In the New Testament, Jesus tells a story of those who had gods before God.
“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”
Luke 14:16-24
Let’s re-tell this parable from a slightly different angle:
A certain King made a great supper and invited all of “Me” to come. At supper time, He sent His servants, Prompting of the Spirit and Calling of Love, to say to various parts of Me, “Come for all things are now ready.”
And all my emotions, my will, my mind, and various parts of my body in one accord began to make excuse. The first said unto Him, “I told these people that I would spend time with them, and I need to go do it. I pray you, excuse me.”
And another said, “I just got a new book and I’m about to study it. Have me excused.”
Another said, “I am way too tired; therefore I cannot come.”
…what is the end of this story? Do we listen to the excuses of our emotions, our mind, our will, and our body and therefore miss out on the King’s supper? Or does our spirit gladly say, “I come, LORD, to be with Thee”?
Just as supper is a daily activity, this is a daily decision. He has prepared it for you; He wants to be with you. How do you respond to His daily invitation?
With this background, the next words of Jesus – Luke 14:26 – make sense: “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Those who were bidden to the supper did not “hate” all else but Him. They had gods before God: houses, ground, animals, and wives.
To this end, my spirit – not my soul – says, “I hate people (things, possessions, activities, events, etc.).” It is our spirit, not our soul, because our soul is still naturally attached to those things. However, once our spirit has spontaneously—apart from our own power or will—declared hatred, we are free from our expectations of other people and things around us. If we hate them, we expect nothing and therefore our expectation is in God alone.
When we choose off a menu, it is not that the other items on the menu are not good things; it is just that we have chosen one above the others. It is the same way with God; other people and things may be very good in our lives, but we are choosing God above them.
We are not worthy of Christ if we do not hate our father, our mother, and others; Christ said so. Because of this, I can hate with all the love of God in me! We are not free to love others with the love of God in us until we first hate others with all the love of God in us.
The love of God in me is directed towards Himself. It therefore causes me to hate others. Once I do, my heart, soul, and spirit belong to God alone. When they are fully in His control and not in the control of others, the love of God flows through me in love to others. This is a picture of one who has no other gods before God.
This hatred is not a malicious, vengeful, ugly, wicked hatred; it is the “perfect hatred.” This is the “time to hate.” Allow the love of God to work its perfect work in you – in both love and hatred!
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is of him.” – “Jesus, I am RESTING, resting, in the joy of what Thou art…” – “Nothing between my soul and the Savior!!” – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me!”
BHow do we know if we have other gods before God? Many people who have had other gods before Him do not recognize it and would not believe it if someone told them so – so how can we know if we have other gods before God?
First, it is not solely our responsibility to know that. Leading us towards Himself is God’s job; as long as our hearts are open to His voice, we have nothing to fear. The very fact that we may be concerned about having other gods before Him revealed that we are concerned about His place in our lives and that our desire is to keep Him first. If God does not show us other things in our lives, we do not need to be paranoid about it. Having no gods before Him is a state that He Himself will keep us in as we abide in Him, not something to fret and fear about.
Second, consider this question:
Would you rather lose [fill in the blank], or would you rather lose God?
In reality, it is a bit difficult to lose God unless we choose to, since God is everywhere – and He is within us – but if we choose to, we can, in a sense, “lose God.” Thus, if asking yourself this question reveals that you would rather lose whatever you filled in the blank with than lose God, He is still first place in your life.
If not, you may have other gods before God.
What if you did lose what you filled that blank with? Undoubtedly, it would be difficult, painful, and so on. However, you would still have Father. He would be enough to get you through losing [fill in the blank]. Yes, it would be a terrible loss, but we know that He is enough. He is God.
On the other hand, suppose you lost God. Who or what would be enough for you then? Who or what could get you through that loss? What could compensate the horrible enormity of that unimaginable loss? Could [fill in the blank] ever possibly be anywhere near enough to compensate for losing God? If the answer is no, then most likely [fill in the blank] is not a “god before God” in your life.
This puts life in perspective in a certain sense. The apostle Paul said, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him…” (Philippians 3). He had no gods before God. He suffered the loss of all things – and found that God was enough. And God is enough – in my life and in yours.
