Hosanna Emily's Blog, page 3

A Battle Cry of Encouragement

There's a city with war-torn walls, and the enemy draws near. The defenses have crumbled to rubble piles that tiny creatures scurry beneath, and the fresh wind that quivers the rough homes traverse the same path that foreign armies can march. The war is almost upon them.
So they grab swords in one hand, tools in the other, and they begin at their homes.
The people work.
They raise a wall, ready to fight or build, because this city is the Lord's, and the work will be completed.











Recently, our church family studied the story of Nehemiah.
It's an account of Israel--a people chosen by God who rejected Him and were thus sentenced to exile and their homes fell apart to rubble. Years later, a remnant returned to find Jerusalem in shambles and enemies darting in with angry threats.
But God had a plan.
And His people put their trust in Him and got to work with swords and tools. They began at their homes and made sure that in the place God set before them, a wall was built. They worked in a battlefield.

Live your lives in union with Me, and I will live My life in union with you.

 

And it reminds me of a favorite scene from my soon-to-be-released fantasy novel, The Way of the King.
As tension rises, Kadira finds herself surrounded by enemies, and one of her closest friends chooses to defect to the opposing side. Broken, she finds maybe her last friend--a man wounded and imprisoned in the same enemy's prison cell.
Kadira's hurting. Alone. Afraid.
She loves her King and would lay down her life for him, but the weight is so much.
And in the darkness of prison cells where the treacherous Prince's green fire burns like an emerald snake, she meets her friend in similar dire circumstances, and the words of encouragement could make me cry.

I AM the vine, and you are the branches. If someone is living his life in union with Me, and I in union with him, he will produce much fruit; for apart from Me you can accomplish nothing.

Kadira and her friend stand, metal bars separating them, but they know the King is worth it, and He will win. So they stand strong.
And before she leaves, he whispers to her,
keep running.
Because yes, it's a race and she's tired and exhausted and ready to give up and fall, but no. Keep running.
And I think the people during Nehemiah's time had a similar call ringing in their ears: keep going. keep building. keep working. This is for our God, and He will provide, protect; He will win.
Today, I needed that too. Maybe you do as well.
Because life can be hard. Races aren't easy strolls through "Sound of Music" hills. The ground might be rocky, your knees may be bruised or bleeding, or maybe you're completely out of breath.
Friend, keep running.
Maybe there's city walls falling all around you, and the only defense is that little pile of stones in front of your home. But God can use that wall, and He can defeat the enemy. So let's move to the next house and help them build too.
Or go to the runner who has fallen, take his hand, and help him keep going.
Here's where it starts:

If you are living in union with Me, and My words are dwelling inside of you, you may ask for whatever it is that is on your hearts, and it will be done for you.

 

It starts with me and Jesus.
You and Jesus.
Knowing He is worthy and that if He has called you to this moment, He also has given you everything you need for it (2 Peter 1:3).
He is a loving, tender God of rest and grace, and He will supply all you need.
To fight, we abide. Remain. Live in union with Him.
Like Nehemiah building the wall and Kadira and her friend fighting onward for their King. And I can't tell you the end of The Way of the King (as that would give away way too many spoilers!), but Nehemiah's story is already published. ;)  And part of the ending is an entire parade of musicians traversing the finished wall and ending up at the House of the Lord where they filled the city with song and yelled their praises so loud that they could be heard from afar off.
That's what I call victory!
So I encourage you: keep running. keep building.
Pursuing Jesus has changed my life forever, and He can do the same for you, Friend! ♥







((verse snippets from John 15))

The same kind of love that the Father has shown me, I, likewise, have shown you. You must continue in My love...

You will continue in My love if you obey the commandments you have received from Me...

~♥~ 

How a Christian Endures Trials || (and I went on a race)

dear reader,

this is a post for the one traveling through a desert

and seeking a Promised Land.

don't give up hope.

I go running every week, and people ask me if I enjoy it.

