This book of short stories offers the readers a window into the life of the author as a young boy growing up in New Waterford, Cape Breton in the 1960’s. Focused on simple encounters with family, friends and those who came into his life, the stories show how seemingly unimportant daily interactions shaded and prepared him for future aspects of his life. Anchor of My Heart is a nostalgic reminder of the importance of simpler days which are often not fully appreciated at the time. For the author, the metaphor of an anchor represents the hope that sprouted from his youth and the moral guidance it has provided him during his adult years, sometimes in places very far from Cape Breton Island. It is a tribute to the earliest memories of those who came into the author’s life throughout his childhood and who helped form his world view.

As fourth engineer on board the MV Orchid, Lehar Saxena has no time to prissy up in front of a mirror or flirt with the boys. Her chief engineer hates her guts and much like the MV Orchid, which she helps keep afloat on the journey across the violent and pirate-infested high seas, she has her own baggage: heavy with anxiety, stress and love woes. Amidst the machines, sweat and testosterone surrounding her, loom thoughts of her relationship with Sameer, always too busy at the OPD to FaceTime or even text as much as he used to. With a long-distance relationship fast approaching the maelstrom it was destined for, Lehar must focus on her work - even as Veer, the handsome second officer who recently joined the crew - proves to be a pleasant distraction. He may be just what she needs as the journey grows even longer, and far more dangerous.

“Ginger Gilbert Ravella and Jim Ravella have served and sacrificed much for our country. Jim and Ginger’s story of loss and tragedy turned to light and triumph, and the coming together of these two military families, inspires me. I do not take my freedom for granted nor the families like the Gilbert Ravella’s who sacrifice for it. This family has taken their loss and turned it to the greater good. An uplifting story of love and faith.” -Gary Sinise, Actor, Director, Musician, Veterans Advocate and Founder, Gary Sinise Foundation “In Hope Found, Ginger and Jim share their deeply personal experiences with love, loss and faith. Through journal entries and bible verses, you will come away knowing the depth of their pain and love for each other and the spouses they lost, as well as understand how faith helped them navigate a future they never anticipated.” -Taya Kyle, Mother and New York Times Bestselling Author of American Wife “Ginger, Jim and their children epitomize American heroes to me. Family and faith are woven throughout this book. The common bond of music, Troy’s old truck and love for our country have forever connected me to them.” -Lee Brice, Award Winning Country Music Recording Artist, Songwriter, Musician

Foreword by Melissa Kruger A journey with the Psalms Helps us face the reality of our emotions

Problems can make you feel like God is far away, but they can also be the very things that bring you closer to him. Anchored In isn’t a book of Christian cliché’s or sweet stories to warm the heart but rather an authentic look at the hard parts of life. It challenges us to stop running from and clinging to the past, and to grasp tightly to the only unshakable Anchor that is able to sustain our souls through the storms of life. Micah shares personal stories, such as her father’s abandonment of her family, and couples them with biblical application to offer real-life glimpses of God at work. She offers inspiration to live a life full of God’s power rather than one that causes us to turn away and be paralyzed by problems. Living anchored in God’s presence is a beautiful gift that few truly experience simply because they do not understand the key to God’s power – surrender. Or if they know to surrender, they do not know how to let go of the problems that consume their lives. Through simple, tangible steps learn to surrender in every season of life. Hearing from God is not reserved for a chosen few, but rather promised to those who believe. If you are longing to experience God’s power in a deeper way, this is a journey for you. "When heartbreaking seasons shake us to our core, we often grab for everything other than God. But Micah tenderly reminds us page after page that Jesus is the only true Anchor who will hold us, steady us, and bring us through to the other side of every storm.” — Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries As a friend and guide, Micah Maddox will walk with you through life's hard times and show you how, through God's power, you can get to the other side with greater freedom, strength and victory. — Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You're Already Amazing There are times when life hurts deeply. Though the grief, struggles and pain, we need reassurance that we are not alone. Micah Maddox’s book Anchored In, renews our hope and reminds us that God’s power can carry us through the stormy seas of life. Through scripture, stories and personal applications, Micah lovingly offers hope, victory and strength for everyone’s journey. — Karol Ladd, author of Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive and Power of a Positive Woman Life is hard. Most of us have learned that truth firsthand, the hard way. Trials, broken dreams, and the unexpected storms of life can leave us stuck in the past or numb in the present. Anchored In is more than a pep talk or quick-fix formula—it is a way of life. It should be required reading by every believer, whether your storm is in the past, the present, or looming on the horizon. Regardless of the forecast, grab a copy and get anchored in! — Vicki Courtney, best-selling author of 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, Move On, and Rest Assured Micah speaks about deep issues, pains, and struggles because she has been there. In the pages of Anchored In, you will find the healing hope of God. It’s brave, authentic, and powerful. — Courtney DeFeo, author of In This House, We Will Giggle When I watch the news each morning and feel the swirl of circumstances around me, it’s easy to feel powerless in this crazy world. Micah reminds us that it’s not our job to be powerful. It’s our gift to be connected to a powerful God. Through the vulnerable telling of her personal story and the timeless truths she embeds, Micah holds out a lifeline to us that’s Anchored In hope. — Amy Carroll, author of Breaking Up with Perfect and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer With tenderness and understanding garnered through personal experience, Micah Maddox points us to the healing power available to those who are anchored in relationship with Jesus Christ. Some shredded places in my heart have been mended. — Cindi Wood, speaker, author of Anonymous: Discovering The Somebody You Are to God One of the purposes of an anchor is to keep the ship from drifting or being dragged by the wind. A drifting ship could easily be damaged. A drifting Christian faces the same hazard. There are many events, pressures and influences that can cause us to drift in the Christian life. Micah has skillfully uncovered these areas while pointing us back to God’s anchoring presence. The lessons and real-life stories in this book provide direction on how to anchor our lives in the Lord. You will be enriched by this devotional. — Francie Taylor, Vice President, Keep the Heart, LLC Do you desire to discover God’s power regardless of your circumstances? Want to experience a deeper relationship anchored in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit? If so, you’ll love Anchored In. Micah Maddox brilliantly unpacks the power and presence of God (available for our daily living) and helps readers break free from paralyzing problems to embrace God’s propelling power for abundant living. — Julie Gorman, Co-founder of Married For A Purpose and author of Two Are Better Than One: God Has A Purpose For Your Marriage Micah's warm and engaging style feels like a conversation with a dear friend. She encourages her readers to run to the Lord through every circumstance of life, and to experience His power in every part of their story. She reminds us that we serve a God who transforms, a God who gives us His power to face every situation, a God who gives victory through our surrender to Him. He is good, and Micah's heartfelt words remind us of that truth. — Kristin Schmucker, author; founder of The Daily Grace Co.

Take time in the middle of life for your dreams. That is the message of this lighthearted true story of a Dallas couple who, in mid-career, sold their house and cars, bought a boat, and sailed around the world. Author Liza Farrow-Gillespie tells of pirates, storms, sharks, cannibals, and - scariest of all - 24/7 exposure to her husband's sense of humor. She also relates the joy and personal growth that can come from a zig and a zag along the path of life. Liza Farrow-Gillespie is an attorney, musician, and writer. During the sailing circumnavigation she published articles in Ocean Navigator, Cruising World, and Blue Water Sailing. Her husband Alan Farrow-Gillespie, M.D., is a pediatric anesthesiologist and former captain in the United States Air Force.

★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and—yes—happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures."--Publishers Weekly, starred review The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.