Sometimes it seems like a major portion of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy is filled with “thou shalt not”s. Besides specific “thou shalt not”s to individuals, there are also general “thou shalt not”s to the entire nation:
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them…
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain…
…thou shalt not do any work [in the sabbath]…
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness…
Thou shalt not covet…
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live…
Thou shalt not be to him as an usurer…
Thou shalt not raise a false report…
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil…
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor…
Thou shalt not curse the deaf…
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart…
Thou shalt not avenge…
Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing…
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of the poor…
Thou shalt not oppress a stranger…
These are only a few examples of the 219 times the phrase “thou shalt not” is used in Scripture – not counting other phrases such as “neither shalt thou” or “ye shall not.”
In reading through these statements, where is the love of God? God is love; thus, everything that He says is from His love. However, “thou shalt not” seems inherently negative: “You’d better not do this or else,” or “Don’t you dare think about doing this.” After all, that is how we as people often use that type of phrase.
That is the roadblock I was stuck on every time I tried to consider these passages in light of the love of God. It says ”thou shalt not;” I cannot make it say something else just because I might not think it fits. Therefore, I was stuck.
I was stuck, that is, until I happened to read a particular verse in Psalm 91. What does it say?
“Thou shalt not…” – the same three words again; what are they attached to this time?
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”
Psalm 91:5-6
That is different. The other occurrences of “thou shalt not” are apparently commanding the people not to do something, while this verse is commanding people not to be something. What does that mean? “You had better not be afraid or else”? “Don’t you dare think about being afraid”? Perhaps it is a parallel to Jesus’ command, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:1).
Perhaps it is – but could there possibly be another side to “thou shalt not”? Psalm 91 is not the only use of the phrase in that manner:
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
“When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:12)
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)
“Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.” (Isaiah 44:21)
“In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” (Isaiah 54:14)
“But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 39:17-18)
“A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.” (Deuteronomy 8:9)
“For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.” (Deuteronomy 15:6)
These passages seem to lend a slightly different meaning to the phrase. When we lie down, we shall not be afraid – fear just won’t be there. It is not that we want to fear and have to force ourselves not to; rather, there is nothing to be afraid of – fear simply isn’t around. When we run, we will not stumble. It would seem ridiculous to command a runner, “Thou shalt not stumble.” Obviously, no runner wants to stumble, expects to stumble, or tries to stumble. A runner runs; he does not stumble. Because the LORD is holding us, there is no danger of stumbling.
The phrase takes on the meaning of a promise rather than of a command. When we walk through the fire, we shall not be burned – once again, how silly to view this phrase as a command, for there is no humanly possible way that we could walk through a fire and prevent ourselves from being burned. However, as the LORD covers us in His love as if in 100%-fireproof garments, we shall not be burned!
Similarly, “we shall not be forgotten of Him” – it is His work. We shall not fear – fear will not be around, for we are established in righteousness and far from oppression. “Thou shalt not fall by the sword” and “Thou shalt not lack any thing” again would seem ridiculous in light of commands, but precious in light of promises. “Thou shalt not borrow” is the same way – why would the people want to borrow when they were rolling in the blessing of the LORD?
The phrase is also used in the New Testament. Jesus declared in one of His parables, “I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.” (Luke 12:59). He is not saying, “Don’t you dare depart,” or “You had better not depart or else”; instead, He is saying that it is just not going to happen! A similar meaning is conveyed in the book of Acts: “Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 13:35). There is no danger of that happening!
With this perspective on how the phrase is used elsewhere in Scripture, what about the original verses that we examined? “Thou shalt not be afraid…” Now this is not a threatening command, but a loving promise. Consider the context of Psalm 91:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91
The entire Psalm is full of the love, care, and protection of the LORD. When we are in this position, the phrase “Thou shalt not be afraid” is not negative or threatening, but is rather a reassuring promise of confidence and security. In the secret place, under His shadow and His wings, with Him as our refuge, fortress, shield, and buckler, covered and delivered by Him, why should we be afraid? What is there to fear? Fear is just not around. The verse becomes a promise that in Him, we shall not be afraid. What love!
