Friday, May 25, 2018

Giver And Fulfiller of Dreams


As a teenager, I had two dreams: to have a family, and to be a writer.

When I was twenty-six, God gave me the gift of a marriage with Murray. By the time we were married ten years, we had five children.

That dream is still unfolding. Give me a few hours, and I’ll begin to tell you about my children.

The writing dream took a little longer.

I was about ten when I started writing stories down. By that time, I could no longer see well enough to read my handwriting, so I forced these silly stories on long-suffering family and friends.

When I was eleven, I learned braille, and soon after I learned to type. With a manual typewriter and a braillewriter, I was soon filling binder after binder with stories.

I was able to have a healthy handful of stories and poems published in magazines when I was a teenager. Then, with college, work, and raising a family, I wrote very little for over thirty years.

I didn’t give up the dream. I figured I’d write when I retired.

Then six years ago, I had to quit working due to an injury. This was crushing to me, since I’d always valued myself as a busy, productive person.

But God was so kind to me. He reminded me of my writing dream, and I realized if I didn’t use this time to write, I’d simply be foolish.

I started writing, more silly little stories at first. I join the American Christian Fiction Writers group, where I was able to participate in classes and critique groups.

I read books about writing, wrote more, and learned so much about improving this skill. I still have so much to learn.

This week I signed a contract with Mantle Rock Publishing for my first book, which, God willing, is scheduled to be released in April of 2019.

In Psalm 37, it says God will give us the desires of our heart. I believe he put these two wonderful dreams in my heart, and I thank him for fulfilling them.

Psalm 37: 4: Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, Kathy, how wonderful! I'm jumping up and down and sending a huge hug your way! Which story is it? Please keep us posted on your journey!

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  2. I am thrilled for you! What an honor and a privilege to be here and learn of this fabulous news! Sending up flowers of joy for you!

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  3. Congratulations, Kathy. I'm so excited for you. Thank you for sharing. Wishing all the very best.

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  4. Kathy, I just read this blog. I am so happy for you! The verse you highlighted is a favorite of mine. PS.37:4 is engraved on the inner side of my wedding band. The idea that God will give us the desires of our hearts -like he gave me my wife Cheryl- fills my heart with joy. Thank you for the boost of encouragement.

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