Life Lessons by Laura V. Hilton

My middle daughter is learning to drive. Since we homeschool, and live in a rural area, it means there are no driving schools in the area. We called the public schools to see if they’d let my children join in their Driver’s Ed classes, but they are having trouble finding instructors for the public school kids and were unwilling to take the homeschooled ones. 

That means teaching her is my husband’s and my job. Since my oldest daughter wrecked the van the very first time I took her out driving, I was naturally afraid to take the middle daughter out. So I asked my husband to do it. He’s busy but reluctantly agreed. 

Understand, his approach is, "Just do it. Get in, get it done. Drive fast. Keep up your speed, and no taking-it-slow." He expected her to be a fully-trained driver the first time she got behind the wheel. Of course, she came home shaking, in tears, begging me to take over the lessons. I asked DH to take her again, and we ended up with the same reaction. 

Sigh. I didn’t want her to hate driving so I prayed first (I really didn't want to die) and took her out driving. We drove the back roads, and I told her, "Drive slowly. Take it as easy as you want." She was very, very slow, but I’d rather she drive like that than wrap the car around a tree or put it in a ditch. When we got on the main road, a truck passed since she was going at a snail’s pace. Then I asked her to pull over, and took over driving until we got back on another side road. 

I took her out twice more, including today, and still, she isn’t main-road-ready. For example, she’s terrified of mailboxes. If we pass one, she'll move to the other side of the road. (Local readers, beware.) But she is getting more confident with her braking. I don’t fly forward and get caught by the seatbelt when she touches the brakes anymore (well, usually). 

Have you ever noticed a parallel between driving and writing? Some writers start out full-speed and expect to be published (or self-publish) without taking the time to learn the rules and do it right. But other writers are overly-cautious, taking years and years (and even more years) to polish a manuscript, draining all the excitement and life out of their story. 

Finally, there'll come a time when you are confident at the keyboard: typing, editing, and creating without worry. This comes with time and practice. The chapters you send to your critique partners come back with minimal changes and the first draft is very near the polished, published copy. Possibly, you'll even be meeting multiple deadlines a year. 

It takes time, practice, and attention to detail to get to that point. 

Just like driving still takes attention, but you still know what you’re doing. 

The Christian walk takes time, as well, but with study, prayer, and discipleship, you'll grow as a Christian, more confident of the faith, and He that is in you. 

2 Peter 1:5-9  (KJV) says: 

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; ,And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

Lord, help me as I live for You, work for You, and try to mirror You in my life. Amen.

About the Author

Award-winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Christmas Admirer. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Love by the Numbers

After her fiancé dies in a buggy accident, Lydia Hershberger is invited to Jamesport to manage her Mennonite aunt’s gift store while her aunt and uncle are on a mission trip. While there, Lydia gets acquainted with her aentie’sbest friend, Bethel Bontrager, and her grown son, Caleb. Lydia is surprised to find herself drawn to the handsome clockmaker, Caleb Bontrager. But in spite of an instant flame of attraction between them, he doesn’t seem interested. In fact, pesky Caleb treats her like he doesn’t even like her.

Bright and sparkly. That’s Caleb’s first impression of Lydia. He’s always been attracted to sparkly things. In fact, his affinity for those things, and the trouble they can cause are exactly why he’s determined to change his ways and settle down. With Lydia’saentie gone, he is handling the books for the gift shop and is forced to spend too much time in her presence.

When God offers Lydia a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Caleb harbors cause her even more heartbreak?  

Laura V. Hilton posts the first Tuesday of every month. For more of Laura's posts, click here.

Be Still and Know that I am God by Laura V. Hilton

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Sometimes it is just so hard to be still and wait for God to move. You want to do, to go and fix, to shake sense into someone, and with writing to make progress with the story. 

Three weeks ago, I thought my prodigal was doing so well. Two part-time jobs, he was paying rent and was talking about how he learned his lessons, he was going to do this, that, and the next thing. All positive. I was so encouraged.


And then I found out he was kicked out of his rented room, had a drug-related seizure, and lost both jobs in one smooth move. Snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory. I cried. I’m still sick to my stomach just thinking about it. And worse, I don’t know where he is. His phone is disconnected, I’m back to worrying about the police showing up to arrest him for nonpayment of fines, or worse, to tell me he’s not alive. 
Or even worse than that, to find his body on my front deck.


Yes, I’m a writer. I imagine these things (shudder).


I have two deadlines in the next four months. I don’t have time to waste ringing my hands, crying, stressing over how he could be so…foolish, and all the other drama that comes with having five children, a job, and a life outside of writing.


I had no time to mope. But how do you write through this?