However – if the “thou shalt not”s elsewhere in Scripture turn out to be positive, reassuring promises that reflect the love of the LORD, what about the occurrences in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy? Consider again the list we examined previously:
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them…
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain…
…thou shalt not do any work [in the sabbath]…
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness…
Thou shalt not covet…
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live…
Thou shalt not be to him as an usurer…
Thou shalt not raise a false report…
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil…
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor…
Thou shalt not curse the deaf…
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart…
Thou shalt not avenge…
Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing…
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of the poor…
Thou shalt not oppress a stranger…
Perhaps, as we live in the love of the LORD and allow Him to live His life through us, these also become promises rather than merely commands! When we are in Him, He works through us and His law is in us. We no longer listen to our old nature that tells us to make graven images, take God’s name in vain, do work in the sabbath, steal, covet, raise false reports, hate, avenge, or oppress. Instead, we live HIS life – and IN HIM, it is not, “Don’t you dare do this,” or “You had better not do this or else.” As we rest in Him, such things are not even a part of us any longer.Such things have no part in His life, and His is the life that we are living. In freedom and security in Christ, we do not have to worry about our old sin nature in the same way. It is like the verse, “When you walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned” – there is nothing that we can do in ourselves to prevent us from being burned by the sin and evil of the world as we walk through it – but in Him, we will not be burned by the sin and evil of the world! In Him, what promises we have! We shall not kill! We shall not follow a multitude to do evil! We shall not hate our brother in our heart – because we are seeking Him!
That puts a different perspective on to the idea of delighting in the law of God (Psalm 1). With such security in Him, how could we help but delight in what He has given us! The law is not a list of constraining rules to follow; it is the freedom in Him that we have as we abide and rest in Him.
Praise God for the peace of His promises of what life in Him and His kingdom looks like! Praise Him that within Him, we shall not break His commandments! In Him, there just isn’t lying. Or murder. Or coveting. Or having other gods before Him. Our takeaway, then, is to rest in Him and allow Him to live through us every moment–so that we shall not be a part of anything outside of His kingdom and His law!
A number of my indie author friends and I are offering romance books for free or 99 cents today. Don’t miss these treats. I’ve read almost all of them and can testify that they are sweet and satisfying and have excellent messages.
Among them is my book Romance’s Rest. I call it a romance novel for people who avoid romance novels. It’s truly a romance novel with various twists on the genre, as, while it does follow the path of two people heading towards a relationship with each other, its primary theme is pursuing a relationship with God – or, rather, the way that He lovingly and perfectly pursues that covenant relationship with us. If you’d like to be encouraged, challenged, and inspired in your walk with God – and reminded just how stunningly He loves you – this book will be a very worthwhile investment of your time.
And don’t worry if you haven’t read the rest of the series – it works as a standalone!
FROM REVIEWS
“This was beautiful. This is what I want my love story to look like.”
“I found the concept of a romance story for non-romance readers both intriguing and well done! Kethin’s struggles are real, relatable, and encouraging. The theme of covenant love and understanding more about true love, starting with God, was absolutely incredible. Every page was filled with rich, convicting truths.”
“What I enjoyed most of all with this book, though, was how it portrayed what a Christ-Centred, God-honouring relationship should look like. Unlike most Christian romance books that put emphasis on the flesh and emotions, Erika Mathews reminds her readers of the part that prayer, purity and patience play in seeking God’s will for a life partner.”
TOMORROW ISN’T PROMISED
For another book to grab, I highly recommend Chelsea Burden’s Tomorrow Isn’t Promised.
This is another non-typical romance with a twist but the messages and life lessons and takeaways are just SO GOOD. I had the privilege of editing it and it blew me away.
Merry Christmas! To celebrate the birth of Jesus, I have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR new God-honoring Christmas stories for you! All are historical fiction and on sale at a special release price. Two are short stories and two are novelettes… and one of them, To Make a Merry Christmas, already earned a Top New Release in Christian Children’s Books!
