A Spunky Adventure -- Awakening by JoAnn Durgin

Spunky adventure.

That’s the only way I know how to sum up JoAnn Durgin’s Awakening. Her witty sense of humor shines in the banter between Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, two characters I know you’ll love getting to know. This book is a refreshing read that will have you believing TeamWork is a real organization . . . and you’ll want to join their next mission!

Lexa Clarke may be running from her past, but it might just catch up to her while she’s helping as a volunteer for a two-month summer mission with TeamWork. As she assists in rebuilding houses destroyed by flooding in San Antonio, trouble seems to follow her around in all shapes and sizes. Sam Lewis quickly realizes he’s got to keep his eye on Miss Lexa Clarke if he’s to keep trouble from interrupting his work as director of this TeamWork mission. Watching the petite woman with the long blonde braid proves to be a challenge worth accepting, even if it means facing his own haunting past. Will Sam and Lexa let the problems they’ve never dealt with drive a wedge between them as they discover a passion for serving the Lord in new ways? What will become of the TeamWork group when trouble turns combustible?

Sam tells Lexa in chapter two, “I’m saying He [God] allowed it to happen. He has His reasons. It’s up to us to try and figure out what He’s trying to tell us.” It’s neat to see how Sam’s and Lexa’s differing levels of faith play such huge roles in their lives during their work with TeamWork and in the other parts of their lives, as well. Each character has their own trials to face, and they depend on their faith in God in such unique ways that it really does inspire the reader to take a good look at their own faith life and reconsider where they are with God. Are we following His will for our lives? Are we making a positive difference in the world around us? Is there something more we can do to better serve the God who loves us so completely? Is there something from our past that we need to face in order to be a vessel God can use to spread His message?

JoAnn Durgin

Awakening is a book worth reading for its sense of adventure, plot twists, witty humor and a glimpse at what it means to live what you believe. It’s the first in JoAnn Durgin’s The Lewis Legacy Series. I’m eager to add to my collection, and I have a feeling you will be too, after reading this first adventure. JoAnn sure has a knack for storytelling, and her pacing is spot-on. Just when I thought everything was wrapped up, she brought back yet one more loose end . . . and another one . . . and left me wanting to read the second book in the series to find out what adventure the TeamWork crew will find themselves in on their next mission.

Thank you, JoAnn, for sending me a complimentary copy of Awakening for my honest review. I enjoyed it immensely and hope those reading this will also find a little adventure when they pick up their copy of Awakening.

When was the last time a book took YOU on an adventure? What was it about the book that transported you to a different time or place? Is adventure something you look for when reading for pleasure?

What Once Was Lost

A fire destroys the kitchen of Brambleville, Kansas’ poor farm house, displacing Christina Willems and her charges. The townsfolk open their doors to provide refuge for each one—except young Tommy Kilgore, a blind boy. Christina wonders, “Why did people find it so easy to turn him away?” (page 12) As a last resort, she approaches the town hermit about harboring the boy until she can get the poor farm house repaired.

Levi Jonnson doubts the woman’s claim that the inconvenience will be temporary, but he begrudgingly agrees to give sanctuary to the youngster. How is he to know this one decision will change his life forever?

Will an adversary from Christina’s past stir up enough trouble to permanently discourage her? Will the mission board provide the funds needed to rebuild her beloved home? Will Levi hold onto the reasons he became a hermit and refuse to open his heart to the little boy now in his care? When trials of great magnitude block Christina’s path, will she have the courage to embrace help, or will she tighten her grasp on her independence?

These and many other questions plagued my mind as I read What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer. By the end of the book, I had laughed and cried and felt my heart lifted up in gratitude. There’s nothing quite like reading about someone’s sorrows to make you count your blessings and thank God for them. (I do this anyway, but I found myself praising God for His kindnesses a lot more while reading my advanced reader copy of Kim’s latest book.) Such poignant writing that tugs the heartstrings book after book is difficult to find, but this author delivers! I’ve loved her books since I first read My Heart Remembers many years ago, but her last two books (Sweet Sanctuary and What Once Was Lost) have proven (again) to me that Kim Vogel Sawyer is at top form, writing books that will forever have a place on my book shelves.

