Counting My Blessings on Valentine’s Day #Personal experience #Thankfulness #Inspiration

From prayer journal Valentine’s Day, 2023:

Three inches of snow fell in the night. Lovely. Visiting nurse Ann came. Ron W. fixed my q.com so it would Send. The daily scripture in my journal read, “The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made” (Psalm 143:13.)

It feels like a lifetime ago. I’d only been home since January 26th, after almost three months in hospitals and a rehabilitation center– dependent on others for care. Since then, God has been restoring me, one day, one obstacle at a time. I am anticipating even more blessings.

Vacuuming, mopping, etc. are not compatible with a walker. Last summer I was approved for home help. Natalya is everything I could wish for. Was it coincidence that this new friend, the perfect match for me, was appointed? I. Don’t. Think. So. Our story is a series of incredible, events, and will be the final entry in my upcoming SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. More on this title closer to publication. It is now about 2/3  written. 

“Count Your Blessings,” The Story Behind the Stories. Introduction to SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS: 31 Unforgettable Stories of God’s Continuing Care. (condensed)

I planned to start 2024 by editing Cherished Romances #17 for my Winged Publications series. But I wondered, “What if God wanted me to write a different book first?” Nothing came to mind., until January 15th, an icy cold morning in Auburn, Washington.

I awoke with the words of an old hymn singing in my mind.

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed. When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Johnson Otman, Jr., ©1897

Faith. Family, Friends. Memories. Slowly returning health. Shelter in time of storm. My heart pounded. I needed to write a book and include a recently sold article that had earned praise from former writing students. One of them replied, “Ever since I read the article, I’ve felt you needed to write such a book.”

Showers of Blessings is divided into three sections.

Darrington Days recalls treasured memories from growing-up in a small western Washington logging town.

Vancouver Interlude. From small-town girl to “big city” life proved hard, but it led to being called into full-time writing.

At Home in Auburn. Fulfilment of my childhood vow to someday write a book.

Life has not always flowed smoothly. Yet I cling to the promise in “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. It never fails.

Look for the blessings. They are waiting to be discovered.  Happy Valentine’s Day

Flowers from Natalya, 2-13-24