The Peace of God by Laura Hodges Poole

“Rejoice in the Lord always… Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4, 6-7

 

What a powerful promise! The peace of God guards my heart and mind. Is there a better reason to give thanks this year?

 

Years ago, when my husband and I started out as newlyweds, we pinched pennies and barely scraped by from paycheck to paycheck. We had a little black-and-white TV that picked up random channels through its rabbit ear antenna. Meals were often scant and gas for the car a luxury.

 

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

 

Despite the fact that thirty-eight years of hard work and God’s blessings lifted us from that economic situation, I never forget the tough times. Like Paul, I’ve learned the secret of being content despite my circumstances. It is a contentment born from dwelling in thanksgiving with my heavenly Father.

 

This year, as I review my reasons to be thankful, they may be similar to yours—family, shelter, food, employment, good health, and ministry. My list hasn’t always included all these things, nor am I guaranteed it will be the same next year. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that!

 

But do you know what I’m most thankful for?

 

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

 

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31b-32, 35-39

 

I’m most thankful that—no matter what challenges I face—nothing can separate me from the love of my Lord and Savior! 

 

 

In my latest inspirational romance novel, Hope’s Gentle Touch,my main character Misty Stephens, has to rebuild her life after the death of her husband. As an abuse victim, she doesn’t know who to trust. One step at a time, while learning to walk with God on a deeper level, Misty learns that peace comes from Him despite her circumstances.

 

So does Misty find love again? You’ll have to read Hope’s Gentle Touch to find out if she gets her happily-ever-after!

 

Humor and fun, colorful secondary characters, and a few surprises along the way provide the backdrop for this Inspirational Romance set in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina. Hope’s Gentle Touch is available on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Praise for Hope’s Gentle Touch:

Poole handles the tender topic of abuse with grace and just enough tension to remind the reader that our happily ever afters are often hard won. She writes with the kind of authenticity and wisdom that transforms a sweet romance into a meaningful tale that will give readers something to think about long after turning the last page.
- Sarah Loudin Thomas, Christy-nominated author of Miracle in a Dry Season

 

A heartwarming novel with characters you can't quit rooting for. This book is perfect for fans of small-town inspirational romance.
- Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled

 

Back cover copy:

After her abusive husband’s death, Misty Stephens returns to her job as a nurse and volunteer at a women’s shelter. She intends to put her life back together and has no intention of ever being vulnerable to a man again. But when an abuse victim dies in her care, Misty finds herself consoling the girl’s brother ... and fighting attraction.

 

Adam Jenkins sees Misty’s heart for the oppressed and implores her to help build Hope House, a women’s shelter, in honor of his sister. Though grieving, Adam is drawn to Misty. But he approaches romance the way he does ranching—quick and decisive—an almost disastrous mistake. While dealing with family fallout and troubles at work, this new project and Misty become a light shining into Adam’s grief.

 

A common purpose binds them together, and Misty’s heart starts to open to Adam. But she finds it much harder to lower her defenses than she imagined. Can any man be fully trusted—especially a powerful, wealthy rancher? When the past rears its ugly head and her reality starts to crumble, Misty's trust in God and hope for a bright future are put to the test. Will hope’s gentle touch finally bring the love Misty’s heart needs to heal?

 

Biography:

Laura Hodges Poole is an award-winning Christian author. Her most recent novel, Return to Walhalla, was a Selah Award finalist. She enjoys encouraging others through her blog, A Word of Encouragement. On beautiful days in South Carolina, you might find her hiking instead of writing. A mother of two, grandmother, and empty-nester, Laura enjoys a quiet life with her husband.

To connect with Laura and learn more about her other books:

Website: http://laurahodgespoole.com

Twitter:https://twitter.com/Laura_Poole

Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lhpoole/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Hodges-Poole

 here’s the link for Hope’s Gentle Touch  https://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Gentle-Touch-Laura-Hodges-ebook/dp/B08G9H1MCD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hope+gentle+touch&qid=1601065464&sr=8-1