To Make a Merry Christmas Short story, historical fiction, vintage and homey and cheery, Five Little Peppers feel, quick read, family-friendly, great for all ages, themes of prayer, perseverance, contentment, joy, and close-knit family, set in 1900 England
The Christmas Fruit Bowl Novelette, historical fiction, nine lively cousins and their Christmas-loving, wise auntie, the fruit of the Spirit, life lessons, Christmas carols, read-aloud for the whole family, set in rural Minnesota in 1900
The Christmas Violin Novelette, historical fiction, post-World-War-I, violin music, a lively toddler, follows characters from The Christmas Fruit Bowl nineteen years later, themes of trust, satisfaction, joy, contentment, and miracles, set in rural Minnesota in 1900
Everything: A Christmas Reminisce Short story, sentimental and sweet, a lonely elderly woman and her box of special Christmas ornaments, themes of gratefulness, giving thanks in everything, letting go, surrendering to God, acceptance, and Christmas peace
I’ve also teamed up with some other Christian authors to offer you a Christmas story every day until Christmas. I’ve read almost all of these stories and highly recommend them all. Some of them are free or 99 cents on the day they are featured, so don’t miss this special Christmas advent countdown! Click here to download the full list of stories:
Hi everyone! And welcome to Monday at Resting Life! We’ve got something special to introduce to you today. Another book of mine released… and you get six other fabulous connected stories with it!
Another Homewood Christmas
By Courtenay Burden, Chelsea Burden, Erika Mathews, Bethany M. Griggs, Rebekah A. Morris, Olivia Godfrey, and Hannah Foster
Come back home to a small-town Christmas through the ages…
From its founding to the present day, Homewood, Minnesota’s open arms always offer a shining Moravian star and a Christmas to remember. Journey with the first family to settle in Homewood as they embark from the East. Stick around when troubles threaten to turn Homewood into another ghost town. Follow a song of hope and an old violin in the aftermath of war. Sit with a hurting couple in need of a Christmas miracle to complete their family. Stay close to a young woman as she struggles to find hope in the midst of rejection. Witness an aunt learning how much family truly means. Visit with a new neighbor who isn’t sure what she is looking for.
Throughout these seven heartwarming stories, watch Christmas light and love transform even the coldest places into a little corner of heaven on earth. No matter what the season may hold, the love of God sent to earth in the form of a human baby always proves abundantly sufficient—and the Christmas stars of Homewood live to testify of His story!
This collection of seven Christmas novellas is presented to you by the Aunties of the King’s Daughters Writing Camp. We’ve been working for almost a year to put together a second volume of Christmas stories set against the backdrop of a nostalgic Minnesota town—and scattered across history from the mid-1800s to the 21st century.
This week, all of us are excited to be sharing their finished collection with all of you!
The Collection at a Glance
Title: Another Homewood Christmas
Authors: Courtenay Burden, Chelsea Burden, Erika Mathews, Bethany M. Griggs, Rebekah A. Morris, Olivia Godfrey, and Hannah Foster
Genre: Clean Christmas Fiction, both historical and contemporary
Theme: Hometown Christmases with Strong Christian Messages
EBOOK OR PAPERBACK AT YOUR FAVORITE BOOK RETAILER: https://books2read.com/u/brBkOe
All the Details
Another Homewood Christmas is more than just a collection of Christmas tales. It’s also a holiday treasure hunt that will keep you making surprise connections all the way through. Keep your eyes open for recurring characters, locations, and of course, the special Christmas star that pops up in every story!
To Follow the Star (Courtenay Burden): Stella Quincey had been so sure this was God’s calling—so sure she was following His path. But when the trail flounders to a dead end in the heart of a winter wilderness, Stella finds herself grappling with doubts. Does God lead—only to abandon His children in their hour of need? Or is there a lesson for Christmas of 1831 that Stella has overlooked from the story of the wisemen and the star?
The Star Over All (Chelsea Burden): Unable to forgive himself for a foolish mistake with far-reaching consequences, Reginald Quincey sees a visit to his mother’s family for Christmas 1875 as a way to escape—perhaps forever. But when a snowstorm and a fascinating stranger turn his plans upside down, will Reg be able to see the lesson hidden in a simple Moravian star?
The Christmas Violin (Erika Mathews): With Faith Aldrich’s twin sister and her violin called overseas and troubling complications threatening to silence all music of the 1919 Homewood Christmas celebration, can Faith find the presence of God sufficient joy for a holiday that even her little daughter will remember forever?
Advent for the Orphan (Bethany M. Griggs): Len Wilson and her family are done with foster care and the pain it always brings. But when a tearful little girl stands on their rug in need of a home, what choice does Len have? Will she be hurt yet again or will a Christmas miracle in 1976 complete their family?
The Prince of Peace (Rebekah A. Morris): For Tricia Tally Wilson, Christmas of 1993 is supposed to be a time of family and joy, but will one more rejection shatter her peace? Or will her Prince of Peace work in unforeseen ways to bring a Christmas she’ll never forget?
Simple Gifts (Olivia Godfrey): Surrounded by her niece and nephews, Leah Peters’ aunt Gwen realizes how much she’s missed her family over the years. After helping dig into memories tucked into a leaky shed, she gets lost in the past. Will the family finally come together in Christmas of 2002 and learn that the future is as bright as the Moravian star glowing at the top of the tree?
Friendship’s Gift (Hannah Foster): Perry wasn’t sure what she was seeking when she inherited her aunt’s old house in 2014. Hidden Treasure? Family secrets? Or just simple answers? When her neighbors volunteered their help, she finds something entirely different than what she was looking for. But maybe it was exactly what she needed and more.
Meet the Authors
All seven of the authors who collaborated on Another Homewood Christmas are part of the Aunties Team at the King’s Daughters Writing Camp (www.kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com). Here’s a little personal introduction to each of them:
Courtenay Burden is a homeschool graduate, Victorian fanatic, and author of historical fiction. She loves working with yarn, devouring history, playing the occasional game of chess, and discovering new ways to cook the humble potato. She is passionate about good and great literature—writing that embodies both literary and spiritual excellence for the glory of Christ.
Connect with Courtenay: sawpublishing.com
Chelsea Burdenis a homeschool graduate, a first-generation Anabaptist, and a passionate word-lover who enjoys dabbling in etymology (not entomology!) and routinely adds bona fide words to spellcheck! She loves books, people and Jesus—and a lot of other things too, including chickadees, hymns, snowflakes and having a good time with friends. She lives in Canada and spends her days writing and doing whatever else comes to hand in her three-generational home.
Connect with Chelsea: sawpublishing.com
Erika Mathews writes Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God in ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. The author of the kingdom adventure fiction series Truth from Taerna, she’s passionate about encouraging others to intimately know Jesus. She enjoys playing with her children, editing, anything outdoors, being organized, autumn, apple crisp, and sunrises.
Connect with Erika: restinglife.com
Bethany M. Griggs is a writer of Christian contemporary fiction and blogger of simple living, who lives in Texas with her family. She enjoys crafts from paper, coziness, and creativity. Oh, and alliteration! As someone with multiple chronic illnesses, she loves encouraging people through the rough places, rejoicing with them in the good ones, and pointing them to Jesus her Savior.
Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author, and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, and her bestselling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn’t writing, include reading and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. The Show-Me state is where she calls home.
Connect with Rebekah: readanotherpage.com/blog
Olivia Godfrey was raised in rural Arkansas. With her husband they are thankful to be able to maintain a lifestyle in the countryside for their little ones. As much as she enjoys writing, Olivia also loves card games, learning odd bits of history, otters, and Italian food. You’ll usually find her outside with her kids, reading historical fiction or fantasy, and attempting to keep up with housework.
Connect with Olivia: goodreads.com/user/show/87910387-olivia
Hannah Fosterlives in Idaho with her husband. She writes Christian contemporary fiction, using her words and stories to point her readers to the foot of the cross, reminding them of the hope, joy, forgiveness, and grace they have in Jesus Christ. If she is not reading or writing, she may be found baking, working as a barista, watercolor painting, playing tennis with her husband, or thrifting.
