Blogger: Mary Keeley
Yes, the title of today’s post is a takeoff on C. S. Lewis’s and N.T. Wright’s books, Surprised by Joy and Surprised by Hope respectively. Not for the spiritual giants who wrote them, but for the inspiration that is communicated in the titles. Be prepared because in the busyness of your daily life, you may be surprised by joy and hope when you least expect it.
Example #1:
It began as a normal week with the exception of a few added items on my to-do list: finishing touches on a workshop and notes for a meeting at a publishing house in preparation for back-to-back trips in the next two weeks. And research for an online meeting with clients the day after I get back to the office plus normal, daily client work. My week was full.
And then it happened. One after another, four contracts arrived in my inbox. Two of them were expected, but I hadn’t been counting on the other two just yet. Those ordinary days when our minds are occupied with regular tasks at hand, we can be surprised by joy.
Example #2:
Two years ago four Books & Such clients had a contract for their novella collection. However, when the publisher shut down its fiction line, the contract was cancelled, and the proposal for the seasonal collection has been in limbo ever since.
And then it happened. Recently, an editor requested the proposal and suddenly the authors are updating their bios to prepare it for submission. You never know when you’ll be surprised by hope.
The best way to prepare for surprises is to approach our work, recognizing that it’s all about God and his timing. He knows you and what you need today and what he wants to accomplish through you. Our responsibility is to work—and write—to the best of our ability.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).
It’s good to recall amazing “coincidences” you experienced in the past to be ready to give God the glory next time you are surprised by joy and hope in your writing life. In the meantime my hope is that you are inspired today.
Tell us about a time you were surprised by an award or a contract or an offer of representation—something big or one of the many small things like an author friend’s affirmation on a day you really needed encouragement. Let’s take time to celebrate these gifts and inspire each other.
TWEETABLES:
On any day you may be surprised by joy and hope in your writing career. Here are two examples. Click to Tweet.
Writers, always give your best effort and be ready for God’s surprises. Click to Tweet.
Shirlee Abbott
Perhaps my biggest surprise from God came in the midst of what promised to be a difficult business meeting. Two hard meetings were scheduled for the same day–one at work, one at church. There were angry people coming to both venues, eager to misconstrue facts and accuse. It was the kind of day that makes one ask, “am I in the wrong place, Lord?”
* Before we got to the hot topic, we had to make it through the scheduled reports. In the middle of what seemed to everyone else to be a routine–yes even boring–account of quality assurance and improvement, the pathologist made a passing reference to a specific program. A program I started, in another city for another employer, more than 20 years before. In those few words, I heard God say “You were where I wanted you then, and you are where I want you now. I was with you then, and I am with you now.” To this day, I treasure that hidden affirmation. I’ve forgotten the battles.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Shirlee, I have a corollary to your wonderful story…this morning I took PITunia JezeBULL out for her constitutional, and with every step a nimbus of a sort of exquisite pain, I chanced to look down…
…and there, at my feet, were the first brave shoots of green, the stalwart grassy heralds of the coming Spring.
* Thus saith The LORD – “Look around, DUMMY! I’m HERE!”
Shirlee Abbott
Are you sure you heard that right, Andrew?
* Nobody, not even God, would call you “Dummy.”
* “Ye who are blind,” yes. “Silly child,” possibly. “Preoccupied one,” definitely. I doubt that he who created your sharp intellect would disparage his own workmanship.
* Go God! Bring on the spring!
Jeanne Takenaka
Shirlee, it’s always amazing when God confirms we are right where He wants us. I love your story.
Mary Keeley
I love this, Shirlee. That surprise moment when God’s presence and response are palpable.
Shelli Littleton
“I’ve forgotten the battles” … yes. But God …
Lori Benton
Yesterday I was surprised and lifted up after a disappointing day of writing by a letter from a librarian who had read one of my books and was thrilled with it. Her kind words were the encouragement I needed. It reminded me that God sees and cares about the ups and downs of my week.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Lori, the luminous faith and heart in your writing is unique, and a treasure.
Lori Benton
Thank you. God is faithful, no matter how feeble my efforts on some days. I know you know how that works far better than I do.
Mary Keeley
Lori, God’s timing in the surprise encouragement he prompted your way is extraordinary, isn’t it.
Shelli Littleton
Oh, Lori … I can’t imagine you having a disappointing day of writing … no way. I love your writing. But thank you so much for sharing that …
Lori Benton
Thanks, Shelli. But I’m no different than the next writer when it comes to the hard day to day work. Yesterday I was just drained.
