It’s always a blessing when I get to share my Christian writing friends with you. This week, I’m honored to share my blog with a precious sister-in-Christ and longtime writing friend and encourager, Ms. Sarah Geringer. Ms. Sarah’s latest book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road released yesterday, and is a book I was thrilled to preview and endorse. In this week’s blog, we’ll share some Q&A about this inspiring new book. Oh, and read to the end to see how you may win an author-signed copy of this book. Please welcome my friend, Ms. Sarah Geringer to the Cross-Dubya.
Hidden Manna on a Country Road
As I travel in my mind from my early youth to this morning, a common scene throughout my life has been the tree-lined dirt roads that always call me home. There’s something special about seeking God’s guidance in your life when you are immersed in the beautiful, natural world, He created for us. When I read an advance reader copy (ARC) of Hidden Manna on a Country Road from my Christian writing friend, Ms. Sarah Geringer, I was transported to southeast Missouri. There, I almost always found myself walking those roads with someone else. Sometimes, I strolled with the author, listening to her heart’s desires. Other times, there was “Memphis”, the author’s trusted Labrador retriever. Always, there was God. In the midst of our questions, trials, laments, and dreams, there is God.
When I asked Ms. Sarah if she would be willing to share some of her insights about her book, she readily agreed to a Question and Answer format. The following is what she shared.
Q) Who is your audience for Hidden Manna on a Country Road?
I wrote this book for a different audience than I had served with any of my other books. My reader base is typically women. But after doing research on my social media channels, I realized that I have many more male readers than I had ever expected to find.
I have written books for women and teens, but I have not yet written a book with men in mind. When I was crafting chapters for this book, I intentionally chose imagery and metaphors that would speak to both men and women.
Though women purchase the vast majority of books in every genre, I know there is a demand for quality Christian non-fiction books written for men. How do I know this? It’s due to the feedback I’ve gotten from men who have read my blog posts and books, saying the truths in them don’t only apply to women. It’s a joy to produce a book that I hope will be embraced by both men and women.
I also wrote the book for dog lovers and nature lovers. The entire book is based on prayer walks I took with my dog Memphis in my Missouri countryside. I expect those who love either nature or dogs will be encouraged by my stories.
Q) What does the idea of hidden manna mean for us today?
Manna was the food God provided to the Israelites when they were in the wilderness. Six days a week, they woke up to find manna resting on the ground. It was bread from heaven, given in just the right amounts for their daily provision. The perishable manna was also stored and supernaturally preserved in the ark of the Covenant, a visible symbol of God’s presence among his people.
In the book of Revelation, manna appears again. This time it is hidden manna, given to those who are victorious (Rev. 2:17). Of course, real manna didn’t survive thousands of years between Moses’ time and John’s writing of Revelation. Instead, it is a symbol of God’s everlasting provision for those who trust him.
We can look for symbols of God’s provision all around us in nature, which I call “hidden manna” in the book. On prayer walks, I discovered myriad visible prayer cues in all four seasons. I had never taken the time to ponder them until I was on walks with my dog. I hope by sharing the discoveries of my own hidden manna, readers will go on a quest to discover their own.
Q) How does Hidden Manna on a Country Road inspire people in their prayer lives?
Many Christians struggle in their prayer lives. I have found that most people will admit a sense of guilt that they don’t pray often enough or thoughtfully enough. They also sometimes find prayer to be boring or confusing, and they wonder if God is really speaking to them.
My goal with this book is to dispel all these problems Satan uses to tempt people to feel discouraged in their prayer lives. Readers can find many prayer prompts right outside their doors, which change with the weather and different seasons. Prompts in nature even spur us to pray for others, and intercessory prayer is an important part of our prayer repertoire.
If anyone feels like they are stuck in a rut in their prayer life, my book will give them fresh ideas on how to pray. It will free up confusion with practical theology, showing that day-to-day prayers are spontaneous and all-encompassing, from small to large issues.
Finally, readers will learn that God is speaking to them in many ways they never expected. They just need to slow down a bit, pay close attention to their surroundings, and use what they experience through their five senses to connect with God, who is constantly whispering to them through nature.
Q) How does Hidden Manna on a Country Road encourage mindfulness and Christian meditation?
I have written two books on Christian meditation, which is a topic close to my heart. Meditating on God’s Word every day completely changed my life almost 20 years ago. I’m passionate about helping people see that they can find peace for all their problems when they deeply and intentionally apply the truths of Scripture to their daily lives.
Prayer walks are an excellent time to meditate on Scripture, which is often the springboard for my prayers. I have carefully chosen the theme verse for each of the 40 chapters to encourage readers to think more deeply about what the scripture means for their lives.
