Aventura. . .The next chapter

As a writer, closing out a series is like saying good-bye to old friends. While I’m always excited to jump into something new, I can’t help but miss the characters and setting I’ve created. In a lot of ways, life is the same. It’s full of chapters and storylines that end, twists and turns in the plot line, followed by new beginnings.

 

When our family was studying Portuguese in Brazil, we started calling those new chapters and surprise detours aventura—or adventure. Some changes are easier than others, and most come with a mixture of both tears and joy. During the COVID-19 shutdowns, our family faced a lot of changes. Scott and I were stuck in different countries for months until he was finally able to get an evacuation flight back to the States. We pulled my mother out of assisted living and away from the constant lockdowns. We had all of our kids living with us at one time or another with schools closing down, jobs lost, and so many decisions that had to be made as we constantly had to adjust our plans.

 

Aventura. 

 

This time also brought growth. We watched the Mozambicans where we were living step up and lead, something that was our goal from the very beginning. Our vision—to have Mozambicans leading in every aspect—was becoming a reality. 

                                               (Recent photos from Mozambique)

 

But we were also faced with another decision that wasn’t easy. I was needed in the states, and Scott was still making trips to Africa. Living in two continents was difficult and not sustainable long term. So we began praying for our next chapter. Our next assignment. And over the past few months, God has made it very clear what he wants us to do. 

 

We are in the process of transitioning back to the states, through a prayerful exit that will include continued mentoring and training for the work we are leaving. We recently bought a house in Texas where we will be based, and Scott will work with an international non-profit organization. For the present, we will be a three generational household with my mother, daughter and son-in-law, plus two cats and our German Shephard. 

 

I’m actually here in Africa now. Last weekend we were with leaders from Zimbabwe and Zambia where we spent some precious time with them in person before we leave. Our plans were then for Scott and I to return to Mozambique and say goodbye there as well. Unfortunately, because of complications with my residency papers, I was denied entry. Another twist in the plotline, but God is already redeeming my time in South Africa as I wait for Scott. And as we turn the page on another chapter, we are amazed at God’s faithfulness along the journey. 

                                                (A few photos from Zimbabwe)

Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

 

 

The Catch is here!!

It's finally here! Book three in my US Marshal series. Get ready for another page-turning case plus the truth behind the murder of Madison James's husband's murder.

You can grab your copy here! 

Behind the scenes: There is something unique about the Pacific Northwest with its mountains, rocky beaches, and te
mperate rainforests. I actually grew up in the Pacific North, where heading to the coast was always one of my favorite things. One of the reasons I chose this setting for my series was because the landscape and terrain were the perfect addition to the plot where Deputy US Marshals are chasing down their fugitives!

These are some of my favorite photos I took while hiking in Washington on my last trip there.

Happy Reading!

Lisa

Brand New Series!

 Welcome to Shadow Ridge, where LONGMIRE meets JERICHO.

Grab your copy here!

The Shifting of Seasons

  

    In March 2020, Scott and I were in Maputo, seven hours from our home in Inhambane, Mozambique, working on our residency paperwork when then President Trump announced that they would be shutting down flights from Europe because of a spreading virus. At the same time, South Africa announced they would be banning all international flights as well. With borders shutting down worldwide, we were suddenly faced with a pressing decision. Twenty-four hours later, with only a small overnight bag, I boarded on of the last flights out of South Africa hours before the boarders closed.   

    

The decision turned out to be the right one. Two of our kids working in the restaurant business lost their jobs, and the universities they were attending closed all in person classes. Blessed with access to my mother’s house in Tulsa, we quickly settled into the new norm. Closed businesses, online classes, and a shortage of goods on the shelves. Me in the States with the kids, and Scott across the world locked down in Mozambique.

