Jill, thanks so much for inviting me to join you today! After the crazy summer—make that crazy year—I’ve had, it’s nice to spend a pleasant day with friends and readers.
What made my life so crazy, you may ask? Well, just before Thanksgiving last fall, our daughter’s family of six moved in with us, with children ranging in age from teenage to toddler. For the past eight months, our home, a comfortable fit for my husband and me, was bursting at the seams! It was a sacrifice we were willing to make, though, since at the end of July, our daughter and family left for another overseas missionary assignment.
This will be their third extended period of service in a foreign country, and each time they leave, we go through a few weeks of heartache as we experience the emptiness of missing them. But what can you do when those you love are clearly honoring God’s call on their lives? We let them go . . . and we pray. And thank the Lord every single day for internet, email, and Facebook!
There are times I wonder where our daughter got all her “missionary genes,” while I’m content to sit here with my laptop and write stories all day. The idea of forsaking my safe, comfortable, (mostly) predictable lifestyle for the unknowns of the foreign mission field . . . well, there isn’t even the teeniest spark inside me that suggests that kind of calling.
So I remind myself that we all serve in different ways. As Paul writes, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6a, NIV). Several years ago, I experienced what felt like a clear and convicting reminder that God had called me to be a writer, so I’ve tried to honor that call by writing stories that reflect God’s love and forgiveness, the sure hope we have in Christ.
In Her Hill Country Cowboy, my newest romance from Love Inspired, Christina Hunter wants nothing more than to honor her calling as a social worker helping troubled children and families. But when a traumatic accident puts her life and goals on hold, she has to find another way forward. It means leaving behind the security and comforts of home and venturing into the unknown. It’s scary, and there are new and unexpected obstacles, but with God directing her steps, things turn out far better than anything she could have planned for herself.
Whatever our calling, even if things aren’t going the way we planned or expected, the one thing we cannot do is let fear of the unknown hold us back. God sees beyond the present, and His plans will not be thwarted. Just as I must leave my children his His hands as they serve overseas, I trust that God is with me as I use my gifts right where He’s placed me. If that’s behind a laptop screen, then I’ll do my best to write God-honoring stories to inspire and encourage my readers.
Has God helped you identify your gifts? Has He called you to use them in a specific way? Share some of the joys and challenges you’ve experienced. Two commenters will receive a copy of Her Hill Country Cowboy.
Her Hill Country Cowboy
Single father Seth Austin will do anything for his children. So when he discovers the new housekeeper his grandmother hired for their guest ranch is a former social worker, he plans to keep his family far away from Christina Hunter. Seth once almost lost custody of his beloved kids because of an overzealous social worker. Problem is his children adore Christina and her sweet service dog—and he’s starting to fall for her, too. Recuperating from an accident, Christina is determined to slowly ease back into her old life. But the more time she spends with them, the more she realizes that her future might be with the cowboy and his family.
About Myra: Award-winning author Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Originally from Texas but now residing in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband love the climate and scenery, but they may never get used to the pulled pork Carolinians call “barbecue”! The Johnsons share their home with two very pampered doggies who don’t always understand the meaning of “Mom’s trying to write.” They have also inherited the cute little cat (complete with attitude) their daughter and family had to leave behind.
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**All (USA) comments on this post before midnight August 18, will go in the draw for a copy of Her Hill Country Cowboy. The two winners will be announced in the Weekend Edition on Sunday, August 20, 2017.**
By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
Hi Jill and Myra! Thanks for sharing your family experiences, Myra! My husband was a minister for 25 years, a 24 / 7 job. Over the course of those years in 3 different churches in 2 states, we meet many wonderful people living for God. The heartbreak is for those who didn’t want to follow God’s leading. The same is true in my 35 years as a teacher. It is a joy to see life long learners develop, just like characters in a book. Congrats on your new release. Happy writing! Thanks for joining us today.
Good morning, Myra! It must be so quiet in your household right now. You deserve the award for Mother of the Year! I can’t imagine juggling that many people in my household. May God go with your children and grandchildren and open new doors of opportunity for them on the mission field.
Hi Jill and Myra. Nice to meet you Myra, you are a new author to me:) Blessings to your family as they serve overseas, I have deep respect for those who are willing to leave familiarity and serve God, as well as those who support them in their ministry. I feel God has called me to work with young people as a teacher, and everyday He pushes me outside my comfort zone…
Blessings:)
Hi Myra! Thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad God gives us different ways of serving Him. I think your daughter is very brave for what she does.
Thanks for sharing your work with us!
Hi Myra, I so admire your daughter/family for their mission work, and they are on my prayer list!
I do believe we each have gifts…yrs. ago when I stepped into Church Admin. I was totally lost on financial reports that were WAY behind due to illness of previous person. BUT one day a retired guy (who had done that stuff yrs. ago) walked into my office and said “what can I do to help you.” WOW, what a blessing he was!!
As an avid reader, I have read ALL your books and can’t wait for your cowboy story!
Blessings on you and your writing!
