Welcome to our Back to School Bash! What a wonderful time of the year. Fun, books, prizes–oh, wait–that’s our blog all year long, isn’t it? But this month we’re extra! Enjoy!
I’m sure you’ve heard that as Christians joy and sorrow co-exist in us. The joy brought to us by God, and the sorrow of the world around us, or our circumstances at times. We push through our bad times with the underlying joy of Christ in our hearts.
Today I’m going to talk about another form of co-existing: Excitement and fear. Why you ask? Because I’m experiencing them both! My excitement at having my first Love Inspired book out—-and the fear of what reader’s will think.
It’s already such a mixed bag of emotion writing the book, putting your heart and soul onto the page for readers to connect with and process. Then it’s thrown out into the world for all to see.
Excitement…and fear! All at the same time.
I’m sure you have experienced this in some way in your life. Being super excited at an event, or milestone coming up. Yet fear at, well, who knows what? These simultaneous feelings cause our insides to churn, our minds to swirl, and our hearts to race.
Yet we know that our joy comes from Christ. He already knows what is going to happen, how people will react, and how everything will play out. So, when I find myself caught up in this bevy of emotional turmoil, I figured out that I can only do what I can do. I can only control certain things, and my only peace can come from resting in Christ.
Of course I’ve toiled and strived trying to control what I can’t. I’m sure you have too. I’ve worried endlessly about things I can not change. I’m sure you have too. I’ve wondered and wondered about reactions I can’t control. I’m sure you have too. All these things my heroine, Nicole, has done in this new release. Nicole was fun to write. Tear-jerking at times, I’ll admit. She is caring, loving and oh so misunderstood by more than one person! I hope you’ll enjoy reading her story next month when Their Surprise Second Chance-pre-order releases.
Until then, enjoy all the posts featured in this month’s Back to School Bash!
Share an experience you’ve had with juggling joy and sorrow or excitement and fear. Or share some calming and/or encouraging words. I’ll choose a commenter to receive an E-copy of Rich in Love. Giveaway open to US residents. Comment by Friday night at Midnight and I’ll choose a winner Saturday morning to start you on your journey to enjoying new books! Participate, have fun, and read, read, read!
USA Today featured author Lindi Peterson lives in north Georgia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and a lively array of cats, dogs and birds. She loves sharing life with her family and friends. Her passion for reading led her to writing, and then God spoke words of love into her heart and changed her life forever.
I think it very much applies to moving house. I rent and I had to find somewhere new which I am now in thanks to a friend buying the house for me to rent. I had the Fear of not finding somewhere. then the excitement of a new place. But also the fear it wouldn’t be right and the costs etc. For a few days I didn’t like the place before I moved. The rooms were smaller the lounge just wasn’t right. But also the excitement of being able to do as I like. (within reason.) I took the smaller bedroom as a lounge I call it my Winter Lounge, and love it. the main lounge goes into the meals area and kitchen and is a strange size with a huge bay window which is quite cold this time of year. (I have new curtains coming which will help). But I am loving my little lounge. I never have lots of visitors so it works well. I also had the fear of the cats not settling. So far they have places to hide when needed but they are adjusting. won’t let them out for another week.
There is the joy of a new home but the sorrow of leaving a place I loved and had done so much work in the garden etc on.
Sharing my fav scripture Jeremiah 29:11
The excitement of getting a new job, but the fear of not making enough money to pay the bills. That happened to me several years ago. But praise the Lord, it worked out. God is good.
Every year teaching brings me excitement and fear. You are excited about your new class but there is also fear that you might have a bad year. Thankfully I’ve only had a few bad years.
going to school away from family
Congratulations on the love inspired release Lindi!
I have found both excitement and fear in raising my children, wondering if I am making the right decisions for them and not knowing how things will turn out. I really struggle with not feeling in control of things, and I have to keep reminding myself I’m never really in control! I have to consciously try each day to rely on God and trust in his love. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourself therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I can relate to this post. I’ve had these exact same feelings. I am so excited to read about Second
Chances, as I really don’t believe in them.
Hi Lindi! Retirement brought both excitement and fear. While I retired from teaching a decade ago, there have been delights- free time to enjoy the grandchildren, back road trips, no schedules: but then Covid brought health and isolation fears. As one ages – fear of losing ones independence, keeping up with technology. Great discussion topic. Oldest son and two grandkids at our house – due to winds last night, they are without power. His wife and oldest son went to work. Enjoy your day.
Thank you!!
Bonnie–Thank you for sharing!! And yes, new jobs are that way—
Ruthie-What a great reminder to us all. Thank you so much for sharing today!
Yes! My granddaughter just went off to college! Exciting and fear at the same time. :) Thank you for sharing.
Audrey—Thank you for your kind words—second chances come with a different kind of risk, don’t they.
Renate—Oh my! Yes. Retirement is not for the faint of heart, right? So many directions that time could go. And the Pandem……well that brought a whole other set of dishes to the table, right? Enjoy that family time!! It’s the best.
I often experience excitement and fear (or at least nervousness) before traveling. Excitement about the trip and the fun things I have planned but fear/nerves over leaving my cat and the house and just the leaving. Fortunately, after I actually leave the excitement usually wins out pretty quickly.
Hi Lindi
*sending all the virtual hugs* I’m currently going through the same with being excited about finishing my degree in a few months, but also fear of the unknown/future. I’m definitely glad we serve the One who holds the future in His hands, and who never lets us go.