          Four months later, Scott, who was unable to meet with the churches or travel out to the villages due to government mandates, was finally able to secure an evacuation flight back to the US. All evacuees received a police escort to the empty airport in Johannesburg, allowing them to leave the country. At the same time, health mandates in the US had isolated residence in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We were only able to visit with my mother through the closed, outside window of her room. Very quickly, the mental and physical effects on residents living in them started spiraling, so in August 2020, we pulled my mother out of assisted living.
          We were now faced with something we never would have imagined only six months earlier. We were missionaries, unable to work in the place God had called us. We had far more questions than answers. When would we be able to return? What about the churches and Christians we’d left behind? What would our supporters think about us being back in the US for the foreseeable future? We knew we weren’t the only missionaries facing this confusing situation. But still at times, we felt alone and lost. 
 
The Shift Begins
 
          Almost every morning, Scott intentionally got up early to talk to Ivanildo, one of our full-time leaders in Mozambique via WhatsApp. They read books on leadership and discipleship together, prayed together, and strategized. Government mandates in Mozambique made going out to the villages difficult. Our churches tried to follow them, even to the point of building the required toilets, but officials continued to deny them permission to meet. Instead, they met in small groups, but in one village, neighbors turned them into the police and forced them to stop. 
    

In the city of Inhambane it was a little bit easier. Meeting in small groups in homes around the city brought leaders to the surface that might not have stood up before. Groups that got too big had to split in order to comply with the government, but neighbors were asking questions and started coming to these small house churches. The impact on the church was so positive, that at one point Ivanildo told Scott he hoped that the mandates stayed in place longer, because the situation was so good for the spiritual growth of the church members. 

        To better facilitate the situation, Ivanildo sent out teaching PowerPoints via text message each week for the group leaders.  He also taught a weekly class for the leaders. A couple groups struggled, but several multiplied and there have been several who have come to Christ even during lockdown.
          Some of the disciples have been searching for more ways to reach out and use their gifts despite all the restrictions. A website was built, becoming a place to interact with those around the country who are still in isolation due to government lockdowns. It is intended to be a site for those seeking spiritual encouragement and a way to ask questions or share prayer requests. Two local churches in Maputo were so impressed that they offered to fund the hosting of the website. The website also offers a list of Christian resources and is in the process of adding pod cast teachings for people to download. Ivanildo said they needed to figure out a way to reach people even while under lockdown in their homes. 

          Recently, an application was submitted the US Embassy to fund an educational project to reach out to the blind community in Inhambane, a very marginalized group. Already, Vanilla one of the disciples is translating parts of the Bible into Braille and working with one of our blind Christians. This project, if funded, can have a huge impact upon families in our community. What is most encouraging about this project is that the idea was the result of the local disciples looking at their God given gifts and seeking to determine how to meet the needs of people around them. 
          Where does this leave us? We’re still not sure to be honest. I’m still committed to taking care of my mother for this season in the US and taking short trips back as required by the government to keep up my residency. Scott stays longer in Africa than I do, but for now will also be going back and forth. Our goal has always been the independence of our churches. We want them to own the work, not just be told what to do by foreigners. And praise God, this is what is happening!
          We will be sharing some videos soon that will show more how God is working during this shift of seasons. Please continue praying that we will have wisdom and insight during this time. There have been many positive things that have happened during this COVID pandemic. God has been at work and His kingdom advancing, even if we have felt a bit lost and confused at times. We are all encouraged to remember the words of Peter when he wrote, ”Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:9. We serve a mighty and powerful God, and may all the glory be given to Him.

We've got news!!

We've got news!!! from S & L Harris on Vimeo.

Are you ready for The Chase?

 Today is the official release day for The Chase! I'm so excited to share this book two in my US Marshals with you! While it can be read as a standalone, you'll enjoy it much more if you start with The Escape. 

From The Chase:

US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing--it's time to get back out into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery in progress that's gone wrong--and things are about to get worse.

For these bank robbers, it's never been just about the money. It's about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else--someone close to them--gets hurt . . . or worse.

From Seattle to the San Juan Islands, bestselling author Lisa Harris takes you on a nonstop chase where feelings are complicated and failure isn't an option.

Want to read an excerpt? Click here!

BUY Links: Amazon              Christianbook.com                 Barnes&Noble

PS. Due to a backlog at the printer, print copies have been delayed.

