In my more “mature” years, I’ve been much more of a reader.   After completing a technical program followed by an undergraduate, then graduate degree, I was one of those people who said she didn’t want to ever pick up a book again.   However, over the years that followed, I began exploring the world of fiction.  It seemed to offer a nice, temporary escape at the most needed times.   Initially, I became a big fan of Nora Roberts (seeing myself dancing around the vivid green farm land of Ireland which is so alive in her writing).   Then I stumbled on to Debbie MacComber who captured my heart with her Hallmark-like stories and relatable families, set in small towns on the northwestern coast.   But then…

My oldest daughter was introduced to Christian author Karen Kingsbury and it wasn’t long until we were hooked!   Karen’s writing will not only capture your attention, but your heart.   If you are familiar with her books, you certainly know what I mean.   If you are not, please take a few minutes and look at her website, http://KarenKingsbury.com

From Karen’s website:

“#1 New York Times Bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury writes Life-Changing Fiction™ and has been called America’s favorite inspirational author. There are more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen’s last dozen titles have topped national bestseller charts and many of her novels are under development as feature films and television movies. 

 In addition, Roma Downey and MGM Studios announced this year that they are developing 22 of Karen’s Baxter Family novels into a TV series. …

Did you catch her trademark line?  “Life-Changing Fiction”?    That has really stuck with me.   I’ve been asking myself of late….  what have I ever done that is LIFE CHANGING?    At this phase of my life, it seems to be an even more important question.    What am I doing now… TODAY… that could be life-changing?  For others?  For myself?   Does it have an eternal perspective?

There are certainly many ways we could make a life-changing impact.   If we are open to them, opportunities will likely present to us every day.   Do we have enough margin in each day to hear that still small voice?    That one that is nudging you to take the step, make that call, or share that hug or smile.   It would surely seem to require that we are other-centered as well as God centered, doesn’t it?

I am so excited to share with you that last Friday night, the same daughter that gave me the gift of Karen Kingsbury books took me with her to see Karen up close and in person at her church.   It was a night filled with fellowship and touching stories (both fiction and real life) from Karen.   She became much more to us than just the author on the pages we so often cling to.   She truly transferred her heart to ours sharing what one person can do with the God given talents they have been given.    She is dynamic, funny and very humble giving all her success to our Lord.

In this moment, I am asking you… what are the gifts and talents God has given you?   Some of us know exactly what they are.   Some of you may need to ask a close friend (whose opinion you trust).    They can tell you.    Some of us may need to just believe that what we have been given from God as our personal gift, could and should be used to further God’s kingdom, along side and in partnership with others.   Most of us need reminders and support from others, which I hope we can do here.

From your heart – to someone else’s heart.