That makes me laugh. ;)

I think of how my body literally hurts all over, how my lungs feel like they could explode, and how the sun beats down and wants to wither me like a raisin sweltered in the desert heat. I'll look up a hill and count mailboxes as I pass painstakingly slow knowing there's only four more, three more, two more until the finish line!

But I run again. And again. And somehow, yes I do enjoy it. Just like I did that three-tier race in April--running, boating, and biking--even though it was hard, it was beautiful and good.

Maybe that's because when I do this hard thing, it grows me, and I'm stronger and can say, panting, "God did it. He got me up the hill."

Instead of focusing on the pain, I run thinking of the prize: the cold cup of water waiting in an AC home that I can enjoy with the satisfaction that I did something hard and overcame.

Lately, God has been taking this idea further as life throws real-life trials in my face, and through the temptations to focus on the heat, the pain, the stretching, He whispers, count it all joy.

Consider it the truly greatest of joy whenever you find yourselves being beset, my brothers, by trials and temptations of various kinds, since you know that the testing of your faith results in patient endurance.

- James 1:2

But how, Father? How can my painfully weak self rejoice? 

I look at something impossible.

He reminds me, it results in patience. There's a reward.

So I run.

But what makes it worth it is when I realize my Jesus did the same thing before me. And He gave thanks.

Then He took a cup of wine and, after giving thanks, said... "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is about to be poured out in your place."

- Luke 22:17, 20 

 

 

How? How could a Man understand that He was about to go through the most intense, painful agony, spilling His own blood for people who would mock and betray Him? And He thanked God for it? What impossibility!
He went a step further...

Then He took some bread and, after giving thanks, broke it and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is My body, which is about to be offered up in your place..."

- Luke 22:19 

He thanked God twice.

This is the Jesus I follow.

He was a perfect Man who let His body be broken because He loved us that much.

Jesus was the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 that had to be slaughtered so that the Lord would pass over His people who were marked with the lamb's blood, and thus they were saved while the enemy received punishment. In the same way, I stand in a world torn by sin and death, but I'm washed in His blood and am clean, forgiven, covered.

But after that, God's people still wandered in a desert. They hadn't entered the Promised Land.

And that's why we're walking in a desert today.

These trials, these pains, these things that hurt and confuse, we can give thanks in them because a Promised Land is coming when our King who also suffered will come from Heaven, restore this earth, and establish His Kingdom in it! Wrong will be destroyed, our bodies will be freshly new, and Eden will spread across this broken land.

That's why Jesus endured. He knew there was a joy set before Him.

...run the race set before us with patient endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on the One who pioneered our faith and makes it blameless, that is, on Jesus, who for the joy set before Him patiently endured the cross, thinking nothing of the shame of that kind of death, and now sits at the very right hand of the throne of God.

- Hebrews 12:1-2 

It starts with a Lamb giving His blood, and we can travel on knowing He will be victorious.

So consider it joy.

Oh friend, consider it joy!

 

When we run and sweat and hurt, may we know it's drawing us to the finish line and making us more into the person He always intended us to be.

Beautiful.

Whole.

Holy.

A person that can walk and talk with God as we did in the garden of Eden.

And that's how we endure.

God does impossible things like that.

God's been putting this urging on my heart over the last weeks, and I hope it blesses you! I was inspired by my lovely friend Laurel, and you can read another hug of encouragement on her website here!

And, just sayin', my favorite book is about to come out and is stuffed full of encouragement for the soul fighting to be loyal to their King. ;) Keep your eyes out for a cover reveal soon!

You're so loved, friend. Travel on!

((photos credit to Alesha who photographed a triathlon I got to be part of))

~♥~

Presenting... (a book title reveal + more!)

 

Are you ready for a book title reveal?!

coming this summer...

an epic novel...

of suspenseful adventure...

life-altering truth...

and a beautifully, emotionally gripping tale...

presenting:

 

THE WAY OF THE KING

((an allegorical fantasy novel and sequel to The TorchKeepers))

Want a sneak peek?

 

Picking up three months after The Torch Keepersended, this novel holds the epic adventures, heart-wrenching secrets, andlife-altering truths of three beloved characters from the first book—a warrior-defector who becomes a big sister to a family of orphans while fleeing the enemy, a man with a half armwho leads an underground fortress, and a city ruler who wishes he could escape.As the future of the Kingdom hangs in the balance, the unlikely heroes must notonly choose their sides but now keep their loyalty through the darkest days. Whentwo sides collide, they must decide if the one they follow is truly worthy ofevery sacrifice. It seems the future of Erkeos is in the hands of a King who's never been seen.

 

 

Ahh, this story has all the feels! Adventure, emotion,truth. I can’t wait!

In 2018, God gave me the story of The Torch Keepers,and this novel came soon after. So I was faithful with the first book as thisnew story tickled at my mind, begging to be written. As readers finished TheTorch Keepers and noted all the loose ends and unfinished stories, I couldn’twait for them to read the completion!

But it wasn’t time until now.

Because sometimes God must teach us, grow us, and care forthe roots before the bud is fully ready to open. He knew every aspect of thisbook and its passionate message, but I wasn’t ready as a disciple of Jesus.

Even as I wrap up last edits, I’m praying, seeking, and pursuingHim. And He is making it even more beautiful.

But how did The Way of the King come to be?

 

BEHIND THE TITLE

 

These two books are based on Isaiah 35, and the ending of the chapter is gorgeous as it describes a day when Jesus returns and allis made new:

 

A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray... And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:8, 10

When I read that, the Lord whispered a title:

The Way of the King.

In the Bible, those words jumped out at me over and over again, and it was perfect and beautiful for this story!

((writing advice: however God leads is a good idea, no matter what!))

As I read Isaiah, I picture that road crossing through a desert land whereall is dry and barren. It's a road where God’s people were. A road that leadsto joy and gladness, to the city of the LORD where He will reign as King. Iimagine Israel and God’s people singing on that Day.

Sometimes it’s a hard journey, a painful one of sacrificesand ridicule and persecution.

But it’s the way of the King, and He is worthy.

In Acts, followers of Jesus were called those “of the Way”(Acts 9:2), and as I wrote this book, I heard the invitation:

will you follow the way of Jesus?

In my life, there were days when the cost feltso high, and I had to decide if He was worthy of following. He required all ofme. I put both sides on the scale and honestly asked myself if Jesus was worthit. Would I follow the way of Jesus?

That’s the question my characters ask.

In The Torch Keepers, the question was:

Choose your side.

And now the tension mounts as the characters go one stepfurther:

Keep the loyalty.

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies...They walk in His ways. 

Psalm 119:2-3

 

I've considered honestly if Jesus is worth it, andthe answer is a resounding “yes!” I have known Jesus as the dearest friend,the closest comforter, the kindest encourager and confronter, the One who lovesme more than anything. He gave up all for me so that I can walk forgiven +righteous before God, dance in freedom, talk freely with theCreator of the universe and know His future hope for me. Jesus is worthy.

I’m a disciple following the way of Jesus.

Teach me Your statutes.Make me understand the way of Your precepts...Remove from me the way of lying...I have chosen the way of truth.
Psalm 119:26-27, 29-30

Oh friend, if there was any way to convince every soul thatJesus is worthy, I’d do it! Through this novel’s drafting, Iwatched people I love make the decision on both sides. Some chose to keep the loyalty. Others decided He wasn’t worth it.

But Jesus has changed my life. He’s offered hope and loveand mercy. He makes us completely free and offers incredible purpose!. There’s nothing more valuable thanknowing Him!

Every reader who explores the story within The Way of theKing must decide for themselves.

You can’t just choose your side and thenremain apathetic. This changes everything. Will you keep the loyalty? Will yoube a disciple?

