Book

During the last few years I felt prompted to share some of the lessons I learned while going through my divorce and the hope and healing I experienced through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Dear Reader,

While going through my divorce, I came across the scripture found in Isaiah 61:3 

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting the Lord, that He might be glorified.”

The loss of my marriage caused me to mourn and grieve deeply, but this scripture gave me hope.

The promise that the “ashes of my life” could be turned to beauty was a promise I clung to in the coming years as I walked through the refiner’s fire.

I prayed God would somehow use my story for the good of others. 

As time went by I recorded lessons I was learning and the many miracles I experienced while single. 

Years passed and it was not until fall of 2017 that I decided to write a book about the healing and hope I had found while going through one of the most devastating seasons of my life.

By this time I had remarried a widower and two of our children had left home for college. I prayed how to best use my “extra time,” earnestly asking the Lord if it was time to begin work on writing a book.

My answer came during General Conference while standing in my kitchen, listening to the words of John C. Pingree. The opening line of his talk stopped me still. He asked-

“Have you ever wondered if Heavenly Father has a work for you?

Are there important things He has prepared for you-specifically you-to accomplish?

I testify the answer is yes!” 

I became emotional with his words, and tears began to prick the corner of my eyes as the Spirit testified that this was indeed, the answer to my prayers.

It was time to start writing.

Having never undertaken writing a book before. I began by writing down memories and moments that were turning points for me.

Slowly, but surely I felt I was taught by the Spirit, line upon line, how to write this particular book. It took me five years to write and edit my story of Beauty for Ashes.

Writing has been a humbling and exhilarating experience working hand in hand with the Spirit.

As I progressed, the Lord opened doors and led the right people into my life for the book’s completion.

This is the book I wish I would have had as I went through the trial of my divorce, and while being a single mom.

I pray that reading from the pages of this book will help you to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and recognize the plan He has just for you.

That you will be able to see the beauty, He can make from all our ashes.

Warmly, 

NM