Good morning, your book sounds like a Must read for all, it sounds like it has different emotions that we all go through at one time or another, it is called Life. This school year I am feeling sadness and I am feeling joy and at the same time fear. Our oldest grandchild- our grandaughter is graduating HS this school year, I am very happy for her because she has already been accepted into the college she was wanting, I also feel sad because this young lady who was just a little baby not that long ago is starting a whole new chapter in her life, which is very good, dont take me wrong, it is just that it is so hard to believe that she is all grown up. Thank Goodness for social media, we will stay in touch. My daughter and her little family have lived in the same town as my husband and I the whole time since she got married, my 2 grandchildren we have with them were born in this same town. My grandaughter and I have always been very close. I know that God will watch over my grandaughter like He always has.
Jessica—I’m the same–especially when flying—but once we land–I’m in! All excitement.
And I love and miss my cats, too!
Priscila—-Congratulations on your degree!! How awesome–and yes, keeping our perspective on who holds our future is the key. Thank you for visiting!
Alicia—How sweet!! I love that you’ve had your grandchildren so close—what a blessing. I’m in the same situation with my oldest granddaughter–she went to college this weekend. Only about an hour and a half away–but they are on their own!! Thank you for visiting.
My time of juggling joy and sorrow was first when Daddy passed in 1996, and then again in 2020 when Mom passed. I was filled with joy because they weren’t suffering anymore, and I know I’ll see them again, but it was sorrowful because they weren’t here with me anymore. Even now, still going through the process, there are days when I cry because I miss Mom so much, yet I know I’ll see her again, and I’m glad she’s not having to get shots in her eyes every 2 months, and she can hear! I want to see the “bottles” of my tears when I get to heaven, but I tell God sometimes with all the tears I’ve cried since Mom went to be with Him, I think I’ve filled up at least two oil tankers by now!
Jenny—I love this. What a great example–and hello cat friend!! Your place sounds lovely, yet all those fears step in before the move. Thank you for sharing!!
Trudy—What a beautiful example of joy and sorrow–and so glad you have the peace and understanding of seeing them later. Thank you so much for sharing!! That is a hard time for sure.
Excitement when ever my mom had a new baby and now when my sister or sisters in law are pregnant with babies my sister is due end of October and my sister in law is due the end of January excitement when I get to see my 6 nieces and nephews ages 3,2,1.5,1.5,8 months and 6 months. Sadness when my grandma passed away in March 2020 and only her children and their spouses could go as it was the beginning of the pandemic and everything was locked down in Washington state. My 96 year old grandpa is waiting for his Time to get to go to heaven so he can she his wife he says we need to pray that it’s not too much longer. He lives in an apartment at our house so we are his caregivers Monday through Friday and Friday night through Sunday night my moms sibblings take care of him.
Fear and excitement usually go hand in hand for me. Excitement over a new experience but fear of what that new experience might end up being like.
I think it’s like starting a new job. You are excited but you are scared at the same time because of all the unknowns. I’m sure readers will love your story!!!
Kendra—Wow—that is a lot of joy—and sorrow. I know your grandpa is so blessed by the in-home care. How beautiful for you all to do that. Enjoy those nieces and nephews. Thank you for visiting.
Megan–How true!!! Thank you for visiting!
Natalya, Yes!! I was training a new person today and I could sense fear and excitement in her. Thank you so much for visting.
Lori—Ah—I know you’ll have a great year! Thank you so much for teaching–what a special and important profession! Thank you for visiting Inspy!
I’m in the middle of excitement & fear as my two oldest children start college classes. They are 15 & 16 and are going to dual enrollment classes at a local community college. We have homeschooled since the beginning so this is their first day of school without me! They’re nervous & excited and so am I, but I know they’re well prepared & are going to do great! Just like your book release is going to go well! God’s got you! ❤️
Texas Momma–prayers for you! How awesome though that they can combine to do that–with each other, and getting college credits in high school. I know all will go amazing!! Pop in this week and let us know how it’s going–or how you’re doing! Thank you for visiting!!
As I go through the grief of losing my Mom in January, I find myself holding on to many scripture verses as I uncover many areas and steps to walk through. I know that through it all, the Lord is walking the path with me. On the times that I cannot walk alone He is carrying me. I hold on to Be still and know that I am God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. to name a few. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I remember feeling a mix of fear and excitement when I turned 50. On one hand it is scary to think you have lived more than half your life and on the other it was exciting to celebrate since my hubby took my twin sister and me on a cruise to celebrate. That made it a lot less painful.
I had equal amounts of excitement and fear leading up to my first date. :D
I always juggle the excitement of starting a new school year and the fear of facing new classes but I have found that God is always faithful.
Working in an office in the school where all of the ‘bad kids’ get sent makes me realize appreciate Christian fiction of any kind. But especially a lot of the books that are recommended on this blog and podcasts. I look forward to reading something happy where the characters are growing on their faith and things all work out for the good. I wish school was as predictable. It is always exciting for a new school year to start but it can be intimidating going into the day without having spend time with Jesus. On those days I fear my attitude might not be what it needs to point people to Christ!
The school years always bring interesting and high stress moments but being able to work with (highschool) students and pour into them in a positive way is rewarding.
I think sending a child off to college is a time of excitement and fear. Excitiment that they are getting closer to learning more about something that they are very interested and fear that the experience may have a lot of bumps and challenges and that the student will want to give up rather than persevere.
Cherie—How awesome!! I’ll take a cruise to celebrate anytime!
Cherie—How awesome!! I’ll take a cruise to celebrate anytime!
Elizabeth–Great reminder for us romance authors. :) Thank you!
Angeline–God is faithful–so true! Thank you for visiting Inspy!
Kris—Yes–I remember back to high school—the nervousness and excitement!! I’m so glad you’ve found good books here!! Thank you for visiting Inspy!
Martha—You are so right!! Thank you for visiting Inspy!
“I know this won’t be easy, but I also know you’ve got what it takes to get through it.”