I’ve told this story a few times in the past few years, but I’m not going to apologize if you’ve read it before. Why? Because, in my humble opinion, it bears repeating. You might say this story is for those skeptics who say, “That couldn’t happen!” I’m sure you’ve heard how truth is sometimes much stranger than fiction? Well, my friends, this is one of those stories.
Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and snuggle up…this is also one those warm blanket moments…
In the late 1990s, we lived on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and my husband, Jim, was an associate pastor for youth/music/worship. It was during the six-year period when I was a stay-at-home mom with three small children under the age of ten. Heavy snow was predicted for Christmas Eve, but that didn’t stop our excitement as we packed up the minivan and headed on our way to Grandma’s house in my native southern Indiana, across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky (where we now live). Stops included, driving straight through, we anticipated it would take about 12 to 14 hours.
The further we drove, however, the more treacherous the highway became. Huge trucks were skidding and sliding into ditches and guard rails, the roads were winding and narrow, and there were numerous fender benders and stalled cars everywhere. Did that stop the Durgins? No way! We were all singing, happy as could be, and nothing could stop us! At one point, I started to get a little apprehensive because of the blinding snow and icy road conditions. I remember giving Jim one of those looks and mouthing to him so the kids wouldn’t hear, “Do you think we should pull over and stop?” His response was to grip the steering wheel that much harder with fierce determination.
Our rumbling tummies finally forced us stop at a truck stop (still on The Pennsylvania Turnpike; it’s a really long stretch of highway). The warmth inside and the smells of a holiday buffet greeted us as we walked through the door. It was so welcoming! We knew we couldn’t stay long and needed to keep moving if we had a prayer to get to our destination before Christmas. As it was, we’d been delayed by creeping along at speeds of less than 20 miles per hour for several hours.
This is where it gets pretty wonderful. Our waitress came to our table with a radiant smile. Her name? Angel. She was sweet and as friendly as could be in spite of being hectic and busy with a number of customers. When Jim went to pay the bill, the cashier said, “Already taken care of, folks. Merry Christmas.” We’ll never know who paid for our meal, but it was one of those random acts of kindness we’ll never forget.
Now, for the part that makes my eyes mist all these years later. When we walked outside to our van, we discovered a man—who’d been sitting at the counter when we walked in (and greeted the kids with candy canes and a warm smile)—had been hard at work shoveling around our van in order to make sure we’d be able to get out of the parking lot. The man told us his name was Chris (or was it Kris?). In a red plaid flannel shirt with jeans and a heavy overcoat, he had a long white beard, thick white hair, wire frame glasses, and yes, I’m pretty certain there was a merry twinkle in those eyes. In case you think this is a case of an overactive writer’s imagination, I have witnesses (Jim and the three kids), and we all share this same marvelous memory (well, except for Matthew since he was very young at the time but he knows all about it!). To this day, we still marvel over the miracles of that exceptional trip.
The snow was falling and accumulating faster than I’d ever seen it. Spying a small motel a few miles down the highway, I exchanged a glance with Jim. He raised his brows and I shrugged. Then we both looked at each other a few seconds later and he said, “Indiana or bust.”
Nearly 18 hours after we started out, we finally made it to Indiana, and never was it so warm and welcoming! But the story’s not quite over yet… Jim had a mechanical problem with the van the day after Christmas. I can’t remember what it was, but we took the van to my mom’s mechanic (a lookalike for Larry Bird, a fact which thrilled my Celtics fanatic of a husband). Know what the mechanic said? “I don’t know how you made it that far, especially in the bad weather. This van should have broken down somewhere along the way.” I remember stopping somewhere in Ohio and filling a tire with air, but wow. I mean Wow! The Lord’s constant watch care and protection for us is amazing and awesome, isn’t it?
Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
I’m giving away three Kindle copies of Starlight in Her Eyes, the fourth and final in my Starlight Christmas Series (released just this week!). Leave a comment by midnight on Friday, December 11th to be eligible. I love Colin’s story, and I hope you will, too!
If you’d like to purchase the book, it’s only 99 cents on Amazon thru the end of this month PLUS all the preceding three Starlight Christmas Series ebooks are also only 99 cents each!
Here’s the link for Starlight in Her Eyes: http://amzn.to/1NpJvac
Here’s the description of the book:
Colin Young embraces the Christmas season as the new television co-host of Wake Up, Philadelphia! His fun and spontaneous “Out and About” segments in the City of Brotherly Love are a ratings winner. Only one problem—the beautiful but intriguing assistant assigned to help make his transition easier doesn’t seem to like him much.