 

 

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,And I shall keep it to the end...And revive me in Your way.
Psalm 119:33, 37

As you walk in your own journey with Jesus, may we bothcount the cost and realize overwhelmingly that He is worthy and beautiful, andmay we walk in the way of the King. ♥*bear hugs*

((and keep your eyes open for a book cover reveal!!))

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 14:6

~♥~

Coming this Summer... (guess the book title!)

Hi Friend!!
Ahh, I'm excited for this. I'm actually about to pack up my little sisters for their ballet and gymnastic lessons (so cute!) and then party as my other sister comes home who's been gone for two weeks on a mission's trip (one sibling gone out of 8 others is a huge hole for real!), but I had to get on and share that you get to have some bookish fun!!
Ahh! Here you go:
Four years ago, God gave me a story. Right after that, as I dug through the Bible, He whispered its name, and it was perfect. No laughter about having a title before the book was started could stop me because I knew it was Him.
And somehow, this book just finished going through its editor, and I'm about to tackle the list of changes (just a few *cough*) then format this book for a summer 2023 release!
So it's time to celebrate! I can't wait to throw out all the details of this new book: the characters, feels, story behind the title, so many truths God slipped into the adventures, and how He was faithful every single time and turned this into my favorite book I've ever written. He was so, so good in every step of this project, and I wanna share those testimonies. I think you're gonna be swept away by the epic adventures in this book!

But first, it's your turn to start the reveal!

((picture it like taking the first whack at a piñata to spill out the candy or clicking the "on" switch of a bubble machine to fill the air with them!)) *wink*
Take a guess! Comment below with the genre + title of the new release! Be as serious or fun-loving as you want, then in a few days, I'll get to share all the funnnnn!
And here's a hint to get you started: the first letters of the title!









Guess the book title below, and let's have fun!! 

...holy is His name!
His steadfast love endures from generation to generation for those who fear Him!

- Luke 1:49-50 

~♥~

I'm Relearning the Gospel || this is how I joy

 

Hello friend!

The blog has been quiet for much too long. I've missed it. As truths and beauties churned in my heart since the beginning of the year, I've ached to sit here and record those thoughts, but I never did. Maybe it was because they felt raw, messy, like a story half-written with no satisfying ending. I struggled too, and how could I lift up Jesus when this heart itself needed refreshment?

I laugh now, because worship doesn't depend on my emotional status; I have permission to joy in Jesus right now, every day, because HIM.

I'm relearning the Gospel.

So this blog post is just that. It's a little peek into God's gentle leading since the wee months of 2023, and I hope it reminds you of what the Gospel truly is.

Annnndddddd.... I have some pretty exciting updates on upcoming books!! Subscribe to my email list to get all the juicy info any day now!

But for now, we'll start with adorable, baby goats.

Fresh into the year, birthing season happened.

Phew, that was full of adventures! Picture one baby goat who got stuck during birth and had to be rushed to the vet, other mamas who decided to have their babies after midnight (and some of us siblings obviously had to stay up and watch). For nearly a week, there was a new delivery every day.

We were blessed with a bunch of baby goats.

Oh, they're the happiest, cutest baby animals I've seen! The kids jump everywhere, kick up their heels, and look for every opportunity to dance! Take a picture of a goat kid, and it's the depiction of "happy."

And in the beginning of the year, that's what I was praying for:

help me walk in Your joy, Jesus

That's what I desire so much. I read verses I love, and I wanted to live them out.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

But... I couldn't.

So I prayed. I asked for that. As newborn kids danced through winter seasons that oddly felt like spring, I asked for joy.

Instead of gleeful excitement though, the Lord took my hand and opened my eyes to the ugliness of sin in my own life.

For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me...

Psalm 40:12-13 

 

I found my heart full of selfishness, self-pity, envy, and the likes, and it was like a garden of weeds when all I wanted was for flowers to bloom. He revealed sin that was there all along. It didn't feel like the joy of newborn ecstasy but more like the ugliness of labor pain and blood and helplessness.

