What do you think?
Rate this book
Beauty for Ashes: Divorce and the Latter-day Saint Woman
From the Author
Dear Reader,
While going through my divorce, I came across the scripture found in Isaiah 61: 3 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting the Lord, that He might be glorified."
The loss of my marriage caused me to mourn and grieve very deeply, but this scripture gave me hope. The promise that the "ashes of my life" could be turned to beauty was a promise I clung to in the coming years. I prayed God would somehow use my story for the good of others.
Time passed, and I experienced many life changes and significant healing. Through the passing years, I jotted down the occasional idea related to this scripture and recorded in my journals the many miracles I experienced while single. After sharing some of these personal stories and having many friends suggest I write a book about my divorce, I decided on a title for this "idea of a book."
But the moment I knew for certain I was going to begin to write seriously, Beauty for Ashes was General Conference weekend in October 2015. Two of my kids had left home for college, and I was praying how to use my "extra time best." I earnestly asked the Lord if this was the season to begin work on the book idea I had had.
I received my answer while I was standing alone in my kitchen, conference was being broadcast on a device while I was quickly finishing up lunch preparations in the crockpot. John C. Pingree began to speak, and the opening line of his talk stopped me still. He asked, "Have you ever wondered if Heavenly Father has a work for you? Are there important things He has prepared for you-specifically you-to, accomplish? I testify the answer is yes!"
I became emotional with his words, and tears began to prick the corner of my eyes as the Spirit testified that this was the answer to my prayers. It was time to start writing. I remained in the middle of my kitchen for the rest of his talk, afraid to move and miss a single word he had to say. There were so many lines that spoke to my heart. Especially when Pingree quoted Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!"
The message to me that it was time to begin the impossible could not have been any plainer! Having never undertaken writing a book before, I started writing down memories and snippets of moments that were turning points for me. Slowly, slowly I felt I was taught by the Spirit line upon line how to write this book.
Writing has been a humbling and exhilarating experience. As I progressed, the Lord opened doors and led the right people into my life for the book's completion. Authoring "Beauty for Ashes; Divorce and the Latter-day Woman" has been life-changing for me.
I wrote the book I wish I would have had as I went through the trial of my divorce, and while being a single mom. I pray that reading from the pages of this book will help you to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and recognize the plan He has just for you. That you will be able to see the beauty, He can make from all our ashes.
Warmly,
NM
Dear Reader,
While going through my divorce, I came across the scripture found in Isaiah 61: 3 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting the Lord, that He might be glorified."
The loss of my marriage caused me to mourn and grieve very deeply, but this scripture gave me hope. The promise that the "ashes of my life" could be turned to beauty was a promise I clung to in the coming years. I prayed God would somehow use my story for the good of others.
Time passed, and I experienced many life changes and significant healing. Through the passing years, I jotted down the occasional idea related to this scripture and recorded in my journals the many miracles I experienced while single. After sharing some of these personal stories and having many friends suggest I write a book about my divorce, I decided on a title for this "idea of a book."
But the moment I knew for certain I was going to begin to write seriously, Beauty for Ashes was General Conference weekend in October 2015. Two of my kids had left home for college, and I was praying how to use my "extra time best." I earnestly asked the Lord if this was the season to begin work on the book idea I had had.
I received my answer while I was standing alone in my kitchen, conference was being broadcast on a device while I was quickly finishing up lunch preparations in the crockpot. John C. Pingree began to speak, and the opening line of his talk stopped me still. He asked, "Have you ever wondered if Heavenly Father has a work for you? Are there important things He has prepared for you-specifically you-to, accomplish? I testify the answer is yes!"
I became emotional with his words, and tears began to prick the corner of my eyes as the Spirit testified that this was the answer to my prayers. It was time to start writing. I remained in the middle of my kitchen for the rest of his talk, afraid to move and miss a single word he had to say. There were so many lines that spoke to my heart. Especially when Pingree quoted Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!"
The message to me that it was time to begin the impossible could not have been any plainer! Having never undertaken writing a book before, I started writing down memories and snippets of moments that were turning points for me. Slowly, slowly I felt I was taught by the Spirit line upon line how to write this book.
Writing has been a humbling and exhilarating experience. As I progressed, the Lord opened doors and led the right people into my life for the book's completion. Authoring "Beauty for Ashes; Divorce and the Latter-day Woman" has been life-changing for me.
I wrote the book I wish I would have had as I went through the trial of my divorce, and while being a single mom. I pray that reading from the pages of this book will help you to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and recognize the plan He has just for you. That you will be able to see the beauty, He can make from all our ashes.
Warmly,
NM
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2020
4 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 1, 2021
This book is beautifully written and achingly personal. Noelle takes you on a life-changing journey of personal transformation through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I was taking notes and thinking about my own life and how I've handled rough times in the past and how I plan to tackle challenges in the future.
Beauty for Ashes is well-paced and and perfect combination of personal experience and trusted doctrine, with the exact right scripture or quote to elevate and inspire at every turn. The author shows you what is possible when you turn your life over to God and and walks you through a step by step process to make that abstract concept a reality. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
I have not been through a divorce and, although divorce is a part of Noelle's story, the process of overcoming she outlines is universal. Despite the fact that some of my challenges are different from hers, this book felt personally applicable to me.
Beauty for Ashes is well-paced and and perfect combination of personal experience and trusted doctrine, with the exact right scripture or quote to elevate and inspire at every turn. The author shows you what is possible when you turn your life over to God and and walks you through a step by step process to make that abstract concept a reality. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
I have not been through a divorce and, although divorce is a part of Noelle's story, the process of overcoming she outlines is universal. Despite the fact that some of my challenges are different from hers, this book felt personally applicable to me.
August 4, 2022
The one and ONLY book about divorce written by a member of the church. Noelle’s book is full of true and raw experiences that took me in a journey of self reflection, healing and self love and self forgiveness. It’s simply one of a kind, I am so grateful for her honestly and willingness to share some her most personal and sacred spiritual experiences. THANK YOU Noelle, I loved every chapter, it was like open heart surgery, I very much enjoyed the book club, it was just what I needed.
November 11, 2020
The author is very open about what she went through as she was going through a divorce. I appreciated her openness and honesty about her struggles.
October 15, 2023
Going through a divorce is tough!! Being LDS and never imagined a divorce was in my future, this book was so helpful and beautifully aligned with the scriptures. Highly recommended for those going through a divorce.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews