HUMBLED AND THANKFUL FOR 2019!

2019 – ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING YEARS OF MY LIFE
I want to give gratitude for a wonderful year and all the supportive people who made it that way! It would be difficult to name everyone individually but you know who you are. I stand in awe of Jesus, his great mercy and his dear servants. It was one of the most mind-boggling years I’ve experienced.
The year was not without challenges, though. When I published my book, Lord Of Our Emotions, in 2018,
​I encountered a spiritual attack. I believe the attack was in direct opposition to the book which would become my ministry. I acquired an allergic rash that no cream would cure (dermatologist tried at least eight creams) so finally I decided to go to the Allergist, but not until the end of 2018. They conducted a patch test by placing large pieces of paper and dots on my back. The timing was such that I was wearing the patch over new year’s 2018 into 2019. It was discouraging to start 2019 that way, however; I discovered what I was allergic to and with extensive research and trial and error I figured it out and the rash disappeared (or I was delivered and prayers were answered, whichever way you prefer to look at it -- I think both).
In January 2019, our sweet Jack Russell Terrier, Elle Bell had a life-threatening liver problem. She stayed at the vet for several days but then the prayers of our fabulous prayer warriors kicked in and she recovered and is a happy, healthy 12-year-old dog (soon to be 13)! THANK GOD FOR PRAYING FRIENDS!
In February my husband and I went to court with Mom in a continuing effort to remove a squatter from her rental property. He was finally removed by Dekalb County Sheriffs in May, after what had been a yearlong process. However; the property was left with mounds of trash, inside and out. A couple of weeks after the eviction, Mike (my husband) and I drove (an hour) to the property one Saturday morning only to discover it was vandalized with water pouring from a pipe in the basement. Mike was able to stop the water flow but someone dumped additional trash (roofing material, old hot tub, etc.) on the property, so Mom (with me taking the lead) sold the house in as-is condition. When I arrived for the final walk-though in July I found a death threat. The renter worked at a barbershop and apparently left a mannequin head (that had NOT been there previously) with a blonde wig and a hole in it, as if it had been shot between the eyes. I knew it was a message for me and it was disturbing and terrifying but what they didn't know was, that day would be the LAST time I had to set foot on the property. The fear of that took a toll on me but God soon delivered me from the spirit of fear, on many different levels.
At the same time, I was dealing with the property, I was completing, publishing and marketing my book. It was obvious I was under spiritual attack but I learned to take authority and dominion over spoken curses and I learned to bind the attacks of darkness, in Jesus’ name. God is my defender; in Him will I trust.
For those who’ve read my book, you will remember this being the house of my great aunt and uncle, where I lived as a toddler for a while, where my Mom & Stepdad dragged us every weekend when I was 5-12 years old and where I lived in my twenties. I KNEW evil was present, I just didn’t realize to what degree. PRAISE GOD it’s over and one less thing my 87-year-old mother has to deal with.
In spite of the enemy’s efforts, I was able to get my book out to the world. I spoke at two different Hometown Novel Night events, conducted a book signing at BARNES & NOBLE in Newnan. I had two book signings at Corner Arts Gallery, spoke at our women's prayer group at church and two articles where published in the local newspaper about my book. Finally and most shockingly, I was interviewed on TV on ATLANTA LIVE, WATC TV! I managed to survive the interview and get my point across. All this took place in 2019. God is AMAZING!
My heart overflows with joy when I think about the support of my church family through these events. They showed up for book signings, speaking engagements and wrote wonderful reviews. One sweet lady even gave a copy to her family member while she was in Japan, so I’m officially international.
I had to stop typing to compose myself because I began to cry thinking of the goodness of God. While I was writing the book, Mike and I continually said, “If just one person reads it and is helped, that would make it all worth it.” I said that to override the voice of the enemy who continually whispered: “No one will read your book.” I am blessed to say MANY people have read my book and been encouraged.
My sweet husband started driving a school bus this year, thereby finding ‘his ministry’ (outside all he does for our church).
Sadly, we experienced a great loss this year when Pastor Randy Valimont moved from this world to the next. He is celebrating, but our hearts will ache for a long time. Sad to think there will be no new earthly sermons by this great pastor.
Mike and I took a lovely vacation to North Carolina the week of Thanksgiving, Mom visited us a few days at Christmas and the cherry on top of this wonderful year was bringing in 2020 at a dear friends’ house. We ate, worshiped in song and prayed in the new year!
I’m excited to see what God plans for 2020. He’s already opened new doors. I hope to see you at one or more of my upcoming 2020 events (see Author Events Page).​
If a girl like me who didn’t believe, nor care if she lived past thirty, can be joyful in her old age (57) and be used of God to spread the good news of Christ’s redemptive power, ANYTHING is truly possible. My prayer is that YOU will have faith in what God is calling you to do. Cling to the hem of his garment my friend.
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Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:21-22)
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee (Ps. 86:5)