Mindfulness is another important part of the book. When we got our Labrador retriever in the spring of 2019, I was forced to take daily walks near my country home. I had to slow my pace and pay greater attention to my surroundings, which I had only driven by before. On my many walks with Memphis, I engaged all five of my senses to take in the beauty of nature. My daily dog walking became an exercise in mindfulness, which brought me closer to God.
My goals are to inspire readers to meditate on Scripture while they are praying, and to be mindful of their surroundings so they can discover hidden prayer prompts all around them.
Q) Is Hidden Manna on a Country Road also for city dwellers?
Absolutely! I know many city dwellers dream of having a slower-paced life in the country. This book could serve as a mini escape for them. It’s a joy that my own photos will be included in the chapters and available on my website, so readers can lay their eyes on what views have inspired my prayer walks.
But even if city dwellers don’t have the flora and fauna available to them like I do in my Missouri woods, I believe this book will still inspire them to pray in different ways. They have their own kinds of hidden manna in the city. When they read about what I found in the country, they can start looking for signs of God’s daily provision all around them on their concrete-covered pathways.
I have gotten great feedback from several podcast listeners who say they aren’t necessarily nature lovers, but they enjoy the nature metaphors I use to explain spiritual truths. Jesus is my inspiration for this. He often used plants in his parables, which still connect with people thousands of years later. I love unpacking the spiritual truths in contemporary nature stories with my readers, whether they live in the city or the country.
Q) What do you hope readers will do after they’ve read the book?
So many of us slowed down and enjoyed more time in nature during the worldwide shutdown of 2020. Though this book is being released more than two years afterward, I pray it will remind people of the joy and peace they uncovered in nature at that time and inspire them to regularly reconnect with God again in nature.
Most of us know we need more exercise, and many of us want to spend more quality time with our pets. We also want to improve our prayer lives. So why not combine all three – walking with our dogs while praying? I hope more people will start prayer walking outdoors after reading this book, and I think they’ll enjoy it even more if they take their furry companions along.
I truly believe this is the best book I’ve written to date. I pray that if readers are inspired by it, they will spread the word about it to help more people gain inspiration for their prayer lives. I also hope that readers will take delight in the specialness of my beloved Missouri home through the wide array of plants and animals we have here.
Q) What lesson(s) were you most surprised to learn/discover as you wrote this book?
I was able to write this book in three short weeks. I’m amazed that God empowered me to write it in such a brief time. This inspires me to write more books since I know they won’t take so long to complete with God’s guidance and inspiration.
Q) How did writing this book impact you personally?
I finished writing the book in November 2021. The personal pain and suffering I’ve endured in 2022 has been unprecedented, and I could not have imagined it while I was writing the book. At a conference in March 2022, I learned that spiritual warfare is always tied to a physical location for specific reasons. Since I wrote this book about prayer walks in my corner of southeast Missouri, I realized that the enemy planted a physical stronghold adjacent to my property to try to thwart the message of this book. Since the enemy’s attacks have been so fierce and cruel this year, I have no doubt that this book is going to impact many for God’s glory.
Sara Geringer
I join with my friend Ms. Sarah in prayer that Hidden Manna on a Country Road will have a tremendous impact for God’s kingdom. As Christian writers, we are called to use the unique gifts He has blessed our lives with, in His service. If we do it right, we carry out His great commandment and great commission in both our writing and our lives. I’m honored to call Ms. Sarah both a personal and professional friend and am blessed to call her my sister-in-Christ.
Sarah Geringer is a writer, speaker, podcaster, artist, book launch manager, creative coach, and author of six books, including Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God’s Daily Provision All around Us.
She is on the devotional writing teams for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Hope-Full Living, Kingdom Edge Magazine, and Woman 2 Woman Ministries.
When she’s not reading over 100 books per year, Sarah enjoys painting, baking, gardening, and playing the flute.
Her daily must-haves are hot tea, dark chocolate, and fresh flowers.
She is a fifth-generation resident of southeast Missouri, where she lives with her three teens and beloved Labrador retrievers, “Memphis” and “Dallas”.
Sarah writes about finding peace in God’s Word at sarahgeringer.com.
Follow Sarah on:
Give-Away Opportunity for Hidden Manna of a Country Road
While no purchase is necessary, you do have to enter. To enter, share this post on social media using the hashtag #HiddenMannaOnACountryRoad and leave a comment below for Ms. Sarah to both encourage her continued walk with Christ and her writing. I will randomly select the winner from the names of those who both share this post and leave a comment.
Good luck and God’s blessings.