I realized there was no way for Hosanna to be righteous on her own.

But it was joy.

It was the Gospel.

Because in the midst of that ugliness, in the weeds, in the sin, God revealed to me that in all that, HE IS RIGHTEOUS, and that's enough.

This passage came alive for me in a new way.

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed... even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26

 

I thought maybe I could be righteous, do enough good, so I could be joyful in Jesus. All along though, Jesus knew I was incapable, inept, and HE was righteous for me and suffered a horrible death to exchange my inability for His sufficiency. Today I can live in His righteousness!

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

1 Peter 2:24

 

 

He traded His perfection for our sins, and somehow, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father declaring that we, His children, are righteous! It's HIS righteousness and is thus secured forever, regardless of the day or moment or emotion we feel. In Jesus we can be righteous.

In fact, when Jesus returns as King to reign on the earth one day...

Now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 23:6 

 

That is the Gospel, and that is how I joy.

Oh friend, our God sees all of us, the good and the ugly, and His desire is for us to rejoice in Him, to delight in Him, to praise! We have full permission to repent and believe and thus live forgiven, righteous lives because of Jesus! It's not us doing more or having a "worshipful experience" or feeling all the right emotions. This is simple truth we can bank our lives upon, because it's not our own strength but,

The joy of the LORD is our strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

I asked for joy, but God first walked me through a season of revealing sin in my life and then delightfully showed me that He has everything I need for forgiveness; I have permission to joy in Jesus!

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness... for they will be [completely] satisfied.
Matthew 5:6

So that's what's been churning on the other end of the blog these last months! I'm relearning that the Gospel is all about Jesus, and following Him is the happiest life. When I rest in that, yes, I could skip around like baby goats. ;)
As I slip away, I encourage you that you can be totally forgiven and joyful in Jesus, freed from your sins. The old you isn't you anymore because you're a new creation in Christ, and with the Holy Spirit in you, you can be transformed into an absolutely beautiful, treasured, gem of a soul that the Lord can use to change this world. And may you use your gifts as acts of worship to our God who loves us!



And while I've been learning, life has been beautifully (crazily) full! Spring came early, so I over-eagerly threw my garden sprigs into the wild world, and yes, my cabbage and broccoli have all but died. Oops! But I'm gardening beets (my family likes them pickled!), sugar snap peas, herbs, and am forcing myself not to plant the summery green beans, marigolds, and other produce too early. (it's so hard to waittttt!)
The season was one of training for a frisbee tournament (which we lost, but our team had the most fun). AND on Saturday I'm in a three-part race: running, boating, cycling. Eep!
And while all that's happening, there's days of working at my favorite music store, of top-secret book work *cough*, walks in flowery-spring meadows, cleaning with open windows and bare feet, and niece and nephew snuggles.



Let's chat! Do you have a similar testimony to mind? Or share what's been the theme of your year thus far, what you're excited for this summer, or a favorite memory from the last months!
((and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming book updates soon!))
shalom, shalom ♥

I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know.

Psalm 40:9

~♥~ 

future flowers, whispered war-cries is released!

 

Hello Friend!

I'm excited to say that on this cloudy, rainy, reminiscing-kind of New Year's Eve, a poetry book was born.

(future flowers, whispered war-cries is available on Amazon! Yay!)

a war is waging, and a King is coming.
thus, these poems sing.
they utter war-cries of faith for the one thick in battle.
they whisper teardrops of hope for the aching soul.
and they overflow in dancing, giggling worship because of love.
in stories and colors, emotions and beauties,
they’re an anthology drawing together to testify of the King
through heartfelt moments and
genuine truth
and in free verse and rhyme and behind-the-scenes stories.
an arsenal of indie artists are featured within their pages,
and laughingly, these more than eighty poems sing of joys to come
(like a poem with giraffes).
may every word
stir one’s heart to live for that Kingdom.