Lori Benton
Which makes want to state as a reminder for me and for all of us… don’t ever think any writer (any human being for that matter) isn’t fighting a battle while she’s trying to get her book written, edited, or marketed, or published. No matter if you see that battle taking place or he’s keeping it private, there is one being waged on some level. We are all subject to the same weaknesses and failings and trials. All of us. And we all need those sudden glory moments of God speaking directly to us, just us, and the eyes to see them.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
This morning, after a long and fell night that I will forbear to describe, I was Surprised by Clarity; to wit, the purpose of my life was nothing like that which I had imagined, and that by the shedding of pride and the acceptance of a certain humiliation can the lives of my wife and dogs be best served.
* Not exactly eggs sunny-side-up, with bacon and coffee, but God will serve up His meanings in His own way.
Jeanne Takenaka
Andrew, it seems like often the way we envision our lives going and God’s visions for our lives are very different. When we can look and see His direction, and get on board,it’s a good thing. Your heart shines through here, my friend.
Mary Keeley
Andrew, yours is a calling to which only God’s bravest servants can be entrusted.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Mary, thank you…though I really don’t feel brave. As I write this, the physical symptoms are terrifying.
* But I hope that evil in a fallen world is a zero-sum game, and that my dealing with this means someone else doesn’t have to, because that’s the only thing worth dying for.
Janet Ann Collins
Andrew, you are exactly where God called you to be, here on this blog community. You’ll never know this side of Eternity how your influence on us will go on to help us influence others.You are an inspiration.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Jan…gosh. All I can say is a part of what I’ve been preparing as my ‘farewell’ when I’m gone –
* I love you all. I hope you’ll never give up hope, and that when faith loses strength and heart, you’ll be able to turn to your sisters and brothers here, in this special place, and rest in their loving arms until you can breathe again.
* I hope you’ll always know that you are being cheered on by people you’ve never met, that your sorrows bring tears to eyes into which you’ve never gazed, and that your joys will echo in celebration around tables in places you can’t imagine.
* And wherever I am, you will always be in my heart.
* I love you all.
Jackie Layton
Last June I was at the hardware store with my son picking out a grill for my husband’s birthday. A text came through from a good friend, and she announced I was a finalist in the Genesis. I was so excited, and SURPRISED. It was nice to have my son with me to share the joy.
One nice thing about writing inspirational novels is the friends we make. We all want to honor God with our stories, and we celebrate each other’s victories.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
How WONDERFUL! 🙂
Carol Ashby
That is so cool, Jackie! What was your category?
Jackie Layton
Romantic suspense. I didn’t win, but it was an honor to be a finalist!
Carol Ashby
There are only 3 finalists, so that is at least a bronze in a marathon. (Isn’t writing a novel a marathon with your fingers instead of your feet?) . I’d call that a big honor!
Mary Keeley
Jackie, on days when you are discouraged, as Lori referred to earlier, reminding yourself of this wonderful surprise will encourage and affirm your writing gift. Congratulations again on your Genesis final.
Celebrating each other’s victories is one of the things I love about our blog community.
Jeanne Takenaka
On a personal note, when I was a teacher, my first-ever class was extremely difficult. My principal had told me that she wasn’t sure she could offer me a contract beyond the two years. As I looked out my classroom window at the exert landscape, I asked God if I had moved to that location for nothing.He spoke very clearly to me and told me He had brought me there, and He would work things out.
*Writing-wise, a couple years ago, when I was questioning if was supposed to be writing,God allowed me to find out I had finales in two contests a couple days apart. That lifted my spirits and felt like He was telling me I was right where I needed to be.
Mary Keeley
Beautiful stories of being surprised by God’s clear confirmations. Thanks for sharing them, Jeanne. I’m sure they brought joy and peace to your heart.
Congratulations again on your two contest finals.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
I wonder how Ernest Evans would have answered this.
* On the morning of october 25, 1944, the US invasion fleet in Lingayen Gulf, in the Philippines, was Surprised by Doom, in the form of most of the surviving heavy units of the Japanese surface navy…including the 60,000-ton battleship Yamato, the largest in the world.
* The heavy cover for the Americans had been drawn off by a Japanese feint, and the only combat units left were a few escort carriers, destroyers, and destroyer escorts, who did the only thing they could…they ran.
* But the chase belongs to the fleet of foot, and the Japanese were faster…and the only way ANY American vessels could survive would be by abandoning the slowest of their number, the plodding escort carriers…and their crews.
