Yesterday after I completed an interview with a writer from Canadian Press I decided to go check our mail to see if there was anything interesting in the box.
When I find another key inside I always feel just a bit excited because bad news never arrives in the larger parcel box.
Inside I found a small parcel from MennoMedia and smiled because I knew what I would find inside.
Some time ago I had been asked if I would write a story about about experiencing God’s abundant grace in my life and submit it for possible publication in the new book being compiled about stories of grace in everyday peoples lives.
I knew almost immediately what I would write about and over the course of several days I poured my heart into the story that most reflects how God's grace changed the family I was born into.
Parcel in hand...
I arrived home... opened up the brown paper package...
removed the book and ran out to show my beloved.
"They published my story"...I told him.
So much of my Mom has been poured into Mennonite Girls Can Cook but this story...
is about my Dad and it is an account of love and courage and determination by a young couple and a testimony about God who knows our stories long before our hearts begin to beat.
Last night I read the Foreword by Donald Kraybill.
He titled it ...When Grace Walks in the Door.
The grace and forgiveness offered by the Amish people who lived through the unimaginable school shooting at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania is an example of grace I can't fathom.
The introduction written by Melodie Davis who compiled the fifty stories tells how the idea began and how a discussion in a lunch room resulted in a inspiring set of real life stories that will leave the reader tempted to read one story after another in one sitting.
Melodie encourages the reader to read one story at a time..
maybe even one a week over a period of a year.
It's just so hard to stop reading when each story is unique, compelling, encouraging and inspiring.
Do you know someone who would be encouraged by stories simply written from the hearts of those whose lives have been touched by grace?
Fifty Shades of Grace
Stories of Inspiration and Promise.
all for now...
Testimonies are the best!
ReplyDeleteYes I love those types of stories as they
ReplyDeleteare from the heart and actually happened to
the person sharing the story...God is So Good
isn't HE?
Love from NC
So glad they published your story! Love the concept of the book...and the title...and am looking forward to reading it
ReplyDeleteIs this book available in digital form for my nook?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being published Lovella. That type of book is always so inspiring to me. I know it will bless all who read it. Thank you for sharing it with us. Blessings, Pam
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your book as well. Congratulations on becoming such a prolific author!
ReplyDeleteThis morning I showed my Celebrations book to Dad and Alma. They enjoyed it so much. Alma went through each page. Dad got caught up in telling stories of his past --- which is so tied in with a similar history as yours. It was a memory making moment and I enjoyed it so much. Thank you for offering the opportunity to share.
LaDonna
Gracious Hospitality
Congrats Lovella on being published in this book! I love that this is an alternative to the other Shades....book. It sounds like a wonderful book to read and to add to our church library as well! We can all use stories of inspiration and promise.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to getting my own copy!
ReplyDeleteReading your own story amongst the rest ...all encompassing the grace of God . . .
must be so affirming of His plan for our lives.
This sounds like a beautiful book, Lovella, and one I'll definitely want to read! I'm so happy for you that they published your story! What a wonderful published legacy you are giving your family in both the MGCC cookbooks and now this!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to finding this book - thanks for letting us know, Lovella.....and congratulations on your part in it!
ReplyDelete