Waving to Jill!! xo
Good morning, Renate! Yes, it really is a joy to watch someone, especially one of your own children, grow into the person God created him or her to be. I couldn’t be prouder of my two daughters!
Thank you, Barbara! Yes, I’m still adjusting, and it isn’t always easy because I do miss them all so much. It’s a blessing to know they are in a safe area and already making good friends and building a new support system.
Wemble, I have always, always admired and respected teachers. Teaching is a profession that does not get the respect (or compensation) it deserves. Thank you for all you do for the young people in your care!
Hi Myra, I admire your daughter’s courage to face the unknown in many mission trips (especially with a big family) and your courage to share your faith through books. I’m an avid reader of Christian fiction and I’ve found that many authors do have an amazing gift to share God’s love through writing. It is just touching!
Her Hill Country Cowboy sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Laura! Yes, it’s good that God has given each of us different gifts. Sometimes the hard part is discernment, not only about the gift but how He wants us to use it.
Thanks, Jackie! Wow, I feel for you with the financial reports! How wonderful that the retired guy was able to step in with his gifts to help you! God does have a way of providing just what we need at just the right time.
I certainly could not do what my daughter does, Priscila, so all I can do is trust God with her care and safety. I also pray I honor Him with my books and that my stories can bring a glimmer of His love and hope to my readers.
I know the full house syndrome. The Lord called me to be a wife and mother foremost, because our society lacks and undervalued those two persons. I’ve been a mother through biology, foster care and adoption as well as circumstance. In my own family, what I do know for sure is that the families have been broken through divorce for over 100 years. Even the ancestors that immigrated from Sweden on a boat generations ago. The Lord called me to break that cycle off.
I love to read and feel called to share God’s truth and love through writing too. And now I’m thinking what a better way to do that than use my own family history for characters and plot lines?
As someone with three sisters who’ve been career missionaries (and now, several of their children have grown into the same calling), I feel for you. The intense visits for weeks/months and then nothing for years! But, like you, I have a different calling – the call to write stories that can reach to all countries with messages of hope and love. We all need to be obedient and serve as we’re called.
Thanks for visiting today, Myra! We’re glad to have you at Inspy Romance.
Dalyn, I’m sure you’ve been a blessing to all those children in your life! And yes, family history can be the source of many inspiring stories. All the best to you in your writing!
Exactly, Valerie–we must serve where we are called. I’m just so grateful that my daughter and family have internet and cell phones where they are now living. I absolutely cannot imagine sending loved ones off to faraway places even 25 or 50 years ago.
I identify with your daughter, as my husband and I were missionaries overseas for 22 years. My mom and dad had to say goodbye, but we missed them too. That was in the days BEFORE email and Facebook! Phone calls back home were expensive, plus the time difference made it challenging.
Praying that God will guide, protect, and use your daughter and her family in a great way. I can’t imagine 6 extra people added to our home! But we do what we need to do for our children. You are a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of your book. Thanks for a chance. Blessings on your writing ministry.
Wowza, I cannot imagine how crowded your house was, Myra. And that seems like Empty Nest syndrome magnified to the nth! Sweet torture both ends. Congratulations on another amazing book! Waving to Jill. ?
Oh, yes, the time difference, Margaret! About the time our day is getting started, it’s already the middle of the afternoon over there.
Thank you for your missionary service. One positive, I believe, for those going out to serve is that they are looking forward to the adventure and challenge of this new calling, while those left behind are faced with going on with their ordinary lives while missing their loved ones.
Oh yes, when it comes to helping our kids, we do whatever it takes. Thank you so much for stopping in!
Thank you, Tori! Yes, from one extreme to the other–and huge adjustments at the start and at the end. I’m still in recovery mode and seeking God’s direction for the next phase of my life. Hope all is going well with you!
Hello, this was great to hear from you. Wow that was an experience for sure. I agree, when our kids answer a call from God and obey, we just need to be a support and prayer warrior for them.
I am like you, I am content to stay in my little world. I am really trying to let God use me.
Your book sounds fascinating. I am trying to get into contemporary clean romances
Hi Renate! Thanks for stopping by to meet Myra today. My grandfather was a minister and they moved all around the state of West Virginia when my mother was growing up. Good luck in the drawing!
Hi Wemble! I love introducing readers to new authors. Thank you for doing one of the hardest jobs out there!
Hi Jackie! Thanks for stopping by to visit with Myra. Yes, you certainly were blessed when that man walked into your life. I hope you and the family are doing well. Good luck in the drawing!
Yes, Margaret, thank you so much for your missionary service.
Hi Tori! Thanks for stopping by to visit with your old pal, Myra. She’s has a busy and successful year. I’m looking forward to reading her latest LI. xo
Hi, Lori! Yes, I’m much more comfortable in my own familiar surroundings. I realize God doesn’t always choose to leave us in our comfort zones, and I try to be open to His leading. I just hope I don’t argue with Him too much when He starts nudging me in new directions.
I have been a nurse for 25 years and feel this is how God wants me to serve. It is benefited friends, family and strangers over the years.
