In my recent newsletter I asked this question:
When do you feel God’s pleasure? What gifts has God given you? How do you share His truth with your world? For all of us it’s different, and that’s the great part. God uses all of us in unique ways … I’d love to hear how He uses you! Email me at the address at the end of the email. If I share your story on my blog I’ll send you a special gift! I can’t wait to hear!
I’ve received some AWESOME replies and I thought I’d spread the encouragement…
This one is from Nicole Petrino-Salter
Writing novels is a heart-singer for me. When my test readers get back to me with their tears and “applause” about how the book “ministered” to them, it’s like the ultimate affirmation.
Thank you, Jesus, for using “such a wretch as me”. It is in the course of writing the books that I know the Lord is with me. Please don’t misunderstand this assertion, but it’s like He’s writing it for me because the story just seems to go in ways I could never imagine, the characters are created out of “nothing” as if He speaks them into existence–I could go on and on.
None of that to say the books are perfect. Hardly. I’m imperfect and flawed, but that humanity is captured in the characters and perhaps it’s how the Lord is able to use the novels to “minister”. It would be nice to have a publisher see them through those eyes . . .
Also, I’ve made a lot of contacts over the blogosphere and different sites, and it is an honor to pray for people via e-mail. Prayer is a gift to give and to be received. You can’t have enough of it. Some people are exceedingly grateful for it, and others, strangely, are uncomfortable receiving it. It is a way to minister, and I am compelled to offer it.
Speaking of prayer, the weirdest thing just happened. I was trying to post a comment here to ask you about progress on your adoption. (God must be nudging me to pray about it.) When my fickle AOL connection fizzled and then rebooted, your newest newsletter appeared on my email!
Lord, guide Tricia and her husband as they navigate the red tape, waiting period, and all other obstacles between them and the child You have chosen. Fill this couple with Your peace and patience. Prepare this home for new relationships. Provide Your perfect timing to bring this new member into their family. We ask, and we praise You, in the name of Your Son. Amen.