Serena Monroe has no time for the cheeky Brit with a glowing professional reputation but a lengthy personal history with women. Betrayed by one high-profile man, she doesn’t need another. Her sole focus is her daughter, Lily. But then Serena begins to see that Colin is nothing like she assumed. He’s a man of faith who inspires everyone around him. Dare she take a chance on love again?
When Colin invites Serena and Lily to share Christmas with him in the little town of Starlight, Iowa, can they discover a holiday miracle of their own?
Blessings to you and yours during this most precious season!
~JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin is the author of over twenty novels since her debut, Awakening (Lewis Legacy Book 1), released in late 2010. Her books include the beloved Lewis Legacy Series, as well as its prequel, Prelude. She is also the author of Catching Serenity, Heart's Design, and Gentle Like the Rain, a sequel to Heart's Design. Other novels include Echoes of Edinburgh, The Wondrous Love Series, Perchance to Dream, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. Her latest release is The Christmas Challenge and coming up next is Pursuit, the highly anticipated Book 8 in The Lewis Legacy Series. JoAnn lives with her family in her native southern Indiana and now enjoys writing full-time and spending time with her first granddaughter, Amelia Grace. Sharing the hope and joy to be found in a relationship with Christ is her passion, and JoAnn adores writing and reading Christian romance. She loves to hear from her readers via her website or her Author JoAnn Durgin page on FB!
I think you meant Dec. 11th in your post, JoAnn. :) You’re forgiven, because I still can’t believe it’s December.
Your family’s story sounds like the makings of an episode of The Brady Bunch or Eight is Enough. I am certain I saw that episode. haha
Your post is an absolute feel good story! I am so tired of hearing about bombs, killings, terrorism! How about more stories like yours and more believers!! Happy holidays to you and your family and to those who helped you out so long ago!!
I love your wonderful story. What a great post. Blessings to you and Merry Christmas!
Hmm… Where is that, Terrill? The date for comments to be posted to be eligible to win a copy of the book? From where I’m sitting, it says December 11th. Now I’m befuddled, but you’re right, and I still can’t believe it’s December 11th! :) And I grew up on the Brady Bunch (and the Partridge Family), and it does sound like one of their adventures! Blessings to you at Christmas!
LOL. I can’t believe it’s December. Period. Maybe I should go back to bed. It was a very long, exhausting day yesterday. It’s now December 5th. At least it’s NOT the 11th yet! :)
I hear you, Linda! It’s been a tough week in the news (and we used to live very close to San Bernardino), hasn’t it? That’s another reason I write “feel good” stories with a strong spiritual emphasis. We DO need more of those in the world! Blessings to you and yours at Christmas!
Thank you so much, Kathy! I love telling that story (as you can probably tell). Thanks for stopping by InspyRomance and leaving a comment today. Many blessings to you and yours at Christmas!
That story would make an awesome Hallmark Christmas movie. Our God is awesome and sometimes so are His people.
Thanks for the story. God always provides! I like stories with happy endings too! God bless!
What a great Christmas story. I know God protects us, and that is just more proof. This looks like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Thank you, Pete! Actually, a number of my readers are telling me my Starlight Christmas Series would make great Hallmark Christmas movies. :) We finally have the Hallmark Channel again after an absence of several years, and I’m really enjoying the holiday movies. And, you know what? I tend to agree with those readers! :) Thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance today and leaving a comment. Blessings at Christmas to you and yours!
Yes, He does, and isn’t that so wonderful? Many blessings to you during this most joyous season, Diana!
Susan, sometimes I STILL can’t believe it happened, but our God is so great and the way He works is beyond our imagination and comprehension. I appreciate your comment about the book, and I hope you have the opportunity to read it. :) Thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance today and leaving a comment, and blessings to you during the Christmas season!
Great story! I love how God works in unexpected ways! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
LOL. As I was reading down the comments, mind you it’s before six in the morning on a Saturday, I thought to myself. “Really? Where did the month go? I had no idea it was already the 11th.”:)
I enjoyed your post JoAnn.
This sounds like a great book. I really enjoyed your story. God does provide we just have to trust. Thanks for the gieawy.
I love your Christmas miracle story! And I’m about half done reading Starlight in Her Eyes. Good job!!
What a wonderful story! I got goosebumps reading it. I believe that God was with you watching over your family during your holiday travels. He always keeps us safe and I believe our angels work overtime to keep us safe as well. I’m really glad you made it safely to Indiana for Christmas.
