Title: A Simple Matter of Hope and Joy
Author: Nathan Menoian
Genre: Christian fiction, a search for truth, romance, hope and joy.
Book Blurb:
Eric David Matthews can’t imagine why God would select him for anything. He’s a longtime business owner with no interest in the Creator of the Universe, and no remaining zest for life. Unexpectedly, he meets Marsha, a single woman of devout faith who shares with him what Jesus has done in her life.
In quick order, Eric turns his middle-aged and mundane life over to God. He soon finds himself in a whirlwind of divinely guided activity, discovering that the Lord will and can use anyone - young or old.
Though the weeks and months ahead aren’t all smooth sailing, Eric remains ever faithful as he experiences love, joy, sorrow, fear, and rejuvenation.
One demanding and persistent question keeps racing through his heart: Does God have a specific calling in mind for him? At just the right time, Eric receives the answer he’s been looking for, along with a brand-new zest for life.
Excerpt:
From Chapter 3
“Life has suddenly felt exciting again. And Marsha, all of this happened because you told me what Jesus has done in your life.”
She spoke softly. “Wow, I’m crying. I didn’t expect to hear all this so soon after just meeting you.”
A wind of change was coming over me. I personally wanted to acknowledge Jesus in my life, but not give up chasing Marsha. My conscience though made it clear that He was to be the top priority.
On the day of our date, I arrived a few minutes early waiting anxiously in the lobby for Marsha, who arrived on time. After a quick embrace, we were shown to a table.
Living single for many years caused me to be less concerned about prim and proper behavior. Though when dining in the company of such a classy lady as Marsha, I knew it would be most important to eat slowly, take small bites, and make good use of my table napkin.
“Try to act sophisticated,” I reminded myself. “Don’t show yourself as a flophouse bachelor. Above all else, refrain from trying to sound clever and witty; definitely one of my faults.”
After a dinner prayer from Marsha, her next words jolted me. “God put you on my mind this week.” Her voice was very matter-of-fact.
“What on Earth for?” I asked, more than surprised.
Being the reserved woman, she seemed to be, I figured Marsha wouldn’t admit if her heart did a little jump and jig when we first met. But on that particular morning, she was on a divine mission, and there wasn’t room for anything other than ‘mission accomplished’.
Marsha finished another bite of steak before handing me an intriguing revelation. “When you told me how God grabbed hold of your heart, I sensed in my spirit that doors of evangelism will open for you.
“God will give you the words to speak. I don’t know how soon, but in the months ahead, I believe you’re going to be a busy man. It’ll be important for you to pray about this without ceasing.”
I sat quiet for a minute. Her words were humbling, bring me to confess that I needed learn more about prayer.
“Prayer is acknowledging God’s authority, greatness, and of course His Deity,” she explained. “We ask for guidance, wisdom, and material things, etc. Whether you’re talking one-on-one with Him or sounding churchy and formal, it’s all prayer. Always be honest and respectful to Him.
“And remember, listening is of equal importance while in prayer. God may speak words to you. Bottom line, prayer helps deepen our faith. Stay diligent in reading the Bible, as it will instruct and lead you in His ways. The Bible holds the answers to life’s problems.
Marsha ended her answer with a tender smile. We continued eating in comfortable silence. Should the opportunity arise, how might I ever describe this marvellous woman to my friends? I am a richer man for knowing her.
After the table plates were cleared away, Marsha squared back her shoulders and cleared her throat. “Now please don’t laugh at this,” she said, “but I secretly wished we could have danced together the morning we first met. Even a ten-second waltz would have filled me with overwhelming joy.”
Her words literally pushed me back in my chair. If I had said anything questioning her soundness, she would have been heartbroken.
I couldn’t hide my enthusiasm. “Marsha, I’m no prime-time dancer, but a Pancake Palace waltz was definitely doable! You’re a special lady with great faith. Attractive as you are, I imagine you’re probably asked out quite often.”
A shy and embarrassed look hijacked her gorgeous face. It was the moment I was hoping for. She apparently found me likeable.
Even as a devout Christian, she wasn’t afraid to show herself as vulnerable. That brand of honesty connected with me. I firmly believed that Marsha was steady and strong in her faith, and would never abandon it.
A probing question jumped into my brain, and for a moment I held back asking it. She might take it the wrong way. I proceeded with caution. “Is it possible to be sold out to God, as you are, and still enjoy a social life?”
Marsha took a slow sip of coffee, as her eyes locked onto mine. What she shared touched my heart.
“I’ve always wanted to be a wife and mother,” she confided. “But my life has turned out much differently. There were times I’ve felt lonely watching so many of my friends find love and get married. I’ve asked God when it would be my turn…”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62877749
What makes your featured book a must-read?
This story contains a moral perspective, a heart of truth, romantic pursuit, a bit of mystery, and a happy ending. Through the lives of Eric and Marsha, God reveals how anyone can receive His unconditional love, hope, and joy!
Is Marsha the woman of his dreams? Eric discovers what is most important in life, and how faith in God helped him find the ideal women he prayed for in his middle-aged life.
There are times in life when we come to the realization, we don’t know all there is to know. When I invited Jesus Christ into my life, He helped me better understand His ways, promises, and greatness!
Giveaway –
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Open Internationally.
Runs January 23 – January 29, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on January 30, 2024.
Author Biography:
I was born in Michigan to parents of Armenian descent and attended public schools in Dearborn and West Bloomfield. Flying kites, bike riding, and participating in neighborhood baseball games were part of my youth; with teamwork a valuable life-lesson I learned as a sprinter on my middle-school track team.
At 19, I joined the U.S. Navy. Afterward, I enrolled in college earning a Journalism Degree from Oakland University. It was there I invited Jesus Christ into my heart, becoming a born-again Christian.
Throughout my years as a writer: from newspaper reporting, writing editorials, spending twelve years in the Adverting Department with a national discount retailer, publishing a monthly business magazine, and handling a variety of freelance work, I’ve been the recipient of many blessings, friends, and challenging opportunities.
Both of my sons are successful in their chosen careers. Michigan remains my home, and authoring this book is the latest highlight in my writing experiences.