Particularly, I was quite impressed with her descriptions while in Tommy Kilgore’s point of view. Her vivid use of the boy’s senses—with the exception of sight, since the boy is blind—made me want to close my eyes to fully experience Tommy’s world. Of course, when I did that, I couldn’t keep reading! A conundrum like that I’d gladly face with a great book like this one.

If you’ve never read one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, What Once Was Lost is a fabulous one to begin with. There is also a prequel entitled The Grace That Leads Us Home that is available only on eReaders. You won’t want to miss that either!

There are many ways to let Kim Vogel Sawyer know how much you enjoy her books. You may visit her website, Facebook page and Twitter account. You may also order her books here. If you enjoy her writing, be sure to stop by her blog to learn more about her and nine other women who write such touching historical fiction novels.

Thank you, Kim, for selecting me as a member of your Hope Harbingers influencer team. I appreciate the advanced reader copy of What Once Was Lost and the fellowship with you and the other members of Hope Harbingers. Blessings to you all!

Have YOU ever read a book that made you stop reading to count your blessings? What was it about the book (or books) that had you feeling extra thankful?

Breathing Life With Words - by guest Reba J. Hoffman

On numerous blogs lately, I've been following Reba J. Hoffman's journey across country on her bicycle and have been touched by all the ways God is using her to help women break free from the fears that bind them. She has graciously agreed to share a piece of her story with us here on Writing to Inspire today. Thanks, Reba!

Loading the gear--all 50 pounds of it!

I’ve written for as long as I can remember. I’ve spoken for as long as I have a voice. And I’ve ridden a bicycle for half a century. I never thought combining those three activities would change lives.

On July 13^th, I set off on a bicycle ride of sorts. I packed fifty pounds of gear onto it and set off in the direction of the west coast. God has commissioned me to travel around the country on my bicycle talking about women who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of a violent assault.

I never know where I’ll end up on any given day. I have no specific direction in mind, other than eventually the west coast. I pray and trust God to lead me to women (and now men) that I can encourage, minister to and help take steps to overcome the fear they face while in the clutches of PTSD.

Not a day has gone by that I have not met women who live in fear. Through tears they tell me their stories. I validate them. I also tell them that, no matter what they have been led to believe, they really are women of incredible value and worth.

One such woman had not been out of her home in seventeen years. She never left the four walls of her house after being attacked. When her cousin told her I was in town and what I was doing, she asked, “Why in the world would she do something like that?”

Her cousin simply said, “She’s doing it for you!”

Reba shaking hands with Steve Beavers,
a reporter for the Daily Corinthian newspaper

On wobbly legs, this prisoner of fear in her own home ventured out. She allowed her cousin to bring her to the town square where I was waiting. As she slowly made her way toward me, I stood with outstretched arms. I knew I could not go to her. She had to come to me.

When she finally closed the distance, she fell into my arms and sobbed for what seemed like years. She was purging herself of all the anguish. I then took her by the hand and said, “Let’s take a victory lap.”

Arm in arm she and I made our way around the town square. One by one, women joined us. We walked and cried in unity for the huge step this woman took in coming out of her safe haven.

I felt the strength returning to her frail body with each step we took. Finally, she turned to me and said, “Your words breathed life back into me.”

When the victory lap had been completed and women slowly began to walk away and back to their own lives, I was reminded of how powerful our words are. The spoken word. The written word. They all have the power of life and death in them.

I’m so grateful to have the privilege of riding my bicycle across country alone to help these women take back their life. Each day I see lives transform right in front of me. Women who had been held prisoner in their own homes after surviving a violent attack finally let go of the fear and move forward in life.