I would love the chance to win your Christmas book, Starlight in her Eyes, JoAnn. The story sounds really good. Have a blessed Christmas season!
Wonderful post, JoAnn! Absolutely, your series is Hallmark movie material…no doubt about it.
What a great story, JoAnn! This is one your family can retell for generations. I already have your wonderful book, so don’t add my name to the draw. I loved it and will read it again when I need a mood boost–it’s that good! :)
Great story! I’d love to read them all :-)
Love your Christmas story! . :-) Merry Christmas!
Thanks for your story and I truly love your books. I am saving the Christmas ones to read this month but I may be running out of time. Don’t add me to the draw because I bought your book today. Have a blessed Christmas.
Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing it and for the giveaway!
JoAnn, that’s the first time I’ve heard your story and it is wonderful! God truly protects us even when we don’t realize we need it!
Loving “Starlight in her Eyes!”
LOL, Kim! I’m sure GLAD it’s not the 11th already! I’m not sure I was ready for the 5th! Merry Christmas to you and yours. :)
Same to you, Beth! Thanks for being such a faithful reader for us at Inspy Romance! Blessings, and Merry Christmas to you and yours, as well.
Thank you, Connie! God certainly is awesome, isn’t He? :) Thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance today and for leaving a comment! Blessings to you at Christmas.
Thank you, Val! :)
You know what, Rebecca? I still get chills, too! I agree that His angels are everywhere and I firmly believe they were indeed surrounding our van to make sure we made it safely home on that particular trip. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it again as I’m typing this. :) Merry Christmas, and thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance today. Blessings!
Thanks, Jill! Now if only someone at Hallmark would “hear” us and pick up on it. Hmm… I’d appreciate your prayers that perhaps that may indeed come to fruition one day. Merry Christmas to you and yours! :)
Thank you for stopping by Inspy Romance today, Kathleen! I appreciate your faithfulness in reading my books and always encouraging me in my writing journey. Many blessings to you and your family during this most joyous season.
Thank you, Margaret! I appreciate your stopping by Inspy Romance today and leaving a comment. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Blessings!
Thank you, Melissa! I appreciate the comment. Merry Christmas to you and yours, as well! :)
Ah, thank you! I appreciate that so much! Grab a cup of hot tea, coffee, or chocolate and snuggle beneath a blanket for a “Starlight Marathon” perhaps. :) I hope you enjoy the books. Blessings, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hi Beth (we met last night if you’ll recall in the FB chat party!). Thank you for stopping by Inspy Romance today and leaving a comment. We love our readers. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
AMEN to that, Edwina! Yes, He does. I do love telling that story…over and over. I’m so happy you’re enjoying Colin, Serena, and Lily’s story. :) Love to you and yours at Christmas, my friend.
What a wonderful Christmas story.
Thanks for stopping by, Linda! Always a pleasure when you visit Inspy Romance! Blessings to you.
Now if that isn’t a Christmas miracle I don’t know what is!! Gave me chills reading your story JoAnn, and to know it was real & not a story in a book to boot! God certainly had his hand on your family that day! Isn’t He absolutely amazing? I think if we all were to look back at our lives, we’d find our own times where God’s hand was on us in a miraculous way :-)
No need to enter me as I purchased my copy of “Starlight in Her Eyes” already. Colin’s on my TBR list for December….he’s held a special place in my heart since the last book :-) So glad he’ll have his happily-ever-after & I just bet he’s met his match in Serena! Can’t wait to read it and see their story unfold for myself, I can already tell I’m in for a treat.
Blessings to you,also JoAnn
Awe! A very warm the heart, faith in believing miracles do happen. And at Christmastime. Loved your story JoAnn. Reminds me to always trust in him, even in those scary moments.
Thanks so much, Trixi. God is truly amazing indeed! :) Your kind comments and encouragement here on Inspy Romance always make me smile. I love hearing your stories, too! Colin holds a very special place in this author’s heart as well. And yes, he meets his match in Serena and the little pint-sized version of her, as well. :) Many blessings to you and yours during this most joyous Christmas season.
Thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance and reading my story, Sharon. I think trust is sometimes difficult for a lot of people, but if we can loosen our grip on the reins a little bit, God will provide and take care of us. He always does and in the way only HE can. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Sounds like quite the journey! With some special encounters along the way=)
It was indeed, Patty! Thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance today. Blessings and Merry Christmas! :)