack is quiet, sells himself short, and loyal. More than anything, he longs to help Amy find God.

Alexis: What special connection does Jack share with Amy and how does their relationship affect this story?

Sara: Jack was a camper at Camp Hope when he and Amy were teenagers. They had one summer together before he was whisked away. He has always loved her. She has always loved him, but she has decidedly repressed her feelings. Their relationship has a major impact on the story. Jack helps Amy on her quest to find Mattie, providing moral support, another set of eyes, and, eventually, witnessing to Amy.

Alexis: Why does Amy turn to Jack for help when her daughter goes missing?

Sara: She doesn’t, really. He takes it on himself. But, once she gets used to the idea, she is glad he is there. He is the only man on the face of the planet she kind of, sort of trusts.

Alexis: Share one of Amy and Jack’s most romantic memories together. Why didn’t they last?

Sara: They fell in love as teenagers and romance wasn’t easy for either of them because of their past traumas. Their first kiss in the barn was sweet, respectful, and stuck with them both. Jack’s uncle petitioned for custody of him and he was moved to Ohio at the end of the summer.

Alexis: What is Jack’s most difficult struggle in this story? Explain.

Sara: He struggles with recognizing his self-worth. As a child, he was made to feel he was worthless and useless and those impressions have nagged him ever since. As an adult, he has been a wanderer and never been able to find people who believed in him. Though he is a Christian and he believes God’s love for him, he has to find out for himself that he isn’t inherently broken or defective.

Alexis: What role does Amy faith in God play in helping her survive traumatic memories and go bravely into the wilderness to search for her daughter?

Sara: Amy isn’t a believer in the beginning of the book. Her own willpower and stubbornness drive her into the wilderness, frantically trying to prevent the same traumas she experienced from happening to Mattie. When her memories creep in, she desperately tries to shut them out. It isn’t until later in the story she is able to begin to heal.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story? 

Sara: There is always hope for healing in God. No matter what has happened to us, no matter what decisions we have made, God wants a relationship with us. Only in Him is there peace of mind and healing of heart.

Alexis: Thank so much for the interview, Sara! Would you like to share closing thoughts? 

Sara: Thank you for having me today, Alexis! I love meeting and interacting with readers. If any of you have any questions or prayer requests, please feel free to contact me.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. 

Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. 

To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

~*~
Book Blurb for Camp Hope:

Amy Dawson directs a summer camp for foster children near Briceville, Tennessee. A foster mom for the first time, her responsibilities as mother to a traumatized child bring a whole new set of challenges and joys.

But when Amy’s four-year-old foster daughter is dragged into the mountains of Royal Blue by a former employee, parenting challenges are overshadowed by a new nightmare. The Sheriff's department fails to procure viable leads, and Amy can’t sit idle. Her childhood friend and first love, Jack Evans, returns to lend his skills as tracker. Problem is, he also stirs up romantic memories Amy would rather leave buried.

Jack struggles to let go of his past failures and prove his reliability by bringing Mattie home, but fears when he left camp nineteen years ago and failed to keep a promise to Amy he permanently lost her confidence.

As Amy plunges into the wilderness on horseback to search for Mattie, she must decide who she trusts, let go of her childhood traumas, and learn to rely on hope in God. Facing dehydration, starvation, and a convoluted kidnapper, will she succeed in recovering her precious foster daughter or get lost in the vast wilderness forever?

~*~
Buy Camp Hope on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Books-A-Million

~*~
Connect with Sara:
Website: www.saralfoust.com
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/cfqP5H
Email: sfoust25@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraLFoust/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sfoust25
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sfoust25/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraFoustSaraLFoust
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/saralfoust

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devotionals for the Heart: Be Brave

Heroism Unleashed
A devotional by Gail Kittleson

Many heroes stand out in a crowd as muscular, brash, and egotistical. They can do superhuman feats, it seems.

The Olympics, though, highlights true heroes and heroines who enter their race with integrity and humility. Their tears when they win—or when they don’t—testify that they’re in this for reasons of the heart.

A hero or heroine displays courage, bravery or self-sacrifice for some greater good in the face of danger or adversity.

Joseph, a wealthy man who had a great deal to lose by choosing to support Jesus, qualifies as an unobtrusive hero. This member of the Jewish Council and a secret disciple of Jesus, watched for the kingdom of God. He appears in all four Gospels, and his act of burying Jesus in the tomb he’d prepared for his own body garners our attention.

