Fruit of the Spirit: Authors share stories of faith, farming

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Hoosier writers Beth Gormong and Susan Hayhurst are proud to present “Growing the Fruit of the Spirit: 100 Devotions for Farm Families.”

From city girls to farm wives, the women share the ups and downs of country life and how their faith in God sustains them.

“It’s a chronicle of our adventures and misadventures of learning what it means to be a farm wife,” Hayhurst said.

“The adventures are learning everything from how to skunk-proof a daughter’s playhouse to learning to drive tractors — unsuccessfully.

“It’s been full of worry at times. But we believe God has a great sense of humor putting two city girls with farm boys, and we both think we would have gone insane had we not kept our sense of humor.”

Their book includes devotions categorized under the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

Each devotion begins with a scripture, includes anecdotes of farm life and an inspirational message, and closes with a brief prayer and calling.

“For us, faith and farming are intertwined,” Hayhurst said. “We don’t know how they couldn’t be intertwined. It’s a daily walk and a daily commitment.

“I met my husband, Terry, on a blind date for my 10th high school reunion. I always said I wouldn’t marry a farmer because I’m allergic to everything on the farm. Thankfully, I’m not allergic to Terry. The Lord brought us together in an unexpected way.”

The authors are available for book signings, participating in vendor events and as inspirational speakers.

The books may be purchased through the authors, and on Amazon and Kindle at https://tinyurl.com/uwkkf5v9.

For more information about Gormong and Hayhurst, visit their websites, www.bgormong.com and www.susanhayhurst.com.