by Karen Ball
She touched his face. “Hi back.”
“All right, enough of the mushy stuff.”
Jayce’s goofy grin told Dan he wasn’t the least bit serious. Just yesterday Dan told Jayce he had a surprise for him.
“Please tell me it’s not more balloons.” Jayce grimaced. “There’s hardly room in here for me with all these balloons.”
“It’s not balloons.”
“Okay. Good.”
“It’s actually a ring.” Dan watched Jayce’s face. “A gold one.”
The blank stare Dan got told him he’d have to be less subtle.
“A wedding ring.”
Jayce almost jumped out of the bed. “You did it! You asked Shelby to marry you!”
Dan laughed. “That I did.”
“And she said yes?”
Dan delivered a playful punch to Jayce’s arm. “She said yes. And, by the way, so did your grandmother.”
Jayce’s mouth dropped open. “You proposed to my gramma? Isn’t that illegal? Or immoral? Or imsomething?”
“Ha ha. She said yes to letting us adopt you, goofball.”
“Ooohh.” Jayce nodded, his lips doing their best not to grin. “Got it.”
“So you’ll have a mom one of these days, as well as a dad. You have a problem with that, son?”
“Me? A problem? Not in a million years.” The kid’s grin almost took up his whole face.
Now Jayce studied the two of them. “So Shelby, if we’re such a crazy pair of goons, you sure you want to sign on to this outfit?”
“Oh—” she looked down at Dan, a small smile playing at her lips—“I think I can keep you guys in line.”
Dan arched one brow. “Is that so?” He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. He nuzzled her neck. “Don’t count on it, woman.”
Shelby’s laughter surrounded him, and Dan soaked it in. Her laughter was the most beautiful music in the world.
She slid off his lap, then tapped him on the shoulder. “Did you give it to him?”
“Oh.” Dan reached into his pocket and stood. “I forgot.”
“What?” Jayce’s eyes lit up. “Presents? For the hero?”
“Hero?”
Dan shook his head at Shelby. “Don’t encourage him.”
At his words, the three of them stopped, then Shelby and Jayce said together, “Guys like that don’t know when to quit.”
“All right,” Dan said as their laughter died down. “Very funny.” He turned to Jayce. “Hold your hand out, comedian.”
Much to Dan’s surprise, Jayce did so without question. That simple act of trust warmed his heart more than he could say. He reached out, holding his hand over Jayce’s, then dropped the gift into the boy’s palm.
Jayce looked down, then up at Dan and Shelby, his eyes glistening. “My Aslan pendant.”
Dan took it from his hand and fastened it around Jayce’s neck. He stepped back, his hand on Jayce’s shoulder. “There. Back where it belongs.”
Jayce gripped Dan’s wrist for a moment. “Thanks, Dan.”
“Okeydokey, then. Somebody here ready to check out?”
Dan turned to the nurse, holding his hand out for the paperwork she was carrying. “Absolutely.”
The paperwork done, they settled in to wait for the nurse with the wheelchair.
“Oh, by the way. There are a couple of visitors waiting back at the house for you.”
Jayce looked at him. “Visitors.”
Dan knew his grin was wicked. “Your Auntie Kyla and Auntie Annie are there. They’ve been getting your room all fixed up for you.”
“My room?” Jayce frowned. “My room is fixed up.”
“Oh, no. It hasn’t had the true Justice treatment yet. But now that you’re going to be a bona fide member of the family …”
Jayce groaned, leaning back against his pillows. “What’d they do?”
“Let’s see, a plaque with your name and its meaning—”
“Which,” Shelby joined in, “is actually pretty cool. Did you know your name means ‘a healing’?”
Jayce sat up. “Really?”
“Neat, huh?” Shelby took Dan’s hand. “Perfect name for someone who was instrumental in helping this guy to heal.” Tears sparkling in her eyes. “Kinda makes it seem like God knew we’d all be together.”
“Guess He knows what he’s doing.”
“I’m thinkin’ that’s a no-brainer.”
“Ah ha!” Dan glanced from Jayce to Shelby. “Sarcasm. I recognize it because Aaron was fluent in it.”
“Yeah,” Jayce said, pulling a face at him, “but I’m a master.”
“Oh, joy.” Dan stood as the nurse came in with a wheelchair. He helped Jayce out of bed and into the chair. “Just keep in mind, dear boy, that my momma named me well.”
“Yeah,” Jayce snorted as the nurse put the foot rests down for him, “Justice Justice.” He rolled his eyes at Shelby. “There’s a name that just trips off the tongue.”
“That’s Daddy Justice to you, kid. And don’t you forget it.”
The nurse stood and surveyed them. “Sure is nice to see a family that has fun together.”
Dan’s heart swelled. A family. That’s what they were. That’s what God had given him. And though he’d never stop missing Sarah and the children, he was ready to move forward. To discover what life—and God—held in store.
And there was no one he’d rather discover that with than the two beside him. He took Shelby’s hand, then touched Jayce’s shoulder and said the words he’d been waiting for days to say. “You ready to go home, son?”
Jayce looked up at Dan. “Absolutely … Dad.”
With Shelby at his side, they took the first steps into the future. A future Dan knew would hold blessings and trials. Peace and conflict. Love and learning.
He could hardly wait.
Dear Friends,
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like suffering. Yes, I understand intellectually that it’s a part of life and that being a Christian doesn’t give us a get-out-of-suffering-free card. Christ promised us a fellowship in not only His salvation and eternity, but in His suffering as well. But I still don’t like it.
Too often when suffering hits, I fall into the trap that captures many of us. I find myself slipping into confusion (“Why is this happening?”), fatigue (“I can’t take anything else. I really can’t.”), and even anger (“Come on! Enough is enough!). And more and more, it seems serious trials come one on top of another. In fact, as I write this, we’ve been dealing with health crises for both friends and family, with friends dying unexpectedly and far too young, and with numerous other stresses and strains. It’s just too much.
So here I sit, my head heavy from lost sleep, my chest aching from pressing anxiety, wondering what on earth I can possibly tell you about facing such times with courage and faith …
And then I remember. The answers don’t come from me. They come from God. From His Word. His promises. From His call for each of us to be honest about what we’re experiencing in life, to be transparent with God and with each other.
So are you struggling? Don’t try to hide it. Are you suffering? Share your pain with those who are steeped in God’s wisdom and will. Let fellowship with other believers draw you to a place of peace, no matter what the circumstances, until you can at long last say with the suffering Christ, “Even so, not my will, but Thine.”
I’m not there yet. Not quite. But I’m comforted by the knowledge that the Lord traveled this treacherous path; that He felt the rocks pressing into His sore, tired feet; that He fell to His knees before His Father, pleading for help …
And that prayer was answered. Gloriously, eternally answered.
No matter what we face, no matter how deep the suffering: God is in control. He is with us, He sees all we face, and He will not let us go. Not now. Not ever.
So lift your voices with me and praise the name of the One who sustains us, who lifts us from the dirt, and who will gran
t us His strength and endurance at just the right time.
Blessed be the name of the Lord. Forever and ever. Amen.
P.S.—I’d love to have you come visit my website at www.Karenballbooks.com.
READER’S GUIDE
1. How were you affected by the following characters?
Dan
Shelby
Shannon
Jayce
Marlin
2. How does someone live a life that honors God? In what ways are you honoring God in your life?
3. Why do we have to face trials and pain? And where is God when terrible things happen? Consider Isaiah 53 and Romans 8:15–38, then discuss the insights these readings offer.
4. Is it wrong to doubt God in the face of suffering and loss? Why or why not? What does Psalm 44 say about that?
5. What can we do to prepare for difficulties? Read and discuss the following: Psalm 91:1–2; 119:11; 49–51; Proverbs 4:4; Hebrews 6:17–19.
6. Has something happened in your life that caused you to meet God as you never had before? If so, share your experience.
7. Each of us leaves a legacy by the way we live our lives. Consider the positive and negative legacies demonstrated in the story:
Dan: a legacy of faith
Jayce: a legacy of trouble
Marlin: a legacy of rage and crime
How would you describe the legacy your parents left
you? The legacy you are leaving your own children? Or if
you have no children, the legacy you’re leaving those
who have known you?
8. Jayce’s past seemed to predispose him to a certain kind of future. But those who follow Christ should find their identities in Him, not from their pasts or even their families. What gives you a sense of self, of identity? How does the way you see yourself compare with how God sees you? Read Romans 8:1–15 and 1 Peter 1:3–4. What do these Scriptures say about who we really are?
9. Did this story change your perception about God’s justice? If so, how?
10. Shelby had to forgive Dan for hurting her. Too often it’s those we care about most who hurt us the deepest. If someone you cared for hurt you deeply, how did you reach a place of forgiveness?
11. It’s easy to look at a person like Marlin—or even Jayce—and write him off as unredeemable. But what kind of response does God call us to with people like this? Consider 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 5:43–45; Luke 6:35–36; and Romans 14:4.
12. God called Dan to reach out to Jayce, and Dan’s obedience deeply impacted the boy. Do you know of a troubled teen or adult you can reach out to? If you’ve already done this, how was your life impacted by doing so? If you’ve felt the call but haven’t followed through, what is holding you back?
13. When our relationship with God slips, so do other areas of our lives. Consider the following emotions Dan felt and discuss how to deal with them:
Bitterness
Anger
Hopelessness
Don’t miss KALEIDOSCOPE EYES, Book 2 in KAREN BALL’S
dramatic Family Honor series
Annie sees what few others can …
but is she blind to what matters most?
Annie Justice. Youngest of the Justice clan. Who always saw the world a little bit differently than anyone else. She’s finally come into her own as a nationally renowned stained glass artist and, along with her German shepherd, Kodi, one of the most successful K-9 Search and Rescue teams in the Northwest. But all the acclaim in the world can’t change Annie’s sense that she doesn’t really fit in. That feeling is only reinforced when Jed Curry, slick producer of reality TV shows, wants to feature her on his hit show Everyday Heroes because she’s different. And different sells. Maybe so, but Annie has no interest in that sort of fame. Or the man. At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.
However, everything changes the day Annie and Kodi find themselves in the middle of the Oregon wilderness, struggling against time and the elements to find a lost child. When Annie hears the search is about to be called off, her only ally is Jed. Joined in a race against time—and a battle against the attraction both feel but neither wants—Annie and Jed must find a way to work together and bring the little girl home before it’s too late.
Excerpt for Kaleidoscope Eyes
The woman in the mirror was dressed for a wedding.
If anyone had told her a year ago that she’d be standing here, dressed like this, ready to walk down an aisle, flowers in hand—
“You look beautiful.”
Annie turned and smiled as she faced her brother. She was so used to seeing him in his deputy uniform—either that or jeans and a T-shirt—that the sight of him in a tux nearly took her breath away. “So do you.”
Dan arched one brow and came to stand beside her, slipping his arm around her waist. “I, my dear sister, am not beautiful. Stunning. Handsome. Drop-dead gorgeous, yes. But beautiful?” He flicked the end of her nose. “I think not.”
An offended rumble drew their attention down, and Annie giggled. “I believe Kodi is still miffed at us.”
Dan shook his head. “I still can’t believe Shelby let you talk her into using your German shepherd for the flower girl.”
Annie knelt beside her dog and adjusted the flowers woven into the shepherd’s collar. “Hey, it wasn’t my idea. It was hers. She knows Kodi is part of the family.” Annie angled a look at her brother as she stood. “Does Shelby know she’s marrying such a hunk?”
His grin was equally playful as he tugged at the front of his tux. “Hey, why do you think she said yes?”
“Well, I thought it had something to do with you wearing a gun …”
“Brat.” He nudged her with a hip and stepped away. “So where’s the other bridesmaid?”
“You mean our beloved Sister-Mommy?” His lips twitched at her nickname for Kyla. “She’s making sure everything is running smoothly, of course. And by the way, she’s not a bridesmaid. She’s the maid of honor.”
“Of course.” He looked out the window at the back yard. “You’ve really done a great job, Annie. It looks great down there.”
She joined her brother at the window and nodded. Rows of chairs had been arranged in two sections beneath a large canopy. A long white runner ran down the middle aisle between the chairs, leading to front. Cascades of fresh flowers adorned the front, providing the perfect backdrop for the coming ceremony.
It was perfect. “Kyla oversaw most of it, of course.”
“All except the flowers.”
Annie squeezed Dan’s waist, then let him go. “All except the flowers. Well, I’d better go down and see how your bride is doing. Kyla would never forgive me if she found out I was up here twiddling the morning away.”
“Go to it, then. Since I’m just the groom, I’ll go hold up a wall someplace.”
She laughed. “See there? You’re getting back into the swing of married life already.”
Annie hurried down the stairs, Kodi at her side, doing her best to avoid anyone as they made their way across the yard to her studio, which had been turned into the bride’s dressing room. Annie had been delighted when Shelby and Dan asked to have their wedding at her home.
“Your garden is just so beautiful,” Shelby said. “I’d love to be surrounded by all those flowers as we’re saying our vows.”
Annie couldn’t argue. Her garden was her pride and joy. Well, one of them. And the flowers had outdone themselves this year—almost as if they knew they were going to be part of something special.
That’s what this wedding was. Special. She could hardly believe it had been just over three years since Dan’s first wife, Sarah, died. Annie hadn’t been sure he would recover from that loss.
She opened the studio door and stepped inside. The sight that met Annie stopped her in her tracks. Shelby, in all her bridal glory, stood in front of a full-length mirror.
She turned to look at Annie as she drew close, and when their eyes met, Annie saw such joy in Shelby’s gaze. “Do I l
ook okay?”
“Okay?” Annie’s laugh was choked with emotion. “You look amazing.” She embraced the woman God had used so wonderfully in Dan’s life and heart. “I’m so happy for you. And for my brother.”
Shelby returned the hug.
“What are you doing? You’ll wrinkle the dress!”
The two women jumped apart and turned guilty gazes to Kyla, who stood there watching them. It took a second for Annie to realize the sternness in her sister’s eyes was teasing. “Oh, you!” She swatted at Kyla, who laughed and came to join the hug, careful not to squash the two bouquets she held.
Kyla stepped back. “Everything’s set. The place is packed. Dan’s standing up there looking all excited and nervous. Jayce is at his side, looking particularly dashing in a tux.”
“The flower girl is ready.” Annie patted Kodi’s head and met Kyla’s bland stare. Annie knew it took all of her sister’s self-control not to protest again. And from the wink Shelby sent her, her sister-to-be knew it too.
Kyla handed one of the bouquets to Annie, then lifted the large, beautiful bridal bouquet and extended it to Shelby. “So, what do you say, Miss Shelby? You ready to join this crazy family?”
The warmth of Shelby’s smile enveloped Annie and Kyla. “Just try to stop me.”
“A story this honest could only come from the deepest, most tender places in a writer’s heart. Karen Ball is a highly skilled author who has gifted us with a gripping, heartfelt tale of the times.”
—KAREN KINGSBURY, bestselling author of One Tuesday Morning,
Oceans Apart, and the Redemption series
Anne’s daughter Faith is the answer to her lifelong prayer to be a mother. But her dream is shattered when Faith rejects Anne’s love and the love of God. After years pass, and God heals their relationship, Anne falls seriously ill. Faith watches her mother weaken, struggling with role reversals and leaning on God as never before. Through all the intricacies of their relationship, all the joys and trials, they learn that God is with them. He brings them peace in the darkness, joy in the midst of sorrow, and hope in the face of death.