Your new book sounds like a winner to me. Wow, six extra people in your house! My husband and I both love our solitude so that would have been a major adjustment for us. I’m sure they appreciated it though.
That’s wonderful, Karen! I so appreciate the kind and caring nurses who have been a part of my health care over the years. The service you perform is invaluable!
Yes, Sherri, giving up my solitude was a HUGE adjustment! At least my office has a door I could close. Sometimes I even used earbuds or headphones when I really needed to concentrate. I have to say our kids were very appreciative of being able to share our home. It relieved them of many day-to-day concerns that would have added to their stress as they prepared for this transition overseas.
I’ve been able to use my organizational skills in a few different ways in the American Heritage Girls troop that I volunteer with. I have really been able to see firsthand how each member of the leadership team has different skill sets and talents and how necessary that is for a healthy troop. If everyone had the same gifts we would be in a heap of trouble.
So true, Jessica! It’s wonderful that you’re helping these girls to discover and develop their unique talents and abilities. I know you’re making a huge difference in their lives!
Hi Myra! I haven’t really found my calling so to speak. So I either find volunteer opportunitites to do some good or create my own, So that in some small way I am making a difference and in some small way uplifting another, IThat is my goal every day….to uplift another even if it’s only myself. I hope through these oppotunities I am at least being somewhat successful in amking a small differentce from my corner of the world. :)
Sounds like a great book!
Hi Sabrina! Volunteering is a great way to make a difference. Go you!
I love corresponding and have found a couple of ministries well suited to that. I’m much more likely to write to a missionary than to ever go in the mission field!
I love being introduced to new inspirational authors. Thanks for the giveaway.
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for sharing! I enjoyed hearing about your life and your new book! It sounds like a great story! The
I love your family story. I can relate on a much smaller scale. My oldest daughter is 18 and returned in June after spending the second half of her senior year of high school on a YWAM base in Mexico. She was a nanny for one of our pastors, but also participated in some of their training and outreach. She’ll be leaving in less than three weeks for her own ministry training and outreach. This particular training has an emphasis on human trafficking which is a subject that has pulled on my daughter’s heart for the last few years. I am surprised, but also ecstatic for this decision of hers. I am quite content staying close to home and have never had a desire to travel extensively, while my daughter has always had wanderlust. I love seeing her channel it towards ministry.
Best wishes on your new release. After Kav Rees turned me onto your stories, I’m always excited to see a new one.
Thanks so much for stopping by to meet Myra, Gail. Good luck in the giveaway!
I actually won your book through another contest but wanted to say that I appreciate your sharing your life with us! Can’t wait to read your book when it arrives!
Hello, Myra! My admiration to your daughter for her courage and dedication to follow her calling and be a missionary in a foreign country. And Her Hill Country Cowboy sounds like a great book. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing! I am definitely content to sit in my comfort zone and not go anywhere. I don’t know what my gifts are, but I hope God is using them!
Uplifting another person–even yourself–is a lovely goal! Thank you for stopping in, Sabrina!
Writing thoughtful notes of encouragement is a wonderful ministry, Ellie! I know how much it means to me to find a personal letter in my mailbox–snail mail or email!
Thanks, Gail! I hope you’ll give my books a try.
Thank you, Jenny! Glad you stopped in!
Oh, bless Kav–she is such a strong supporter of Christian authors and Christian fiction!
I know you must be so proud of your daughter. What an experience! Even as hard as it is to send our children off, aren’t we blessed to know they’ve grown up with hearts for serving the Lord?
Yes, I remember, MH! It’ll be on its way to you soon. Thanks for stopping in!
Thank you. Alexa! We just keep trusting God to watch over our daughter and her family as they serve so far away.
Susan, sometimes we just have to push past those comfort zones, hard as it might be. Just keep praying and listening for God’s direction, and you’ll figure out what your unique gifts are and how to use them.
Thanks!
Hi, I like to think we can bloom where we are Planted! Even if we are not working in our ideal job or situation, we can still serve God in the place that we find ourselves.
Congratulations, MH! That was very kind of you to stop by and say hello to Myra.
Thanks for the post, Myra. I’m definitely a “stay in my comfort zone” kind of person. I’m not adventurous.
Exactly, Paula! Thanks for stopping by!
Same here, Winnie. Maybe we both need to occasionally try being a little more adventurous. :)
My friend Elsa was a missionary in Africa for 10 years. After that she went to Afghanistan for 2 years. She is now elderly but has lots of stories to tell about her time spent overseas.
Hi Myra, it’s great to see you here :-) I love being an encourager! I really enjoy when I can make someone smile on a bad day or laugh at something funny.
Your book sounds great, thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I love cowboy stories :)
book sounds interesting
Nice to meet Myra and would love to win her book. The excerpt was great.
Just popping in for last-minute greetings! Thanks to everyone who stopped in to comment. It was lovely chatting with you, and thanks again to Jill for inviting me!
My grandpa was a man of GOD . His faith was so strong !