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Meeting God at Every Turn
A God who cares is portrayed in twelve turning points in Marshalls life--from romance, birth, and success, through grief, illness and failure.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
3 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Marshall
202 books1,067 followersMarshall was born in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the Reverend John Ambrose Wood and Leonora Whitaker Wood. From the age of nine until her graduation from high school, Marshall was raised in Keyser, West Virginia, where her father served as pastor of a Presbyterian church from 1924 to 1942.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 9, 2018
This is the second nonfiction book by Catherine Marshall that I have read, and I absolutely loved it. I find myself so encouraged and inspired in my walk with God by her books, and this particular one couldn't have come at a better time for me. I definitely recommend it; not only is Mrs. Marshall's writing style beautiful, but it's down-to-earth and cozy, as if you're hearing her speak directly to you, and not through the medium of paper and ink. I can't wait to read another of her books soon!
August 3, 2020
I always enjoy finding out more about Catherine Marshall and her life. Her faith, her career, and her life struggles inspire and challenge me. That is no different for this book that focuses specifically on her life at a glance and God's faithfulness through it.
April 8, 2014
I checked out a stack of books from the local library by Catherine Marshall, and the first one I read was Meeting God at Every Turn. By the time I completed the book, I was absolutely in love with Catherine Marshall’s writing, and I am convinced she is Kindred Spirit!
Overall, I found Meeting God at Every Turn to be a wonderful book, full of moments that will make you laugh or cry, but most of all, filled with encouragement that you are not alone. No matter how dark or tragic your life may seem in the moment, God is right there, with you at each turn and bump. I would give the book an “A”.
Overall, I found Meeting God at Every Turn to be a wonderful book, full of moments that will make you laugh or cry, but most of all, filled with encouragement that you are not alone. No matter how dark or tragic your life may seem in the moment, God is right there, with you at each turn and bump. I would give the book an “A”.
April 2, 2013
Catherine Marshall first came to my attention when I was in junior high school and saw the movie, A Man Called Peter, the story of Peter Marshall, a Scots-American preacher who pastored New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, and also served as chaplain of the US Senate. Marshall died at a young age, but had such wide significance, that Catherine determined that his life had merit for others. Thus the story of Peter's life, including his ministry and marriage.
Years later, I began to come across Catherine's other books, including Meeting God at Every Turn, in which she shares her story as well as her spiritual journey. She was transparent about her questions in regard to her faith: Is there a God who cares about me? Does He hear my cries? Will He help me get out of the mess I'm in? Will He comfort me, forgive me, restore me, heal me?
Her answer is a dramatic "yes," as she shares how God met her at every bend in her road. She learned over and over that God is Who He says He is and that He does what He says he will do.
Marshall's twelve most important "Life Principles Learned" will speak to readers at any stage of their faith journey. Though this is an "old" book (published in 1980), its truths remain applicable today.
I'm glad I pulled it off the shelf, remembering the depth of Catherine's prayer life.
Years later, I began to come across Catherine's other books, including Meeting God at Every Turn, in which she shares her story as well as her spiritual journey. She was transparent about her questions in regard to her faith: Is there a God who cares about me? Does He hear my cries? Will He help me get out of the mess I'm in? Will He comfort me, forgive me, restore me, heal me?
Her answer is a dramatic "yes," as she shares how God met her at every bend in her road. She learned over and over that God is Who He says He is and that He does what He says he will do.
Marshall's twelve most important "Life Principles Learned" will speak to readers at any stage of their faith journey. Though this is an "old" book (published in 1980), its truths remain applicable today.
I'm glad I pulled it off the shelf, remembering the depth of Catherine's prayer life.
October 25, 2022
An in-depth look at the life experiences many of us encounter. The reliance on God, mixed with frustrations and rebellion remind us that no one is perfect, but God continues to love us every step of the way. Catherine Marshall does not attempt to make her life journey appear to be perfect or easy, but shares her experience with all its joys and disappointments.
Quotes:
I often wondered why the writer of Genesis brought in this specific detail. Mary Elizabeth showed me why. God loves all of His creation. Whatever He made He saw that "it was good." So the name is just one indication of how special, how cherished all of us and the beautiful world in which He set man, are to Him. In the Kingdom of God, His love is all inclusive, from the bug crawling on the floor, to a butterfly floating over the flowers, to all animals, to each one of us.