(ahh - I hope you so enjoy the poems!!!)

The word that comes to mind now is rest.

There's so much that goes into a book. I had many a night in early December that I lay awake pondering two book releases in one month and had no idea how God would do that.

And even at that moment, He already knew the ending. I just needed to trust and press on, believing.

I think that about 2022 too. At the beginning of the year, He knew every tough situation, every tearful moment, and He had a good plan for them. I sure am glad He doesn't tell us everything at once, 'cause that would have been too much for me... but throughout 12 months, He was faithful every step of the way.

To go further than just 2022... in 2020, I had many of the poems in future flowers, whispered war-cries drafted in a document. In one accidental moment, my water bottle attempted and succeeded to drown my laptop.

In that moment, all the poems were gone. Sure, I could scramble to find most in assorted journals and papers, but there were stories and moments gone, washed like when a wave visits the shore and steals every last shell. (so yes, as I drink water and write here today, my bottle is on the far side of my desk...)

But God.

He knew the ending even then. And amazingly, He restored those poems I'd nearly given up hope for.

So then and now, I hear Him whisper:

rest. trust and press on, believing.

As one of my favorite poems urges,

oh, dear heart of mine, so restlessly  

striving to patiently wait,

breathe.

do you believe in your Father,

will He not bring forth a shower?

 

 

Dear Friend, rest comes from trust. The poems are a war-cry to fight, to press on, to run for a prize, to sink our shovels deep into soil because there's a treasure, and we are going to find it.

But somehow, there's rest in that too. There's rest because we know the prize is so worth it, and He gives us His strength in our weakness, so we press on but find the sweetest love and rest in that.

Whatever 2023 has, let's trust. Let's run towards the prize. Let's believe. And let's rest because God's got this.

(and let's go read some poetry!!)

The finished book has 85 poems in it! Comment below with a number, and I'll share the title + a fun fact about the poem! Maybe it'll be your new favorite. *wink*

 

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and rehid. Then out of his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

- Matthew 13:44

~♥~ 

Future Flowers, Whispered War-Cries || featuring Treasure Happy

 

Hello Friend!

"future flowers, whispered war-cries" releases TOMORROW. What a fun ride it's been of trusting the Lord to do something nearly impossible.

Here's a picture of that:

I just got the first proof copy in the mail today.

*laughs* Basically, when you prep a book to publish, it's vital to order a copy to make sure everything works and looks good... and then you submit it (which can take several hours to publish).

So yeah. As I type here, I'm uploading the final copy and ready to click publish!

It's late. I have no idea exactly when the book will be available to order.

But it's good. Every step has been God coming through and being faithful, so whenever tomorrow it releases (or if it's a day late...), I'm celebrating!

Keep your eyes open, because a new poetry book will be available to purchase any time now!

As we wait, here's a poem + beautiful illustration by a young artist!

Someone once told me that value is ascribed by the price someone is willing to pay.
Then he asked, "how much did God pay to rescue you?"
The answer: He gave up His own Son.
That is how valuable I am.
It blows me away. God ascribes value to this girl, and He says I was worth the death of His Son to be saved. That's the theme of this poem.
The last stanza is my favorite. May it remind you that our purpose is found in Jesus, and that's the most incredible, beautiful, and firm foundation we can build our lives upon!

 

When, four months ago, God sparked the idea to include warrior creators in this bookish adventure, I dreamed of having young artists who illustrated the poems.

And Treasure was that artist.

I read her this butterfly-themed poem aloud, gave her suggestions, and she took it away! There's something extra beautiful in the simplicity of hand-drawn flowers, a smiling sun, and clouds that look like shapes ("sometimes you see a cloud that just looks like a person," she told me!)

