Speaking:
I am writing today to share with you what a blessing Lana Williams is as a person and speaker. We were privileged to have her speak at our Ladies Tea and on Mother’s Day at our church service. The love of Jesus shines so brightly through her, her testimony and her smile. She is a mighty person of prayer and has a gentle spirit. I highly recommend that you prayerfully consider reading her books and bringing her in to share with any size group. You will be touched by the love of Jesus when you do.”
– Sincerely in Christ, Bill Goodwin, Lead Pastor of Lighthouse Christian Church, Rosemount, MN. www.WorldWideLighthouse.com
Under the Shadow:
It was very difficult to put this book down once I began it even though I knew how it would end. I’d get to the end of one chapter and feel I just had to find out what happened in the next chapter. Lana does a wonderful job of telling the story of her son’s survival and recovery from a crash caused by being hit head on by a drunk driver. Her book is in journal form. There are pictures to show the damage and then the progress toward healing. God is her constant source of encouragement and comfort. She and her son, Mark David, truly live “Under the Shadow” of God’s healing and care. This is a tremendous book to read under any circumstances but it would especially minister to those whose lives have been impacted by tragic accidents.”
– J. Hardwick on amazon.com
As a pastoral counselor and professional voice coach for 40 years I thought I had seen it all. I baptized a convicted murderer under armed guard and prayed with people at death’s door, including my own granddaughter. But when I walked into the trauma center and saw my student and friend of 10 years, I questioned my ability to walk this one out. As friends and counselors, my wife, Carole, and I walked with Lana and Dave through a process only parents can understand. Months later, I firmly held Mark’s hands and prayed as they removed the metal pins that held his feet and toes together. Carole and I saw Mark’s first steps. We saw him wince during physical therapy. Today we listen to him sing…and openly weep with thanksgiving. Mark didn’t have a choice about being in the crash. He did, however, have a choice as to how he would, or would not allow his Heavenly Father to participate in the healing process. That choice was his alone.”
– Christopher Beatty, President, Vocal Coach LLC, Brentwood, TN. President, The Upright Foundation www.vocalcoach.com
There is a very fine line between the fragility of life and the essence of life. On a rainy December night, a high-spirited young man began a terrifying journey, resulting in purified faith. My family and I became intimately involved in witnessing the testing, triumph, and victory of Mark Williams. Few people I have ever known have come so close to death and returned so far into life. Watching Mark caused me to wonder how I could ever have lived through my own trauma years before. Gathered with his family on Christmas night, we experienced the holiness of God as Mark related to us the power of being taken into the perfect peace of God. This would be the essence of life that carried him into his healing.”
– Mickey Robinson, Friend, Author and International Speaker. Franklin, TN
The Williams family was a significant part of the leadership of our congregation for many years and they are very dear to my heart. We watched Mark grow into a young man who loves the Lord and who traveled nationally to share his faith through his amazing voice and insightful songs that he writes. I flew to Nashville to find Mark’s parents strong in their faith, ministering to other families in the Vanderbilt Hospital trauma unit. Their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen you as you read their awe-inspiring story.”
– Rev. James H. Rickard, Senior Pastor, Church of the Resurrection, Apostle-RAIN (Resurrection Apostolic International Network)
Lana, I have finished reading your book, Under the Shadow. The first book I have read cover to cover in many years. I was continually blessed as I followed along on your journey. Your book has given me hope—for the richness of God’s word you so powerfully planted and upheld as you faithfully took each new step into each new day. I have come to know Christ in a more meaningful way because of your faithfulness.
–Jeanine
Lana, I can’t even begin to tell you the effect this book is having on me. It is beautifully written! Powerful; filled with grace and truth. You are a beautiful writer!
–Sandi
Lana, Your love comes through on the pages of Under the Shadow, but more importantly, the warmth and love of God speak out to the reader. What testimonies your family has to share with the world! God bless you and Dave and Mark and Leah as you continue on the “upside” of a treacherous journey.
–Sharon
I couldn’t put your book down! I read until I finished at 5:00 a.m. What a testimony of God’s healing power at work today!
–Ann
Mark, I really enjoyed the book Lana wrote. I brought it to our cabin and couldn’t put it down until I was done with it. God has a great story through all the valley’s you and your mom and family have been through. The CD, Bless the Day, is so awesome! I bought it for my friend who was dying of leukemia. I was glad that it was your music she was listening to when she went to be with Jesus.
–Sue
The House on Spearmint Lane:
I laughed, I cried, I marveled. In this delightful story, encounters with people of character and those lacking in character receive the same innocent expectation, and the profound strength of goodness shows through time after time. This tender book refreshes the spirit.”
– Jean Bearden, Senior Director for Spiritual Formation at North Heights Lutheran Church
You will lose yourself in Lily’s wonderments. You will love her observations, Lana Yvette Williams expertly conveys love, self-sacrifice and hardships overcome while demonstrating the lasting impact adults have on impressionable children.”
– Sharon M. Knudson, speaker and author, Starting From Scratch When You’re Single Again (Strang Communications, 2008). www.StartingFromScratchBooks.com
The House on Spearmint Lane is a delightful read that causes one to reflect on the individuals and events that have shaped their own life. It’s a moment to pause and consider the impact of simple everyday living and a reminder that our faithful God continually works all things together for good to those who love Him.”
– Barbara Zeller, co-leader of Web Women Connect, an online daily devotional at www.WebWomenConnect.org
I sat for 4 hours straight reading The House on Spearmint Lane. It was so wonderful I couldn’t stop! It brought me back to my childhood. I giggled, I cried, wished, remembered and learned. I felt as if I were there with Lily on every page; the characters and the stories! I pictured each chapter in so much detail…I felt transported. Thank you for writing this book. I am anxious to get copies for my family and friends. Loved the poem, too… I hope to be a “Granny” in my Grandkids’ lives, where they will remember the smell of my perfume and the cuddling time.
–Sandy S.