Quotes:
I often wondered why the writer of Genesis brought in this specific detail. Mary Elizabeth showed me why. God loves all of His creation. Whatever He made He saw that "it was good." So the name is just one indication of how special, how cherished all of us and the beautiful world in which He set man, are to Him. In the Kingdom of God, His love is all inclusive, from the bug crawling on the floor, to a butterfly floating over the flowers, to all animals, to each one of us.
December 30, 2021
Led me to pause reading and pray.
April 20, 2024
This is the autobiography of Catherine Marshall, author of the book “Christy”. As part of an Inspirational book club, I read Christy and this book, to help me and participants in the club get a closer look at the author’s life.
What a treasure trove of thoughts, life lessons and a look at her walk with the Lord. She did indeed meet God at every turn in her life. She saw Him in her younger years; in her college experiences; in her courtship, marriage and the premature death of her first husband, Peter Marshall, U.S. Senate chaplain. She saw Him in her two year struggle with tuberculosis and being totally bed-bound; and in the raising of her only child alone.
Later she saw Him as she went through life alone, how He provided for her every need. Eventually she went on to a second marriage and the raising of three young children who had lost their mother. Time after time through prayer and disciplined time spent with the Lord, she sought His guidance and received it.
This book is a jewel waiting to be studied and loved anew! I am so glad I read it. It has reminded me of some very important lessons that have helped me very recently.
I would highly recommend this book to young adults and above. And May it bring you as much joy and peace as it has brought me.
What a treasure trove of thoughts, life lessons and a look at her walk with the Lord. She did indeed meet God at every turn in her life. She saw Him in her younger years; in her college experiences; in her courtship, marriage and the premature death of her first husband, Peter Marshall, U.S. Senate chaplain. She saw Him in her two year struggle with tuberculosis and being totally bed-bound; and in the raising of her only child alone.
Later she saw Him as she went through life alone, how He provided for her every need. Eventually she went on to a second marriage and the raising of three young children who had lost their mother. Time after time through prayer and disciplined time spent with the Lord, she sought His guidance and received it.
This book is a jewel waiting to be studied and loved anew! I am so glad I read it. It has reminded me of some very important lessons that have helped me very recently.
I would highly recommend this book to young adults and above. And May it bring you as much joy and peace as it has brought me.
June 2, 2019
Catherine Marshall charts the path of her Christian pilgrimage in her personal family story, Meeting God at Every Turn. The prolific author and wife of esteemed Chaplain of the Senate, Pater Marshall, Catherine has penned a memoir of stamped with struggles and victories along her path.
In eleven chapters, Marshall discusses her early years as the daughter of pastor John Wood and his wife, Leonora, on whose life the book/movie Christy has been based. She then moves on to years as a student and biblical scholar prior to meeting the love of her life, Scottish-born Peter Marshall. Readers can expect the author’s sensitive recounting of love and loss, success and failure, all couched in her strong belief that having a personal relationship with God can make a difference “at every turn.”
One feature added in the newer edition I read was a three-page digest of each of the chapters with a photo thumbnail, tagged with life principles. Devotees of this author will appreciate her weaving of memoir with spiritual enlightenment.
In eleven chapters, Marshall discusses her early years as the daughter of pastor John Wood and his wife, Leonora, on whose life the book/movie Christy has been based. She then moves on to years as a student and biblical scholar prior to meeting the love of her life, Scottish-born Peter Marshall. Readers can expect the author’s sensitive recounting of love and loss, success and failure, all couched in her strong belief that having a personal relationship with God can make a difference “at every turn.”
One feature added in the newer edition I read was a three-page digest of each of the chapters with a photo thumbnail, tagged with life principles. Devotees of this author will appreciate her weaving of memoir with spiritual enlightenment.
March 20, 2022
This book will give the reader a good snapshot of the author's life and how God was present with her through it all. While the information provided is interesting, since this was not the first book that the author wrote about her life many of the stories had been told before, making for this book to be a somewhat redundant read in the "getting to know her" aspect.
The author does an excellent job sharing her mistakes, which helps the reader relate to her and the points she makes in the different chapters. I especially appreciated her chapter on Grief, in particular the need for "tough" friends that will not allow us to wallow in the sea of despair after an adequate time of grieving.
This is well worth the time to read - especially if the reader has not read much of her writing previously.
The author does an excellent job sharing her mistakes, which helps the reader relate to her and the points she makes in the different chapters. I especially appreciated her chapter on Grief, in particular the need for "tough" friends that will not allow us to wallow in the sea of despair after an adequate time of grieving.
This is well worth the time to read - especially if the reader has not read much of her writing previously.
May 12, 2025
Lovely transparent autobiography. Her candor with her own sin and doubt and problems is so refreshing.