* Ernest Evans, commanding the destroyer USS Johnston, didn’t see it that way, and he ordered his ship into a turn…straight into the Japanese guns. He was followed by the destroyers Hoel and Heerman, and the destroyer escort Samuel B. Roberts.
* The result was predictable; the Johnston made two attacks, the second after having been shot to bits, and was sunk, along with the Hoel and Roberts.
* Around half the crews of the three ships died, including Ernest Evans.
* And the Japanese turned away, lions defeated by a pack of chihuahuas.
* So how would Ernest Evans (who won – posthumously – the Medal of Honour) react? No one can say. ‘Surprised by Glory’ is trite; no one looks for glory, except the callow. Same with ‘Surprised by Honour’.
* Perhaps Evans, a Cherokee, might have said, ‘Surprised by Duty’, and left it at that.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
One of the unique events of the Battle off Samar was the sinking of a Japanese heavy cruiser by an American escort carrier…by gunfire.
* The CVE’s were basically short flight decks placed on the hulls of converted tankers, and were slow, cumbersome, and fragile. They were given an open-mount 5-in gun on the fantail, for moral support more than anything, I suppose.
* But the crew of the USS White Plains took their gun drills seriously, and finding themselves pursued by the Japanese cruiser Chokai, took it under fire…and hit the Chokai’s torpedo tube mounting, with its fish still unfired.
* The Chokai went dead in the water, and was later scuttled by the Japanese.
* And thus the Japanese captain might have said, “Surprised by %#@&*!”
Mary Keeley
Or perhaps “surprised by strength to do the heroic thing.”
Shelli Littleton
Someone told me that I was special, and I bawled. It had been a very hard day. 🙂
Carol Ashby
Get your Kleenex handy. I think you’re very special, too. If we took a poll here, you’d know there are lots more than me that feel that way.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
You got that right, Carol.
Jackie Layton
Definitely very special!
Shelli Littleton
I needed that, Carol. Thank you, Jackie. And y’all know I’m crazy about you … each one of you.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Shelli, gonna warn y’all right now that when – not if – I make it to ACFW, I’m gonna ask for your autograph. You’re my Hero of Faith.
Shelli Littleton
Oh, Andrew … you’re my hero of so many things. I have such a huge hug waiting for you … either on this earth or in Heaven … but either way, it has your name on it. I’m a hugger. 🙂
Jackie Layton
Andrew, when you make it to ACFW, everybody is going to want to hang out with you!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Looking forward to it, Shelli…but hug gently. A bear hug could drop me.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Jackie…wow. Something I would never have envisaged.
* Just look for the Chinese dude with a black t-shirt and wraparound Oakley…in a wheelchair.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Someday, you will see yourself as you ARE , not as you’re labelled.
Until you do? I’ll be here, there, and wherever, doing my best to remind you that you are LOVED. That you are BEAUTIFUL. That you are SPECIAL.
God made you a treasure.
And honey? Once a treasure, always a treasure.
I think a few others will agree.
Shelli Littleton
Okay … you know that got to me. 🙂 xoxoxo
Shirlee Abbott
Amen!
Teresa Tysinger
LOVE YOU, Shelli 🙂 Seeing you at ACFW was a highlight.
Mary Keeley
I’m thankful for God’s perfect timing to correct any wrongful impression your day may have given you, Shelli. Keep your friend’s words in your heart for when you might need them again because writers spend a lot of time alone at their computers with only their own thoughts for companions. It’s good to be reminded of how special others see you.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Guess I’ll share the best Surprised by Joy story I know –
* A few years ago, I went to the local pound and asked to see the death row dogs. I told the attendant, a skinhead with prison tats, that I wanted to adopt.
He asked, “Which one?”
“All of them.”
He started crying.
Jackie Layton
Now we’re all crying. What a beautiful story and act of kindness.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Jackie, thanks…I learned a long time ago that my house isn’t a yacht, it’s a lifeboat. NO ONE gets turned away.
Shelli Littleton
Wow. “You could say I’m a rescue …” I love that line from Tron.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
We’re all rescues, Shelli, and in realizing that, we realize that our linked arms are the bridge across the Abyss, and the road that the lost can follow to Life and Hope.
Shelli Littleton
Yes. I love being a rescue.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Just now – literally – I took Josie the Ridgeback out, and her habit is to insist to be carried back to the house…cradled belly-up, rather like a baby. She is a very ‘hard’ dog…one of the few I never allow off-leash. And she was within minutes of death when I got her (along with her twin sister, Reebok).
