Six Years
One thing I admire about Paul is his willingness to change course as God directs. That’s a mark of a serious Christian.
March 21st was our six-year anniversary. This beautiful season of late-life remarriage is such a blessing to us both. One that almost didn’t happen.
Paul was determined to stay alone until God called him home. Just three weeks before our first date, he told a family member he would never date or remarry. He didn’t want to risk the pain of losing someone again.
One early date, we sat on his back deck looking over the mountains. Paul tossed a frisbee for Jasmine, the Australian shepherd, to chase over the meadow. “I’m going to be a hermit, alone on this mountain, you know.”
I shook my head. “No, you’re not.”
Six months later, we were married.
As believers, we should never say never. To live out God’s plans for us, we must be willing to change course. Surrendering our fears, we must turn our life and our will over to God’s loving care.
What changes has God asked you to make? Is He asking you to do something new?
Writing News
While Paul drove me to a writers' conference a while back, I sang "The Old Rugged Cross." The hymn popped into my mind out of nowhere.
That evening at the conference, the worship leader sang "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake. The song urges believers to praise God, no matter how we're feeling.
"Someone here may be discouraged," the worship leader said. "This song is for you. Your writing is a gift - a 'lion in your lungs,' as the lyrics put it. Keep writing for the Lord. Your work is important."
Honestly, I had felt kind of discouraged at that writers' conference. I'd heard my book idea was too dark. I wasn't qualified to write about another culture. I was getting too old to start a writing career.
The accolades and affirmations had flowed away from my work - not toward it, as I had hoped.
Was the song's message for me?
The next song the worship leader played was The Old Rugged Cross - the very hymn I'd sung that morning. I sensed the Holy Spirit's encouragement.
As believers, our goal is not approval and worldly success. It's obedience. The cross is our anthem, sacrificial love is our work, and eternity is our objective.
In other news, I’m finishing up my marketing plan and a proposal for an agent. While I wait for Sons from Afar to “land,” I’m starting to geminate my third novel. This might be the next in a series, with Sons from Afar being the first book.
Or, like my wonderful husband Paul, I might take a new direction.
I’ve been longing to write for teens and young adults. Life is very hard for them now. In our turbulent world, I’d love to provide stories that inspire these readers toward a biblical perspective and give them hope and purpose.
Some authors work on more than one project at once. Maybe I’ll try that…
Prayer
Please pray with me for today’s youth. Many face a confusing and scary future.
Dear Father,
We lift up hurting teens and young adults to You. Please shine the pure light of Your Word into their dark places. Remove all confusion and fear, and reveal to them why they can take hope in You.
Show them the purpose of Your call on their lives. The assurance of Your power to redeem and sanctify. The comfort of Your love. Give them clarity about their true identity—who You created them to be.
May they know the Truth, and the Truth (Jesus) shall set them free (see John 8:32).
In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Life-Changing Fiction
Revealed Truth, by Eve M. Harrell, follows teenage Maddie’s journey from debilitating anxiety and panic attacks to confident faith. When her father goes overseas on an important mission, her mother lapses into alcoholism. Meanwhile, her sketchy older brother flits in and out of the story, raising concerns that he is involved in something dark.
The story presents sound biblical teaching that I found applicable, woven into a page-turning plot. You’ll especially love Maddie’s Grannie, whose Southern accent is downright fun. More importantly, she gives great, Bible-based advice!
For a variety of hope-filled fiction, check out this collection of novels. Author Ida Smith has curated books that show how a relationship with Christ makes a positive difference we can apply to our own lives.
You'll find:
- Historical fiction novels set in ancient Constantinople, Rome, and Chattanooga, Tennessee
- A gripping novella that explores finding real hope in the worst circumstances
- A sweet country story about second-chance love
- A story about renewed trust in God after losing it all
- Lots more!
Enjoy!
More from Columba
Did you get a chance to read By His Grace? It’s a free short story for you!
Wonders in the Deep has seventy-four ratings and 4.5 stars on Amazon!
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