Agents of Mercy Series Update (You won't want to miss)

I've realized I'm extremely behind on my blog. Another symptom of my crazy year! Here's an update for starters that you won't want to miss! 

Lynne and I are so excited to announce the release of our newest medical thriller. This is the 4th book in the Agents of Mercy series and this nail-biter ties all the books together. 

Here's what to expect: 

No one suspects that the deadly pharmaceutical and viral disasters ravaging the African continent have been the fallout from one person’s intent to acquire immortality. 

Not until two pregnant teenagers escape their captors and stumble into an African refugee camp. 

When one of the escapees suffers a strange and bloody death, Dr. Rachel Allen, an infectious disease specialist aboard a humanitarian medical ship ported on the Central African coast is summoned to the Congo. Despite the danger, Rachel answers the plea of the refugee camp’s only doctor and leaves her post. But by the time she discovers the ancient virus she believed securely held in an American vault has been weaponized, it is too late to call for help. If this new potential bioweapon is launched beyond the borders of Africa, it will destroy more than the world. It will destroy everything she believes to be true about the man she loved. 

Buckle in. 

The stunning conclusion to the Agents of Mercy series is a heart-pounding ride that brings together the characters you’ve come to love from GHOST HEART, PORT OF ORIGIN, and LETHAL OUTBREAK. You won’t believe who orchestrated every deadly move from the first page to the last. . .and all of it was done in the name of scientific progress. All four books now available as ebook. Paperback out soon for Death Triangle.

Grab your copies here!

Only Six More Days!

 Are you ready for The Escape? Only SIX more days!

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them.

This high-octane game of cat-and-mouse from bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris will have your heart pumping as you try to catch a fugitive with nothing to lose.

Grab your copy today!!

USA Today Bestseller!

We made it!!!! Dangerous Deceptions is #81 on the USA Today Bestseller list for this week!! A huge thank you to all of you who bought our box set. We are truly grateful and very aware that without readers like you, none of this would be possible. 

If you haven't got your copy, it's still only .99 cents for EIGHT ebooks! Grab it here today!

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #5

 UPDATE: THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED IN ON THE HUNT! HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME, MET SOME NEW AUTHORS, AND CAME AWAY WITH SOME GREAT NEW BOOKS TO READ. HAPPY READING!

CONGRATS TO AUDREY. I'LL BE SENDING YOU THE ASPEN ORNAMENT!

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

• The hunt BEGINS on 10/15 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com. 

• Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).

• There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 10/18 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.

• Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa Bergren’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

  I'm so excited you're here! My name is Lisa Harris and I write both romantic suspense and medical thrillers. My family and I have lived in southern Africa for the past two decades as missionaries, but are temporarily in the states due to corona travel restrictions. Thankfully, I can write anywhere! Being back in the states has had a few blessings, including being closer to family during this time. Since we're talking books on this hunt, let me tell you a little bit about my latest novel, a contemporary romantic suspense, The Escape.

  
  US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them. 

  
  

  
  

  Research and the California Zephyr

  One of the things I really enjoyed about writing this book was the research. When I was seven years old, I took my first train trip up the west coast from California to Washington State. I remember noticing how the cars driving parallel to us on the freeway were speeding past us, but despite the long hours it took to get to our destination, the trip sparked an interest in me to travel.  

  
  In my next release, The Escape, two US Marshals are thrust into the middle of a dangerous fugitive hunt. The story starts off in the Pacific Northwest where I grew up, then moves quickly from Idaho to Texas in a cross-country chase. I’m always looking for unique settings for my stories, and the California Zephyr fit perfect into my story. The iconic train makes a daily trip between San Francisco and Chicago every day and travels just over 2400 miles as it passes through the Sierra Nevadas, the Rockies and Colorado’s canyons, the plains of Nebraska, and across the mighty Mississippi. There are glass domes for sightseeing, to ensure passengers don’t miss any of the incredible scenery. 

