This post was supposed to be a character interview, and I worried whether it was going to be good enough. Recently, I’ve worried about many things. Which genre should I dedicate more time to? How should I continue on my writing journey? How can I make my next book better?
Then I received some bad news, and I don’t worry about many things anymore. I think about one thing only. The future will be unclear for some time, but I pray and hope for the best, and prayers would be greatly appreciated. There’s cure for the early stage, but I waited weeks to go to the doctor, always busy with something else, and now possible complications are frightening.
I confess that I always consider the worst-case scenario. Once I did in this case, the sun became brighter, the grass greener, and the sky more beautiful. I noticed how wonderful freshly cut grass smelled and how deliciously sweet, with a slightly tangy taste, an apple was. I remembered my favorite moments in life, great people I knew, the book I wanted to read again.
I started thinking about what I’d want my legacy to be. I hope that I helped some people and made at least a little bit of a difference. I also participate in projects that do so. So I’d like my legacy to be in the hearts and minds of the people I’ve met. And let’s be honest, I want my books to be my legacy, as well.
I also realized that, like the heroine of my new book Heidi Faith Lozano, I need to go on the journey of spiritual renewal, to enter my own season of faith. I need to grow in my faith because frankly, right now I’m scared.
Here’s an excerpt from Season of Faith:
“I know I’ve got to kiss some frogs to find my prince, but Sean turned out a crocodile.” Lying in bed in her childhood room, Heidi Lozano said the words into her phone with her eyes closed.
Maybe that way she could pretend the end of her relationship with Sean last week had only been a bad dream and she wasn’t back in her hometown, Rios Azules, in her parents’ house, sad and heartbroken. Again.
Camila, Heidi’s younger sister by two years, was as supportive as always. “It’s Sean’s loss. What a jerk!” Camila’s voice rose in indignation. “Who breaks up with a fiancée two months before the wedding?”
“Um, I did.” Heidi grimaced as she opened her eyes. She’d done worse. She’d called it quits with her high school sweetheart, Jason Andrews, two weeks before their wedding. “But I had a good reason for doing that.”
Camila coughed a little. “Okay, never mind. You’ll meet a better guy than Sean. You’ll see.”
“No, thanks. I’m done with romantic entanglements.” Heidi dragged herself out of bed, her phone pressed to her ear. “Every guy I’ve liked has either made fun of me or traded me for someone else.”
Camila sighed. “I’m about to give up, too. I’ve dated enough frogs to populate a swamp. I’m way overdue for a happily ever after. Too many frogs, not enough princes.”
There won’t be a giveaway this time because my new book, Season of Faith, is free to anybody who signs up for my newsletter.
Do you have favorite books you’d like to read again and again? What were the best moments in your life? And if I may ask, what would you like your legacy to be? I’d love to hear from you!
Alexa Verde writes uplifting, diverse books about faith, love, and hope. She has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. Alexa has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's in Russian. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best.
I’ll be praying for you, Alexa. I would hope my legacy would be a kind heart. I enjoyed the excerpt…thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. Your love of writing and the joy you bring through your books is a wonderful legacy. God is in control and He will give you strength and comfort. God bless.
Thank you very much for praying, Jill! A kind heart is a wonderful legacy. And I appreciate your kind words about my excerpt!
Thank you very much, Gina! God is always in control. I need to remember that. God bless you!
I’m praying you’ll find the peace and strength you need, Alexa. Thanks so much for sharing about your book!
Prayers mean so much to me. Thank you, Melanie!
Praying for you, and chuckling at your excerpt. Blessings on your day.
Praying, of course, dear friend. God can bring good from this! Just like my illness, though it’s pesky rather than life-threatening. The gift I’ve only just discovered after long months of frustration is how much closer it’s brought me to Him, and the way that grown faith is now bearing fruit.
Praying you stay well, and enjoy that deepened sense of God’s presence with you. <3
And I can't wait to read the new book! You had me intrigued to discover Heidi's story, right from the start!
Praying too!
Much prayer for you! God will give you the comfort you need. I’ve been through scary breast cancer and now I’ve been a survivor for almost six years. But I’m still wary and on edge praying it doesn’t come back. On my grandfather and father’s grave “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”. I pray I live in my loved ones hearts and maybe a crochet item or two I made will help them remember. I have several my grandmother made me that I cherish.
Thank you so much for praying, Valerie! And yes, I hoped my excerpt would make people smile. :)
Thank you for the prayers, Autumn! You have such a kind soul. I believe that God already brought good from this. I’m very blessed with all the support, and I hope to spiritually grow from this. Lots of cyber hugs on your illness. Praying for you, as well.
Autumn, I forgot to say, thank you so much for the wonderful words about my new book. You have brightened my day!
Thank you for praying, Margaret Nelson! It means very much to me.
I agree with all of these comments, and also pray for peace for you and the strength you need for each day. It always comforts me to know that God isn’t surprised by what is happening in our lives. And the valleys do draw us so much closer to Him, because we need Him so much more. They open our eyes to how blessed we really are. I’m really excited to read Season of Faith! Excellent, encouraging blog! Thank you for being so open and real. May God richly, richly bless you with all peace and understanding!!!
