by Mindy Obenhaus
It’s here! It’s finally here! The third installment of my Bliss, Texas series, A Future to Fight For, released last week and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I love this story. It’s a tale of love, loss and overcoming tragedy to discover new dreams.
You
know, life is full of ups and downs but there’s one thing—one person—that
remains faithful. God. Whether we’re in the valley or on the highest mountain
top, He is there, willing to walk with us, even carry us.
Paisley,
the heroine in A Future to Fight For, woke up one morning to a horrific
tragedy. One that would have done many of us in. And threatened to do so with
her. But God. His mercies are new every day.
Here’s
a snippet from the story:
“Cute
kid.” Crockett pointed to the photograph as Paisley lifted her head. “His
hair’s the same color as yours.”
Her
movements stilled as she looked away. “That’s my son. Logan.”
Son?
He wasn’t aware she had a son.
She
reached for a towel, wiping her hands as she approached him. “He died in the
same car accident that took my husband.” Stopping beside him, she continued.
“He was ten.”
Speechless,
Crockett simply stood there, feeling as though he’d been punched in the gut.
How does one overcome something like that? Losing a spouse to death would be
hard enough, but to lose a child at the same time? He couldn’t even begin to
fathom the amount of strength it must take for her to get up every morning
knowing that they weren’t there.
Looking
down at her, he could see the sorrow in her eyes. Yet, there were no tears.
He
felt like a heel. “I—I’m sorry, Paisley. I had no idea.”
“I
know you didn’t.” She tilted her head to meet his gaze, her smile tremulous.
“That’s why I told you.”
Could
that be why she’d needed a change of scenery? “How long ago?”
“It’ll
be five years next month.” Making her son a few years older than Mackenzie, had
he lived.
Reminding
himself to give his kids extra big hugs this morning, he searched Paisley’s
face, her peaceful expression, realizing just how wrong he’d been about her.
She had an inner strength and determination he wasn’t even sure he possessed.
“I’m
sorry you had to go through that.”
She
nodded. “Me, too. But God is good, and I firmly believe that He has a plan and
a purpose for everything, good or bad.” Her tone left no room for argument.
How was that possible? She’d lost her entire family, not to mention all of the hopes and dreams that went along with it. Something he could relate to, though on a different level. Yet, there wasn’t a hint of anger or self-pity in Paisley’s words.
I
don’t know about you, but I need to be a little more like Paisley. It’s easy to
trust God when things are going good, but when life deals us a hard blow…
Now
don’t let this excerpt leave you thinking this is a sad story. I mean, it has a
castle. In Texas, no less! How cool is that? There are also a couple of cute
kids and lots of banter between the hero and heroine who are anything but
friends when the story opens.
How has God proven Himself faithful in your life? Leave a comment—you don’t have to go into detail—to be entered to win a copy of A Future to Fight For (US mailing addresses will receive a print or digital copy, digital only for international).
Mindy, great post. I have been discouraged about my writing lately and have to be reminded that it is All In His Timing. And that we don't know who we touch along the way.
ReplyDeleteI've used the same physical Bible for 40 years (it's been rebound twice and also mended with duct tape). Revised Standard Version, if anyone cares. I started marking verses that helped me when I was going through stuff, with the date and sometimes the place, and it warms my soul to go back and read these notations. Psalm 4:6 has a notation, June 11, 1988. I don't even remember what I was going through on June 11, 1988, which means He brought me through it. Psalm 9:10, 4/21/84. I don't remember where I was or what I was doing, but apparently He brought me through that one too. Proverbs 18:10, 6/188. I don't even want to know...Yeah, that. If we only take the time to look back, we see all that He has brought us through and all that He has done for us.
Works for me...
Don't put me in the drawing, I already have the book and am enjoying it.
Kathy Bailey
Your Kaybee
Working it all out in New Hampshire
Kathy, I love that! Those little reminders that, like you said, you may not remember exactly what was going on, but those markers are evidence that God has brought you through so much. He is faithful. We're the ones who struggle. Thanks for that today, Kathy.
