Today my guest is Lisa Harris, who is a wife, mother, missionary, and award-winning author who has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for the Christian market since 2000. Her husband and she, along with our three children, are currently living in Mozambique were they are focusing on discipleship training. They are also involved in leadership training and orphan aid throughout Zimbabwe and Zambia. So here’s Lisa:

“We’ve all heard of the Mary/Martha syndrome. Martha was the woman in the Bible who ran around, taking care of all the household preparations when Jesus and his disciples came to stay. Mary, on the other hand, left the preparations to her sister to sit at Jesus’ feet.

I often feel a mixture between these two women. In wanting to serve others, I’m quick to jump in, but like Martha, too often get caught up in the details like she did, and forget to take time to stop be still. To learn and glean from those around me. To find peace and strength in God’s word.

When I think about being a strong woman of God, I long to find the combination of both women. Martha opened up her home to Jesus and his disciples, and had the heart of a servant. But Mary was the one who, despite all that had to be done, remembered what was most important.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In our rush, rush world, I find these words a breath of fresh air. God knows the responsibilities we as women have. But He also wants us to sit down, be quiet, and like Mary, draw from His strength.

In my latest historical, Catherine Morgan wants to find her strength from God, but also has habit of allowing worry to take over. Catherine is bound by a promise to care for her three sisters until they marry, and will do anything to keep them safe—which isn’t easy. Especially when her old beau, Sheriff Corbin Hunter stands in her way. He has evidence that her sister’s fiancé is really an infamous bank robber—and the man who murdered his father. Because of this, Catherine finds herself torn between saving her sister’s heart and losing hers to the man who jilted her seven years ago.

Through Catherine’s journey in this story, she learns the important lesson of forgiveness, trust, and how to find joy, and in turn, to become a strong woman of God.
What helps you, in your busy day, to connect with God and find your source of strength?

And here’s my Family Recipe

When I think of summer, I think of my grandmother’s angel food cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Definitely one of my summer favorites along with the memories of time spent in the kitchen with her.

Angel Food Cake

12 egg whites

1 ½ tsp Cream of tartar

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1 ½ tsp Vanilla

½ tsp Almond extract

½ tsp salt

In a large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar on high until foamy. Gradually add ¾ cup of the sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and almond extracts.

Sift together flour, remaining sugar and salt. Gently fold flour mixture, ½ cup at a time, into egg mixture just until flour mixture disappears. Pour into an ungreased tube pan. Gently cut through batter with a knife to remove air bubbles.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Invert cake pan and cool completely.

Serve with whipped cream and fruit or simply enjoy plain!”–Lisa

To learn more about Lisa and her books drop by

http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com

OR www.lisaharriswrites.com

OR www.summersidepress.com

Thanks so much, Lisa. Your recipe looks easy, but I’m death to cakes. I’m a pie maker GRIN–Lyn