The fretful times we live in remind me that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (see 2 Timothy 1:7). Faith in God is the most important aspect of my life, as I believe it should be for every Christian, and I cling to God in these dark times, seeking His power, His love, and His soundness of mind.
The verses that keep coming back to mind are Ephesians 6:12-13, which say, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (NKJ)
We are in a monumental spiritual battle, friends. The crucial thing is to listen to and obey God Almighty as He leads us through the evil casting shadows across our life’s journey. No matter what comes, He knows the right way for us to go.
I pray that even if times get darker, scarier, we will have increased faith and abundant joy. One verse I often pray is Mark 9:24, which says in part, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Even when we believe, there is another level of faith we can strive to reach, one that takes God’s help to discover and then live out. Another section of Scripture that often sustains me is James 1:2-8. The first bit is what usually leaps to mind, but the full section is superb. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…”
“Count it all joy.”
How can trials be counted as joy? By clinging to God and seeking His will in the midst of the difficulties we face. Plus, the next bit says that the “testing of your faith produces patience.” I’ve also found that the more I focus one God in the midst of the trials (rather than the pain or discomfort or scariness or other dark things), the more contented I feel. Contentment is a great goal for me, one I have obtained and yet still strive for in greater depths. In that contentment, I find great joy in God. That joy accompanies me through my daily life, even when tough things happen or wrenches get tossed into the cogs of my life.
Even then, God is still big enough to help me.
And He’s big enough to help you too, whatever you face.
As we go through this next week, let’s keep striving and seeking and praying to reach that level of deep faith, my friends. No matter what comes, may you stand firm in your faith with Jesus Christ by your side. May you discover a deep contentment in God, an abundant joy in the midst of whatever trials are present in your life just now. Above all, may God’s will be done in your life, from this day forward.
A Note on Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, especially my own. Thank you for all you do for us, your children.
From a daughter’s perspective, I’m glad I have a daddy who’s strong of mind and body, faithful to God and family, a protector and encourager and a supporter in my toughest times. I’m glad you see me as a precious gem to be cherished, that you care about the choices I make, that you’re there for me when I make mistakes, and that you’re the person I can turn to for advice when life becomes tougher than I imagine.
Most of all, I’m glad I have your love. Unfailing, imperfect love that shares your heart with me and shows me a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father’s perfect love looks and feels like.
Daddy, thank you for pouring all this and more into our family. I’m grateful.
It is my prayer that others are able to say the same about their own fathers.
To the dads out there who might not have chosen to be all these things to their own children, for one reason or another, let me let you in on a little secret. You can choose, today, to be this type of man. You can make the choice to be the leader your little girl (or boy) needs you to be. Small steps lead to big journeys, my friend, and I pray that today you choose to take a step in a positive direction, to become the encouraging, loving father God intended for you to be. May God bless you as you step onto a new path with Him as your Guide. Because your children, whether little or grown, need you to be a man after God’s own heart.
Pre-Order Springtime in Surrey
My upcoming book, Springtime in Surrey, cowritten with seven other authors, is now available for pre-order. Please keep reading to see mini-blurbs about each one of the eight novellas.
You might be wondering why pre-order sales are needed. It has to do with online retailers’ algorithms. The more pre-order sales a book receives, the more the retailers spotlight the book, helping other readers become aware of the title in their browsing.
If we look at the more personal side of things, clicking that pre-order button lets us authors know our work is appreciated and desired. It’s a simple way of supporting your favorite authors, to purchase their stories for your family, friends, or to add to your own collection. Every purchase counts toward encouraging us authors to keep diving into new sets of characters to create stories that will capture readers’ imaginations for untold hours.
It is our joy to provide such entertainment for you, my dear friends, and it is our hope that you might support us in this writing journey.
About the Book
This collection of novellas, set in County Surrey, England, features both historical and contemporary stories by new and old authors!
Springtime in Surrey contains the follow eight novellas:
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
An orphaned young woman must fight to survive after WWI breaks out, praying her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did years ago.
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
A former ballerina seeks hope amongst her lost dreams, as a sheep farmer tries to bring her joy.
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
An exhausted mother balances her duties to both her biological and evacuee children with preparation for an unexpected visit from her soldier husband.
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
A destitute woman is pursued by an unexpected suitor and finds blessings from God in the way she least expected.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
A disgraced debutante flees to the country, only to meet a reclusive writer who may change her life forever.
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
An insecure university student returns to a tea shop after a mysterious letter summons her there.
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
A hard-working sister-of-seven struggles with contentment as her marriage is postponed by her fiancé’s absence.
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
A young bride chases her husband into the forest to rescue him from himself, which goes about as well as one would expect.
Pre-Order Link
While the book will also release in paperback, the pre-order link given below is for the Kindle version of the collection.
You may pre-order Springtime in Surrey on Amazon.
Goodreads Link
Another way to support an author is to add their book(s) to your want-to-read shelf on Goodreads. This helps your Goodreads friends to see the book in their home page’s news feed, which permits them to discover the book for themselves. The more exposure the book gets, the more people might eventually enjoy the stories found beneath the pretty cover.
You may add the book to your want-to-read shelf on Goodreads.
Write In Faith Camp Registration
It’s time to register for another season of Write In Faith Camp. If you have a story you’d like to write in July, now is the time to sign up for WIF Camp. At WIF Camp, you’ll find encouragement in your writing, brainstorming buddies, and like-minded Christian writers who strive to glorify God with their writing.
Registration for the summer session is open June 12-23, 2023. Camp dates are the full month of July, with doors opening one day prior and closing one day after the session.
The full WIF Camp rules may be found in the registration form. Please read them carefully before signing up.
If you do not receive an e-mail from writeinfaithcamp@yahoo.com within 48 hours of registering, please contact Andrea Renee Cox (that’s me) at that address to double-check your registration status.
It is my hope that you will join your fellow writers at Write In Faith Camp this July.
Springtime in Surrey Updates!
For the latest updates directly from Wild Blue Wonder Press, visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
As stated above, the pre-order link is ready for you. Please share about the book far and wide, as we want all of your family and friends to discover this charming collection of England-set novellas later this summer.
My fellow authors are sharing about their stories. Check out any or all of their links for the latest tidbits of news.
Faith Blum | Instagram
Grace A. Johnson | Blog
Katja H. Labonté | Blog | Cover Reveal (on blog)
Rachel Leitch | Blog | Instagram | Interview
Erika Mathews | Instagram
Kellyn Roth | Cover Reveal (on blog)
BOOKS TO READ
Want to read one of my books? Explore my books page.
Purchasing one of my books directly supports my writing career.
Posting an honest review of one of my books on Goodreads or your favorite retail site helps other readers know whether or not they’d also like to read my books.
SHORT STORIES
Want to read free short stories? Explore my short stories page.