* I wonder if she is reminding me that however tough I am, that there is a time to allow myself to be held, and carried…a time to trust the Rescuer.
Lara Hosselton
Oh Andrew, if you haven’t done so already, could you turn your act of kindness into a short story? I’m sure you consider the dogs you rescued as the real heroes, but it would be wonderful to read about the extraordinary bond you share with them.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
They are the real heroes, Lara. And I will do that; and if it’s not a trespass on the etiquette of this community, I’ll let you know when it goes up on my blog.
* The story will be theirs, as is my heart, and the purpose of my very life.
Teresa Tysinger
Joy and hope…two of my favorite words, Mary! I can’t count the ways I’ve been surprised by joy and hope these last several months. This industry, as you’ve pointed out, has a way of doing just that. Winters of waiting turn into spring awakenings of hope. Just yesterday, I told a friend about a time she blessed me with a hopeful moment. Last year I attended just the last day of ACFW Conference. I felt new and green, nervous, and full of doubt that I belonged there among so many “legitimate” writers. Then Laurie Tomlinson, ACFW member whom I had recently connected with on social media, recognized me at the registration window and was kind enough to say hello and chat a minute. Her simple kindness made me feel “SEEN” in more ways than one. It was just what I needed that day. That community has since become paramount to my “career” perspective.
Shelli Littleton
Teresa, I can so relate. I’ve never been encouraged more. The writers in this community are so loving, regardless of where we are on this journey. And oh, my goodness … I’ll say it again and again … I was so tickled to see you. And to room with Jennifer Major … we’d Skyped … but to see her in person. To see Jeanne Takenaka in person. To see Jackie Layton in person. Everyone. My list could go on and on. These are not fake relationships.
Teresa Tysinger
Oh no, just the opposite of fake. The most real, I believe. Shared purpose and faith binds us in a unique way–instantly. And I’m so grateful!
Mary Keeley
“Winters of waiting turn into spring awakenings of hope” — poetically described, Teresa. And doesn’t God bring it at the perfect time.
Sheila King
For the past two weeks, a sixth grade class has been reading my book. I have gone in for discussions and used their marked-up manuscripts to make revisions.
One boy said (on the third day),”I finished the book last night. When we started I didn’t want to do it because it’s not the kind of book that I like. But now that I finished it, it was the best book I ever read.”
THAT was an encouragement. The whole process was helpful and wonderful.
Here is one example of what I learned: one clue in my mystery is a child named Bobby. Years later a mystery man shows up named Mr. Roberts. Not a single kid got the clue because they did not know that Bob was a nickname for Robert. I guess nobody names their kid Robert anymore.
Mary Keeley
Sheila, what a thrilling review. Your wise step to get reader feedback paid off in more than one way.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
A conversation I had with a certain agent (initials include the letters M and K) on September 15, 2013 was a total and complete floor dropping dose of shock and awe..
After a polite but firm “not at this time” on September 3,2013 at roughly 9:42pm-ish, I had a bit of a cry. Just ounces of tears, not the buckets needed for dehydration.
Then, a few emails came and went, and before you know it, I was sitting in the mezzanine with a cup of tea, my work, a smiling agent and NOT ENOUGH KLEENEX!!!
Going from “no” to “I’d like to offer you representation” in 12 days? Way to make a girl lose her barely sustainable facade of “I have it together”.
I will never forget that day. Ever. My cheeks still hurt from smiling.
But I know for a fact that no one anywhere at all was ever going to offer me anything until I let go of my titanium grip on what I wanted and gave it all to God.
I thought I’d done that before the 3rd, but nope.
After a difficult week of getting on my face before God, I did that on the 10th, late at night. All alone.
5 days later He gave the desires of my heart right back to me, and in a manner that had His signature all over things.
I am extremely aware of the feelings that go through one’s mind when reading a comment like mine. Everything from “how sweet, isn’t that lovely” to “I seriously wish she’d stuff a sock in it and hush up! Like she deserves an agent?”
Wait for your moment. It will come. And when it does, it will be all yours.
😀
Mary Keeley
Great advice . . . great encouragement, Jennifer. Yours is an example of hope for all who wait and give the reigns to God.
Peggy Booher
Mary,
A couple weeks ago, after a stressful day at my “day job”, I was tired and down in the spirit. I got a lovely card and note from a friend. She read a devotional I wrote and expressed appreciation for it. She said she keeps going back to the verse I used. I get notes from her every now and then about my writing and how I need to keep doing it. The notes always come on days I really need them. I believe they are messages from God through my friend.
Mary Keeley
Peggy, when they come consistently like that, you can’t overlook God’s hand in it, encouraging you. And you have encouraged others here today, who have similar experiences.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
There’s a classical Latin tag that says, “the only hope of the doomed is not to hope for safety”.
* The implication, obviously, is that is embracing Hope, we have to embrace Risk…and that Hope, like Faith, reaches for things unseen.
* What do you guys think? Are both Hope and Joy harnessed to the steeds of Risk and Daring, and is this really a call to hold the reins loose, and drive for the sunrise, come what may?
Gabrielle Meyer
I’ve been surprised by joy and hope in abundance this year–and it’s only February. 🙂 Like you said, a couple were expected, or at least, I knew the possibilities were out there–but a couple have been complete surprises. These are the moments to record, so I can reflect on them when I might feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Thank you, Mary. I’m praying for your upcoming meetings and workshops.
Mary Keeley
So true, Gabrielle. These are times to take in the joy. Remembering the affirmation and hope they provide is an author’s best armor whenever discouragement and doubt try to creep in.
And thanks, I appreciate your prayers.
Norma Brumbaugh
There was a time when I felt anything but special, life had hurt me in a truly heart-wrenching way, it had cost me so much pain and eventually even my health. I was at the park with my extended family on my 32nd birthday, on Easter Sunday, I was so undone and emotionally depleted that I believed I could never be happy again. I was trying my best join in the fun as I watched my three young children play with their cousins and everyone enjoying themselves (including my dad on the merry ground!), But the sadness overwhelmed me. My sister-in-law came over to me where I was sitting alone. She asked me how I was doing. Then she said something unexpected, “surprising.” She said that she thought I was beautiful, and that my brother had said he thought so to. I felt anything But. I couldn’t imagine my brother thinking I was attractive, or beautiful. Those words were like water to a parched land. I had lost my own belief in myself, and she had, through those simple words, made me feel self-worth and special. I can’t write them without tears.
Joy and Hope visit us when least expected, whether through God’s touch of grace or through those who speak life to us. This post is uplifting. Blessings to all.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
You’ve touched on something vital here, Norma, that we can lose hope when faced with contrast…some of the worst despair I’ve felt has been on occasions of celebration.
* The unexpected uplift is only unexpected for us; God disposes, and He will send His Angels.
Mary Keeley
Norma, your comment has a strong message. Not matter how busy my day, I want always to be available and sensitive to those around me whom I sense need the kind of timely encouragement your sister-in-law gave you.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Hope and Joy are doppelgangers which have been haunting me…and are sometimes elusive…so I hope you won’t mind another comment…
* Have you heard of Leonard Cheshire? He was an Englishman, a bomber pilot in the RAF during the Second World War, and the only man who won a VC for sustained courage over a long period of time.
* This took a toll, though, and after the war he emigrated to Canada, and delivered mail in the far North…and also cared for the bodies of those frontier-folk who died.
* Cheshire returned to England when he learned that he’d inherited a country house, but was still at loose ends…until he heard of a WW1 veteran, dying of cancer, and alone. He took the man in.
* The he was told of an old and frail woman, with no one to help her…and took her in.
* Soon Cheshire had a ‘crew’ of the aged, infirm, and crippled…and no money. But somehow, enough to pay the running expenses always came through the mail. Ten pounds here, three pounds the next day…and the residents pitched in with the work, legless men polishing floors by sliding on their bottoms, with rag and linseed oil.
* Leonard Cheshire’s wartime experiences had made him an atheist; he could not fathom the cruelty allowed by a loving God…but in the years to come, and with the genesis of what would become the Cheshire Homes for the disabled, he became a devout Roman Catholic.
* I wonder…is the hope we give the hope we need?
Keli Gwyn
December 19, 2009 was a joy-filled day for me. Not only was it my wedding anniversary, but it was also the day I received an unexpected email that sent me soaring in the ionosphere.
I’d received a request for a full from none other than my Dream Agent, Rachelle Gardner, who had judged my entry in a contest. I’d spent weeks polishing that story until it shone (or so florescent-green newbie writer me thought.) With trembling finger, I hit send on December 18, only to notice a message on Rachelle’s website a short time later saying she was closed to submissions over the holidays.
I feared having made a mistake of epic proportions, so when I saw an email from Rachelle the next evening after my husband and I returned from our anniversary dinner, my stomach pitched. I was sure the email was, at best, an auto-reply or, at worst, my submission being returned to me with a “Didn’t you read my website? Obviously not, so don’t bother resubmitting this.” message.