I took a day to pray and read the Bible. I told myself that working would keep my mind focused on other things (not that my son is ever far from my thoughts and prayers) and that I still have obligations to meet. Crawling into a cave, hiding and eating chocolate wasn’t an option. I had others pray for me and my son.


And then I prayed some more, "I need some encouragement, God!!!"


My book, LOVE BY THE NUMBERS just released and my publisher had a blog tour for it. And one of the reviewers made a meme from a quote in my book.

“The future is scary and uncertain. Maybe we’re supposed to cling to God for today and let Him worry about tomorrow.”

Um. Yeah.


But I think I can do a much better job worrying about things. He can see the future and knows what will happen. I can’t and don’t. But I can cling to Him. I can “Just Breathe” (song by Johnny Diaz) and be still and know that He is God… He has it. I don’t.


I read recently that if we can trust God to keep the universe running smoothly, why can’t we trust Him with our own problems?


Ouch.


So, this is me, again, handing my son and all the drama over to Him. Being still, and knowing He is God. And trying to trust. Focusing on breathing.


Putting one foot in front of the other…


And letting my fingers tap-dance on the keyboard.


How do you let go of stress? What are some of the verses you cling to?

About the Author

Award-winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Laura V. Hilton

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Christmas Admirer. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ &http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or@Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Love by the Numbers

Love by the Numbers
by Laura V. Hilton

After her fiancé dies in a buggy accident, Lydia Hershberger is invited to Jamesport to manage her Mennonite aunt’s gift store while her aunt and uncle are on a mission trip. While there, Lydia gets acquainted with her aentie’s best friend, Bethel Bontrager, and her grown son, Caleb. Lydia is surprised to find herself drawn to a handsome clockmaker, Caleb Bontrager. But in spite of an instant flame of attraction between them, he doesn’t seem interested. In fact, pesky Caleb treats her like he doesn’t even like her.

Bright and sparkly. That’s Caleb’s first impression of Lydia. He’s always been attracted to sparkly things. In fact, his affinity for those things, and the trouble they can cause are exactly why he’s determined to change his ways and settle down. With Lydia’s aentie gone, he is handling the books for the gift shop and is forced to spend too much time in her presence.

When God offers Lydia a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Caleb harbors cause her even more heartbreak? 

Laura V. Hilton posts the first Tuesday of every month. For more of Laura's posts, click here.

Leaning on the Promises by Laura V. Hilton

Today, let's focus on the promises of God:

‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.’  - John 15:7 (NIV)

God isn't a man, and He doesn't lie. It's impossible for God to lie. Has He said, and will He do it? Or has He spoken and He won't make it good? He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. There hasn't failed one word of all His promises. Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the tribe of Israel. All came to pass. 

 You know in your heart and soul that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All has come to pass for you, and not one of them has failed.  

Take heart, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him, Amen, to the glory of God through us. 

 (Verses compiled from Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 1 Kings 8:56, Joshua 21:45 and 23:14, Acts 17:25, and 1 Corinthians 1:20 various translations)

About the Author

Laura V. Hilton

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Amish Firefighter. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or@Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Amish Wanderer
by Laura V. Hilton

AMISH WANDERER
by LAURA V. HILTON

Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life—away from Jamesport and away from God.

Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for food when possible—headed for Pennsylvania, in the hope of some stability.

A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naïve and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?

Would you like to read the first chapter? Click here.

Friendship by Laura V. Hilton

I’m reading a book for review called “Never Unfriended” by Lisa Jo Baker. I thought at first, “Nah, not interested,” then the cry went out that they were low on reviewers and I thought, “Okay. I’ll read it.” 

LAURA V. HILTON

My mom used to complain that she never had any friends. I watched her visit with her neighbors for hours, drive to people’s homes for visits, and have people in for “coffee” or “tea” on a regular basis. I told her she was silly. She had a lot of friends! But she was basing her description of friends as the ones like her school friends. Going out to dinner, going to each other’s home, and basically hanging out all day long. Based on that, I can understand why she didn’t feel she had friends, but she was in a different stage of life then, as were her friends.

Now, I look at Mom’s friendships with her friends. They made an effort to visit each other in their homes at least once a week. They talked on the phone two or three days a week. They sent each other cards and notes in the mail. And they talked at church on Sundays (if they went to the same church).

When I was young I had friends the same way. We hung out in school, at church, went to camp together and talked on the phone when we weren’t together. And then we grew up, married and moved away. I made new friends in the area I lived in. We lived in the same neighborhood or attended church together and we visited each other in our homes. It was great.

