This is Vannetta Chapman, and I'm coming to you from soggy central Texas. (If you know anything about Texas, we're usually in a state of drought. This year, I'm considering purchasing a kayak to cross our field.)
Raise your hand if you've had a few surprises in life. Yeah, me too.
- When I was a single mom, I never thought I'd be married again. Bob and I celebrate our 20th anniversary this summer.
- When I had a young child at home, I wasn't sure I'd ever earn my college degree. In 1997 I received my BA in Literature and in 2019 I received my MA of Arts in English.
- When I was teaching in a very challenging school wondering what other job I could possibly do, I definitely did not imagine being a published author. A Perfect Amish Match is my 31st release.
God is good. Of course not all of the surprises in life are pleasant ones. My father passed when I was only 34 years old. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. In 2012 we learned that one of our adult children has MS. I thought the world had stopped spinning with that one, but together we've "managed" the challenges associated with that disease.
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Wow! That really speaks to my heart. In A Perfect Amish Match, I tried to share the story of two people who couldn't imagine their future as being anything different or better. But God knew what their future should be. God directed their steps, and His plan for them was so much more than anything they might have imagined. I know that we experience good and bad and most everything in between, but never forget that God's word promises we will have hope... "And hope does not disappoint."
What about you? Have you experienced any of Life's Surprises? Can you testify to how God has guided your life? Leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.
Vannetta
Vannetta Chapman is the author of 31 published books. Her
books have hit the CBD Bestseller list, the Amazon bestseller list, and her
most recent release, A Perfect Amish Match,
debuted at #22 on Publishers Weekly mass market list. She's received numerous
awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and
she was a Christy Award finalist (Anna's Healing). Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband, dogs, cat, and a herd of deer. She currently teaches English at
Central Texas College and writes full time.
Visit her at www.Vannettachapman.com
Posts
Vannetta, I love that scripture because it is so true. Each trial, each heartache, makes us stronger. In 2012, I lost my mother and later that year my father-in-law. That was a tough year, but I can say it made my faith stronger.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary. I'm so sorry for your loss. It seems as if while we're going through something like that, we're holding on by our fingernails. But when we look back...we can see more clearly how our faith has grown. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteWonderful post, Vannetta. I'm waving at you from Kansas. Sorry all our water is coming your way. I've never seen our creek running so high. Dad said, "Oh it was that way in 1951. How could you forget that flood?" Maybe because I was born in 52?
ReplyDeleteWaving right back at ya, Patricia. I feel your pain. We now call our side lot "the swamp."
DeleteHere's hoping for a sunny and not-too-dry summer!
What a great post, Vannetta. I think one of the best things in life is surprises. It makes it interesting. And I agree with you that not all surprises are good ones. I lost my mother at 33 so I understand what you went through. Congratulations on all of your success.
ReplyDeleteHi Belle. Some of those "surprises" are definitely difficult, but isn't it amazing how our friends and family help to pull us through? And thank you for your kind words, and I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I know how hard that is.
DeleteVanetta, congrats on getting your master's this year! Woot! Along with teaching and writing. You're an amazing woman! But then, we knew that. :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother died when I was 32, just three months after the birth of my third child. That year, the Lord gave life and called another life home. Praying for all who will mourn their mothers tomorrow. Mother's Day can be bittersweet at times. Also praying for those who have lost children. My heart breaks for each woman who has to endure such tragedy.
On a happier note, the sun is shining in Georgia and I believe the rain may stay away for at least a few hours!
Going back to your post...I love the way God changes the negatives into positives. Only he can heal broken hearts and lead us to new beginnings filled with joy.
We're still in the Easter season! He is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hi Debby. Actually I earned the master's 20 years ago. lol. Thank you for your prayers, and I will pray for you as well. He is risen, indeed. :)
DeleteLife has definitely had ups and downs for me and my family. My breast cancer diagnosis, surgery and treatment in 2005, caring for aging parents, job changes and moves to different towns and states are just a few unexpected situations thrown at us. We were comforted knowing God was with us and continues to be with us in every moment. :-) Happy Mother's Day weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa. I know you have had a trying time these last few years. It's amazing how you've continued to praise God through your adversity. Praying for you, my friend. And thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI have definitely experienced life surprises. In fact, Monday was the 7th anniversary of my oldest daughter's passing. She was 28 when she went to be with Jesus on Mother's Day 2012. It is by God's grace and strength alone that I am where I am today, able to say 'It is well with my soul'.
ReplyDelete