Talk about grateful—my sixth traditionally-published book (REDEMPTION) was recently released, and I have a contract for a seventh and am working on an eighth, God willing. Anyway, I can assure you I am one grateful writer.
It took me fifteen years of writing before I received my first traditional contract, so I take nothing for granted when it comes to writing contracts or in life. And that’s really what I want to talk about today.
LIFE.
Life can throw us some really big curve balls. I know this because I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors in May of 2012. At the time, I had no idea how the tumors would affect my life and my health. I mean how bad could they be—they said they were benign, right?
WRONG!
When I got the news, I decided or, maybe even a stronger word, committed myself to trusting God through the journey and staying in His peace and joy. Now, I’m not here to say I haven’t had moments of fear, anger, frustration, or just plain wanting to give up.
I did! But each time, God has been there to comfort me and give me the strength to keep going—with a smile on my face most of the time.
As far as I’m concerned, one of the keys to staying in God’s peace and joy, no matter what the circumstances, is gratitude.
Certainly not gratitude about having the tumors, but gratitude for all the other wonderful things in my life. Gratitude for being a child of God. For knowing I am loved by my Creator.
I’ve learned that an attitude of gratitude and God will see me through whatever the future holds. And He will do the same for others as well. No matter how bleak life can be for whatever reason, look around and you’ll find others who are in a worse situation.
The Bible promises believers that we will overcome this world. That doesn’t mean that bad things, even tragedies, won’t happen to us here on earth. It means that one day we will stand before out Creator and He will dry every tear.
And for that I am forever grateful!
Others may think Jamie Jakowski is a hero, but she knows differently.
Haunted by her past, she seeks redemption by helping others in spite of the danger to herself. However, after almost orphaning her daughter, Jamie opts to retire. When a friend needs her, Jamie agrees to one last undercover operation.
She is determined to reunite a heartbroken mother with her kidnapped son. Used to working alone, Jamie’s not happy when she’s assigned a partner. And after a failed operation and their failed romance, Enrique Rodriguez is the last person she wants to work with—ever.
To succeed, Jamie must confront her past as well as the people who want her dead.
Order Redemption on Amazon.
Lillian Duncan: stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem!
Lillian is a multi-published writer with several Amazon bestsellers, including The Christmas Stalking and Betrayed. Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch or two of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us
Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.
To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. Tiaras & Tennis Shoes is her personal blog at www.lillian-duncan.com.
Venturing to Other Worlds 