And then women started working outside the home (or even at home) when their babies started school (and yes, this was the 90’s; some moms DID stay home until their kids started school). When we all got jobs, the phone calls stopped. Visits in each others homes stopped. We didn’t even have time for home cooked meals for our families! Grabbing something from the drive-through window at a fast food restaurant became the rule. Family time was more often than not shared with television sets and cell phones. Relationships—even family ones— disintegrated.

And everyone wants to know “What’s in it for me?” They don’t have time to reach out and care for others. Taking five minutes for a quick phone call is something we are too busy for. Lunch, maybe, if they are at the same time. Visits in each other’s homes? Forget it. Not happening.

No wonder we need a book about how to be friends! We don’t know how any more! Now, I don’t even know who my neighbors are, let alone know everyone in the neighborhood. I’ve never been in their homes. They’ve never been in mine.

My friend list consists of mostly complete strangers on Facebook and Twitter. We know nothing personal about each other. Most of them wouldn’t have a clue what my favorite color is, or if I what I would order if we were to go to Sonic. They don’t know or care that I may or may not be struggling with something in my day or life (unless they read this blog). Or that I maybe ready to shout, “I quit” and run for the hills. They don’t even know that I wouldn’t have to run very far, since I live in the hills. (Ha.)

So today, my challenge is to reach out to someone in friendship. Say “hi” to that overworked clerk at Walmart and ask her how her day is going. Do something nice for someone. Maybe even shut the phone off and have a conversation with your family. Or call a friend you haven’t made time for. And leave a comment telling me what you did and for who (names can be changed to protect the innocent).

And maybe, I’ll do a kind thing too and send someone a copy of one of my books. Signed, of course. To a friend…

Jesus, teach us to be a friend of people as You are with us. Give us eyes to see others and their needs and to take the time to listen. Help us to take them to You, the source of life. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Amish Firefighter. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or@Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Amish Wanderer
by Laura V. Hilton

AMISH WANDERER
by LAURA V. HILTON

Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life—away from Jamesport and away from God.

Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for food when possible—headed for Pennsylvania, in the hope of some stability.

A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naïve and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?

Would you like to read the first chapter? Click here.

Enlarge My Coast by Laura V. Hilton


And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10

Laura V. Hilton

Many years ago, the Prayer of Jabez was popular. Little gift books came out about it along with other gift items. People passed out little wallet cards with the verse printed on it. My mom taped her card to the steering wheel of her car and prayed it every single day. She gave me a plaque with the verse printed on it. It has since gone missing, wandering off with the help of a small child, but for a long time, it sat on my desk. And I prayed it every day. Or did. I haven’t for awhile now, because honestly, I forgot.

But it was brought to mind the other day. You see, I am, by nature, a quiet, shy person. If I don’t know you, I don’t have much to say. Small talk is not my gift. I tend to be direct like Rachel Lynn on Anne of Green Gables. Okay, well maybe I’m not quite that direct. But almost. Becoming an author – a published author – was a dream come true. And I used to joke and say “If my book ever appears in the Christian Book Distributors catalog I would know I made it.” My very first book appeared there. Then I said, “If I ever see my book at Walmart I would know I made it.” My books appeared in Walmart.

And then these uncomfortable scenarios cropped up. Book signings. Discussions about my book in front of a small group. I got pretty good at handling myself in the small rural area I live in, and was actually flattered when a couple times I had a line. A. Line! Of people who wanted to meet me! Wow. It wasn’t as long as, say, a line to meet Beverly Lewis, but still. She’s been around a lot longer than I have and I have no idea how many books she has out, but it must be in the triple digits. I’m grateful for the double digit amount I have out.

But then I got a phone call. The conversation mentioned a book tour. Tour. As in more than one location. As in a massive road trip. To cities.

I didn’t say a whole lot. What could I say? Excuse me while I go find a cave and hide? They said they flew another author to Nashville. My heart started pounding. My head hurt and I think I had a major hot flash.

I whined to my husband, mentioning the possibility of those two words. He said, “embrace it.” Right. Good thing I love that man. Embrace the major shove out of my comfort zone if it actually happens?

But that made me think of that verse in 1 Chronicles. And those words. Enlarge my coast. Other translations say, increase my territory. Expand my boundaries.

Do we really think about what we’re praying with that verse? What if God decides to answer it and shoves you out of your comfort zone? Will you enter into the increased boundaries like I do, fearfully and carefully, imagining the worst? Or will you embrace it with open arms, “Here I am, World!”?

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

How do you handle being shoved out of your comfort zone? If you’re comfortable, will you share your tips for those of us who aren’t?

About the Author

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Amish Firefighter. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or@Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Amish Firefighter
by Laura V. Hilton

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she'd never heard about, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She's desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody's making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn't seem willing to help.