Connect with Hannah: hannahfosterwrites.wordpress.com
Hope you enjoy Another Homewood Christmas this season! Don’t forget to pick up your copy today. If you haven’t yet read A Homewood Christmas,grab that for two holiday reads.
Hi folks! Erika here. My novella Fear Not Tomorrows has just been published in Wild Blue Wonder Press’s collection Springtime in Surrey along with novellas by seven other authors. (You can buy the book here.) Andrea’s story is one of them, and I’ve been honored to work with her on this collection over the past several months as well as in various other capacities over the years. Today she’s sharing about how she found joy in the story.
When I was first plotting The Cottage on the Hill, my novella in Wild Blue Wonder Press’s debut anthology, Springtime in Surrey, I knew I would need to find the joy in the story in order to find balance with the sorrow leading lady Moira Wood faced. She’d lost her balletic dreams when she suffered a tragic accident, and her struggle to come to terms with that was what this story was all about. If I wanted to keep Moira’s story from turning into a tragedy, I had to search for the joy.
I didn’t have far to look for inspiration. Certain events in my own life have felt tragic and melancholic. In fact, tragedy and heartache seem to be beckoning calls for me, and I enjoy writing about them. Yet, it’s in those very events that God has shown me that abundant joy is best found when my circumstances couldn’t look any bleaker. This was something I wanted to convey in Cottage, to hopefully give the characters (and, by extension, the readers) a glimpse of how they might also pursue God-given joy in the midst of their most difficult days.
One of the main goals for leading man Adrian Davis was to make Moira smile so she would stop crying into her tea every afternoon. This was a fun thing for me to explore, because it allowed me to get creative in the ways Adrian would attempt to accomplish the goal. Since Moira didn’t make it easy for him, he had to think outside the box and try some more exuberant things to turn his new neighbor’s frown upside down.
Rain has long been a favorite thing of mine, so I had to find a way to incorporate this into Cottage. When I was playing with potential plot ideas, there was one scene in particular that I thought could best use a little rain to enhance the vibe I was hoping to strike. The scene in question involved a Charlie Chaplin-inspired bit of entertainment, and I couldn’t help but put Adrian in costume and have him old-man-step to a jaunty Irish tune in a wild attempt to make Moira smile.
That scene also made use of a few props. Ever since I first saw Fred Astaire dance with a hat rack in Royal Wedding, I’ve been fascinated with how entertainers (Mr. Astaire in particular) made great use of props in their performances. In Cottage, Adrian used a top hat, an overcoat, and a broken umbrella to bring joy into Moira’s afternoon. His turn as the performer proved entertaining to me, but you’ll have to read the book to find out if Moira ended up feeling the same way.
The search for joy in the writing of this story took me in some fun directions, and I was glad to see that balance between melancholy and an upbeat joy was struck square on the head. It is my hope that readers will discover their own slice of joy in the midst of their hard times, just as Adrian tried to teach Moira throughout The Cottage on the Hill.
Video Clips for Inspiration
These video clips were ones I watched several times to make sure I was finding the right tone for that scene I mentioned, in which Adrian entertained Moira with props in the rain.
Charlie Chaplin
Fred Astaire
Born and raised in north Texas, Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s writing historical or contemporary, women’s fiction or romance, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as prayer and guidance from God—along the journey to produce the best stories of her ability. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog for the latest updates in her journey.
Hi folks! Erika here. My novella Fear Not Tomorrows has just been published in Wild Blue Wonder Press’s collection Springtime in Surrey along with novellas by seven other authors. (You can buy the book here. Grace’s story Her Heart’s Home is one of them, and I’ve been honored to work with her on this collection over the past several months. Today she’s sharing about her experience writing her story.
Greetings and salutations (which is so much more fun than “hello”), readers! Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Grace A. Johnson (which you’ve no doubt ascertained by this point), and I’m one of the eight authors who are part of Springtime in Surrey, a Christian women’s fiction and romance anthology that released on July 25th from Wild Blue Wonder Press! I’m so excited to be here on Erika’s blog to celebrate the anthology and share a little bit about my story + my experience writing it!
