Best-selling author Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family, and continues her interests in playing the piano and singing, books, good fellowship, and reality TV in addition to writing. She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over forty books and has written more than 250 devotionals. Her historical fiction ranges from the Revolutionary War to World War II, from Texas to Vermont. You can find Darlene online elsewhere at http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A/ and https://www.facebook.com/darlene.franklin.3
HOW DO I KNOW GOD’S WILL?
By Darlene Franklin
The couple in my novella Jacob’s Christmas Dream face a dilemma that threatens to tear them apart. Becky became a mail-order bride to escape her role as the substitute pastor’s wife at her father’s church. Since her mother’s death, her father has been happy to let Becky take over her duties and remain at home. However, she doesn’t know that Jake, her fiancé, is a storekeeper who preaches once in a while. Shortly after Becky arrives in Wyoming, Jake is called as a permanent pastor. Both of them battle understanding God’s will—and their obedience to God’s call.
Long ago, I thought discovering God’s will was a one-time decision. What does God want to do with my life? I had the answer: God wanted me to be a music missionary to Mexico.
All throughout my life, I have been involved with church music. I spent one summer in Mexico, and the older I get, the more contact I have with Mexican-Americans. I speak more Spanish now than I have in forty years! But aside from short-term ventures, I’ve never been a missionary.
When that dream fell apart, I’ve asked God, “Now what?” over and over. He has always led me–from where I live, to what work I do, to what ministry He has for me. Sometimes He’s had to push me out of my comfort zone, but He moves me along.
Now that I’m in my senior years, “What next?” becomes urgent. As my remaining years shorten, I want to get the most out of every day. I also realize that the BIG questions—should I move? Whom should I marry? What occupation should I pursue? Are no more important than the daily decisions I make. Wherever I am today, what does God want me to do? That’s the hard part. He gives me enough light for today, and a glimpse into the future when I need it.
In Jacob’s Christmas Dream, Becky finally opens her eyes to what God had been telling her all along.
More about Jacob’s Christmas Dream:
Becky Patterson escapes the stifling life at her father’s parsonage for an exciting life as a mail-order bride. . .only to learn her potential groom is a part-time preacher, Jake Underwood. Her dreams of working alongside Jake in his store stall when an itinerant preacher wants to ordain Jake as pastor of the growing church. Will Becky accept God’s calling on her life—or will she reject Jake’s love and the future God has planned for them?
Available on Amazon.
Happy Reading,