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Refining Fire ~ Tracie Peterson

/ Gail Johnson

Book Blurb

Purchase Link

Twenty-two-year-old Militine Scott is in training at the Madison Bridal School in Seattle, yet she has no intention of pursuing marriage. What respectable man would have her? But she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to keep her unsavory past hidden.

Thane Patton, though fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing that she harbors a haunting pain similar to his own.

Will they allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of their past?

My Review

This book reads like a mini-series. The second in the series, Refining Fire, is Militine Scott’s story or so you think when reading the first chapter. However, Abrianna Cunningham is the engine that moves the story along. Nothing wrong with that, if you are aware of it at the beginning of the series. Personally, I like the fact there are multiple POVs. I enjoyed learning about everyone at once. And the conversations? Wow. True to the character and filled with scripture. Often, I laughed out loud as I envisioned the actions of the character.

The heart of Refining Fire is the residents of the Madison Bridal School in Seattle Washington during the late 1800s. The owners, Miss Selma, Miss Miriam, and Miss Poisie instruct young ladies in the art of homemaking. Unfortunately, Militine Scott has no desire to become a wife. A runaway, Militine is hiding from an abusive father. She doesn’t trust anyone, including God. Then, Thane Patton asks to court her. A flame of hope kindles and Militine must choose between her past and Thane. Can she find the courage to trust God with her future?

Militine’s friend, Abrianna Cunningham has no time for romance either. Her days are spent taking care of the homeless. If she had a mantra it would be, faith without works is dead. The problem? Her idea of “works” usually gets everyone in trouble!

As Militine, Thane, Abrianna, and Wade go about their daily lives helping others, we watch relationships change as they discover their love for each other.

Ms. Peterson packs her story with historical facts of the Seattle fire. She addresses the subjects of feeding the hungry, women in leadership, human trafficking, abusive authority within the church, forgiveness, healing from past wounds, and finding the will of God for one’s life.

Although I would have liked a little more from Thane and Militine, I loved this book.

If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, Cranford, or Lark Rise to Candleford, you will enjoy reading this series.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

Worthy Of Praise

/ Gail Johnson

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

Psalms 107 is a song of thanksgiving and an exhortation to testify of the many blessings of God.

  • Deliverance
  • Safety
  • Redemption
  • Healing
  • Guidance
  • Blessings

Spring is a season of renewal. The earth wakes from winter’s nap and burst forth in song.

centerofhiswheel.com

Everywhere I look, I behold the beauty of the Almighty’s hands. I see His handiwork in the heavens and in the earth. I breathe in His fragrance.

My faith is renewed. My spirit, uplifted. A joy like no other fills my soul. Do I have a reason to testify to friends and loved ones?

Yes!

When I read this chapter, I see that everything He promised, He delivered. If He did it then, He’ll do it now. Do I have reason to fret?

No!

From Genesis to Revelation, the writers testify of His faithfulness.

And when I dig past the circumstances, when I push aside the worries, when I call to mind all the times He has seen me through, I can praise His name!

However, praise, like water, will not flow from a dry well. It must be primed. When my mind is filled with clutter, and it seems I have nothing to praise Him for, I look to the cross.

He came looking for me when no one else did. He loved me when no one else did. He helped me when no one else could. He healed my wounds. He guided my steps. He blessed me beyond measure.

centerofhiswheel.com

He alone is worthy of praise.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

When I praise His name in the midst of my trials, my circumstances change. He lifts me above my sorrows, eases my pain, and gives me strength to face another day.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

 

The Golden Truth

/ Gail Johnson / 5 Comments

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:11 KJV).

Standing near the water’s edge, she stared at her reflection. A familiar excitement washed over her. Like a fever, it quickly consumed her. She scanned the shoreline, contemplating her choices. Not just, any place would do. No. Her heart burned for perfection. She reached for her pan and waded into the water until she arrived at the determined location.

She inhaled deeply, whispered a prayer, turned the pan perpendicular and plunged it to the bottom. Slowly, as not to lose anything, she lifted the pan from the watery chest and rocked it back and forth, swirling the contents. She smiled. The pan gleamed golden. She collected the precious nuggets and dropped them into a leather repository hanging about her neck.

Searching the waters, she spied a large stone. She pushed the obstruction aside and continued her search for the more easily recognizable pebbles. Yet her eyes were drawn to the discarded stone. She picked it up and rolled it between her thumb and index finger. A golden sliver winked at her. She grinned. It wouldn’t be easy, but it could be done.

On the sandy bank, she unsheathed her knife and began scraping the outer surface. The stone proved impenetrable. Undaunted, she placed it in a vice and reached for her hammer and chisel. Several days and nights passed until finally, the treasure beneath was exposed.

Reflection

The deep things of God are never easily found. Just as a miner spends hours searching for that perfect nugget of gold, it often takes years of searching the Word of God. For wisdom doesn’t depend on us, but on God. He reveals Himself to us as we faithfully pursue Him. He chooses the where, when, and how.

Daniel said, “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” Daniel 2:22 KJV

If we are to reach the deeper depths and greater heights, then we must search the Word as if panning for gold. We’re not to be satisfied with shallowness. We must wade into the deeper waters and be willing to follow His lead when He places a nugget before us.

Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16

If we are to grow, we must eat a balanced diet.

Prayer

Lord, help me not to settle for the sweet, sugary offerings so easily obtained, snacking my way through the table you’ve spread for me. Help me partake of the meat of Your Word that I may understand the deeper things You long to share with me.