Blog Tour: Forged in the Refiners Fire & Book Give-Away



Today, I have the opportunity to review Forged in the Refiner's Fire by Candace E. Salima & Elizabeth A. Cheever. This book has been on my mind a lot this past week, as our family has been experiencing another of our own "Refining Fires".

A month ago, my husband's grandfather had a terrible stroke. As we visited him in the hospital, we were so impressed by his positive attitude and how hard he worked to regain his speech and writing skills. And he did! Then, two weeks ago, Grandpa was once again admitted into the hospital. At first, we were concerned about blood clots, but then discovered Grandpa was in the advance stages of lung cancer. A few days later, he went home to have family and hospice care for him.

Last Saturday, my husband and I traveled to Missouri and helped Grammy, his uncles, and mom care for Grandpa. I came home Sunday evening to pick up our kids from the babysitters, while John stayed behind. Early Monday morning, I had been dreaming. Then suddenly, my dream changed. I could see Grandpa lying in his bed, peaceful and calm. And I just knew. He had returned Home to Heavenly Father and Grandpa was saying good-bye. I woke up. It was 5:30 am - right on the dot. A little bit later, the phone rang. It was my husband, letting me know Grandpa had peacefully passed away around 5 am. From Monday to late last night, tears have flowed, but peace has filled the hearts of all our family members.

It was during this time, I thought off and on about Forged in the Refiner's Fire. We each have different trials we'll experience throughout our lives here on earth. Every trial effects us differently. One person may think a particular learning experience to be easy, while another may feel it's the most difficult thing they've ever faced. No matter what the trial is, I've learned it's ultimately our attitudes that effect the outcome. Did we lean on Heavenly Father and His Son? In moments of anger, frustration, sorrow, and pain, did we kneel and ask for help? Did we call a friend for support? Did we persevere and continue to care for our children? Or did we submit and let ourselves be overwhelmed, drawn into a dark pit of hopelessness, which Satan hopes we'll never be able to crawl back out of?

Forged in the Refiner's Fire is filled with true stories, written by a variety people - from the average, hardworking spouse, to caring parents, to celebrities. In each chapter, the author shares one of his refining trials, the divine guidance received along the way, and the outcome and lessons learned through his perseverance. The overall tone of the book is uplifting and inspiring, and leaves me with a feeling of humility and gratitude for my Father in Heaven - and with a renewed attitude of enjoying every day of life.

Today, just before posting this, I searched through the book and wanted to share a little gem that helped me this past week. This is from Chapter 18 by Donna J. Goff. Donna shares an acronym which has been running through my mind:

F.R.O.G.S.
Fully Relying on God's Son

What a simple way to remember our purpose every day - to rely on our Savior.

Also, here's a link to Forged in the Refiner's Fire book trailer. I previously posted it on QOTC. It includes an interview with Candace Salima.

I highly recommend this book for anyone in your home, at work, or down the road.

QOTC Rating: Five Stars



Forged in the Refiner's Fire Book Give-Away

Normally, I like to do something fun with my book give-aways, but because I just returned home from out of state late last night, this give-away is going to very simple. All you need to do is:

1. Leave a comment on this post before noon on July 2nd. If you use the Anonymous option, be sure to include your full name.

2. On July 2nd, my one year old will choose a name from a hat. The winner will be posted that afternoon. Be sure to check back! The winner will need to contact me within 48 hours with their mailing address. Candace Salima will then send you an autographed copy of Forged in the Refiner's Fire. If the winner does not contact me within the time alloted, another winner will be chosen.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Would you like to comment?

Rebecca Talley said...

Wow, Danyelle, what a beautiful post. Both of my grandparents died from strokes and my SIL died from lung cancer last year (she was only 48). It's very difficult to lose those we love and we must rely on the Lord, especially when we don't understand why we've been given a trial. Heavenly Father knows what's best and we have to trust in him.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Rebecca

Thanks. We're actually very grateful everything went as well as it did. Grandpa was very active and independent - and was able to be that way up until a month ago. I think the hardest part was leaving Grammy. They had been together for 57 1/2 years. How grateful we all are, to know that we'll be together after this life.

Unknown said...

Danyelle - thanks for such a great review. I'm so glad the book was of a help to you and Donna really is an amazing woman. Her F.R.O.G. runs through my thoughts regularly, Fully Rely on God. Good thing to remember.

Anonymous said...

What a nice post, I think we often forget HIM when we get boged down with trials thinking we have to do it ourselves. I need to post the word FROG all over my house. Thanks for the reminder.

Michelle Jefferies

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Candace - Thanks for putting together such a great book. I hear there's a second book coming out soon, too. You'll have to keep us updated.

Michelle - Thank you for your comment. I was just thinking how funny it would be if we all had FROG written around our house. How many odd looks or questions do you think we'd get from visitors? :)

cpullum said...

I had a similar situation happened to me with my Grandmal. I actually felt her spirit leave the hospital room then looked and she had passed. Love this blog and thanks for sharing.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

What a beautiful experience. Thank you for sharing it.

Cindy Beck, author said...

Danyelle,
Sorry to hear about John's grandfather. Thanks for sharing that experience with us ... and for mentioning the "FROGS" acronym from "Forged in the Refiner's Fire". That's handy to remember when things go wrong.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Hi Cindy!

Thank you for your condolences.

And I'm glad you like the FROGS. I thought it was cute. I also liked Candace's shortened version - FROG: Fully Rely on God.

The Thomas Six said...

It is true... some trials are easy for some and terrible for others. It is interesting to me how that can happen. But it makes it nice when you need a friend to talk to. When one of you can see it from a more calm perspective it can really benefit the one who needs the loves.

The passing of a loved one can be tough, but we should (and I know you know this) always remember we are only here for a while and it is joyus when we can return home. We will see our loved ones again and how wonderful that will be.

Big Hugs to you.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Thanks, Robin. I hope you guys are doing well. Lots of Love.

Jennie said...

What a nicely written review! Relating the message of the book to your personal experience made your positive testimonial ring true.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Jennie

Thank you. I like adding a personal touch to my reviews when I can. This one was certainly much more personal (unexpectedly so) than others. Thank you for your comments.

Karlene said...

Don't enter me in the contest because I already have a copy. Just wanted to say I enjoyed your story and review.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Thank you, Karlene.

Heather Moore said...

I enjoyed this book too. Thanks for sharing everything else.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Thanks, Heather!