One of the Joys

One of the joys of writing arrived on my doorstep yesterday — literally. When I checked the mail, there I found a big brown padded envelope from Tyndale House Publishers. Inside was my complimentary copy of The One Year Life Verse Devotional. Why the complimentary copy? I am on page 71! That’s right, a devotion I wrote was selected to be in this exciting new devotional book. Well, it’s exciting to me — I am March 12th!

So here’s the scoop. Last year about this time, my writer friend Jeneal alerted me to the opportunity to submit to the One Year Life Verse project. I took a shot, submitted a scripture and devotion, and then waited. (Waiting comes with the writing territory.) I had almost forgotten about it, but then in April the good news arrived in my inbox. And now six months later, the actual book arrived in my mailbox! Like I said, one of the joys of writing — seeing your work on the printed page. (Thank You, Lord, for each time that happens!)

By the way, the book’s subtitle reads “365 Stories of remarkable people and the Scripture that changed their lives”. Believe me, I am the first to laugh at the word “remarkable” linked to me in any way (so don’t feel bad if you’re laughing right now!). I may not quite fit into that category, but I have certainly had scriptures change my life. I am just lucky they included some stories from ordinary people as well as some from those who are famous. What a privilege to share just one of the instances when scripture has so deeply impacted me.

That privilege — the chance to touch someone else’s life — is probably the greatest joy of writing. My story in this book tells about a time that God comforted me in a very tender way. I can’t help but think of the first few verses in 2 Corinthians that explain how God comforts us in our trouble so that we can then comfort others with the comfort He has given us.

I am blown away every time I think about how God might comfort someone else through what I have written. Just as He gave me the comfort so many years ago and then gave me the words to write about it last year, I pray that He will comfort and encourage many on March 12th as they read the words of a very ordinary woman touched by an extraordinary God.

Thanks for letting me share my joy with you!

Comments

  1. I agree. I’m still blown away anytime I see my words in print. I don’t write for only those moments, but it helps! :-) Congrats!

  2. Thanks, Chris! And you’re right — those moments many times supply just the encouragement I need to keep at it. And btw, thanks for reading — that’s an encouragement to me too!

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