             

  
  While visiting my in-laws last year, they took my husband and me out for breakfast at the train station in Colorado where the California Zephyr stops every morning. They had taken several trips to California on the train, but except for the You Tube videos I’d studied, this was my first glimpse of the train. As soon as it pulled into the station, I left my breakfast sitting on the table and hurried outside to snap a few photos before it headed onto its next stop. Adding a legendary steamliner like the California Zephyr to a story takes extra time and research, but it’s worth the effort to create the added layers to adrenaline-fueled fiction!

Here’s the Stop #5 Basics:

If you’re interested, you can order The Escape on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD or at your local bookstore! 

Clue to Write Down: and other

Link to Stop #6, the Next Stop on the Loop: Angela Hunt's site! 

But wait! Before you go, I’m offering an additional prize—a beautiful gold aspen leaf Christmas ornament! All you have to do is sign up to get my e-newsletter (under my photo on the right) and let me know that you have signed up or that you are already a subscriber in the comments. (USA only) If you are live outside the United States and your name is drawn, you will be offered an ebook of mine of your choice. Winner will be announced on the 20th, with a same end date as the scavenger hunt. Please leave a way for me to contact you.

Happy Hunting!!

Lisa Harris

Sneak Peek from The Escape: Chapter One

 The Escape releases one month from today! Ready for a sneak peek from chapter one of this brand new series!!

Chapter One from THE ESCAPE

There is a razor-thin edge between justice and revenge, where the two easily blur if left unchecked. Five years after her husband’s murder, Madison James was still trying to discover which side of the line she was on—though maybe it didn’t matter anymore. Nothing she did was going to bring Luke back.

Her pulse raced as she sprinted the final dozen yards of her morning run, needing the release of endorphins to pick up her mood and get her through the day. At least she had the weather on her side. After weeks of spring rains, typical for the Pacific Northwest, the sun was finally out, showing off blue skies and a stunning view of Mount Rainier in the distance. Spring had also brought with it the bright yellow blooms of the Oregon grape shrubs, planted widely throughout Seattle, along with colorful wild currants.

You couldn’t buy that kind of therapy.

Nearing the end of the trail, she slowed down and grabbed her water bottle out of her waist pack. Seconds later, her sister, Danielle, stopped beside her and leaned over, hands on her thighs, as she caught her breath.

“Not bad for your second week back on the trail,” Madison said, capping her bottle and putting it back in her pack. She stretched out one of her calves. “It won’t be long before you’re back up to your old distances.”

“I don’t know. I’m starting to think it’s going to take more than running three times a week to work off these pounds.” Danielle let out a low laugh. “Does chasing a toddler around the house, planning my six-year-old’s birthday, hosting our father for a few days, and pacing the floor with a colicky baby count as exercise?”

“That absolutely all counts.” Madison stretched the other side. “And as for the extra weight, that baby of yours is worth every pound you gained. Besides, you still look terrific.”

Danielle chuckled, pulling out her water bottle and taking a swig. “If this is looking terrific, I can’t imagine what a good night’s sleep would do.”

“You’ll get back to your old self in a few weeks."

“That’s what Ethan keeps telling me.”

Madison stopped stretching and put her hands on her hips.

“Honestly, I don’t know how you do it all. You’re Superwoman, as far as I’m concerned.”

Danielle laughed. “Yep, if you consider changing diapers and making homemade playdough superpowers. You, on the other hand, actually save lives every day.”

“You’re raising the next generation.” Madison caught her sister’s gaze. “Never take lightly the importance of being a mom. And you’re one of the best.”

“How do you always know what to say?” Danielle dropped her water bottle back into its pouch. “But what about you? Youhaven’t mentioned Luke yet today.”

Madison frowned. She knew her sister would bring him up eventually. “That was on purpose. Today I’m celebrating your getting back into shape and the stunning weather. I have no intention of spending the day feeling sorry for myself.”

Danielle didn’t look convinced. “That’s fine. Just make sure you’re not burying your feelings, Maddie.”

“I’m not. Trust me.” Madison hesitated, hoping her attempt to sound sincere rang true. “Between grief counseling and support from people like my amazing sister, I’m a different person today. And I should be. It’s been five years.”

“Despite what they say, time doesn’t heal all wounds.”

