Child of Promise (25 page)

BOOK: Child of Promise

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He raised his hand over Noah’s head. As he did, the rest of the congregation joined him in lifting theirs.

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee,” Conor said, intoning the blessing from Numbers that the Lord had spoken to Moses. “The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

As the words flowed over him like a healing balm, Noah looked up and found his wife in the first pew. Their gazes locked, their love arcing across the small distance separating them to meet and meld in gentle, joyous union.

In that moment, a sudden realization filled Noah. The sign. The sign he had prayed for and waited on had come.

The Lord had answered him in the most perfect of ways. He had kept His promise. He had never deserted him. He had always been there in the hearts of these, His beloved people.

And He had always been there in the heart of a woman who had long, and faithfully, loved him.

Discussion Questions for Child of Promise

1. The meaning of the name Elizabeth, the heroine of
Child of Promise
, is “God’s promise.” God has promised so much to all of us, if only we are patient and strive to do His will. We have a tendency, however, toward blindness and ingratitude when it comes to all the Lord has given us. Many times we fail to fully value and use our unique, God-given gifts. What more can you do to accept and draw on the talents—and special people in your life—that are gifts from God? What more would it take to see them as the exquisite blessings they truly are?

2. Noah battles mightily with a growing sense of disillusionment over his ministry. As a pastor beset with many trials, he increasingly finds himself feeling alone and weighed down with doubts and fears of failure. Sound familiar? In such times, what has most helped you overcome your doubts and fears and regain your lost sense of purpose and worth? Can you recall any times when you’ve helped others with similar experiences? When you’ve been Christlike to others?

3. Beth carries deep wounds, some from her childhood and some that were inflicted on her when she went away to obtain her medical degree. She returns home embittered and wary, determined to keep her distance from everyone—including God. Have you ever experienced such emotional pain that you chose to avoid others rather than risk further hurt? What did it take to open your heart again to forgiveness and love?

4. Noah is plagued with guilt over what he feels is his failure to be there for the people he loved when they needed him. How does this tragedy affect his budding relationship with Beth? Have you ever regretted some action that, at the time, you felt completely justified in doing but later regretted? How did you come to a resolution of that inner conflict?

5. In his torment and confusion, Noah finally turns to Conor MacKay, Beth’s father, for advice. Conor counsels Noah to trust in the Lord and listen to His call. Conor also encourages Noah to do his best. We all needs friends whose opinions we respect and whom we trust enough to bare our hearts and souls to. Who are some of your special friends? In what ways has their presence in your life been a blessing to you?

6. Were there any characters that touched or inspired you in
Child of Promise
? If so, which ones and in what ways?

7. What story themes did you discover while reading this book? Was there one in particular that struck home more forcibly? Why?

8. If you could ask the author any question, what would it be?

Dear Readers,

I can’t believe that, with the completion of
Child of Promise
, I’ve come to the end of the Brides of Culdee Creek series. Though these books were a challenge to write, they were also books that, in the writing, taught me so much about God, myself, and life. Their creation enriched me personally, professionally, and spiritually, as I hope they also enriched you.

It’s time, however, to move on to new literary challenges, new settings, and new characters. But that doesn’t mean I’ve turned my back forever on the Mac–Kays. On the contrary. There are now two Culdee Creek spin-off, stand-alone, hardcover Christmas novellas available—
All Good Gifts
and
The Christkindl’s Gift
—as well as a third novella in progress that will be released in fall 2008. And, in time, I may begin a new series based on the MacKay ancestors and take you back to wild, glorious Scotland, in the times when real men wore kilts, claymores flashed in defense of clan and honor, and bagpipes skirled their plaintive, poignant songs.

Meanwhile, my next book will be released in September 2007 and will be the third book in my Scottish series, These Highland Hills. It’s titled
A Fire Within
and will be the story of Caitlin Campbell. In case you have yet to discover the first two books in that series—
Child of the Mist
and
Wings of Morning
—both are still available. Just ask your local book–seller to order them for you. Nothing beats having a complete series to read one after another, especially when the weather turns cold and all you want to do is snuggle up in a comfy chair with a warm throw and a steaming mug of tea or cocoa.

Blessings,

P.S. I’m always happy to hear from readers. To be included on a mailing list, just look up my website and sign up for “Kathleen’s Korner,” my newsletter. You’ll also find excerpts of all my books there, as well as other fun information and a way to contact me via email if you so desire.

Kathleen Morgan
has authored numerous novels for the general market and now focuses her writing on inspirational books. She has won many awards for her romance writing, including the 2002 Rose Award for Best Inspirational Romance. If you wish you contact Kathleen, look her up online or write to her at P.O. Box 62365, Colorado Springs, CO 80962.