If you don’t win, please consider ordering a copy of this tremendous book, here.
I loved reading this interview. This morning I needed the reminder of manna – a symbol of God’s everlasting and faithful provision. Amen! He is our faithful provider! May God bless Sarah and this book, using both for His glory and to encourage many!
Thank you Joanne!
Amen! He surely is our faithful provider Ms. Joanne. Thank you so much for reading and sharing. God’s blessings ma’am.
I LOVE what you shared and am more than happy to share it on social media. We can use uplifting and positive messages there! I am intrigued by what you shared about your prayers walks and will definitely put your book on my must purchase list! God bless you and I pray your book reaches many hungry hands and hearts.
Thank you Ms. Ann. So pleased you are both enjoying and sharing.
Thanks so much, Ann!
With you on the Country Road, Sarah, and definitely on the essential TEA each day! Hope your book baby brings light to many! I’ll be sharing. (:
Thank you Ms. Gail. Like you, Ms. Sarah finds great peace amid God’s natural world.
Thanks so much, Gail!
Thanks for introducing me to Sarah and her new book. They both sound wonderful. I’m going to connect with her on social media right now.
Thank YOU Ms. Candyce; and thank you for helping spread the word ma’am. God’s blessings.
Having grown up in the country where all we had was dirt roads, I related with gratitude to every point, Sara made. Beyond that, I rejoice to extend that gratitude to my Cross-Dubya brother who cared enough to share this insightful book, which I will add to my library. The most intimate exchanges I’ve ever had with God did not occur in a church building or in a large group. They occurred in those moments Sara wrote about, and the impact of them lingers far beyond those times on the road. The road under my feet these days are on asphalt, but the God who walked with me on the unpaved pathways still has plenty of manna to pass out. Thank you both for the inspiring encouragement. Oh, and I will definitely be passing this piece along.
Yessir Mr. Ron. I felt much the same way as I first read this book a few months ago. Thank you so much for sharing with your vast audience.
I’m grateful for your shared insights here, Ron. Thanks for being willing to get my book too!
I love the book title. It reminds me of my childhood, home in the middle of nowhere. that still calls to me on a regular basis. Thank you.
Yes ma’am. There’s something about “the country life” that never leaves us, isn’t there Ms. Diana? Thank you for commenting and sharing ma’am.
I am so thrilled for you, Sarah, with your latest book, and I do hope it will inspire millions! I can’t wait to read it.
Blessings!
Thank you Ms. Martha. I too am praying a great impact for God’s kingdom with Ms. Sarah’s book. As a Christian author, I often pray that God use my words in whatever way He desires them to be used. I first started my Christian writing, hoping to make the NYT Bestseller list. Than, I realized that I’m not David Jeremiah or Max Lucado, and I don’t have a five-million-person following that seizes on my every word. I’m “J.D.”, and my job is to be the “J.D.” that God wants me to be. How He chooses to use me, and the fruit that He brings forth in my life in His concern, not my own. 🙂 Hope that makes sense. Whether it’s one book or one million books that are sold, as long as I hit the target God predetermined my work for, then I’m satisfied. God’s blessings sweet friend. Praying you and Mr. Danny are well.
Congratulations, Sarah, on your new book! Every book I write invites targeted spiritual warfare. Like you, I take it that God has good plans for those projects. I’m sure He has for yours.
That (spiritual warfare) sure does seem to be the case doesn’t it Ms. Debbie? Whatever we’re doing, if it’s God will, then we should expect that Satan is going to battle us. Stay strong sweet friend.
J.D., thank you for introducing me to another author! Sarah, I also enjoy God’s presence when I’m surrounded by His creation. Your book sounds very inspirational, and I appreciate your heart to encourage readers in their prayer life. May the Lord bless the work of your hands, using it to lead others closer to Him. I’m also planning to listen to your podcast – glad to learn about it!
Thank you so much Ms. Emily. It’s when we support one another in the Christian writing community that we extend Christian fellowship beyond the confines of our church. I believe this is as Christ defined it. God’s blessings ma’am.
J.D. and Sarah, As one who loves nature, animals, walking, and country roads, I look forward to reading Hidden Manna of a Country Road. My conscience nudged me when I read your message today–slow down! That–I need to do! Thank you, J.D. for hosting, and thank you Sarah for sharing this inspiring message.
Much appreciated Ms. Katherine. Knew you would appreciate the setting for this book, and when you read it, I expect you’ll also find yourself in those same settings. Thank you ma’am.
I just wanted to pop in and say Hi J.D. and Sarah, Congrats on another book, Sarah, you’re a wonderful writer and encourager,
As are you, J.D.
