A surreal blessing . . . unwrapped

Inspired by Scripture Forging Our New Path, part 1

A surreal blessing . . . unwrapped

There are moments in your life that give you pause. Some are bitter, some are sweet. I received my Christy Award Hall of Fame award in the mail last week, which was definitely a sweet one!

I opened the package, then the box and, for a moment, I simply stared, letting what still feels like a fairly surreal blessing sink in.

My thoughts quickly turned back to 2008 when I won my first Christy Award for Remembered. Dad and Mom were with me that night in Orlando for the Christy Award gala, which made the joy of winning so much sweeter since I got to share the experience with them.

But that day also holds another vivid memory. That was the first day we suspected that Dad was having more serious memory issues than simply those of “growing older.”

He and Mom were staying at a nearby Marriott and, as was his daily custom, he went out for a walk that afternoon before we were scheduled to meet for the awards ceremony. Not long after he left the hotel, he called Mom, panicked, scarcely able to breathe, she said, saying he didn’t know where he was or how he’d gotten there.

It was a wake up call for them, for our whole family. And little did we know then that that was only the beginning. Because seven months later Mom would be diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, then would be safely Home with Jesus six months following, in August 2009. Dad followed her a decade later, almost to the day, after a long journey with dementia.

But God knew. He saw. And he faithfully provided, faithfully walked those roads with us.

He’s so good to give us the bitter moments of life that, in his mercy, keep us dependent on him, that remind us that this earth is not a believer’s home, that so much “better” awaits us in every way.

And he gives us the sweet moments to encourage us in our sanctification journey, to give us a taste of the eternal, of his goodness. He gives us both because he knows what we need better than we know ourselves. And his timing is always perfect. And aren’t we grateful?

Here are a couple more pictures from the Christy Awards gala that year (2008). You’ll recognize these pretty smiles . . .

Me with our own sweet Deb Raney, along with DiAnn Mills, grabbing a pic with our medallions

Me with Shelly Beach and our own dear Lynn Austin, who was the very first inductee to the Christy Hall of Fame. In fact, it was only after Lynn garnered eight—8!—Christy Awards in the historical novel category that the Christy Hall of Fame came into being. I think the Christy powers-that-be figured if they didn’t get Lynn out of the way, no one else would ever win! : )

Here’s the award on our sofa table. Isn’t it pretty? Especially with the sunlight shining through?

The award didn’t stay there, however. Bailey, our youngest Australian terrier, found it much too enticing. The little scamp . . .

Learn more about the Christy Award Hall of Fame and the current inductee s

As I said in my acceptance speech on November 12 during the online Christy Awards webcast, I’m so grateful to the gifted editors I’ve worked with through the years. Especially Karen Schurrer.

Karen and I have written nine books together, including my first three Christy wins. Karen is a jewel of a person—and one fabulous editor!

Remembered (2008), From a Distance (2009), A Note Yet Unsung (2017), With This Pledge (2019)

Steven James was inducted into the Hall of Fame that evening too. If you haven’t read Steven’s books yet, treat yourself! Here’s his latest Christy winner, E very Wicked Man.

It’s an honor to receive this award, for sure. But when I look at it, I don’t so much see “the wins” through the years. I see relationships.

Relationships with writer buddies who I dearly love and without whom I wouldn’t be writing (and having such fun as I do!). I see the many wonderful editors I’ve worked with who have made my writing SO much better than it would have been on my own. I see my parents who were Jesus in the flesh to me in this life. I see my family and friends who have repeatedly encouraged me in my writing career (especially Joe, Kelsey, and Kurt). And I see readers who are one of the biggest blessings in this journey—sharing our experiences and taking steps closer to Christ together.

In closing, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week. We were able to be with extended family and, especially after this past year, it was such an incredible blessing!

I’m so grateful for the honors and affirmations God gives us in our earthly walk, and I’m thankful for this particular award, for sure. But far more, I’m so grateful for all the relationships God has blessed my life with. And the best part?

Earthly awards and affirmations will fade, but these relationships—relationships formed and rooted in Christ—will last forever. This is only the beginning. Talk about encouraging!

And another upcoming BLESSING…

We have a wedding this weekend! Our son Kurt is marrying the girl of his dreams on Sunday! So if God brings us to mind, I’d sure appreciate your prayers for this family gathering and celebration. Pics to come next time!