Our Fingerprints Don't Fade

Luke 1:1-4
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch. -Judy Blume

For the last few weeks I've been a member of the launch team for a book called Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard. As I read through stories Kathy included in her collection, I was inspired and encouraged. Many wrote of their grandparents and the example of faith which left an imprint on their lives. I like that Kathy suggests ways to impact our families.

My grammy lived to ninety-two years old, so I enjoyed knowing her into my late forties. She worked as a dorm mom at KCC, where I went to college, managed a trailer park in Florida, and worked in hospital food production. She read and studied her Bible every day and prayed for everyone. She played piano at church and loved listening to Billy Graham. Her faithful fingerprints touched my life. Looking back, I know she influenced me in ways I didn't understand until years later.

The Bible holds four accounts of Jesus life. Luke's writing is the one I read time and again. Known as a physician, he was also a follower of Jesus, and he chose to capture the events he witnessed about his Savior in writing. He says himself other accounts have been drawn up or written, but he wants to leave a legacy of Jesus life for his friend Theophilus.

Luke chose to tell Jesus' story again so others could read it long after he was gone. And we have. The book of Luke, written so many years ago still bears truth and inspires today.

So my question comes to this: What do I want to leave for my family and friends? What fingerprints do I want to leave behind? What footprints? Ones that follow Jesus or the world?

I pray the words I leave on my blog influence others to seek Jesus. I hope my words and actions inspire folks to look to God. I also hope my grandchildren see Jesus in me.

What legacy are you leaving today?

P.S. The photo was taken on the beach at East Fork Lake. Even the animals leave their footprint.

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard

Book Description:
You WILL leave a spiritual legacy.
The faith, convictions, and sacrifices of those who lived before us help shape our lives today. What will your faith story build for your family?

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt inspirations reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to touch our lives today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith, you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations.

Heirloom features 52 inspiring stories of faith from family research, history, and the Bible. It includes genealogy research tips to help you explore your own family tree. And, it also shares biblical and practical tips to inspire you to live out your faith in ways that will impact your family tomorrow. Heirloom encourages you to trace your heritage and document the stories of your ancestors.

My Thoughts:
Heirloom's gorgeous illustrations drew me in as I started reading the stories about the past that connect with the present. As I've gotten older, I've wondered what kind of a legacy I'd leave behind. Would my grandchildren know how much I love Jesus, or how much I love them? Would my writing leave a trail that leads to the heart of God? I hope so. As I read through the stories Kathy gathered, I enjoyed the memories and examples of faith. Kathy Howard has also added wonderful tips for genealogists and those interested in finding out more about family history. There is also a place in the back to write your own heirloom legacy story. If you enjoy stories that inspire, you'll want to order a copy of Heirloom. This would make a lovely gift as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Fiction Book Review: The Legacy by Michael Phillips

Book Description:
The Dramatic Conclusion to the Secrets of the ShetlandsLoni Ford's unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate--not to mention a title--in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef. How can life ever be the same with an outsider--and a woman at that--playing such a pivotal role in the life of this traditional community? But it isn't just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams and wonders whether she's cut out for it.

Loni would hardly let herself acknowledge that she's falling in love--with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. Or has she merely been seduced by the simple, peaceful way of life that exists here?

Yet life in Whales Reef is rarely without drama. Deep rifts exist between certain lifelong neighbors, and when a dead body is discovered, suspicion is cast in the direction of the Tulloch family. How Loni and David face up to this challenge will profoundly shape their relationship, as well as the future of the island.

My Review:
The Legacy is the perfect conclusion to the Secrets of the Shetlands series. This sweeping series ends the beautiful story of Loni Ford's adventure in Scotland. I enjoyed how the author wove the many tales of Scottish legacy with the reality of Loni's life in America. The colorful characters add fun and frolic, along with depth and texture to the multilayered story. With the lovely setting, I felt like I strolled through the heather with Loni and David as they sorted out their lives and discovered their futures. Michael Phillips does not always use the writing technique of showing. He does occasionally use the old-fashioned technique of telling the story. I'm not opposed to this, but it might bother some readers. The book is lengthy, but the story needed every page. For me, The Legacy is a sigh worthy book I could disappear into. I received the book for free. 

Fiction Book Review: A Tapestry of Secrets by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Book Description:
What is the weight of a secret?
And what happens when that burden becomes almost too much to bear?

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?

Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next. 

My Review:

Once in a while I come across a book I totally relate to. A Tapestry of Secrets is one of the most inspiring and heartwarming books I've read this year. Ella is a little lost and trying to find her way. As she works through her faith, her thoughts, and her feelings she puts her needle to work and creates beautiful wall hangings. I've spent many hours working with a needle and thread and loosing myself in my handiwork as I try to sort out life. She has many things to sort and I love the way Sarah Loudin Thomas uses Ella's story to bring out the truth of faith in Jesus. And I so appreciate her Grandmother Perla's story. She's a woman who has learned so much from experience and hopes to share it with her granddaughter. As her roots grow deeper, so does Ella understanding of family and love.

And then there are the men in Ella's life. What fun to follow the story of her heart. This is an excellent example of  women's fiction. The strong female characters give hope and courage to each other. When I closed the book after I read the last page, I knew I'd tuck this book away to read again next year. Highly recommended. Five plus stars. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.