In the Midst of Winter by Danice Hope - Book Tour + Giveaway
In the Midst of Winter shares ways to cope for those suffering from misunderstood chronic illnesses, and a glimpse into our daily lives for those who wish to understand. It also testifies of the Savior’s ability to reach into each heart and bring hope and renewal.
At age fourteen, Danice Hope started having troubles functioning during the winter months. Each year, the fatigue and depression grew worse. During the summers, her health would improve, and she learned to fit as much joy into life as possible before winter returned. After six years, she was finally diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Over time, she realized that there was also beauty in winter. She found a poster with flowers growing out of the snow that said, “In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.”
In the mid 1990’s, Danice moved south to Arizona with the hope of improving her health enough to have a better life. While the SAD improved, she found herself developing new health problems. The biggest surprise was that she could be sitting slumped over in a wheelchair in the emergency room, barely able to speak or move, and doctor after doctor told her that she wasn’t ill, or that it was “just anxiety”. After going to twenty-four different doctors in the next year, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Stunned at the loss of her hopes and dreams, she gradually learned to see in new ways, to balance her health, to reshape her dreams, and to look to Christ. She learned that flowers can grow not only in the snow, but also in the desert sun.
Danice Hope has been married to the same loving, supportive husband for 26 years. They live in the deserts of the American Southwest, where the winters are mild. Their two lovable cats keep them busy.
Danice loved to roam the mountains of Utah in her younger years, and to see the variety of wildflowers each spring. She has enjoyed writing since she was old enough to write. She takes solace in reading the scriptures and other good books. She is grateful for God’s care and guidance through the distresses of life.
Snippet #2
Elder Dallin H. Oaks also taught that healing
comes in different ways according to individual circumstances. He said,
“Sometimes a ‘healing’ cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we
are ‘healed’ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the
burdens placed upon us.”
I have often felt the love of Jesus as I've
struggled with health and other problems in life. I have felt his influence as
I've tried to learn the lessons he wants me to know. One thing I know is that
God really cares, and that he'll lead us and guide us through the dark, and
back into the light. He will walk with us through it all.
Snippet
#3
I have so many big goals that I want. But I
get so frustrated when I can’t seem to get any closer to them. Where is my ability
to forgive? I worked so many years on forgiving. But can I forgive myself? For
not knowing all the options, for not being able to find the solutions, but
especially for being ill.
On Touched
by an Angel they said that sometimes you need to be able to forgive
yourself for not being able to do it all. Oh, how that hurt! There are so many
things that are out of my control right now, and I feel like I’m in trouble for
it. I feel like if I can’t live up to what’s expected of me, then I’m bad or I
can’t be approved of or something.
0 Comments
Please try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.