Journeys of Faithfulness
$12.95
| Description |
| Venture into any Christian bookstore and try to locate a serious book written for young women, or girls. Much of what you find will be books written by youth workers trying too hard to be "too cool" with titles like If God is So Good, Why Is My Pizza Soggy, or My Parents Are Soooo Weird, Lord. Try to find a serious book for young women, one actually written by a serious young woman, and you may as well save your energy. But here's a book that will fill that void, and fill it beautifully with feminine grace and insight. Sarah Clarkson, 17-year-old daughter of Clay and Sally Clarkson, is an aspiring writer. Journeys of Faithfulness-Stories for the Heart for Faithful Girls, her first book, has grown out of Sarah's personal desire to encourage other serious young women like herself to be faithful to God, wherever they are in their life's journey. In her book, Sarah has identified four young, unmarried women in the Scriptures: Mary of Bethany, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Ruth, and created fictional narratives from the events of each of their lives. In the narratives, each of which is three chapters long, Sarah has skillfully captured the spirits of these young women of God and how they had to choose to be faithful to Him. Each chapter is followed by Sarah's thoughts on the aspect of faithfulness revealed by the narrative, shared with vulnerability and insight, and lessons she has learned from God. These "Reflections" conclude with a brief Bible study with discussion questions that can be used alone, with a mother, or in a group. Several attractive "Journey Journal" pages are included for the reader to record her own thoughts and prayers. The book has been professionally designed, with detailed original illustrations throughout the book. The beautiful full-color cover, with a lovely illustration by turn-of-the-century artist Jessie Wilcox Smith of a pensive young woman, will be attractive to any girl who longs in her heart to be a faithful woman of God. The interior text is printed in a rich burgundy ink on high quality paper that will not bleed. Its beauty and feminine style will invite faithful girls to record their own thoughts about their journey with God, to have a keepsake and reminder of the lessons they will learn. As a side note, a national Christian publisher was so impressed with Sarah's writing that they offered her a contract for her book, which is quite unusual for an unpublished, young woman still in her teens. However, she decided not to accept the contract because her heart's desire all along has been to work with us in ministry, and to publish her first work with Whole Heart Ministries. Sarah began reading at an early age and has never stopped, devouring hundreds of classic and worthy books over the years. She has nurtured from her youth a desire to tell inspiring stories through literature. Sarah loves strong English tea in one of her collection of fine china tea cups, Celtic and classical music, being with friends, piano, long walks, and traveling. When she is not at home reading or writing, she travels with her parents, speaking and helping them at their ministry conferences for Christian parents. |
|
 |
| Journey I: Mary of Bethany: A Young Woman of Devotion Chapter 1: At the Master's Feet Chapter 2: Waiting for Peace Chapter 3: The Best of All Journey II: Esther: A Young Woman of Obedience Chapter 4: Loneliness Chapter 5: A Woman of Prayer Chapter 6: Life-Giving Courage Journey III: Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A Young Woman of Willingness Chapter 7: Handmaiden of the Lord Chapter 8: The Refiner's Fire Chapter 9: Adapting to Change Journey IV: Ruth: A Young Woman of Faithfulness Chapter 10: Journey of Faith Chapter 11: Heart of Diligence Chapter 12: The Great Reward |
|
| The world is perfect today. The sun is sparkling on the fields of grain and the wind is blowing softly through the trees. All of nature is praising God today, just as I, Ruth, am. I am so thankful for the beauty, this house, and the people who make it home, for they are blessings from God. My journey here, both physically and spiritually, has been a long and hard one. Sometimes I thought it would be impossible to take another step, sometimes I felt as if God were asking the impossible of me. But every step has led me closer to knowing Him and closer to peace. Let me tell you my story, and how my journey of faith began. . . . From Ruth: A Young Woman of Faithfulness |