In order to accomplish this feat, Joseph “asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission.” (John 19:38 ESV) Nicodemus helped him, and we can imagine the two of them carrying their load to the tomb. They’d witnessed Jesus’ wise dealings with the Pharisees and Sadducees, heard His teachings, and in spite of their fear of retribution from the powers that be, they believed.

The burial of Jesus catapults them into heroism. They had every reason to slink into the shadows with the rest of Jesus’ disciples, every reason not to do what they did that night. The High Priest’s henchmen were about, scanning for followers of Jesus.

But in a quiet, thoughtful way, Joseph and Nicodemus completed their work of love. A few women paid attention, and risked their lives, too, revealing their devotion to the Savior.

Let's pray: Help us, Lord, in our everyday challenges, to display courage like your servants, Joseph and Nicodemus.

~*~
Author Bio: 

When Gail’s not steeped in World War II research, drafting scenes, or deep in an edit of her 1940’s novels, she does a limited amount of editing for other authors. 

She also facilitates writing and creativity workshops, both in Iowa and Arizona, where she and her husband like to spend part of the winter in the amazing Ponderosa pine forest under the Mogollon Rim. 

Favorites: spending time with grandchildren, walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.

Author Interview featuring Amanda Barratt and her new novel

Let's welcome Amanda Barratt to the blog today! She's here to talk about her new novel, My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey. 

I'm on the launch team for this new release (book) and I'm super excited to share this lovely story with you via this author interview with Amanda. Enjoy! 

~*~

Interview with Amanda Barratt, author of 
My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book? 

Amanda: We’d planned a family vacation to Niagara Falls. Before the trip, I was reading up on the history of the area, because that’s just what history nerds do. I read quite a bit about the stunts and daredevils, and as I was walking along, looking at the Falls, the idea of a daredevil falling in love with a woman who feared risk, came to me. When Barbour put the word out that they were looking for authors to submit to a destination romance line, my sister suggested I do Niagara Falls and make the hero a tightrope walker. Sisters always know best!

Alexis: Why did you choose Niagara Falls, NY as the backdrop for this story? 

Amanda: Because the location had to be near the Falls, where all the tightrope stunts were performed.

Alexis: Why did you set this story in 1870 and not another era? 

Amanda: The most famous funambulist in the Victorian era was undoubtedly Charles Blondin, who performed at Niagara Falls in the late 1850s. I wanted my hero’s stunts to take place later than that, and not around the time of the Civil War. So 1870 it was!

Alexis: Who is Adele and why is her journey so important in this story? 

Amanda: Adele Linley is basically a Victorian Scarlett O’Hara, though not as feisty, perhaps. She loves her family home in England and needs money to keep it from being sold to pay for family financial difficulties, so she travels to England on the hunt for a wealthy American husband who will provide her the capital she seeks. Ultimately, though, her journey is more than a trip across the ocean, but a deeply emotional and spiritual transformation.

Alexis: How does Adele’s cautious behavior interact with Drew’s reckless abandon? 

Amanda: Adele and Drew have quite a bit of conflict, due to their differing views on danger and risk. Eventually, that conflict reaches a climax…which basically equals lots of fun scenes for me as the author.

Alexis: Drew Dawson is the hero of this story. Describe him. What makes him special and significant to this story? 

Amanda: Drew is driven to take risks due to his need for income to provide for his wheelchair-bound sister. Despite his own lack, he’s kind and generous. He loves the Lord and puts his future into God’s hands.

Alexis: Describe Adele’s relationship with her family. Does she like being the daughter of an English aristocrat? Why or why not? 

Amanda: When the story opens, the family are aristocrats in name only. Adele travels to England with costume jewelry and made-over dresses. Her mother is not a strong person, and her brother a chronic drinker and gambler.

Alexis: How did Drew’s childhood as an orphan affect his drive to succeed? 

Amanda: Drew has known what it is to go to bed on an empty stomach, to fall asleep in a back alley, to struggle and strive. His sister is an invalid, and he seeks to provide her a better life. He’s driven, as it were, by necessity.

Alexis: Who is Franklin Conway and how does he affect Adele’s affections? 