My story, Her Heart’s Home, is set in post-WWI Dorking, Surrey, where our heroine Meredith finds herself homeless and penniless. Her dreams for her life, shattered. Her hopes for the future, dashed. When I began this story, I was set on it being a simple follow-God’s-will type story. I seem to write about that theme a lot, in part because it’s extremely important but also because it’s something I can write without feeling challenged myself.
Naturally, God had other plans.
Somewhere along the way, just like always, Meredith’s struggles became my own. She has so many dreams and hopes and desires, not a one of which are wrong or ungodly, but oftentimes she found herself holding onto those things so tightly it causes her fear, anxiety, depression. On one hand, she wants these things with every fiber of her being. On the other hand, she’s scared to death.
There comes a scene where Meredith basically lists her greatest fears…and as I began writing that list, I realized I felt the exact same way. And so I pulled every single fear (well, all but one, really) out of my own heart and typed it out on the page. It was then, in the wee hours of the morning, where I sat trembling on the love seat with my laptop on a pillow in my lap, that it really hit me how this story was, in a way, my story.
A story of surrender.
Now, I’m not homeless or penniless or a spinster like Meredith. I’ve not faced any of the physical challenges or trials Meredith has. But I hold onto dreams and clutch desires until I’ve steeped myself in the fear that I’ll never be good enough to deserve those dreams and the anxiety that those desires will never be fulfilled.
And what God has slowly but surely been teaching me is that laying my dreams and desires down isn’t letting them go: it’s surrendering them to the only one who can fulfill them.
There’s no denying that this is tough lesson to learn. For some people, it can take a lot of crashing and burning to fully grasp it…but there is so much peace to be found in casting all your cares on Jesus.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
~ 1 Peter 5:6-10 ESV
“‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’”
~ Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Sometimes, it’s my-way-or-the-highway. We want to be in control of our destiny. We think we’re the only ones who can do it right or make things just the way we want them to be.
But the truth is…the highway is so much better. His way is so much better. He knows all the things we don’t, all the turns our life could take or things this world could throw at us. And whether we like it or not, He is the one who’s in control. He’s Lord over all—absolutely everything. No matter what we do, He is still sovereign.
So why hold on to something we can’t actually control?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
~ Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
~ Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV
Like Meredith, we need to surrender. Each and every one of us, sometimes unknowingly, often find ourselves holding onto something, unable to trust God with it. But doesn’t His Word declare how trustworthy He is? How His ways are higher and His plans for us full of hope? If we can trust Him to provide for our food and clothing, can’t we trust Him to lead and guide us throughout our entire lives? Can’t we trust Him to bring us to the job…the spouse…the house…the ministry…the future we’re meant to have?
“‘Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.’”
~ Matthew 6:31-34 ESV
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
~ Philippians 4:4-6 ESV
The next time you feel anxious or uncertain about your future, depressed about those unfulfilled dreams, or afraid of what your life may look like, set your mind on things above. Just say a quick prayer, lifting your cares up to the Father. And remember: laying those things down at the feet of Jesus doesn’t mean you’re letting them go entirely, that you can’t pray about those things or hope for them. It means you’re letting go of your sense of control. You’re letting the God of all creation take the wheel.
Rest in the peace Christ has provided us. Read your favorite Scripture or turn on a worship song, and just rest, friend. God has quite literally got this.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
~ Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
~ Philippians 4:7-9 ESV
Grace A. Johnson is a Christian fiction authoress, book reviewer, and avid reader. She has indie-published the first three novels in a Christian historical romance series, the Daughters of the Seven Seas, and a smattering of short stories and novellas, as well as a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @graceajohnsonauthor or blogging on her website at www.graceajohnson.com. Join her for a virtual cup of tea and a free preview of her debut novel when you sign up for her e-newsletter!
I’m so excited to announce that MY LATEST BOOK IS HERE! Today is launch day for a new novella collection: Springtime in Surrey: a Wild Blue Wonder Press anthology! My novella Fear Not Tomorrows is one of eight in this collection!
This collection of eight stories is full of sweet romance, heartwarming themes, and loveable characters—not to mention the charming vintage vibes. There’s something for everyone in Springtime in Surrey anthology!
