The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Today I welcome a Pastor/author who discovered his gift from those who sat in his congregation: Bill Giovannetti Enter to win Bill's  new release, Secrets to a Happy Life   Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter. I met Bill through My Book Therapy classes. We both have attended these sessions to improve our writings. When Bill mentioned his new book would release June 15, 2013, I asked him to share how God has led him on his writing journey. Here is what he said: Near-Paralyzing Fears I confess to a number of near-paralyzing fears: the fear of heights (acrophobia), the fear of bridges (long, high, windy ones with low side rails that threaten to suck me to a watery doom, gephyrophobia), and the fear of public speaking (glossophobia). The last fear is one of God’s funniest jokes in my life: I am a pastor. I preach to a couple thousand people every weekend. I’ve told my church the worst walk in the world is the 30 feet from behind the ...

Those of who stopped by this last weekend read author Joselyn Vaught 's sweet reply to one of the commenters. Joselyn said, "If God wants you to do it, He won't let you quit. I thought what an amazing idea for a post. I quickly click "new post' and wrote it in the title to prevent my forgetting it. Later the same day I received an email from author Angela Breidenbach , president of the Montana Chapter of ACFW.  Angela said, " Thank you, God, for answering which way I should go...He made it impossible not to notice (and I asked Him to make sure it was wildly plain as day, lol, because I so often miss subtleties from the Lord.)" This seeming considence of words shared by two people who may not even know each other, inspired today's topic. What does God want you to do? This can be a very difficult question to answer. At times we justify a project, a direction, a goal, or a career saying God led us to do...whatever. ...

I appreciate when a friend offers advice laced in encouragement. Especially when her/his enthusiasm spills over into my spirit. I feel wound up and ready to face my task. There was a twenty something female who planned to go to an event. The evening would enable her to meet important people and get her name in the big circles. A second female in the same circle offered to do the twenty something's hair, makeup, etc. As a former pageant participant she seemed quite genuine and qualified.  The second female did a great job, and the twenty something female felt good about her appearance at the event. Afterwards, the second female sought out the first, raised a wicked eyebrow and said, "I loved winding you up and watching you go." During the times we feel in need, we often open the doors of our heart extra wide hoping someone will come in and offer help whether with an encouraging word, advice, or physical help like how to dress for an important event. God ...

Today I welcome an author who has chosen to give a portion of the proceeds from her recent book,  Climbing Heartbreak Hill, to One Fund Boston to help those who were injured.  She is a Christ-like lady who can warm your heart:  Joselyn Vaughn Enter to win Joselyn's  book,   Sucker for a Hot Rod Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter. I met Joselyn when I moved to Michigan and joined the local ACFW chapter. We immediately connected and I found what a wonderful friend she was. When talking with her I asked her to share how God has led her on her journey. This is what she answered: How God Has Lead Me on My Writing Journey It can be simply described as ‘in His time.’ And as much as I want to struggle against that and have things happen when I want them to, God’s timing has been best. In high school and college, I could never fit writing classes into my schedule. My parents believed I had some talent and allowed ...

There are few events in which the whole town will show up for. But when one happens, it is well worth the while to go. A few days ago Sheridan, Michigan, a small rural town in the lower peninsula, had a Memorial Day parade.  Being from the small town farther south, I didn't know about the parade until I set out on a day trip with my daughter. To get to our destination we had to go through Sheridan. As we approached the city we found "road closed" signs. At first I was bothered at the inconvenience. Following detour signs always leaves me wondering if the person setting up the signs really wanted to play a joke on unsuspecting travelers. Seriously, when the detour lasts more than a few minutes, I wonder if I will every find the way to where I'm going. I turned the corner at the first detour sign and saw the gathering place for a parade. What a treat! Men, women, and children pushing strollers, pulling wagons, and carrying packs hustled toward Main Street. Not...

Every once in a while two celebration events happen on the same day. Isn't it fun? The first event I celebrate with you is: Memorial Day A day of parades, patriotism, and parties. Memorial Day is a time to celebrate the sacrifice of soldiers both past and present.  My family participated in this way: My husband served in the Air Force,  My father in the Army,  My brother in the Marines,  My brother-in-law in the Navy  I believe all four served during war or "police action". How blessed our nation is to have the men and women who protect us. Let us celebrate and appreciate each one's sacrifice. I am thankful to you. May God bring great blessings in your life and your family's life. The second celebration event today is my daughter's birthday. Birthdays are always fun, but when a holiday enables family to come together and celebrate as a larger group the merriment increases tenfold.  My daughter's birthday doesn't al...

Today I welcome an author who discovered her gift for writing after an illness. She is a Christ-like lady who can warm your heart: Kathy Herman Enter to win Kathy's  new release, Not By Sight   Five Books will be awarded! Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter. The Discovered Gift I had never aspired to be a writer. But at age fifty, I had to retire from our family-owned Christian book store due to joint problems and decided to take a stab at writing a children’s book. I had managed the children's department at our store, read every book I put on the shelves, and thought for sure I could write them. But after two weeks of staring at the blank screen on my laptop, I was sorely discouraged.  My husband, Paul, told me to write something—anything—it didn’t have to be a children’s book. So I wrote a scene: a detective sitting on a park bench, a lake in front of him and a quaint little town behind him. He was waiting f...