RECEIVE YOUR 3 FREE DEVOTIONALS (link at bottom of this blog)
One of the highlights of writing the book, Continuous Peace, was having my grandmother read my manuscript. It was a warm summer day as she sat outside and began reading through the first half of my book. I was doing the dishes and looking out at her cuteness.
All of a sudden, I saw her gently wipe a tear. Then quietly she wiped another tear away. Soon I came out to ask, “Grandma, are you okay?”
That is when she looked up at me and with tears still in her eyes said these words, “I wish I had this book when I was young. It would have changed my life!”
She wanted to continue to read and so she did. She was an avid reader and loved to learn. When she finally stopped reading and came into the house, she asked me, “Dawn, I have one question for you. When will this book be published? This is the best guide …” Then she stopped herself and said, “This is the second-best guide for living, the Bible being the first.”
I was amazed. My manuscript had the approval of my grandma who inspired me throughout my life! I immediately asked, “Grandma, would you like to put that into writing for me so I can put that in the front of the book?” She quickly agreed and here are her words.
“Dawn, I have one question. When will this book be published? It is a guide to life. I wish I had this when I was younger. This is the second-best guide for living, the Bible being the first. Love, Grandma”
Grandma is my first Praise entry in the book.
Grandma’s words encouraged me greatly.
Later, I took my manuscript and divided it into devotional sized teachings. (I have included a link to a few of those devotionals below.) I sent her the devotions and when we would talk on the phone, she would tell me of all the “wonderful” things she was reading.
Recently I received those devotions back. It was a sweet experience to read her underlined words, marked answers and precious notes. Seeing her notations made me feel as though she was sitting right next to me pointing out what had impacted her. This is an even sweeter gift to me right now, since she has since passed on and gone to heaven.
I will cherish the hot pink folder that contains the paper copy of devotions that captured her handwritten notes. I am also so thankful that she lived long enough to receive her own copy of the book, and she was able to see the praise she had written included in the front.
Friend, may you treasure your sweet memories as well. We are blessed to have those we love in our lives. Even in our loss we can be comforted as we look back and remember the warm moments that we shared with one another.
In His love,
Dawn
Here is the link to three of the Continuous Peace Devotions.
Read them and let me know what you think. Thanks, and may God richly bless you and your family!