I'm inspired because God uses young warrior creators. I mean, I'm blown away every time I realize He chooses to use me, and His heart of love (that He says, "I ascribe value to this person) is amazing. (yet sometimes I wonder if He has an extra soft spot for little people, like how parents soften when grandbabies are born *wink* ♥) So meet the lovely Treasure:

bio:

Treasure Happy is a young artist who happily lives life with Jesus. She has a constant smile as she dances ballet, does flips around the house, dreams of being a painter, serves everyone around her, and loves math. She loves spending time with her siblings and creating in the kitchen, and if you find her at the barn, she’s cuddling her cat, Poppy.

God, however, because he is so rich in mercy, out of his deep love for us, even though we were dead in our offenses, gave us new life with the Messiah—it is by God’s gracious mercy and kindness that you have been saved...to display in the coming ages the extraordinary riches of his grace expressed in the kindness he has shown us through Messiah Jesus... as a freely-given gift...

- Ephesians 2:4-8

~♥~ 

Future Flowers, Whispered War-Cries || featuring Caroline Rutledge

 

Hello Friend!

I hope your Christmas weekend was blessed! *hugs* I savor the traditions, having all the siblings + their families home, and so much rest and laughter. ♥ And I'm sad that carols are done until next year; I enjoyed the joyful reminders to worship, thus I may be singing them all year long yet. *wink*

But. With future flowers, whispered war-cries releasing in four days, here's some little fun stuff for you!

Kindle pre-order opened! Click the link below to claim your copy! 

Want a sneak peek into the book?

Read on to see both a lovely interpretation of a poem in art form by the artist Caroline Rutledge and the poem itself!

When God sparked the idea to have illustrators join this project, Caroline was one of the first to pop to mind. Not only is she a dear friend + sister in Jesus, but she also illustrated The Torch Keepers! And she jumped on board! What an honor to have her illustrate three poems in the anthology. This girl is beautiful in so many ways, and I thank the Lord for her! 

bio:

Caroline is a beauty-creator to the core, and her fingers thrive when holding a pencil, paintbrush, or doing latte art. She spreads color and enlivens every bare chalkboard, wants to turn empty walls into vibrant murals, and her school papers were lined with the happiest doodles. Her goal is to make things that remind her of the beautiful splendor of creation. She also loves her family like crazy and fills her room with plants.

Instagram: @ruthie_anne

What was your favorite childhood game? Where would you travel to if you searched the world? And what was your favorite part of Christmas this year? Let's chat below!

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:11-12

 

~♥~

A New Book Publication this New Year's Eve?!

 

What if I told you I have a brand-new book release for you on New Year's Eve?

That would be crazy! Two books in one month?! *covers face*

But God seems to delight in doing impossible things. So He gave me a book, and I'm ready to slip it into your hands in EIGHT DAYS.

And here's the title...

future flowers, whispered war-cries:

poetry of a Kingdom

Oh guys, I can't say how special this book is to me.

It's an anthology of poems from over so many years... poems I cried through, laughed through, that shaped who I am. They're stuffed full of rich colors and joys and war-cries and stories and truths.

They all point to the fact that God is faithful. His Kingdom is coming. And this girl will be found waiting.

Simply put, they're war-cries. It's been my dream to have these poems in print, to grab them as a reminder of Truth, as a reminder of His faithfulness and an urge to travel on, even when everything fights against me.

AND there's bonus features:

Incredible artists collaborated to illustrate multiple of the poems!

A "behind the poems" section has stories, encouragements, and fun facts of what inspired the poems!

Are you as excited as I am?!

God already answered prayers in this book. After publishing The Tale of Honey-Water Farm and receiving sweet, amazing encouragement from readers who are soaking in the story, I had only two weeks to finish this book.

And there wasn't a cover.

But God.

He always does that. *wink* He takes an impossible situation with people (like me) who are completely inept... and He is faithful.

In many hours of crammed designing and dreaming and deleting, my cover designer and I finished.

We have a cover. And it's absolutely beautiful, guys.

AND I get to release it on our first day of snow?!

Without further ado, here's the cover we prayed over, labored over, and God supplied!

Presenting...

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future flowers, whispered war-cries:poetic truth of a Kingdom

coming December 31, 2022

Synopsis

a war is waging, and a King is coming.
thus, these poems sing.
they utter war-cries of faith for the one thick in battle.
they whisper teardrops of hope for the aching soul.
and they overflow in dancing, giggling worship because of love.
in stories and colors, emotions and beauties,
they’re an anthology drawing together to testify to the King
through heartfelt moments and
genuine truth
and in free verse and rhyme and behind-the-scenes stories.
an arsenal of indie artists are featured within their pages,
and laughingly, these more than eighty poems sing of joys to come
(like a poem with giraffes).
may every word
stir one’s heart to live for that Kingdom.

Do you see that snowy-mountain-y goodness on the cover?! Ahh, doesn't it make you wanna bundle up and tramp through the outside snow and celebrate the Christmas goodness that Jesus came, and He changes everything?!

Keep your eyes open for more updates and sneak peeks into the book AND for a release in eight days!

Are you a snow-loving soul, or d o you prefer bundling up with a hot mug (or both!)?

What's a favorite poem or poet of yours, or do you rarely read poetry? Let's chat below!

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and rehid. Then out of his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44


~♥~

The Tale of Honey-Water Farm book release!

 

I sit here humbled and blown away to say, "The Tale of Honey-Water Farm is published."

It wasn't me. Yes, I put a lot of work and hours and heart into these stories, but I'm blown away by a truth:

God knows the beginning from the end.

I'm here, just now seeing the end. But He already knew. Way back last year when I first heard of these hilarious, fun-loving characters, He. Knew. It was all Him:

God gave Ms. Debbie characters 6+ ago, and she should have forgotten them. She didn’t.

Other book proposals that didn't stick, and this one shouldn’t have either, but it did.

I can’t come up with story ideas on my own. He poured out inspiration and excitement.

I couldn't find a book title. He answered prayers and gave the perfect name.

 

Every step of the way, God made this story come alive! From chapters He filled with stories to the cover vibrant with farm feels I could never create on my own, God supplied. In the release party, He surrounded me with people who cheered this dream on. In the publication, He was there too.

This isn’t Hosanna or Ms. Debbie’s story; we gave it to God, and He was faithful.

That’s what this release party is about.

For me, it feels like an end, because it's my end of the creating process. But for you, it's a beginning.

Welcome to the world of Honey-Water Farm!!

I think you're gonna love it. *bear hugs*

Ahh! It's available on Kindle and paperback AND arrives before Christmas! *jumps up and down*

So. Ready for the release fun things?

First, the giveaway is over! I'll be picking the winner soon and will message them a congratulations! 

Second: three lovely gals signed up to be part of the book release on their own sites! They featured a fun book character with photos, bios, and more! These girls are a blessing, and I encourage you to hop to their sites and cheer them one, enjoy sneak peeks into the story, and wait for your paperback to arrive in the mail. *wink*

Meet Handsome Hansel the Horseby Lillian 
https://lilliankeithauthor.wordpress.com

//

Meet Sheila Shear the Sheep
by Alicia
marentettealicia.wordpress.com

//

Meet Nelly the Nanny Goatby Erika
writtenrest.wordpress.com

And third: the first 15 people to order a paperback win a free gift in the mail!

I've been looking forward to this. ;) Message me with confirmation of your purchase (a screenshot or receipt) + a mailing address!

And that's a wrap!

Thank you for everything, dear reader. I couldn't do this without you all and could do nothing without Jesus. He's awesome. ♥ Thank you, Friend! *more hugs*

Enjoy the story. *more hugs*

Just as all things pertaining to life and godly conduct are now ours as a gift bestowed by (God’s) divine power, on account of our knowing the one who summoned us for the sake of his own honor and renown.

2 Peter 1:3

 

~♥~