Dakota (my bike) and I are on a mission to set women free. We are not in a dress rehearsal. This is our one shot at life as we know it. I don’t want a single woman who survived being attacked to get to the end of their life, look back and realize they only existed through the life they should have abundantly lived through.

There really is life beyond survival. Through words of encouragement and healing, it breathes the breath of life back into someone. I urge you to join the life-saving mission. Help a woman overcome by speaking life into them. Tell them about my story and encourage them to follow my journey… the Road to Freedom Tour.

Reba J. Hoffman is the author of Facing Fear and Finding Freedom. She is currently on a solo cross-country bicycle tour to help women who suffer from PTSD. You can follow her epic journey at www.RebaJHoffman.com. 

What fear have YOU faced lately? How have you felt God's freedom since facing it?

Calling Me Softly

This weekend, I thought about my current situation as a tutor. This got me wondering about my calling in life. I wondered if God had called me to this job or if it was just the direction my life has gone because of the circumstances surrounding my life at the time I obtained this job.

To understand the current path I’m on, we have to look back at the paths that came before.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When I was in grade school, I helped out in Sunday school classes when the adults in the church were unwilling. From the nursery to the toddlers to elementary school kids not much younger than myself (I was nine or ten at the time), I worked with them all in turn. The whole youth group helped out, and we gained knowledge and experience and wisdom the adults missed out on.

At ages twelve and thirteen, I helped out at a preschool with the two and three year olds. During this time, I learned a lot about the responsibility required to work with young children. Sometimes it was lots of fun. Other times, I had to be the disciplinarian, which was very hard on my nerves. (It still is today.) 

Image courtesy of
Sura Nualpradid/
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

That led me to baby-sitting, which I’ve enjoyed immensely over the years. The children I’ve watched have varied in ages from newborn to 13 years. Each child and their parents taught me new things about what it means to be a parent and how difficult it can be. But there were also lessons in how to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. (I must say those moments I savored.)

Also, as a teenager, I helped out one summer in Vacation Bible School. This experience was incredible as several of the kids in the class I shared with a sweet lady came to know Jesus as their personal Savior. I’ve never been more humbled than I was that summer. It escaped my understanding why God would use me to reach those kids for Him. My mind is still delightedly boggled to this day about that.

I guess you could say God used those (and other) experiences to groom me to become a tutor. In my senior year of high school, while I was homeschooling, a man in town had a couple of sons who both needed help with math. My mom worked with one while I worked with the other. I never thought I would be a math tutor, but there I was, teaching a sixth grader how to work mathematical problems. Word of mouth brought more students to us, and God taught us how to work with each one in the subject(s) they struggled with. Now, ten years later, it takes all three women in my family (mom, sister and me) to help all the kids God leads to our door. We have even pulled my dad in when we needed his computer expertise!

Glancing ahead into the future for a moment, I suppose you could say God is using tutoring and all the other past experiences with children to groom me to be a great mom. Though I am as yet unmarried and childless, I know God is working out His plan for me one step at a time. I may not always understand this plan of His, but He gives me glimpses along the way.

This article is proof of that. Until this moment, I hadn’t really known that tutoring was my calling. I always thought I would audibly hear God call me to a certain career or life path. Or at least feel an emotional nudge in a certain direction. Apparently that isn’t the way God spoke to me on this one. It seems it wasn’t any one particular moment that drew me into tutoring. It wasn’t one simple decision that led to my working with children for over fourteen years.

Image courtesy of Paul Gooddy/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Instead, God called me softly. By placing in my heart a longing to be around and help children, He led me to my current path of tutoring kids. Yes, it’s difficult at times. Yes, it’s overwhelming and frustrating when my techniques aren’t working for certain kids. But, then God shows me something new. Then, God cultivates in my heart a step of maturity I never thought I’d reach. He’s given me patience (something I still haven’t mastered), love, joy, fascination and many other blessings along the way. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with my family and not have to find work outside my home. This has given me the chance to pursue another possible career path (writing novels), but that’s another topic altogether.