Summary statement: We can trust God.
She gives 12 life principles, all good. All lessons learned through hardship.
Grew up with depression era poverty, married Peter Marshall, laid up with TB for two years, was a single parent, then a step mom, dealing with challenging kids. And then the joy of a blended family where the love of God was at work.
“Your helplessness is your best prayer.”
“God is forever in the repair and restoration business.”
“God uses children and grandchildren to keep older people flexible.”
“Husbands and wives, kids and parents — are basically incompatible. God made us all different. The home is the classroom for molding and shaping us into mature people.”
“I want your presence, Lord, even more than I want understanding. I choose You.”
Summary statement: We can trust God.
She gives 12 life principles, all good. All lessons learned through hardship.
Grew up with depression era poverty, married Peter Marshall, laid up with TB for two years, was a single parent, then a step mom, dealing with challenging kids. And then the joy of a blended family where the love of God was at work.
“Your helplessness is your best prayer.”
“God is forever in the repair and restoration business.”
“God uses children and grandchildren to keep older people flexible.”
“Husbands and wives, kids and parents — are basically incompatible. God made us all different. The home is the classroom for molding and shaping us into mature people.”
“I want your presence, Lord, even more than I want understanding. I choose You.”
September 29, 2019
One thing that surprised me about this autobiography was how transparent Catherine Marshall was about her own difficulties and struggles. But the thing that encouraged me the most from this book was how she sought the Lord through every circumstance she faced. The chapter that was the most encouragement to me was the one on Loneliness, and how she was able to grow through it with the Lord's help. This is the first book I've read by her, so I think if I had read some of her other books that it would have helped me understand her story more. Also, there were a few parts that were a bit too charismatic for me, so I left it at four stars for that reason.
March 27, 2021
This was an autobiography and I always find true stories to be the most interesting. It was very readable. I really appreciated her honesty and humility ~ it was really a rags to riches story. And, it was inspiring with helpful tips ~ including how to play the game of Geography. I have been trying to sort through many books on my shelf - this was one from my mother's library and my mother was a Peter and Catherine Marshall fan ~ I'm not sure what possessed me to read it except that it relates the actual experience of connecting with a Higher Power which I think is significant even if our own understanding of a Higher Power is not the same as the author's.
June 1, 2021
I read this book because it was my grandma's and the stories and writing reminded me of her and her steadfast faith and influence. For me, there wasn't much excitement in this book, but it was a comforting memoir of sorts. I appreciated the spiritual challenges her stories brought to light, and especially the last chapter talking about how a self-centered pursuit of happiness may not bring true happiness.
February 20, 2020
I have gotten more spiritual advice from Catherine Marshall than almost any other author I've read. This one was a bit different. Catherine walks us through her memoir and highlights her relationship with God throughout her trials and joys. Good read...especially if you want to know more about this Godly author's life.
April 27, 2020
Very good book that includes many of the life lessons Catherine Marshall (wife of Peter Marshall, Chaplin of the Senate in the 40's).
She learned how to deal with a 2 year illness that kept her bed-ridden, the death of a husband, loneliness, a second marriage, rebellious step child, and many other issues God walked her through.
She learned how to deal with a 2 year illness that kept her bed-ridden, the death of a husband, loneliness, a second marriage, rebellious step child, and many other issues God walked her through.
August 22, 2017
At last I've got to the end! So disappointing. Catherine was easiest to relate to when she wrote about her stepchildren.
January 11, 2024
Loved this summary of her walk with the Lord and His faithfulness in all the seasons ! Especially loved her "life principles" at the end that go with every chapter . So good
October 15, 2014
Very inspiring. I liked how she searched out the truth and waited for God to answer. The story is dated, has some history with the positive thinking movement but it is clear she was walking by the Holy Spirit.
September 20, 2016
Very different than I expected (for some reason), but very inspiring in a way that will make you think about how you live your life and how you want to improve it. Especially in regards to relationships, especially yours with God.
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March 20, 2008280.4
March 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. So many of her thoughts about Christian life matched mine. I'm just not as eloquent.
June 9, 2012
Loved it...love everything she has written. Going back and reading them again now...20 years later.
August 30, 2012
smashing read
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March 12, 2015She shared from her heart, every woman should read her books.especially pastors wives
July 31, 2018
I liked it, but it felt also at times like listening to a really old lady who talked for a really long time. However, having said that, she’s also a lady who has gone through some really unique life experiences and has lived looking for God’s guidance “at every turn”. She made me want to journal again and reminded me how God loves us and meets us through prayer.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews