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Apart From Jesus, I Can Do Nothing
Published 16 days ago • 4 min read
June 1, 2026 | Issue #14
On-Your-Feet Fiction
An update from Columba Booth
Late-spring storm in gorgeous Sierra Nevada, California
The Lord upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Love Is Always on Duty
Hi Reader!
Ever felt like throwing your laptop out the window? I was there recently! Somehow, the software systems I use weren’t connecting, and I was stressed. The software was related to marketing Sons from Afar, which in my mind was the Most Important Thing in the Universe.
After all, marketing gets the word out, and if no one reads what I write what’s the point?
Or so I thought.
I'd delayed my morning prayer time to address the issue, but it was taking a while. So, I decided to tuck my prayer time in around the support chats.
Wow! That decision clarified some things!
The Holy Spirit convicted me to invite Him into the situation. It’s counterproductive to approach anything in life apart from faith.
Actually, the Bible defines living apart from Him as sin.
“Everything that isn’t based on faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
My writing mission is to influence the culture toward biblical values, which can heal families and restore lives.
Blowing a gasket wouldn’t support that, now, would it?
I took a deep breath and made some coffee. Instead of stressing, which is a sure sign I’m operating in my own understanding, I put the situation into God’s hands.
“…apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
My perspective cleared. The Most Important Thing, actually, is loving God and loving my neighbor.
As I communicated with customer support, I was mindful that my “brand” is overtly Christian. My attitude had to back up my Christian witness. God sees how we treat people when no one’s looking.
By His grace, I did not blow a gasket—or my witness. Praise God! And that evening, the issue was resolved.
Trials are painful, by definition. Software issues are nothing compared to some things we face.
But in all of it, the Bible instructs us:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
I looked up “joy” in Strongs Concordance. It means “calm delight.”
A great response to trials, large and small.
Not fear. Not anger. Not stress.
Calm delight. Because God is doing in us what we could never accomplish by ourselves.
He is conforming us to the image of Jesus.
Has a trial brought you closer to Jesus lately? Tell me about it!
Grim sticker suggests our culture leans away from biblical values. Seen on my morning walk.
Snow!
Gathering clouds
Paul and I drove up to Boise to visit some of Paul’s family. Driving home over 80 West, we encountered a blizzard. In late May!
Fat, fluffy flakes everywhere!
Turns out spring snowfall is pretty normal up there at 5,000 feet. (80 goes by Lake Tahoe in California.)
I posted a video (linked below) on X. A news vendor asked me for permission to distribute it to news channels! I said sure, but I haven’t seen it on the news. Have you?
The agent who had expressed interest in Sons from Afar rejected my proposal. Disappointing, but not surprising. Competition is tough, and this is only my second novel.
I have asked for feedback, which, if they respond, will help me improve. (Of course, the agent's job isn't to train the writer, so I'm not holding my breath!)
I'm praying for direction and leaning toward self-publishing. Meanwhile, writing the proposal defined my marketing plan, which was invaluable. There’s a lot to do—ramp up social media engagement, collaborate with other authors, find relevant in-person events, and much more.
Now, I can focus on my next novel. What fun! I can’t wait to start planning. I revised my schedule to accommodate writing hours each afternoon. A girl needs time to market!
In other news, I’m excited to be attending the American Christian Fiction Writers conference this year, in Memphis. Several amazing authors have agreed to write endorsements for Sons from Afar, and it will be fun to reconnect and thank them in person. I’ve been so impressed by the supportive attitudes in the Christian writing community.
Prayer
Today, let’s pray for one another:
Dear Lord, thank You for caring about what each person who reads this newsletter is facing. Thank You for Your sovereignty and love, which work together to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. We invite You into our various trials. Give us peace and increase our faith as we look to You.
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).
In Christ’s name,
Amen
Life-Changing Fiction
Faithful Hearts and Small Towns
Here’s a sweet collection of clean reads for your summer. You’ll find second-chance love stories, small-town romances, and family life stories of hope.
Join my team to spread the word about Sons from Afar! Get a free pre-published copy of Sons from Afar. Your review on Amazon or Goodreads would help on launch day. Thanks, and God bless you!
Did you get the freebie I'm offering, By His Grace? Click the button below to download it! Once you've downloaded the EPUB file, follow these easy instructions to pop it on your device and start reading!
When you've downloaded the EPUB file, make sure it's in your Downloads folder.
Go to https://amazon.com/sendtokindle (You'll have to type it in. I couldn't find this page by clicking around Amazon.)
Are you on Amazon's "Send to Kindle" page? Great!
Click the button that says, "Select files from device." In the popup window, navigate to your Downloads folder.
You should see the By His Grace EPUB file. Click on it and use the "Send" button to upload your short story to your Amazon library.
Now, you can access By His Grace from anywhere you have the Kindle app installed. Have fun!
God's Word | Real life | Contemporary Christian stories to get you on your feet when life knocks you down. | Join my list for free stories and updates on my latest novels!