A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. When local barn fires escalate, everyone suspects arson. And since the Miller family are among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross, at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or extinguish. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.

The Power of Prayer, Part 2 by Laura V. Hilton

Laura V. Hilton

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)

Last month, I wrote about my prayer life as a child and how prayer seemed rote and boring. Then I attended a church where the pastor prayed as if he believed there would be an answer. He believed in the power of prayer and God answered his prayers.

I wanted a relationship with God like that. I wanted to pray and know that God listened. And I know He does. But sometimes, it seems as though God doesn’t hear. I see it on my weekly prayer meeting post on my Facebook page. The same requests. Week after week. Month after month. I post the same ones too. Because God has answered that prayer request with a “no” or a “wait.” I’m not sure which. So I keep asking. And asking. And asking.

One of the churches that I attended many years ago said that we only need to ask God once. Any more than that shows lack of faith. God heard the request. He knows. Don’t keep bothering Him. And yes, I suppose that is true. He did hear. He does know. But maybe He wants us to approach Him like children. Persistent children. And keep asking. And asking. Several stories in the Bible show how requests are granted due to persistence.

When we bring our requests to God, we honor Him. We reveal the desires of our hearts, and we admit that only He can meet them. Often, our repeated requests relate to other people. In those instances their hearts must be changed in order for our request to be granted.

We know God is good and He desires to give us good gifts (Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 11:13). We can continue to seek Him through prayer and to make our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:6). But we must be willing to submit to God's will. We know that whatever we ask in His will is granted (1 John 5:14-15). Sometimes we don’t understand His will or His timing. Sometimes we must be willing to wait for God's yes. Other times we have to accept no for an answer. When we know God and trust Him, we can repeatedly bring Him the same request and rest in the fact that His answer will be best for us. God desires both our persistence and our submission.

I appreciate the prayers for my ongoing prayer request and enjoy being able to bring other requests for my Facebook friends and acquaintances before God. It’s a pleasure to see how God answers prayers. And I don’t want to sin against God by ceasing to pray for you.

Thank you for your continued prayers for me and my family. If you have any requests, please feel free to let us know what they are so that we can pray for you.

Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers. Amen.

About the Author

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Amish Firefighter. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or@Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Amish Firefighter
by Laura V. Hilton

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she'd never heard about, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She's desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody's making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn't seem willing to help.

A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. When local barn fires escalate, everyone suspects arson. And since the Miller family are among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross, at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or extinguish. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.

The Power of Prayer, Part 1 by Laura V. Hilton

Laura V. Hilton

"Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way." 1 Samuel 12:23 (KJV)

Every Wednesday on my Facebook page I post a prayer meeting, like the ones that most of us attended on Wednesday nights. Our little church where my husband serves as pastor still does it, but it is the only church we’ve attended in the past sixteen years that does. Most of them have normal services on Wednesday, if they have services at all.

When I was a child I don’t know if our home church had prayer meetings or not. The children went downstairs for AWANAs and the adults stayed upstairs. And to be honest, my two best friends attended the same church as me. When AWANAs was out for the summer or during normal church services, we used to sit beside each other and spend more time passing notes and trying not to giggle than paying attention to what was happening in the services.

But when we went to visit my uncle and attended his church on Wednesday nights, they didn’t have any children’s meetings on Wednesday. Or if they did, I wasn’t allowed to go since I was a visitor. So I’d attend services with my aunt and uncle. And they would talk, share about their day, week, life, all the prayer needs and praises, and then divide up into prayer groups of about four or five. Men with men. Women with women.

I used to hate being there when they divided up. Because my aunt sat with ladies who(who seemed very old to a preteen!) always insisted I pray out loud, too. I didn’t know what to say, I didn’t know the people in the church, and didn’t care enough to remember their prayer needs so it was really awkward. I used to try to remember what my aunt said and her friends and parrot them as much as possible.

And then I grew up. One of the churches my husband, children and I attended (as members, though Steve did occasionally fill the pulpit there) had a pastor who was a serious prayer warrior. He believed in the power of prayer. And while the church didn’t have a Wednesday night prayer meeting, he didn’t hesitate to pray with someone. And when he did, it felt like that woman in the movie “The War Room.” It seemed that Heaven came down and listened.

What moment did you feel the power of prayer? Do you pray for your writing, your readers? Leave us a comment below.

About the Author

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015.

See below for information on Laura's latest, The Amish Firefighter. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton or@Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Amish Firefighter
by Laura V. Hilton

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she'd never heard about, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She's desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody's making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn't seem willing to help.

A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. When local barn fires escalate, everyone suspects arson. And since the Miller family are among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross, at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or extinguish. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.