Amanda: Franklin Conway was SUCH a fun character to write! Those who have read the story are cringing right about now. He’s a man rich in capital, but without the social polish required to enter the highest echelons of society. Adele sees in him an answer to her problems—she will provide him the class and propriety of a British wife, and he will use his capital to help her family. It’s a practical solution, but the closer Adele gets to making a final decision, the more she begins to doubt herself.

Alexis: What endears Adele’s heart to Drew? 

Amanda: Drew is the first man who takes the time to truly care about Adele. She’s accustomed to doing for herself and bearing emotional burdens alone; he comes alongside her and takes time to listen and understand. He makes her laugh, shows her she’s special and unlocks a part of her heart she didn’t know existed.

Alexis: What makes Drew want to fight for Adele? 

Amanda: Adele is different than anyone Drew has ever met. She’s a lady living in a world of affluence but has a rare heart of compassion. She challenges him with her questions and encourages him in his quest to care for his sister. She’s both sweet and stubborn and sets him to dreaming of a future with her.

Alexis: What do you want your readers to remember most about this story? 

Amanda: That we can only find peace when we trust and truly surrender to God. Trying to maneuver circumstances and people to get a desired outcome causes stress and bad choices, whereas a true “handing over the reins” to Jesus, brings the greatest security we can hope to have.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Amanda! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Amanda: Thanks so much for having me! I hope you enjoyed this peek into My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York. If this interview has piqued your interest, and you’re looking to discover more about the novel and characters, I’d love it if you followed my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/amandabarrattauthor).

Over the next few weeks, I’ll continue to share more about the story, characters, and history behind the novel’s setting.

~*~

Author bio: 

ECPA bestselling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story – a spinoff of Jane Eyre. 

Now, Amanda writes inspirational historical romance, penning stories that transport readers to a variety of locales–from the sweeping coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, to the rugged landscape of Central Texas. Her novella, The Truest Heart, finaled in the 2017 FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, who kindly put up with the invisible people she calls characters.

These days, Amanda can be found reading way too many books, watching an eclectic mix of BBC dramas and romantic chick flicks, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England.

~*~

Book Blurb: Journey to Niagara Falls, New York, 1870

She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

Adele meets incredibly wealthy and pompous Franklin Conway who takes an immediate fancy to her. But she would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

~*~

Buy Amanda's book on Amazon

~*~

Connect with Amanda:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AmandaBarrattauthor
Sign up for her author newsletter on her website— http://amandabarratt.net/

SaveSave

Spring into Love: An Unlikely Hero

Interview with Mary Davis, author of “An Unlikely Hero”:

Alexis: What makes 1 Samuel 16:7 the focus of this story? Explain the significance.

Mary: This is the verse where God doesn’t look on a person’s outward appearance like people do. My hero in this story was always judged by his small size and deemed incapable. The Pony Express hired only small men and boys to have less weight on the horses so the horses could run faster. And like most other people, the heroine also misjudges the men at the station by outward appearance as to their ability to protect her.

Alexis: Your story is set at the Head of the Echo Canyon Pony Express Station in 1861. Would your book be a historical romance then? Explain what that means in this case.

Mary: Yes, “An Unlikely Hero” is a historical romance. People often get a historical romance mixed up with a historical with romantic elements. What’s the difference you might ask? A historical story is a story set in the past, in a historical setting and can encapsulate a variety of other genres with it and may or may not have romance. For instance, the TV series Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman is a historical with romance elements. The romance isn’t the main part of the story, but there is romance. A historical romance is a romance first and historical second. If you tried to take the romance out of a historical romance, the rest would fall apart and you wouldn’t have a story. It’s a story about a boy and girl falling in love that happens to be set in the past.

Alexis: BethAnn White is the heroine of your story. What does she look like? What are her life passions and goals? How does she act and why?

Mary: You wouldn’t think so, but this question gives me pause. It seems like a simple enough one, but I’ve written another novella and a novel as well as several proposals since finishing “An Unlikely Hero,” so let me think a minute. BethAnn has golden blond hair and blue eyes. Her current goal in the story is to keep herself and her sister safe. She is a helpful person. She treats all people kindly and doesn’t think of some people as better than others.

Alexis: What was the terrible mistake that BethAnn made and why is she in grief?

Mary: When BethAnn’s other sisters and parents got gravely ill with diphtheria, she mistakenly allowed the wrong sort of man to help her with medical expenses and then funeral costs. Her other sisters and parents died, thus the reason for her grieving. So now it is just herself and her little sister, Molly.