DeleteKB, that history of God's faithfulness always helps us continue on when times are tough. We know the Lord lifted us up in the past and will do so again. He is always with us and His love in unconditional.
DeleteDon't get discouraged! You're on the path God has chosen for your writing. Trust Him!
What a beautiful way to keep God's word and His promises at the center of your life, Kathy. I think I will have to start marking my Bible like that too.
DeleteAnd prayers for encouragement in your writing journey. With God's help, I know you can do it!!
Good morning, Mindy. Having lost a child 30 years ago, I know well how God helps us through the most difficult times. I really look forward to reading this book. I love this series. I don't have the book yet, so please put me in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteSandy, I'm not even going to pretend to know what you went through. And I'm sorry you had to go through it. Yet I still go back to those two words--but God. Bless you, Sandy.
DeleteSuch a heavy cross to carry, Sandy, but you inspire so many!!! Bless you, dear friend.
DeleteThank you, Mindy and Debby, for your kind words.
DeleteGod has always been with me. It's his love that has gotten me through major medicine issues and more surgeries than I care to think about, the lost of our only child, our daughter Jenet at the age of 17 in 1988, the sudden unexpected death of my Dad, and being able to handle with love my Mom's living with us for 5 years with Alzheimer before she went on to meet up with Dad. Without God beside me, lifting me up and loving me, I won't have been able to put one foot in front of the other much less live the productive and full life that I had. He's still with me each and every day and for that I am so very thankful and give all the glory to him and his love for this sinner.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the opportunity to win this wonderful book on my TBR list.
Have a blessed day and a wonderful rest of the week!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Kay, bless you! You've seen a lot of heartbreak, but your faith in God shines bright. I know you've helped others deal with pain, which is one of the many ways the Lord bring light out of darkness. Thanks for sharing. Your message touched me deeply.
DeleteKay, I understand the loss of a child as I lost my daughter at age 17 months. You have been through so much and I'm glad you have had the Lord with you.
DeleteKay, what a wonderful testimony. God bless you. I can't imagine facing the struggles of this world without God. And I'm glad that you are a light for His loving mercy.
DeleteMindy, your story sounds amazing! A must read! All that pain in the heroine's past, but I'm sure she finds her own HEA! And a castle! Love the cowgirl boots she's wearing on the cover!
ReplyDeleteGod has protected us in so many ways and so many times. He is ever faithful, and He always answers our prayers.
Debby, with an LI we can always count on that HEA! ;)
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book, Mindy. Beauty from ashes, because of God. Isn't that the best kind of story?
ReplyDeleteGod has always been faithful, every day and in every way. How could He not be?
Wise words, Jan.
DeleteIn 2002 the love of my life died tragically in a motorcycle accident. I thought my life was over. I could barely function. But I started leaning on God more and more. I would never have made it through that horrible time without Him. And it taught me to give all of my troubles to Him daily.
ReplyDeleteOh, Dana, my heart breaks for you. But God, right? I'm so thankful His mercies are new every morning. It's because of them we are not consumed. Thank you for sharing your story, Dana. Big hugs, my friend.
DeleteThank you Mindy! Yes, definitely God!
DeleteCovering you, Dana, and all who have lost loved ones in prayer! Bless you!
DeleteThank you Debby!
DeleteGod has seen me through fear, disappointment, joy, and heartache. This life is not easy--and I feel I've had it easier than many others. Great is His faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't put my name in for the drawing. It's on my TBR pile!
Glynis, I know what you mean, feeling you've had things easier than others. Yet no matter what God allows into out lives, it's still up to us to choose to wallow in self-pity or live victoriously. I'm so glad God never leaves us alone.
DeleteThe barn on that cover! I want to go there!
ReplyDeleteGod is so good. Having overcome fertility issues. And multiple jobs/moves. And losing my mother-in-law. We've been through a lot, but it's awesome to see Him working through it all and in it all. My faith is so much stronger because of it. And it leaves me yearning for our forever home, which should always be our aim.
Very well said, Amy. Thank you.
DeleteI firmly believe when life closes a door, it is God who opens the window.
ReplyDeleteLindaG, I would have to agree! :)
Delete