Finding Herself Blessed - Synopsis
Elizabeth, born into a family with little direction, soon finds herself delighting in more stable circumstances in the small southern town of her father’s birth. Being with her grandmother and best friend, Mama, is a daily thrill for Elizabeth. The calmness of Erwin, TN and the love of extended family there, cause her mother, Rosa, to relax and her father, Sam, to flourish in his renewed walk with the Lord. For Sam, it also is the place where his benevolent heart attains its finest expression. Though Elizabeth does not yet know the word “idyllic,” it describes the life she is living.
Life’s shining moments dim for Elizabeth when she and her mother return to Buffalo, where Rosa’s grief and lost condition suddenly place an unrelenting burden on young Elizabeth. However, having been saved as a small child is Elizabeth’s deliverance from the looming darkness of her circumstances. When she is old enough to go to church with a friend, her faith is strengthened by learning more of the Savior and she is encouraged in Him. Still, years of struggle with her mother’s pain and her own overreaching responsibility threaten to overwhelm her. Someday she will see that these struggling years are growing her in ways she is not presently realizing.
As times and locations change again, Elizabeth changes. Her future necessitates that she let herself trust again in order to open her heart to the people and happenings awaiting her. Trust. She finds it difficult, but she is straightforward in her resolve and in her performance. She knows she must be willing to find the truth that is covered up in deception and the tenderness that can grow out of correcting misunderstandings.
“Rich in spiritual insight, Janie Upchurch has gifted us with an unfettered account of a life blessed and protected by a family heritage of continual surrender to Christ’s plans and an expectant joy for His purposes even in the most uncertain and difficult of circumstances. As in life, surprises await in each new chapter as endearing Elizabeth grows from misplaced youth to a young woman of quiet assurance and faith in the goodness of Christ. The town of Erwin invites us in with the warmth and wisdom of Elizabeth’s gracious grandmother and her circle of Godly women of spiritual maturity willing to share from their own life lessons. This is at once an inspiring and poignant tale of one young lady’s journey and an uplifting primer in faith for all of us who desire to experience God’s warm embrace and unexpected blessings.”
Maralee McKee —
Maralee McKee’s Manners Mentor, Inc.
“Life has its ups and downs. We wonder why things happen the way they do. Janie Upchurch resonates hope and insight through the eyes of a young girl as she journeys through a life filled with great difficulties and joyous triumphs. God’s timeless truths prevail.”
Kay Dokkestul —
Missionary
“This book is so heartwarming that I often found myself with a smile on my face as I read through the pages detailing Elizabeth’s captivating journey into adulthood. Elizabeth shows wisdom beyond her years thanks to the importance of her personal relationship with the Lord and the practical life lessons imparted by her lively grandmother. There is tenderness and charm among the pages of this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking the journey with Elizabeth and her remarkable family and friends.”
Ellen Crider —
Research Attorney turned Stay-at-Home Mom
“Finding Herself Blessed is a must read, especially for women who need encouragement in the face of difficult life circumstances. The heroine, Elizabeth, relies upon her exemplary faith in God and adherence to strong moral principles and life lessons that have been laid before her by a father taken from her early in life, a loyal, Godly grandmother, and ultimately the love of her life. Janie has written in a masterful way that will enable you to relate to the heroine and
be strengthened and encouraged by her life choices. The book is most inspiring, even for a guy!”
Gary Williams —
Associate Vice President for University Relations/Alumni Services, Union University
“Finding Herself Blessed by Janie Upchurch is a heart warming story about God’s amazing love and grace! Make sure you are in your cozy reading place….once you start you won’t want to put it down until you are finished!”
Sandy Carver —
Employee Relations Manager St. Rita’s Medical Center
“I love that God is enough in every circumstance.”
Ann West —
Avid Reader
“Wow, and wow again. How will I ever put into words what my spirit is feeling? To read of the tender care Elizabeth receives from those around her speaks volumes of the tenderness which the Lord desires to impart to us, His children. I feel as though I have just received a great big hug from the Lord! This story has so much potential in women’s ministries across the country. It could be a devotional, or an outline for a mentoring program similar to Titus 2. If nothing else, the stories contained herein will serve many a Christian woman as they navigate through the difficulties that life tosses their way, the only way we should-with Scripture and the aid of Godly women.”
Peggy Summy —
Homeschooling Mom
About Janie Upchurch
Janie Upchurch, who lives in Orlando, Florida, is a day-to-day woman, ever learning to balance the encroaching demands of conventional life with her less than conventional personality. She is lovingly devoted to her family, which consists of a faithful husband, three amazing daughters and their impressive husbands, and her seven splendidly enjoyable grandchildren. She desires that her first novel will clearly acclaim the Christian’s completeness in Christ and impact its readers in walking well with Him.
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