Life happens. Ordinary and extraordinary events fill the days and nights, but regardless of the circumstance, God is there. We’re five friends who, over the course of a decade, learned to recognize the heavenly touches in our lives. We share our stories in a series of short vignettes, as glimpses of the profound and practical ways God lifts us.
First as a newlywed and then as a young mother, Rebekah awakens to the daily light that comes from realizing how often and simply the Lord touches her life. Jeni nurtures a child with special needs and learns that strength and support are only a prayer away. Elizabeth forges a new path towards renewal and regeneration after she exits the roller coaster ride of her spouse’s addiction. Faith discovers the beauty of reminders from a loving Heavenly Father that she has worth and the precious gift of agency. Dawn opens her mind to the understanding that no matter what happens peace can abound and everything will work out.
In Upheld: Ordinary women discovering an Extraordinary God we invite you to walk with us, explore the nooks and crannies of life, and have joy in the knowledge that you are not forgotten. As you read, we hope you will also discover God upholding you in your own life.
Author Interview with Faith and Dawn
From Faith:
1 - What got you into writing?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a writer of excellent form or grammar. I tend to write from the heart with lots of missed punctuations and repeated words, but when you have a message of hope that you want to share, writing seems like the natural thing to do.
2 - What message would you like your story to leave with the reader?
No matter how dark and despairing life gets at times (sometimes for really long stretches of time) it does get better. You are strong enough to get through your heartache, even if you can’t see or find that strength just yet.
3 - What advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
Don’t give up. Find positive people to surround yourself with and rely on them when times get difficult.
From Dawn:
1 - What got you into writing?
1. I've always enjoyed writing. One of my first stories was about girl pumpkins flirting with boy pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.
2 - What message would you like your story to leave with the reader?
2. No matter what happens, you are loved by God and He is there.
3 - What advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
3. Never give up.
Come get to know more about Jeni
Top 10 Affirmations & Mantras:
1. I am good.
2. I am fearless.
3. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
4. Just because I can, doesn't mean I should.
5. Don't think about what you can do, DO what you can do!
6. Less words--more example.
7. Make it work with what you've got.
8. It is better to lean into the stiff wind of opportunity than to do nothing.-G. B. Hinkley
9. A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.-Zen Shin
10. Where love is, there God is also. -J.B. Doxey, N. B. Smith
Top 10 Books:
The Holy Bible
The Book of Mormon
Upheld!
I sit All Amazed--Steve Makita
Shellseekers--Rosamund Pilcher
Prescription for Nutritional Healing--Phyllis A. Balch
Refined to Real Food--Allisin Anneser
Popcorn--Frank Asch
The Woman's Book of Courage --Sue Patton Theole
The Sun Still Shines--Jodi Orgill Brown
Five women have joined together under the pen name, Grace Lane, to write about their personal experiences in hopes to inspire and uplift others. The following character sketches will give you a little insight about each author.
Writing about motherhood and her husband’s health struggles, Rebekah lives true to the meaning of her name—to bind. Life’s experiences have shaped her into a wise, steadfast daughter of God who has the beautiful ability to make others laugh through her clever wit.
Jeni’s stories revolve around the loving care of her son with special needs. Knowing that he will not live out his childhood, she’s armed with strength and determination to give him the best life possible. The bright hope Jeni finds through the Savior will encourage the lowest of hearts.
Elizabeth is passionate about sharing the Light of Christ. You’ll feel this in reading about the challenges she faces with her spouse’s addiction and divorce. Through sophistication, uplifting words, and a touch of spunk, she’s a modern-day disciple “gathering in the fold” and feeding His sheep.
A woman of intuition, Faith has a distinctive gift for understanding people. Her personal goal in life is to help women recognize their potential in whatever role they fill. She writes about her battle in overcoming abuse as a child and her fight with low self-esteem.
Dawn:
A single mom for ten years, Dawn not only believes the motto “Light trumps darkness”, but she lives it every day. Her short stories are about finding God after a heart-crushing divorce. Dawn touches many lives through her unwavering testimony and simple ways.
Rebekah:
Writing about motherhood and her husband’s health struggles, Rebekah lives true to the meaning of her name—to bind. Life’s experiences have shaped her into a wise, steadfast daughter of God who has the beautiful ability to make others laugh through her clever wit.
Jeni:
Jeni’s stories revolve around the loving care of her son with special needs. Knowing that he will not live out his childhood, she’s armed with strength and determination to give him the best life possible. The bright hope Jeni finds through the Savior will encourage the lowest of hearts.
Elizabeth:
Elizabeth is passionate about sharing the Light of Christ. You’ll feel this in reading about the challenges she faces with her spouse’s addiction and divorce. Through sophistication, uplifting words, and a touch of spunk, she’s a modern-day disciple “gathering in the fold” and feeding His sheep.
Faith:
A woman of intuition, Faith has a distinctive gift for understanding people. Her personal goal in life is to help women recognize their potential in whatever role they fill. She writes about her battle in overcoming abuse as a child and her fight with low self-esteem.Dawn:
A single mom for ten years, Dawn not only believes the motto “Light trumps darkness”, but she lives it every day. Her short stories are about finding God after a heart-crushing divorce. Dawn touches many lives through her unwavering testimony and simple ways.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
