Almost a year ago, I stumbled upon a hymn called “Lead Kindly Light” and it was the perfect song to weave into “The Gold in These Hills.” It has a special place in my heart, and a special moment near the end of the novel. One that I hope brings courage and hope to readers, as it has done for me. I often think of the words: Keep my feet Lord, I do not ask to see.
Encouragement for the road of life. For twists and turns that are unexpected, or for moments when we’re just not sure what God might be up to.
Now thanks to @bibliobirchdesigns I have the joy of giving one away! One side says the hymn title and the other has this treasured line: Keep my feet Lord, I do not ask to see.
To enter, simply leave a comment below answering this question:
If you’ve faced a time in your life when you needed to rely on faith even when you could not see, what carried you through?
(Open to US & International entries)
The winner will be drawn this Saturday. There is a second giveaway going on with another bookmark over on my Instagram page, so if you want to hop over and leave a comment, please do!
Thank you to all of you who have been reading the story. It means so much to me! And thank you for visiting today!
Mine has been through my chronic illness. There was a time I could nor care for my children or myself, it seemed like everything had fallen apart. I had to at that point decide if my faith in God was real or it wasn’t. It IS and was and he has carried me through every single day.
I am facing such a time right now. I was in remission from cancer for about a year, and then was diagnosed with a recurrence of the disease this past spring. I have been undergoing chemo since June, and have one treatment left. After that treatment, I will have a CT scan and see how things are going. The prognosis from the doctor is not good, and chemo has really taken a toll on my body, but I have faith in the Lord! He numbers my days, not the doctors. It is prayer, both mine, and the prayers of others when I feel unable to pray, that carries me through.
I love the bookmarks!! So beautiful!! ❤️
I love this bookmark!
Lots of prayer and people showing that they cared about what I was going through.
I lived several years in Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains so truly enjoyed Gold in These Hills. I also worked at Mount Hermon Conference Center with the Public Affairs Director, Dave Talbott. As liaison between attendees at the Writers Conferences, I loved interacting with both authors and publishers. How lovely you could be a part of that.
God’s word, Isaiah 40 & 41 and Christian music when my husband had a major heart attack. PTL he’s alive!
This hymn was a beautiful bonus that I needed: Keep my feet Lord, I do not ask to see.. Thank you, Joanna for sharing your sweet heart, words, and offer with all of us.
Mine was through an emotional abuse marriage to and through divorce. God met me in so many amazing ways like getting food stamps, heating discounts, rides, and some precious person sends me a $100 gift card to local grocery store every 6 weeks. I pray that this person is doubly blessed.
Mine…mine has been through our daughter. She is special needs that has type 1 diabetes & epilepsy. My faith is in our Heavenly Father carries us through everyday, especially when she has her seizures.
My faith was tested recently through having back surgery at 23. Even now, after surgery, some of the dreams I had (such as becoming a veterinary technician) are no longer possible. Right now I am in the process of studying for a new career that, quite frankly, people have said noting positive about. What I am hanging on to is the promise of Romans 8:28, that God works everything together for good to those that love Him. I am resting on His solid promise.
That is sooooo prettty….. loved your book girl… your writing touches my soul
Mine was when I lost my job a year ago. It was out of the blue, as most COVID related things were, and I didn’t know what I was going back to do. But in that moment, I felt a quiet nudging that this was the time to pursue my dream of writing. So I got started, and every time I questioned if I was doing the right thing, God would step in and whisper His encouragement to keep going.
Now, over a year later, I have a new career that I love, and I can honestly look back and be able to see God’s hand through it all.
Lots of prayer and family and caring people. When we met I was going through a hard time and you kept praying on my behalf. And I found a treasure in your books at that time. The Cadence of Grace series.
Since my hope is in the Lord, my Savior, I need not fear! My faith in Him keeps me strong.
20 years ago, I thought my life as I dreamed had collapsed and my heart and expectations were broken. Knowing that God held me and constantly reading through the Psalms and journaling got me through. My life looks different now, and my dream did somewhat fall apart, but God has changed my perspective so I can look forward with hope in Him.
Those book marks are just gorgeous! I’ll be taking your book with me on vacation this week. Hoping to relax and get some solid hours of book reading within my personal stash.
For a long time the hymn “Come Thou Fount” was such an encouragement to me. The lyrics and melody just point me to Christ everytime.
I lost my father last week after a health battle, if it wasn’t for my faith I would give up.
I was helped after losing a baby and my mom, by late night scripture reading and meditating on verses in Isaiah and the words “perfect love casts out fear.” Having a young son at that time brought joy and sunshine into dark days. Just purchased The Gold in these Hills. I loved the depth of Lady and the Lion Heart and need to read the Daughters of the Northern Shores. Love the bookmark!
Just that, faith. Faith enough to know that even though I was struggling that Christ was the right direction and that He would help me to get through my trial. Remembering all the many ways and witnesses of how He had blessed my life previously is also one way I held on to that faith.
Hope never give up on it.
His grace keeps me going!
My daughter had a full-term stillborn baby. She was our second grandchild. We had to rely on our faith and God. What got me through was I knew God never makes a mistake.
August 22 I lost my husband to cancer. It has been heartbreaking and so lonesome but then again I know God doesn’t make mistakes and he will see me through.
Most definitely! Especially after the sudden death of our daughter, our only child, when she was 17.
When my son was diagnosed with SCID (he’s 7 and thriving now after a bone marrow transplant) we had a lot of uncertainties and opportunities for fear and despair. We came together as a family and through God’s presence, peace, and Grace, were able to walk through that valley into the light on the other side. Stronger, healthy, and whole.
I have had some hard times like we all have. My answer is prayer. Praying the Word back to Him. Regardless of what I feel I know it’s truth. He is Lord. He is bigger than any of my problems or disappointments. His plans are perfect for His children. Though I might not see it now.
Family,friends and neighbors.
Marion
Years ago, we went through a very traumatic time with my husband’s job, and my job was also going through lots of stressful challenges. Only by the grace of God did we get through it all and now stand on the other side praising Him and healing. Immersing myself in scripture and hymns and seeking therapy to process everything helped give me hope during that time.
Care by family,friend and neighbors.
Marilyn
Living and praying psalm 27:13 (I would have lost heart unless I had believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living). Not much goodness in the last 15 years of ministry, but I trust I will see His goodness.
I went through an unwanted divorce. My faith, including much prayer and support of family and friends, helped me get through this. In the years since then, I’ve felt closer to God and have seen my faith grow. I think I’m a better person now.
I would say yes and the details are still painful
When my husband had a massive stroke at age 44, God was with us every second of every day. We couldn’t have made it through without Him. Did He answer all healing prayers? No. Did He set our life where He wanted us? Yes, we believe He did.
When my child was just about to turn two, due to extreme bullying, I nearly killed myself. I didn’t know Jesus then. Or thought I didn’t but He knew me. He saved me. I tripped, stumbled, and landed at the foot of the cross and have been learning to stay there ever since.
These comments just hurt and warm my heart all at once. God bless and be with you all.
The help of family,friends and neighbors.
Joan
My faith and hope in Jesus Christ!
God’s faithfulness, knowing He never leaves me. Beautiful.