Thank you so much, Gail Estes Hollingsworth! That must have been a very difficult experience. I’ll be praying for you, too. Very wise, wonderful words, and a great legacy. And I’m sure your crochet items are beautiful and will be cherished for generations. Thank you very much for sharing!
Thank you so much for praying, Becky! I agree with you. I think this experience has brought me closer to God, and I just hope to do what is right and become a better Christian. And you’re right. This experience made me realize that I worried about so many things when I really needed to count the abundant blessings I was receiving for so long. May God bless you!
Prayers for peace of mind, and healing from whatever you are dealing with Alexa. Your excerpt certainly peaked my interest, very curious to see how the story plays out.
Add me to the people praying for you. Enjoyed the excerpt!
Praying for you, Alexa. I haven’t thought about my legacy, so I don’t have an answer for that question, but I do have a few books I’ve read several times. Both are by Lori Wick–Sophie’s Heart and The Princess.
Alexa, I hope you can feel my prayers. God’s GOT this, my friend. I understand the feelings of the unknown and the fear. Cast your fears on Him. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart with us. As soon as I finish typing this comment, I’m going to subscribe to your newsletter, and I hope everyone else does, too! In terms of a legacy, I hope my books will be my lasting legacy. I think there’s a reason I have the word “legacy” in my long-running Lewis Legacy Series. We’ve talked a lot about leaving a legacy in my church recently. It’s about following the Lord’s leading and fulfilling His purpose for us. Everyone has something to contribute to His Kingdom. We can all make a difference. Your sweet friendship has made a difference in my life. Blessings to you, and sending you a big hug!
Prayers for you, Alexa.
The unknown can be scary and increase anxiety. I pray that you will find peace as you rest in His arms and the strength and courage that only He can provide.
My legacy? I would like to be known for helping people and being encouraging (Eph 4:29).
Thank you so much for your prayers, Andrea! Very kind of you. And I’m so glad the excerpt peaked your interest. :)
Thank you very much for praying for me, Julie! I’m so grateful for every prayer. And I’m glad you liked the excerpt!
Thank you very much for your prayers, Kimberly Rose Johnson. I heard about Lori Wick, but I haven’t read any of her books. I’ll try to check them out!
You’re so sweet, JoAnn! You’ve said it all so beautifully. I truly hope for my life to be fulfilling God’s purpose for me. I’m so grateful for the wonderful people I’ve met and cyber-met, and so grateful for your friendship. And it’s true, there’s a reason for the word “legacy” in your Lewis Legacy Series! Thank you so much for praying for me.
Thank you for praying, Merrillee! Prayers mean very much to me!
Julianne, what a great legacy! And exactly, the unknown part scared me very much. Thank you for praying for me from the bottom of my heart!
Prayers for you!! I hope my legacy will be “she was a sincere person”. Am anxious to read your book! Take care!
Lovely interview – I’m thinking about you and sending prayers and good wishes!
Thank you so much for prayers, Jackie! And I hope you’ll enjoy reading my new book!
My dear friend I just finished Season of Faith and I loved it.
I re read books all the time. I am a speed reader and I skim when I read.
Prayers for you in your journey.
I love your books and I always think about my childhood in South Texas and our chats when I read them.
Hi, Jennifer! Thank you for prayers and good wishes from the bottom of my heart!
Heartfelt thanks for your prayers, Linda! I’m so grateful for your friendship. You’re truly a wonderful person, and I’m so glad we cyber-met. I do love Texas, and I always say it’s not just a state, it’s a way of life. :) Thank you so much for your kind words about Season of Faith and my books. You made my day!
Alexa, there are no words without sounding trite. Because whatever words I say to someone, I say them in sincerity. I will pray the God of all comfort to be with you in your darkest moments, wrapping His arms around you. I pray whenever you are afraid, you’ll remember He’s not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (1 Timothy 1:7). I pray that in all things you’ll feel His presence and even in those times you don’t, He’s promised to never leave or forsake us. He’ll hold your tears in His hand, and hear every cry of your heart. He loves you more than anything in this world. You can cling to His promises when you’re at the end of your rope, He never changes! He’s our comforter, our Redeemer, our Lord & Savior, our all in all and through all. You are precious in His sight, always remember that! :-)
No matter what….you win!
Thanks for sharing your heart and I will be praying for you. I have several favorite books but one at the last top of the list is For Such a Time by Kate Breslin. It’s the story of Esther set in Nazi Germany and it’s one of those stories you don’t forget. I hope my legacy will be the same my mom left for me. She was a Godly wowan that was a wonderful example of showing God’s love.
Prayers and than you for sharing. I am not a big re-reader. For my legacy, I hope to have shared my faith in some small way.
Should say thank you :)
Trixi, that almost made cry (in a good way). These words truly touched my heart. Thank you.
Thank you so much for praying, Ann! I heard about For Such a Time by Kate Breslin. I need to read it. Your legacy sounds so beautiful. And since the time I cyber-know you, I see a Godly woman who is a wonderful example of showing God’s love. May God bless you, Ann!
Thank you so much for praying, Janet! I do believe that you share your faith through your books. And I have such hope for myself, as well.
:)