Pixabay Images
Greetings from Ohio! The first 60+ days of 2019 have been hard to predict around here. Weather wise, we’ve had a foot of snow, then a polar vortex. There were days we left with a light coat. All I know is there have been a lot of days off from school for our daughter, and even two-hour delays.
As for me, I’ve had about a month with bronchitis and a sinus infection. When I finally gave up and saw the doctor, he said the weather was to blame. Seems like there are a lot of people with similar ailments. The praise is before I got sick, I was able to release the second book in the women’s fiction/middle grade series I’m co-authoring with my teen daughter. This was a series I never planned on writing, but God knew.
While sick, He threw me another plot twist. Match Made in Heaven is a novella I first wrote as a new Christian back in the early 1990’s. I think I wrote that before I even wrote Entrusted. It sat for years. Then I decided to use it as a thank you for newsletter subscribers, so I updated and revised it. It’s been a few years since that, so now the twist is I’m getting it ready for publication.
Working on it again has been an experience. I’ve seen my growth as a writer and made a ton of changes before I even submitted to my critique groups. The hero and heroine, Dean Kellerman and Beth Prescott, remind me of my time as a new Christian. At the time I was single and worked with a county program that placed senior citizens into not for profit volunteer positions. Every experience Beth has with her volunteers trying to match-make her is something I truly experienced.
Dean was an absolute figment of my imagination. I remember trying to picture the man God would have for me, and in my mind, he always looked something like Clark Kent. What I tell people is God knew better, and gave me a “super man.” My husband is my height (5’5″,) and when we met, he had light brown hair and brown eyes. That hair disappeared almost immediately (I joke that it was me, and I started finding grays at the same time, so that’s what we did to each other) but his faith and loyalty surpassed anything my imagination could come up with.
Revising it also gave me the opportunity to add an element to the story I wouldn’t have known about when I first penned it, health complications. Beth has congenital hypothyroidism and her struggles are that she forgets things easily and battles with her weight. I have loved ones with hypothyroidism and those are real challenges for them. As Dean tries to move past his forgiven sins, Beth’s hesitant to trust Christ because she can’t understand how a loving God would make her so flawed. It has been a fun story to dive into, and is definitely heavier in the Christian theme than my other romances. My prayer is that no matter where women are with their faith in Christ, that Match Made in Heaven would encourage them that God loves them deeply, is present in all things, and can be trusted. That has carried me through my seeking something more out of life back in 1992, and through the mountains and valleys since then.
Plot twists. They aren’t just in books, they are sometimes real life experiences! If you’d like to be the first to see the Match Made in Heaven cover and pre-order info, you’re invited to join my newsletter at juliearduini.com. New subscribers receive an eBook of my first published romance, Entrusted.
To celebrate Inspy Romance’s 5th Birthday Bash, I’d love to give one winner an opportunity to win my first series. Leave a comment on what the biggest plot twist in your life or favorite book was and I will choose one random comment to win Entrusted, Entangled, and Engaged. US winner can choose print or eBook, International winner automatically receives eBook.
Have a great March!
Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of ENTRUSTED: Surrendering the Present, as well as ENTANGLED: Surrendering the Past. The last book in the series, ENGAGED: Surrendering the Future, is coming soon. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. She also blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read. She resides in Ohio with her husband, two children, and chocolate stash. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com.
Some of the biggest twists in my life all began with finding my half sister 13 years ago. So many ups and downs stem from that one thing.
Also talk to your doctor about adding a D3 supplement, for years usually at least twice a year (late fall/early spring) I would end up with sinus infection, bronchitis, upper respiratory infection either one, two or all 3 at the same time. My doctor suggested taking D3 and my immune system has improved by leaps and bounds since then.
Hi Julie, sorry to hear you have not been well. The up and down nature of the weather can make things tedious indeed!
Biggest plot twist- being offered and accepting the job at the school were I teach. My husband and I said there were 3 places we did not want to work- and guess where God sent us- to the second one on the list! 16 years later we are still here and pray that God continues to use us.
Blessings:)
Hi Julie!Just listening to the weather report in SW Michigan and by Thursday temps will be in the 60s. So over our Midwestern winter. Hope you recover soon. Biggest plot twist – as a young adult I never wanted to marry a pastor. When I met my husband, a young believer, he was studying pre-med. Then he felt God’s calling to go into the ministry – not what I signed up for. God and I had many a heated discussion, before I said yes to hubby. Caring for my aging parents was the second plot twist and to stay near them, we retired from the ministry after 30 years. Best wishes and hoping for warmer weather and spring.
Sending healing thoughts your way. I am also pretty sure it is the weather that has so many of our bodies so confused. I agree that plot twists also happen in real life. I have had numerous plot twists in my life. But I think my biggest happened when I was 13. The body was starting to change and … well, it decided to come down with epilepsy. I am now 60, but it has been under control for approx. 45 years now. But because of it, I have been able to help other women who have physical issues with Gods graceful hand.
This reminds me of a meme I’ve seen on Facebook a few times on various backgrounds: “When something goes wrong in your life, just yell, “Plot twist!” and move on!”
And then there’s the quote by Louis L’Amour — “The only thing that never changes is that everything changes.”
Here in SE BC, our winter has followed the rhythm of the past few years: fairly dry and mild until February, then All The Snow and the nasty icy winds. But it’s starting to thaw out now…
Cassandra,
That is a huge plot twist! Wow!
I actually take D3, along with other supplements. The good news is I haven’t had sickness like this in a few years. Hoping not to for a long time.
Thanks for reading!
Wemble,
That happened to me as well. There is one suburb here that has a reputation, fair or not, for being a bit rude. When our house deal fell through in the suburb I thought God had for us, every listing ended up being in that first suburb I had on my “never list.” We’ve lived here almost five years and love it.
Renate,
I’ve heard this happen a lot, that a couple marries in one career, then they are called into ministry. It is not easy, I’m sure! Caring for aging parents is definitely a plot twist. So grateful for God, who is never surprised.
Hoping spring comes and stays for all of us!
Hi, Lori!
Yes, epilepsy is a big plot twist. I’m so glad you have been able to take that situation and help others who could use your encouragement. Thank you for stopping by today!
Valerie,
That quote is true! Our lives are so much about things we never saw coming—but God did!
I hope the thaw continues. I dislike the tease of spring, only to be socked with another dose of winter. I’m ready!
The biggest plot twist in my life was probably when my parents decided to move our family from California to Kentucky when I was in 9th grade. In California we lived 30 minutes from my grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins on my mom’s side. In Kentucky, our closest family was 2 hours away and we didn’t know them well since we hadn’t grown up with them. Because of moving to KY, all of our lives are drastically different than what they likely would have been had we stayed in California.
My biggest plot twist was moving from WV to WI to escape an abusive marriage in 1992. Then six years ago I was finally able to move back to my home state.
Melynda,
This is my story as well. Upstate NY was my home until 2004. The financial affects of 9/11 affected the area and jobs were scarce. We landed in NE Ohio where we knew no one. We lived a very rural life in NY, and a suburban and at times, inner city life in Ohio. Like you, our lives were nothing like they would have been. That’s been hard for me to reconcile at times, but God has done so many amazing things here, I know Ohio was His plan for us all along.
Thank you for sharing your plot twist!
Lucy,
That is a huge plot twist, and I’m sure a very difficult transition for many reasons. I’m glad you were able to return. Thank you for stopping by!
I have had a few plot twists in my life, sorry to say! I have actually been sick for the last week myself, and I am not liking this one bit….sigh! Glad you are feeling better!
It must have benen nice to write a book with your daughter, a one of a kind experience!
I hope you recover soon.
Life definitely doesn’t always go the way we might want, and that’s when we have to trust God always has a better plan.
One of my biggest plots twists was how after college I thought I’d work for a couple of years then get married and have babies. I ended up working for almost 20 years before getting married and I’m still working and the only babies I’ve had are ones with four paws and fur.
Paula,
Praying you recover quickly. My husband was sick the end of last week and all weekend. Finally, I think we are all healthy. I’m so glad you were able to visit Inspy Romance today!
Laura,
It really was. She took a “lemon” of a situation and decided to make lemonade. I feel blessed that we were able to work on that together. I’m finally feeling better, yay!
Thanks so much for reading today!
You are so right, Susanne! I try to tell the kids when something surprises them that God is not up in heaven dumbfounded. We have to trust that He knows us best and has a perfect plan.
Thank you for that reminder!
Ellie,
That is a plot twist I have observed a bit over the years. I’ve also watched those women be incredible mentors and influences on girls and young women in ways their moms never could. I pray He use you mightily in His plans for your life. Thanks so much for reading today!
It must of been fun writing a series with your daughter. I hope you get well soon.
Great post Julie! I was laughing…my husband lost his hair too lol, maybe they are related?! ;)
Thank you, Kerri! I’m finally on the mend. It really has been fun working with Hannah. We have one more book to write, and she has the plot figured out already! Thanks so much for stopping by Inspy Romance today!
Natalya,
That could be! How funny!
I appreciate you giving me a smile today!
I can’t think of nothing big enough as everyone else, there are some serious twits around here. I’m glad most people are coping well just like you. Take care.
Thank you, Priscila! So glad you stopped by.
Biggest real-life plot twist would be receiving the gift of our four children. We had planned on one….and God gave us four.
What a wonderful plot twist! What a blessing!
The biggest plot twist in my life was when I became a nurse. I agreed to go to school because I had a degree and a few more semesters would let me “try” nursing. I never intended to be a psych and mental health nurse, either. But God had other plans. I retired after almost 22 years.
I love reading the twists and turns God gives. It takes a special person to work in health care, and especially in the area you served so faithfully. Thank you for sharing, Betty!
A big plot twist in my life was going to a private Christian college in another state (where I knew NO ONE) instead of the college I’d already registered at!
I have had a few plot twist in my life God always makes away for me I no that for sure Hope you feel better soon!
I don’t know that I’ve actually had any huge plot twists, mostly minor ones. But I know that God will help us through any obstacles we face, and will never give us more than we can handle, with His help. I have been blessed to be able to help my parents through several plot twists that have come in their lives, as well as learn from my mother’s strong faith.
That is a definite plot twist, Dianna! I remember observing God work in a young person who was all set for one college and He showed her His plan was not only a different college, but a completely different path. Her entire life changed, but God blessed her!
Thank you, Sarah! He is definitely the way maker!
That’s great, Teresa. One thing I’ve learned is He is present. That means everything to me.
A big plot twist happened when our four year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Didn’t see that one coming! And it has impacted our entire family.
Arletta,
I can see how a health diagnosis would be a plot twist. Our daughter has health issues we never saw coming, and you’re right, it changes everything and everyone. So glad you joined us today!