Madison blinked back the memories. Five years ago today, two officers had been waiting for her when she got home to tellher that they were sorry but her husband had been shot and pronounced dead at the scene. They’d never found his killer, and life after that moment had never been the same.

Madison shook her head, blocking out the memories for the moment. She started walking toward the parking lot where they’d left their cars. She’d heard every cliché there was about healing and quickly learned to dismiss most of them. Her healing journey couldn’t be wrapped up in a box or mapped out with a formula. Loss changed everything and there was no way around it. There was no road map to follow that led you directly out of the desert.

“Did you go to the gravesite today?” Danielle asked, matching Madison’s pace.

“Not yet.”

She slowed her pace slightly. Every year on the anniversary of Luke’s death, she’d taken flowers to his grave. But for some reason, she hadn’t planned to go this year. And she wasn’t even sure why. She’d been told how grief tended to evolve. The hours and days after Luke’s death had left her paralyzed and barely functioning, until one day, she woke up and realized time had continued on and somehow, so had she. She wasn’t done grieving or processing the loss—maybe she never would be completely—but she’d managed to make peace with her new life.

Most days, anyway.

“You know I’m happy to go with you,” Danielle said.

“I know, but I’ll be fine. I’ll go later today.”

Danielle had been the protective older sister for as long as she remembered.

Her sister took another sip of her water and stared off into the distance. “Want to head up on the observation deck? The view of Mt. Rainier should be stunning today.”

“I need to get back early, but there is something I’ve been needing to talk to you about.”

“Of course.”

Madison hesitated, worried she was going to lose her nerve if she didn’t tell her sister now. “I’ve been doing a lot of soul- searching lately, and I feel like there are some things I need to do in order to move on with my life.”

“Okay.” Danielle cocked her head to the side, hands on her hips. “That’s great, though I’m not sure what it means.”

Madison hesitated. “I’ve asked for a transfer.”

Danielle took a step back. “Wait a minute. A transfer? To where?”

Madison started walking again. “Just down to the US Mar- shals district office in Portland. Maybe it sounds crazy, but I’vebeen feeling restless for a while. I think it’s time for a fresh start. And I’ll be closer to Dad.”

“Maddie”—Danielle caught her arm—“you don’t have to move away to get a fresh start. And there are plenty of other options besides your moving. The most logical one being that we can move Dad up here. I’ll help you look for a place for him like we talked about, and we’ll be able to take care of him together—”

Madison shook her head. “He’ll never agree to move. You know how stubborn he is, besides—he visits Mama’s grave every day. How can we take that away from him? It’s his last connection to her.”

“He needs to be here. You need to be here.”

Madison hesitated, wishing now that she hadn’t brought it up. “Even if Daddy wasn’t in the equation, I need to do this for me. It’s been five years. I need to move on. And for me that means finally selling the house and starting over. I’ve been dragging my feet for too long.”

“I’m all for moving on, but why can’t you do that right here? Buy another house in a different suburb, or a loft downtown if you want to be closer to work. Seattle’s full of options.”

Madison’s jaw tensed, but she wasn’t ready to back down. “I need to do this. And I need you to support me.”

“I get that, but what if I need you here? I know that’s selfish, but I want my girls to know their aunt. I want to be able to meet you for lunch when you’re free, or go shopping, or—”

“It’s a three-hour drive. I can come up for birthdays and holidays and—”

“With all your time off.” Danielle shook her head. “I know your intentions are good, but I’d be lucky to get you up here once a year.”

“You’re wrong.” Madison fought back with her own objec- tions. “I’m not running away. I’m just starting over.”

Danielle’s hands dropped to her sides in defeat. “Just promise me you won’t do anything rash.”

“I won’t. I’ve just been doing some research.”

Danielle glanced at her watch. “I hate to cut things off here, but I really do need to get back home. I didn’t know it was so late. Come over for dinner tonight. I’m getting Chinese take-out. We can talk about it more. Besides, you don’t need to be alone today. I’m sure the anniversary of Luke’s death is part of what’s triggered this need to move.”

Madison frowned, though her sister’s words hit their target. “You know I love you, but I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Isn’t it enough that I love your company?” Danielle asked. “I was going to spend a quiet night at home.”

“Maddie—”

“I might be your little sister, but I’m not so little anymore.

Stop worrying. I’m good. I promise. I just need a change. And I need you to support my decision.”

“Fine. You know I will, even though I will continue to try and change your mind. We could go house hunting together. In fact, remember that cute house we walked through that’s for sale a couple blocks from my house? It would be perfect—”

“Enough.” She reached out and squeezed Danielle’s hand. “Whatever happens, I promise I’ll still come up for the fall marathon, so I can beat you again—”

“What? I beat you by a full minute and a half last year.”

Madison shoved her earbuds in her ears and jogged away. “What? I can’t hear you.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She flashed her sister a smile, then sprinted toward the park- ing lot. She breathed in a lungful of air. Memories flickered in the background no matter how much she tried to shove them down.

For her it had been love at first sight. She’d met Luke in the ER when she went in with kidney stones. He was the handsome doctor she couldn’t keep her eyes off. Ten months later they married and spent their honeymoon on Vancouver Island, holing up in a private beach house with a view of the ocean. As an ER doc and a police officer, their biggest marital problem had been schedules that always worked against them. They’d fought for the same days off so they could go hiking together. And when they managed to score an extra couple of days, they’d rent a cabin in Lakebay or Greenbank and ditch the world for forty-eight hours.

Their marriage hadn’t been perfect, but it had been good because they’d both meant the part about for better or worse.They plowed through rough patches, learned to communicate well, and never went to bed angry. Somehow it had worked.

When they started thinking about having a family, she’d decided that she’d pursue teaching criminal justice instead of chasing down criminals after the first baby was born so she could have a regular schedule and not put her life in danger on a daily basis. And Luke looked for opportunities to work regular hours.

But there’d never been a baby. Instead, in one fatal moment, everything they planned changed forever.

Madison’s heart pounded as she ran across the parking lot, trying to outrun the memories. Five years might not be enoughtime to escape the past, but it was time to try making new memories.

Tomorrow, she was going to call a Realtor.

She was breathing hard when she made it back to her car. She clicked on the fob, then slid into the front seat for the ten- minute drive back to the house she and Luke had bought. It was one of the reasons why she’d decided to move. The starter home had become a labor of love as they’d taken the plunge and moved out of their apartment to become homeowners. A year later, they’d remodeled the kitchen and master bath, finished the basement, and added a wooden deck outside. Everything had seemed perfect. And now, while moving out of state might not fix everything, it felt like the next, needed step of moving forward with life.

Inside the house, she dropped her keys onto the kitchen counter and looked around the room. She’d made a few changes over the years. Fresh paint in the dining room. New pillows on the couch. But it still wasn’t enough.

No. She was making the right decision.

She started toward the hallway, then stopped. Something seemed off. The air conditioner clicked on. She reached up to straighten a photo of Mount St. Helens that Luke had taken. She was being paranoid. The doors were locked. No one had followed her home. No one was watching her. It was just her imagination.

She shook off the feeling, walked down to her bedroom, and froze in the doorway as shock coursed through her.

There. On her comforter was one black rose, just like she’d found every year at her husband’s grave on the anniversary of his death. But this time, it was in her room. In her house. Her heart pounded inside her chest. Five years after her husband’s death she still had no solid leads on who killed him or who sent the flower every year. If it was the same person, they knew how to stay in the shadows and not get caught. But why? It was the question she’d never been able to answer.

She’d accepted Luke’s death and had slowly begun to heal, but this this was different. Whatever started five years ago wasn’t over.

The Escape by Lisa Harris © 2020.
Used by permission of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Where are you God?: A Crown, a Shepherd Boy, and a Handful of Torches

From 2008:

I don’t know about you, but as a writer, I have found that my character’s spiritual journey often mirrors things that are happening in my own life. 

In Blood Covenant, the main character, Paige, feels far to small for the task God is calling her to do—something I can certainly relate to at times. Throughout the course of the book, she comes to the realization that if she is going to survive, she will have to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely completely on God’s strength.

Paul has some powerful words in II Corinthians 12:9-10 that have to do with our weaknesses.

“…he said to me. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NIV)

Paul is telling us that it is through our weaknesses that we are made strong because of Christ’s power. I don’t know about you, but those words sound pretty incredible to me. And there’s more. At the greatest moment of weakness, according to the world’s point of view, Christ’s death on the cross brought victory, allowing God to enter into a relationship with us through that sacrifice. He loves us that much.

Still thinking you’re too small? Think again. 

Today, we're facing things we've never had to think about before. Our world looks different than it did just a few short months ago. And in the middle of the crisis, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, weak, and lost. 

There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther became queen in order to save her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and the list goes on and on. 

So what does that have to do with you?

God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash-and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. So stop and ask yourself this one question. How do you see God calling you to make a difference in your world?

You might feel inadequate to follow God’s call as a writer, a parent, student, or whatever your situation might be, but never forget that the God who created the universe loves you and wants to be your strength. He’s the one who will give you the strength to do what He has called you to do.

Be blessed today!

Lisa Harris

Behind the scenes of Port of Origin

Lynne and I recently took some time to chat about Port of Origin and what's it's been like to write a book about a pandemic and then experience one in real life!

Where are you God?: The Beauty in Sacrifice

New mother with twins

One of the things the ECHO Project has been doing over the past few years is identifying those who are struggling physically. Often this means a grandmother who is raising her children, or a young mother with twins who can't provide enough milk.

We've also seen the sacrifice a number of women in particular who have taken on additional mouths to feed even out of their own poverty. They bring in the orphaned, those sick with HIV/AID, and the homeless and care for them in their homes.

This is the beauty in sacrifice.

They are not giving not out of their excess, but in spite of their own needs. And in that they show Christ's love.

It reminds me when Jesus was watching people give to the treasury. The rich threw in large amounts, but it was a poor widow who caught Jesus' attention. She put in two very small copper coins that were only worth a few cents. And yet Jesus said she put in more than all the others. They had given out of their wealth. It didn't hurt them to give, or make them uncomfortable financially.

But the poor widow put in everything she had to live on.

Today we are faced with a worldwide pandemic and Jesus is calling us to be different.

Not just to say we were following him, but to truly live each day as a beautiful sacrifice. That is why these are the women who challenge me everyday. They challenge me to get out of my comfort zone and not to just give of myself when it's easy. But when it's uncomfortable, which it hurts, and when I have to sacrifice my own needs to minister to those around me.

Because that is how He calls us to live.

Lisa

Where are you God?: Endurance

If you’ve ever thought that God doesn’t know you, or doesn't have a plan for your life, think again. Even in the midst of the chaos around us He has a plan for you.

Learning to open our hearts to God’s will can be difficult, but as we learn to persevere through life and let trials strengthen our faith, we will be able to find intimacy with God.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
                               ~II Corinthians 12:9-10

Be encouraged today, for He is faithful!

Lisa

Where are you God?: Expectations

From July 27, 2012

How often are expectations are the source of our discontentedness?  

We expect things from our family, spouse, children, employers, employees, and friends. When they fall short of our expectations, we react.

We get upset at our children because of unreached expectations.

We divorce over unmet expectations.

Employees are fired over unmet expectations.

Relationships are strained or broken through expectations not met.

Expectations can be realistic, unreasonable, or even false.

Sometimes we fail without even knowing we’re not meeting expectations.

And now, we are facing even more loss. Graduations and trips are cancelled. We're stuck inside, worried and anxious about tomorrow.

Sometimes we have to raise our expectations. 

Sometimes we have to be patient with our expectations. 

Sometimes we have to change our expectations.

 

David, in the book of Psalms, tells us to 'Wait and hope and expect the Lord.' (Ps 27:14)

When all else fails and expectations around us are not met, He will never fail us.

When disappointment reigns, He is still there.

When we are afraid, He is there.

Wait and hope and expect the Lord.

Be encouraged today.

Lisa