Imagine my surprise when, after bracing myself, I opened that email and read the words every writer dreams of: “I’d like to discuss the possibility of representation.” I shrieked, started shouting “Oh, my gosh!” at the top of my lungs and bounced off the walls for a full fifteen minutes. I surpassed joy that day and went straight to euphoria.
Mary Keeley
Keli, your story is filled with encouragement and hope for anyone who reads it today. It reminds me of the promise in Ephesians 3:20.
Heidi gaul
An unsaved friend and neighbor of ours is dying of cancer and my husband and I are trying through prayer and gentle witness to bring him to Christ, but he wasn’t receptive. Finally, we made him some treats and bought a card in which we inscribed that we are praying for him and would love to pray with him. We included a Chicken Soup based on Angels and divine intervention which includes a story I’ve written. We gave it to him, without much hope and went on to another function where the woman seated beside me asked me what I do. I answered, write, mostly for Chicken Soup, and named a few titles. I recited the beginning of a story and was astounded when she completed the story for me. This was the story we’d been led to give to our friend Steven. God let me know that words written for His glory can have a lasting impact on others, and provided me with the encouragement I needed to keep writing. As to Steven? We still see him. He’s praying on his own now, and I think he and Christ are well on their way to a forever friendship!
One last surprise was winning last year’s award for best devotional at OCW Summer Writers Conference. When they read the first words aloud, I’m pretty sure my gasp made you jump, sitting there in the seat beside me!
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Heidi, if I may say so…you did it exactly right.
* And it’s the right thing to do for anyone who’s facing death, because all faith has its moments of strength and weakness. There have been times…0500 today, for me, when one feels abandoned by God, and wonders…does He really care? Or is He too busy taking care of the people He favours, finding them preferred parking spots (to use an example given by a prominent TV evangelist)?
* We the dying need your help, and the strong arm of your faith. We need to lean on you.
* We need to be held.
Heidi Gaul
Consider yourself held up in prayer and cared for with genuine love, Andrew. Your legacy here (and elsewhere) is one of humor, intelligence, love and faith, and the words you share are not wasted.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Heidi, thank you…I hope you know just how much your words mean to me.
Mary Keeley
Heidi, your comment stirred my heart. It’s a message for all of us. On any day, as we serve God, he can surprise us with his encouragement, hope, and joy.
When I heard your gasp, I too gasped out of happiness for you.
Heidi Gaul
Thank you, Mary!
Lara Hosselton
Heidi, Bless you for reaching out. Sowing seeds of faith is a labor of love we don’t always get to see bear fruit. During those times I believe God calls someone else to nurture the seeds to maturity, thus producing a bountiful harvest in His time.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Wow, Lara. May I quote you?
Heidi Gaul
Thank you, Lara!
Lara Hosselton
Quote away, Andrew! I feel blessed to know you’re blessed.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
It will go live in an upcoming blog post, Lara. Bringing faith to the terminally ill – and to caregivers – is an absolutely vital topic, and you’ve caught the essence of what must be done. I’m in awe of your wisdom, and your grace with words.
* I have a feeling that as you wrote this, God was doing a SnOoPyDaNcE! (which is my One Word for 2016).
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Mary, I would like to thank you, from the depths of my soul, for this post.
* Today started bad, with a LOT of blood loss requiring a field-expedient blood expander – and got way worse. Your words, and the comments of the wonderful members of this community, have given hope, and a kind of severe joy. Survival may be too much to ask, but you’ve given shape to a valedictory that brings peace.
* I hope you will pardon the personal nature of this comment (and the others I’ve made today), but you’ve given both focus and grace, and I am quite certain that I was not the only one who woke in despair, and found a reason to keep going.
* You, Mary, have pointed the way to the locus that defines all we hold dear…the ultimate truth of Salvation. Thank you.
Jeanette Hanscome
This post is so good, Mary!
Wendy offered to represent me at a time when I desperately needed to know God still had a plan for me and my writing. I’d lost my marriage, my home, and a life that I had to leave behind to move closer to family. I was still trying to figure out where writing fit into it all. I didn’t even know what I wanted to say anymore! Then Wendy called and offered to be my agent! Knowing she believed in me kept me from setting writing aside. Several months later she called again to say we’d gotten an offer on my devotional book for single moms. That call came the day before my birthday! It felt like God’s way of saying, “See, I had a plan for all of the pain and loss.”
I was surprised by joy and hope both times!