Alexis: How old are BethAnn and her younger sister? Why are they on the run?

Mary: Hold on a second while I look that up, BethAnn is in her early twenties. Her sister is twelve. They’re on the run because the man who gave BethAnn money to pay for medical treatment for her family is demanding repayment . . . in one form or another. He’s not a nice fellow.

Alexis: Why does BethAnn believe that she needs to find a strong man to protect she and her sister?

Mary: Because the man she owes money to is coming after her, and she mistakenly believes that only a “big, strong man” can protect her from this other man.

Alexis: Fox is the hero of this story. Tell us about his looks, personality, and heart. What makes him “An Unlikely Hero”?

Mary: He has red hair, “kind, gentle green eyes with flecks of gold,” and is small in stature. Think horse jockey. He has a quiet personality and the heart of a romantic. He has a knack for drawing and fills his sketchbook with secret drawings of BethAnn. What makes him “An Unlikely Hero”? His size, but not his heart.

Alexis: How did Fox start riding for the Pony Express and how long has he done that?

Mary: When the Pony Express first started looking for riders, Fox answered the recruiting poster asking for “Young, Skinny, Wiry Fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.” This was the one place that Fox’s smaller size was wanted and needed. There were riders over eighteen even up towards thirty, but most were teenaged boys. Fox joined at the beginning, so since April of 1860. The Pony Express ran for about eighteen months. My story takes place near the end of the Pony Express, which ended in October of 1861, so he’s been riding for them for over a year.

Alexis: Describe BethAnn and Fox’s meet-cute. What draws them together and what keeps them together?

Mary: BethAnn’s sister nearly gets run down by a speeding Pony Express horse and rider with the setting sun in his eyes. Fox swoops in from out of the shadows and gets her sister out of harm’s way and rolls her to safety. BethAnn approaches and thanks him profusely. This event draws them together, and both being at the station keeps them together.

Alexis: What is it about BethAnn that makes Fox fall in love with her?

Mary: Her appreciation for him. Because of his smaller size, no one had ever appreciated anything he did. Her kind heart and willingness to help others.

Alexis: What is it about Fox that BethAnn admires? Explain.

Mary: His quiet way and his willingness to risk his life for a stranger. His kind heart and helpfulness. His actions and sketches speak more than his words because he doesn’t do a lot of talking. When he isn’t on a ride, he’s near to BethAnn and her sister, helping them in various ways. He helps them in the garden and teaches Molly to sketch.

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in this story and how does it affect the ending?

Mary: Both BethAnn and Fox are Christians and believe the good things that happen are because of God. If they both didn’t believe in God, I don’t know that they would get together at the end. BethAnn might not have stayed as long as she did if the Lord didn’t make her feel safe at the station, and Fox would have left when he felt BethAnn thought poorly of him and wouldn’t likely fall in love with him.

Alexis: As the author, how does your faith in God in the real world affect your fictional storytelling?

Mary: Every story I write is through the filter of knowing a loving God who never gives up on me and sees more than what is on the outside.

Alexis: What was the most challenging aspect of writing this story?

Mary: Creating a believable hero from a jockey-sized man. But I believe I’ve succeeded in creating a man who measures up to hero status regardless of his height.

Alexis: What’s the moral of the story?

Mary: Don’t judge a book by its cover or, in this case, a hero by his size.

Alexis: If you were not a writer, what would you like to be? Why?

Mary: A craft teacher. I love to sew, quilt, and do various other crafts. Being able to help someone else create something wonderful out of this and that is quite rewarding.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Mary! God bless you. 

Mary: You’re welcome! I had fun!

~*~

Author bio: 

Award-winning novelist Mary Davis has over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. 

She is a member of ACFW and active in two critique groups. 

Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty years and two cats. 

She has three adult children and one grandchild.

~*~
Book Blurb for Mary's story inside The Pony Express Romance Collection: 

In "An Unlikely Hero", BethAnn is running from a mistake and finds security at a Pony Express station and love in the quiet affection of a shy Pony Express rider known as the “Fox.”

~*~

Connect with Mary: 
Website - http://marydavisbooks.com
Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/mary.davis.73932
Amazon - http://amzn.to/2qKxFzs
Barbour Books - http://bit.ly/2qxWl1P
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/2pbTdDX
Blog - http://marydavis1.blogspot.com/

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway