People often ask me which of my books is my favorite. I tell them that my books are like children—I’ve labored hard for many months to give birth to each of them, so how can I choose a favorite? Yet the birth of each new book is very exciting for me. And now I can announce that my newest baby, “Where We Belong,” is here!
I wrote a brief summary of the story in my last blog, and told how it was loosely based on the true story of two remarkable, self-educated sisters, Margaret and Agnes Smith who made the discovery of an important biblical manuscript. Their story inspired me because the sisters felt God urging them to pursue a calling that was “out of the box” in their Victorian era, yet they didn’t allow the social and cultural expectations of their day to stop them from doing it. What if we all lived that fearlessly for God?
I studied very hard when I was in high school so I could go to college and become a clinical psychologist. I clearly recall the day when I met with my high school guidance counselor for advice on which colleges to apply to, and he told me I should re-think my goals. The most suitable careers for women, he said, were teaching and nursing. I didn’t listen to him.
I chose to attend Hope College because I wanted a Christian foundation for my education. And I majored in psychology. Imagine my surprise when my college advisor told me I should pursue a teaching certificate along with my psychology major. He explained that I would need a Master’s degree or PhD. to become a clinical psychologist and I would probably get married and have children before getting that far. I would be wise to have a teaching career to fall back on, he said. (The generations of women after me can be grateful that they aren’t limited to two career choices!)
In hindsight, I can see that it was God who was advising and directing me all along. I’m not sorry that I never became a clinical psychologist. And I’m glad that I worked as a teacher for several years. Majoring in psychology gave me the chance to study human behavior, which helps me immensely in creating my characters and stories.
Each of us will hear a lot of voices telling us what we should do, and what we ought to do, and what society expects us to do. We’ll also hear our own inner voice telling us we can’t, that we aren’t smart enough, or talented enough, or good enough. I hope my newest novel will encourage readers to ignore those other voices and listen to God’s. Like the sisters in “Where We Belong,” we can examine the gifts and resources we’ve been given, along with the unique passions that have touched our hearts, and then decide if we want to live fearlessly for God or not. As you read this story, I hope you’ll decide to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). What a difference it will make!
If you would like a chance to win one of two free copies of “Where We Belong,” be sure to leave a comment below or go to my website www.lynnaustin.org to enter.
Latest posts by Lynn Austin (see all)
- Can An Old Dog Learn New Tricks? - November 15, 2021
- A 1951 Christmas - November 1, 2021
- Researching? - October 18, 2021
Susan Cornwell says
I started my college career with medical school in mind. However, like you, God spoke to my heart and I became teacher. As I stepped into the most important role God placed me in, that of mother, I realized God had directed my path. God knew it would be difficult for me to be a working mom of four, so this career allowed me to be off over school breaks with my children. Now that they are leaving the nest, I knew it was the best decision for me and our family. I hope I am reaching my students in a special way. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your newest book baby.
Deborah Raney says
Such good advice, Lynn. Let God lead, and then you know what you’re doing will be fulfilling and joyful, even when it’s difficult. I’ve always loved that verse in Proverbs.
Shirley Chapel says
I enjoyed your blog post today . Where we belong sounds very interesting and a must read. Thanks for your generous giveaway.
Cheryl H. says
The older I get, the more fearlessly I live for God and follow the path he has set for me. I never strayed far, even at my worst, but I carried around so much self-doubt when I was young.
Nicki Bishop says
Thanks for sharing, Lynn. So thankful God helps us make the best decisions.
Suzanne Sellner says
My husband and I both love your books, which give spiritual insights along with a compelling story line. Thanks for sharing your God-given gift!
carylkane says
Lynn, thank you so much for this spot on post! We will never be happy apart from God’s will.
I’m so excited to read Where We Belong!
Barbara H. says
I enjoy your books so much, I’d love to win this new one!
I had wanted to major in English, but thought Home Ec. Ed. would be more practical – most of the girls in my school were not going on to college at that time, so teaching about the home would be helpful to them. But I struggled in my home ec. classes, which made me feel like less of a woman (struggling with trig is one thing, but with Food Prep?!) The biggest problem was not knowing how to use my time wisely. Yet I made almost straight As in my English classes and struggled all through college with whether I should change my major and for years afterward wondering if I had missed the Lord’s will and wasted all that time and money. But after a lot of thought, I could see the Lord’s hand in it. I had come from a broken, non-Christian home, so classes on the home and family in a Christian university were a wonderful foundation for me. And my dear mom was not very domestic, so though I didn’t excel in some of these classes, they probably contributed greatly to my family’s survival. 🙂
Terry Treadway says
I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks too for the insight to your writing style and method.
Melissa Romine says
What a beautiful cover on your book baby! I love how God directs our lives even when we don’t realize that He is working. I had every intention in majoring in Business, but through a series of conversations and prayer felt led of the Lord to change my major to secondary education – Spanish and History. Then I planned to teach because my children would be in school when I was and I would be off in the summer. Oh, no. God had me to stay at home with those children after teaching only 5 years. So what am I doing now? God has blessed me with a major in a subject that not just anyone teaches. I have spent the last 16 years teaching Spanish to the homeschool students at my church. I consider it such a blessing and know that God orchestrates my life in a perfect way, I just need to follow.
Lori Smanski says
congratulations. I love it when God is leading and I choose to obey and see where He was leading me. Way to go girl!!!!! This sounds like a fantastic book. I wrote the title down. Growing up all I wanted to be was a stay at home mom with lots of children just like mom. A godly women who did sewing, canning etc. Mom was super involved in our lives. Five kids. Until I got in high school and I just wanted to be far away, so I chose to be a fabric designer in Switzerland. but dad refused. I have epilepsy (under control now for 35 years) but at the time not under control and dad was not going to have me out of country like that. All I can say know is thank you dad and thank you Jesus for speaking through him. I met a godly man and we had two beautiful children and I was allowed to stay at home with them. God really is so good when we are obedient to Him. He loves to bless us.
Melanie Backus says
Thank you for sharing your great post. We are so blessed to have God in our lives and knowing that he is with us every step of the way with the decisions we make and the things that we do makes life so much easier.
Lisa F. says
Thank you for this post! It really spoke to me, as I am nearing college graduation with an English degree next summer in my mid-40’s–finally following God’s leading instead of what everyone else said I should do, which was getting a Business degree ten years ago. I’m looking forward to reading this book, as I enjoy everything of yours I’ve read!
Jamie Pfaff says
I love your books and I am so excited to read this one. I couldn’t agree more that following the passions God put in our hearts is so important. I am trying to guide my 3 college age kids to do the same!
Marilyn Turk says
Hi Lynn. I so appreciate your post! Like you, I was advised to pursue the “normal” careers for women – teaching, nursing, or secretary. I considered them all and tried to commit to each one, but my heart wasn’t there. Instead, I pursued a career in Journalism with a minor in marketing. As a result, I often found myself as the only woman in my business, my territory or my company. I suppose you could say I broke the glass ceiling in my field during that time. But God knew my personality and where I would fit in the best, and I don’t regret being “different.” I love all your books. In fact, we were just listening to the audio version of “Until We Reach Home,” on a trip, and I love the way you used the Bible to communicate between two people who spoke difference languages. “Where We Belong” is on our book club list. Can’t wait to read it!
Jocelyn says
What a great post. College was never an option for me after my parents divorced. I attended a vocational high school so I could go right into the work force. I’ve been blessed to be able to
Stay home with my three children and home school them. But now that my kids are grown I’ve found that it’s been hard to hear Gods voice and direction. I don’t feel smart enough to learn a new career. But I’m praying God will use whatever gifts He has given me to serve Him.
Shannon says
Thank you for such an inspirational post. I look forward to reading the book.
Angie Quantrell says
College friends and I just enjoyed a weekend together where this subject came up – women and what rights (expectations) they had way back when and now. We were all thankful that women have so many more doors open today and choices for careers, especially for our daughters and granddaughters. Congratulations on the birth of your new baby, er, book!
Jenn Black says
I’m excited about this new book and look forward to reading it.
Sarah Snider says
I’m so glad that the Lord has a plan for us and that He works everything for our good! Thanks for the giveaway; I can’t wait to read your latest book!
Betty Strohecker says
What a great post – such good advice for everyone!
Your book sounds amazing. Thanks for the giveaway!
MH says
Thank you for the wisdom and reminder. I come from a family of teachers but God directed my path to medicine. Now my children are contemplating teaching….it’s an amazing and sometimes mysterious path He lays out for each of us. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book.
jcp says
Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
MS Barb says
I want to read about women who live fearlessly for God! This sounds like a really good book! Thanks for a nice Giveaway!
Joan Arning says
It is always amazing how seemingly insignifcant events in life make sense years later!
Megan L. says
This sounds like a really good book! Thanks for the giveaway and for writing.
Virginia Pillars, author says
Wonderful and congratulations on your new “baby!”
Paula says
I guess it’s logical that you could use your expertise to help you flesh out your characters. Great post!
Winnie Thomas says
Thanks for the inspiring post. Congratulations on your new book baby! And thanks, also for the giveaway.
Carol Alscheff says
Thank you for your post and a chance to win your newest baby. I always enjoy reading your books. Life is always an adventure and God is in control. I started out thinking I wanted to be a nurse. I wound up in college training to be a Spanish teacher. (Long story). I got married my last semester of college and graduated at a time when there were limited openings in my field. The Lord blessed us with 8 children. I had the privilege of home schooling several of them. I was a care giver to my mother in law for several years. I have ministered to many booboos over the years. This past summer my 7 year old granddaughter decided I was so good at first aid she would being all her wounded friends to me. They kept me quite busy. The Lord brought my interests together to use for his glory and my life has never been dull. Just different.
Vivian Furbay says
God bless you for the courage to make the decisions that were right for you. yes, I would love the chance to win a copy of your latest book.
Janet Estridge says
Congratulations on the newest addition to the family.
We have all your books in the church library and our readers love them.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Rachael K says
Thanks for sharing your story! I appreciate both the wisdom and the giveaway!
Jacqueline Robertson says
Would love to win/read this. Have read several of your books. Thanks!
Ola Norman says
Looking forward to reading this one.
Dot Spence says
I so loved hearing your story and how God kept steering you in the right direction.Would love to read the book. Anything that is as inspiring as this sounds has got to be worth much to all ages of people. May God bless you and please continue to give more inspiring books.
Perrianne Askew says
I can relate! Trying to make a career change & it’s tough. Congrats on the new book. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Abbie Peterson says
This book is on my ‘wish list’!
Patti H says
It is interesting to look back at the plans we made and recognize that God directed our path to something greater than we ever dreamed or imagined.
Lynn Austin says
Congratulations Patty! You are one of the winners of my book, “Where We Belong.” Please send me your email address @ lynnaustinbooks@gmail.com The book will be in the mail soon!
Trixi says
Lynn, I have enjoyed many of your books and this would be no exception! Thank you for the chance to win “Where We Belong” 🙂
Linda Horin says
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance to win it! Love your books.
Lucy Reynolds says
I look forward to reading. Congratulations on your new book. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!