It’s been two years, but I’m pleased to welcome Jodie Wolfe back to the blog.
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Jodie has a devotional to share with us!
Sometimes You Have to Go Through Storms
We typically try to avoid storms in life. If there’s an easier way around things, we’ll take that path instead of facing difficulties. But when the wind and waves start churning, threatening to overwhelm us, we’re afraid. Maybe you call out to God and feel like He isn’t answering those prayers.
My character, Gertrude Miller, experiences this in my new book, Wooing Gertrude. Every time she thinks she has a handle on learning about trusting God and finding His peace, she’s hit with another wave, sending her floundering.
The local preacher in the town where Gertrude lives, encourages his congregation with these words. “When we’re in the middle of a storm, He desires to give us His peace. But we don’t always accept His gift. We want to hold some things back. Actually, He desires for us to know, understand, and move in His peace all of the time. But sometimes we think we know better than God. Which is silly. We don’t open our hands and trust Him to fill them. You can’t fully walk in His peace in your life until you learn to let go.”
Jesus’ disciples experienced this when a storm came upon them when they were on the water.
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. ~ Luke 8:22-25 (NIV)
Jesus allowed the storm and used it to point His disciples to Him. To find peace in following and trusting Him even when you’re in the midst of a squall.
Throughout all of Gertrude’s difficulties, she learns to find peace in God. Here’s a little more about my new book, Wooing Gertrude.
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he’s the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller’s life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she’ll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
Connect with Jodie
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Wooing Gertrude is a delightful read. It’s the third book in the series, but reads as a standalone. The book starts with Gertrude finding herself in a difficult situation which leads her to believe she’ll never be married. She is a strong, independent women who opens her own clothing shop, something that is not common in her time. When Enoch enters her life, neither of them has any intention of falling in love, but sometimes life has a way of changing our plans. Throughout the story, mischief arises, and you’ll find yourself turning pages trying to discover why so many troublesome things are happening in their town. Throw in some kind hearted friends with godly wisdom and a pair of guinea pigs, and you’ve got a book that will keep you reading when you should be doing other things. I highly enjoyed this story. Another win from Ms. Wolfe!
Thank you for allowing me to visit and for the wonderful review!