The blessings of working with children confirm to me that, sure enough, I have been called into action.

God called me softly. How did He call YOU? Was it audible or silent? A gentle nudge or hard shove? Did you stumble upon it or was it dropped in your lap? I can't wait to hear your stories of God's call on your life!

Wagons, Ho!

Covered wagons.

The hard trail west.

The great unknown.

When I was in 5^th grade, I played a computer game called either “Wagons West!” or “Oregon Trail!” (or a mix of both; I really can’t remember.) That game about traveling on the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon was so much fun, I became fascinated with covered wagons and the historical journey west.

Knowing that about myself, it’s no wonder historical fiction books appeal to me. Recently, I was able to read an advanced reader copy of a book that takes place on the trail west. (Yes, it features covered wagons!)

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson is about a journey west that will change the lives of the folks traveling west with the Boone’s Lick Company Wagon Train. Trail hand Caleb Reger bears secrets that keep him from settling down or releasing his heart to be loved again. Anna Goben’s got secrets of her own, which may jeopardize the adventure that awaits her, even as she tries to protect those she loves. Garrett Cowlishaw leads this company with a bravery Caroline Milburn is hesitant to admire. When trials occur on the trail before them, will these four—and the people they’re traveling with—find the courage to carry on? Or will they turn back, being labeled “go-backers”? Will the secrets they hold within cause more trouble and prevent them from fully enjoying the blessings of a fresh start?

Well written with spunk and historical facts, Mona Hodgson’s Prairie Song is a must-read. Without books like this one, the thrill of the old journey west will one day be forgotten. Thankfully, authors like Mona pen stories that are sure to inspire many generations to come with the adventures their ancestors experienced.

There’s a great take-away for readers in this book. Caleb feels God is being silent. At one point, Garrett asks him, “Don’t you agree that God’s truth can prepare our hearts and bolster our spirits?” (page 64) Not only are these words meant to encourage Caleb, but the reader may also find in them the strength to carry on. Life is tough and harsh at times. Wouldn’t it be nice to have God’s truth prepare your heart for those difficult moments? I know I’m relieved when His Word bolsters my spirit! It might not change the hard circumstance, but God’s companionship will help you through it.

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson comes to a bookstore near you on August 6, 2013. Be sure to mark your calendars, folks. Especially if you like a little old-fashioned adventure!

Mona Hodgson would love to hear what you think of her books. You may find her at any of these locations:

www.MonaHodgson.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Mona-Hodgson-Author-Page/114199561939095

www.twitter.com/monahodgson

http://pinterest.com/monahodgson/pins/

http://monahodgson.wordpress.com

Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for my copy of Prairie Song to review.

What part of history inspires YOU? Which piece of history do you hope to share with the next generation?

Summer Reading!

Yes, summer is in full swing. Perhaps we’re even on the downside of summer. (But none of us really want to think about that yet, do we?) Usually during June, July and August, I read as many books as I can. This summer is no different. I’ve got a full slate of books on my list to read this summer. Take a peek!

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason, Revell, 2012

After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smokejumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation. She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother’s home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson—and a handsome detective.

 

Jenna’s Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater, Revell, 2010

Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father’s successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town—the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago. And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson, WaterBrook Press, August 2013

Though it means saying good-bye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri, quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boone’s Lick Company Wagon Train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depression, and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna’s commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear—or even loving someone new.

*Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for my advanced reader copy for an upcoming review.

Awakening by JoAnn Durgin, Torn Veil Books, 2010

Lexa Clarke signs up for a TeamWork Missions summer assignment expecting adventure in a far-off, exotic country. Instead, she’s sent to sweltering San Antonio to help rebuild homes destroyed by sudden flooding. She survives the four-hour bus trip from Houston, dust in the lungs, a flat tire, a tool-throwing incident and a spitting goat—not to mention an inquisition from a distractingly handsome cowboy—all before reaching the work camp. What will she find once she gets there?

*Thanks to JoAnn Durgin for my complimentary copy. Stay tuned for an upcoming review.