The genre is … Christian Women’s Fiction, both Historical and Contemporary
It’s launching …TODAY! Tuesday, July 25th, 2023
Some important dates are …
Blog Tour — Monday, July 24th through Tuesday, July 29th
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
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground … or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why… and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
The authors of Springtime in Surrey are hosting a huge giveaway with not one but two winners—a US winner and an international winner—over the course of the blog tour!
From July 25th to July 31st, follow the tour, commenting on posts, and subscribe to the authors’ newsletters and blogs! The winners will be announced on August 1st and contacted by email!
US Prizes
A printcopy of Springtime in Surrey, twobookmarks and a quote sticker, a spring-themed mug, a bookish ornament, a spring-themed candle, an inspirational journal, and tea.
International Prizes
An ebook copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a gift card, an ebook of choice by Erika Mathews, an ebook from the winner’s Amazon wishlist, an exclusive epilogue of The Tussie-Mussie, and a phone wallpaper.
Rules
Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. Two winners—one US and one international—will be randomly selected at the end of the giveaway and contacted by email. The winners must be comfortable sharing their shipping addresses. Any and all information provided through the giveaway will be used only for the purposes stated.
Feel free to check out Wild Blue Wonder Press on Instagram and Facebook, participate in the social media bookish challenge, or browse the other posts on the blog tour using our …
Faith Blum is a wife, mom, author, and entrepreneur. She’s published over 30 books, most of them in the Christian Historical Fiction genre. She loves stories because they can teach history, but in a fun way. It is also her way to have a creative outlet while taking care of a household and toddler.
She’s been a proud small town resident her whole life and wouldn’t have it any other way. She lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, son, and cat, Smokey. She’s blessed to write as a part time career. You can find her books on books on most eBook retailers.
When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, figuring out social media content, or spending time with her family. She also loves playing piano for church and being part of the Author Conservatory.
Born and raised in north Texas, Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction or romance, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog for the latest updates in her journey.
Bailey Gaines is a Georgia girl who loves history. Through her writing, she hopes to show how God works in all periods of history, bringing healing and helping people know they have value because of their identity as a human created in God’s image. Her stories range from King Richard the Lionheart’s England to 1930s Appalachia to 18th century England to 19th century America.
Bailey is a student of the Author Conservatory, and has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When she’s not writing, she’s helping homeschoolers with their writing or working at an escape room. Her hobbies include playing the piano, sewing, and exploring the world of vintage fashion.
Grace A. Johnson is a Christian fiction authoress, book reviewer, and avid reader. She lives in beautiful (but humid) South Georgia, surrounded by farmland and forestry, with her parents and six younger siblings. She has indie-published the first three novels in a Christian historical romance series, the Daughters of the Seven Seas, and a smattering of short stories and novellas, as well as a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors through her editing business S&J Editors and her small publishing company Sky’s the Limit Press. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @graceajohnsonauthor or blogging on her website at www.graceajohnson.com. Join her for a virtual cup of tea and a free preview of her debut novel when you sign up for her e-newsletter!
Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services, and more on her website and blog.
Rachel Leitch discovered the book of writing when she was seven. She’s been turning pages ever since! She lives her own adventure in northern Indiana, with her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and a dog who thinks he’s the hero of her story. She writes young adult historical fiction with a dash of adventure or a spark of magic. When she’s not hidden away writing, she’s trying to fit all her reads on her shelf in a somewhat organized manner, obsessing over character arcs, drinking chai, daydreaming at the piano, or teaching students to be just as bookish as she is. In all her adventures, she learns how to shine brighter for the Father of Lights. For more bookish ramblings (and a free digital short story involving a magical violin) follow her adventure journal at https://racheljleitch.com/!
Erika Mathews is an author and editor who writes family-friendly Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God through ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. Her works include Truth from Taerna, a kingdom adventure fiction series with deep spiritual themes, Resting Life, a Christian living nonfiction book about finding rest in Jesus in modern life, and a variety of historical fiction and poetry. Erika lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma.
Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes about the empty places where hope has the most room to grow. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.