Keep up the good work,
Kathy
I’m so very glad you did Ms. Kathy. Such a blessing ma’am. Praying you are well.
J.D. and Sarah, this book sounds like a slice of heaven. Congratulations, Sarah, for this new book. I pray it touches many lives.
Thank you for the comments and the prayers Ms. Annie! You’re a peach! (Can I call someone from PA that?) 😀 I’m certain you have Suthin’ roots in there somewhere, you’re too kind not to have.
What a wonderful discipline, that we choose to SLOW down and seek these hidden blessings and provisions of God. We are a bustling and highly stressed bunch in this wide world. Praying your book brings rest of heart for your readers.
Amen Ms. Mary. It seems counterintuitive in the human realm but slowing down does help us complete the tasks, both spiritually and physically. Less mistakes, more attention to detail, we listen and comprehend better. Well said ma’am.
Hey Sarah, I didn’t know about your new book. So glad J.D. shared this interview to find out more behind the scenes and intent of the book. It sounds so amazing and I’m sure it’s as wonderful as your meditation book I read. Yes, agree with the spiritual warfare thoughts. Having been in full time ministry for many years, I know the schemes of the evil one are to thwart any efforts to bring glory to the Almighty, especially those that will make the most impact. Plan to order the book and praying over you and your family and the impact of your words.
Yes! I too enjoy Ms. Sarah’s other books. Like you, she’s a blessing and a half too Ms. Karen. Thank you for your prayers ma’am.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview! This book sounds wonderful!
Thank you Ms. Edwina. So appreciate your encouragement and support my friend.
Thanks for sharing about this new book, J.D. and Sarah. I love the concept and look forward to prayer walks inspired by the countryside.
Not sure if you get to go for walks in the countryside in RSK Ms. Barbara, but it won’t be long before you are home again. Oh, how I pray for that day.
I just received a message that my hard copy will arrive a day early! And I’m tucking another away as a Christmas gift. Your gentle words have blessed me in a challenging time, Sarah.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview, J.D.
Blessings,
Tammy
So excited to see pre-ordered copies arriving. Mine haven’t come yet, but several are CHRISTmas presents, so we have time. 🙂 Thank you so much for joining in and encouraging our friend Ms. Sarah. God’s blessings Ms. Tammy.
Thank you, JD, for sharing what seems to be a great tool in our quest to pray effectively. God bless.
Such kind words. Thank you Ms. Nancy. You’re a blessing ma’am.
I grew up in the country and nature speaks to my heart to draw me to God. so this book sounds like a lovely book!
There is most definitely something special about those quiet meandering country roads. I drove my wife deeper into the rolling hills of east Texas yesterday and was able to see some beautiful fall foliage. As we drove along Hwy. 14, it was quiet, serene, and I could feel God’s presence as we drove. I sure understand what you mean Ms. Kathy. Thank you so much for commenting ma’am.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. The book sounds wonderful! I am both a dog lover and a nature lover so it sounds like a book I would enjoy.
Thank you Ms. Terri. I think you’ll enjoy the book immensely ma’am. Good luck in the giveaway.
I look forward to reading this new book. 🙂 Thank you for sharing about Sarah and her book.
Absolutely Ms. Melissa. Thank you for commenting and sharing ma’am.
Yes, yes!! Such a good word, Sarah. My grandma used to say to take time to smell the roses. And I know that God wants us to see the blessings all around us.
Amen Ms. Jeanne. God does want us to enjoy the beautiful world He created for us, doesn’t He?
This book sounds wonderful and intriguing! I will look forward to reading it. Thanks, JD, for a delightful interview with Sarah.
You bet Ms. Karen. Thank you for your kind comments ma’am. God’s blessings.
Thanks for your kind words, Karen!
Sounds so wonderful. I will check out this new book and thanks so much for sharing about it.
Thank you Ms. Yvonne. Like you, Ms. Sarah inspires me with her words.
Thanks for checking it out, Yvonne!
Thank you for sharing more about Sarah’s book!
Absolutely! Thank you Ms. Barbara.
Thanks Barbara!
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I was unaware of the manna reference in Revelations. I appreciated the added explanation and desire to be included in that deep hunger to partake of that hidden manna. From a big dog lover, owner, and walker, best wishes on your beautiful book.
So glad you enjoyed; and most grateful for your kind words of encouragement for my friend Ms. Sarah. Much appreciated ma’am.
I enjoyed this interview, J.D. I plan to check out Sarah’s book!
Thank you Ms. LuAnn. Glad you enjoyed ma’am. God’s blessings to you, Mr. Kenn, and family.