“Finding (Kelli) Me” by Kathryn Cushman

What if you were 24, thought your name had always been Kelli, was told your mother and siblings died in a fire, and suddenly figured you lived about as far as you can get from a possible real family? When Kelli Huddleston’s father and step-mother died from a car accident, she was forced to uncover new info from a safe her dad always kept locked in a private room. Photos, letters and other info shocked Kelli into making plans for a fast trip across country to find out the truth. Kelli went to a small town she read about in Tennessee and it didn’t take much time to meet some of her family anonymously including her father’s old friend. But what would she do with this info was the question. Would she now hurt other people like she was hurt? Her mother was lovely, kind, and nurturing with a lovely voice. Kelli didn’t know she took after her mother because she was told her voice was so bad that she never sang. Never had the courage to let anyone hear her. Her sister was longing for a friend and she and Kelli bonded rather quickly. Kelli was forming intense relationships. It would be natural for her to run and go back to her old life. But what would that do to her inside and what would it do to the new people she loved?  Kelli knew now what she would do. And she did it. See how that turned out. A great read and interesting mystery of love and forgiveness. I read this straight through it was so exciting!

This book was provided by Bethany/Baker Books for review. The opinions are my own.

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The Continued Saga of Blessing, “A Harvest of Hope”, by Laurine Snelling

I felt like I was right beside Miriam as she traveled back to the town of Blessing where she knew Trygve was anxiously awaiting her return. Her heart still hadn’t convinced her that she loved him, although she did adore him and wondered what the funny feelings she had stirring in her stomach were all about. She left brothers and sisters behind in the city and a mother just freshly put in the grave. Although excited, it was scary. Her family had to rough it in a tenement with no parent. She would live and work around large families that had lived in and around Blessing for many years in a community built mostly of their own faith. A very good student nurse, Miriam would contribute greatly wherever she was, but Blessing needed her and she had a contract to fulfill. She had already been here once, being taught by two women doctors that were being received for their strength, love and expertise more than most. Once she arrived and was shown her own sweet room with a window, ate in the Dining Hall, and felt the warmth of Trygve’s looks, she knew she was where she should be. She was becoming a woman, but had no one to explain these things that she was experiencing. Then she received letters from her siblings which was a special surprise. She hadn’t been there long before there was dangerous accident, a tragedy, that left one dead and others injured. Tempers flared regarding the accident, the bank’s inability to loan money for construction, and prejudice towards the poor tent people who yearned to become part of the town and find work to thrive. Through diversity and loss, Blessing still claimed the bond that had always been there, and in the middle of it, Miriam declared her love to her beau Trygve! She would finish her contract, possibly soon marry and find a way to bring her sweet family to the town that was a “Blessing”. I have read several books about this town and the people and it is a very sweet saga. I enjoy the writings of Lauraine Snelling, her style, and the people she introduces that I usually like. I feel like I have been to North Dakota myself while gleaning from the everyday lives of the people who lived there.

This book was provided to me by Bethany Books. These opinions are my own from the reading of this novel.

Hearing The Lord Each Day

By Mary Young Robinson

 

Psalm 147: 3-5  (ESV)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars; He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”

 

Healing. I thought I had made much more progress than was evident and understood what true healing meant. And then so unexpected, I felt an old wound surge with a twinge of pain that I thought was forever gone. Was I wrong? Was I still plagued with the same old despair and sin that I thought I gave to God?

On a particular Sunday morning I began to wonder about being healed and if it really was a forever state.   Does emotional and spiritual healing come and go? Sometimes triggers I have felt in life seemed like a “recall”. Of course, memories are sometimes joyful and sometimes sad. I felt dumped on this morning.

Cruising towards the church, I approached the uphill parking lot. Already a little late and hurrying up the drive, I knew that the Holy Spirit was touching me. There was a sore feeling pressing in my soul at first, but it wasn’t a bad thing.

What I sensed at that moment was that He wanted me to remember some things for a reason. He wanted to remind me of where I had been and where I was now. He showed me that no matter what pain I feel or felt in the past, that He is always with me, and helping me with the process. No matter how long it takes!

Encouragement filled me. I was reminded that I should never try to second-guess God’s reasons. Even though it is my own desire to let go of particular pain in my life, whether physical, spiritual or emotional, it may not be God’s plan to relieve me of it fully. Or, He might not take the pain away for a long time. He has His reasons for allowing me to feel and remember things. And knowing that He is in control, gives me peace.

People usually mean well when they inquire about our journey, but God may have a plan that no one suspects for us. If you stay depressed and it is affecting your life in a dramatic way, then maybe talking to a Pastor or Christian Counselor is a good idea. Otherwise, serve your Lord, pray and minister to someone and trust Christ to meet your needs based in His timing.