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer, WaterBrook Press, September 2013

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.” Will the incident and its aftermath destroy Christina’s hopes of fulfilling the mission to which she’s dedicated her life?

*Thanks to Kim Vogel Sawyer for my advanced reader copy as a member of her Hope Harbingers “street team.”

Mysterious Ways by Terry W. Burns, River Oak, 2005

When Amos Taylor steals a parson’s clothes, he thinks he’s found the ideal disguise to hide his life of crime—until an old blind man enters his life who has a little trick up his own sleeve. Before long the disguise is working too well: The local residents start expecting Amos to actually serve as their preacher! When revival breaks out in the small Texas town, Amos’s payoff is bigger than he could have dared imagine—proving, indeed, that the Lord works in Mysterious Ways.

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg, Bethany House, September 2013

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that’s how it looks when she’s starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she’ll do anything to boost ratings and save her show—even if it means pretending to be married to a man who’s definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago. When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda’s every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth—and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she’s built come crashing down just as she’s found a love to last?

*Thanks in advance to Melissa Tagg for my advanced reader copy as a member of her Tagg Team influencer team.

Now it’s your turn! What books are on your summer reading list?

Fourth of July Weekend

This past weekend, our country celebrated Independence Day. On the fourth of July, my family hosted a small cookout at our house. A sweet family we know joined us for some good food and the fireworks some folks shot off out in the country (which could be seen from our front porch). On the fifth, our town held a fireworks show, which we could see from our home as well. It was a super fun weekend with great company and conversation.

Cherry 3-Minute Cobbler

Here are some of the recipes I used to chip in for the cookout we had. They complimented the grilled chicken and hot dogs perfectly.

Roasted Vegetable Medley

2 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh or 1 tsp. dried sage leaves

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

½ lb. Brussels sprouts, cut in half

½ lb. parsnips, peeled, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

¼ lb. ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots

1 small butternut squash (2 lb.), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces

½ tsp. salt

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In small bowl, mix oil, sage and garlic.

2. In ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, place remaining ingredients except salt. Pour oil mixture over vegetables. Sprinkle with salt; stir to coat.

3. Cover with foil. Roast 20 minutes; remove foil. Roast uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Italian Vegetables

1/3 cup fat-free Italian dressing

2 medium zucchini, cut into ¼-inch slices

2 medium yellow squash, cut into ¼-inch slices

3 medium bell peppers (color of choice), cut into ½-inch slices

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup sliced onion (color of choice)

4 Tbsp. chicken broth

6 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese

1. In large, deep skillet, cook dressing, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, mushrooms and onion over medium-high heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until dressing has almost evaporated.

2. Stir in broth. Cover; cook about 2 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with cheese.

Note: I used one red, one yellow and one orange bell pepper, which added color and a variety of flavors to this dish. I also used a purple onion for the same reason.

And, of course, we had dessert!

Cake Mix Peach Cobbler

1 big can and 1 small can of sliced peaches

1 stick butter

1 box white cake mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray 13x9-inch pan with non-stick spray.

Open cans of peaches and pour evenly into bottom of pan (juice and all).

Pour cake mix on top of peaches. Spread evenly and break up big pieces.

Cut butter into thin slices (14-20 pieces). Place evenly on top of cake mix.

Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, until brown.

3-Minute Cobbler

(It only takes 3 minutes to mix up!)

½ cup butter or margarine

1 cup flour

1 cup granulated sugar

¾ cup milk

¼ tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

1 16-oz. can fruit pie filling or fruit

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter in an 8x8 or 9x9 casserole dish. Stir in flour, sugar, baking powder, milk and salt until all lumps are gone. Dump the fruit on top, but don’t stir! Bake for 1 hour.

Note: I doubled this recipe and used a 13x9-inch pan. Also, I substituted almond milk for regular milk.

What are some of your favorite Fourth of July recipes?

How did you celebrate Independence Day?