Tuesday, November 7, 2017

God's Spot-On Timing

with guest Krista Phillips.

Photo Credit: Olivia Snow Unsplash

Back in 2004, my hubby and I were debating a move/job change. It would be a HUGE life-changing deal. We prayed about it. But when we didn’t get a specific answer, I did what I always do. 

I took things into my own hands and made a plan. <3 font="" plans="">

I had every single detail timed out to almost the hour. I remember the day. It was a Tuesday. I was supposed to hear back sometime that day if I “got” the job, which would determine our move and set my plan in motion. But in order for my grand plan to work, I had to get that call by noon. I was convinced it couldn’t happen any other way.

I sat at my desk all morning, jumping every time the phone rang. But that phone call didn’t come. The clock ticked over to 12:01. I sighed. It wasn’t meant to be. No new job. No move closer to family. I might as well take my plan that I’d worked SO HARD on and throw it in the trash. At 12:05, I stood to go to lunch, completely dejected. 

Then the phone rang.

And in that moment, before I even answered it, I knew it was them offering me the job. I had this mental picture of God smirking just a bit, having delayed that call from coming in an extra five minutes just to remind me that HE was in charge and my timeline was worthless when it comes to a big God who can move mountains.

They did offer me the job. At a higher salary than I expected. I marched into my boss’s office and kindly told them I was moving and gave them my already-written- 2-week notice. (I was prepared!)

What does that have to do with writing, you ask?

That little reminder that God so lovingly taught me by delaying a phone call an extra five minutes has served as a constant and needed reminder throughout my writing journey.

Photo credit: Ales Krivec Unsplash


God’s timing.



Not Krista’s.



Period.


As I was contemplating how best to share with you God’s unique timing in MY writing journey, I thought you really needed to SEE the timing. 

Krista’s Writing Journey

May 2007: We bought a house. The previous owner was a writer. His galley edits from Zondervan were sent to my house in error. (And I peeked… so sue me. He knows and thought it was funny…) It was as if God pointed his finger at that package and said, “WRITE.” Three months later, I’d finished my first novel.

2007-2010: I realized I stunk at writing. So I set my hand to learning it, editing as I went. Wrote a new book. Networked. Went to conferences. 

April 2010: I semi-finaled in my first writing contest. That same week we found out our 4th child, still in the womb, only had half of a heart. 

July 2010: Annabelle was born. She almost died multiple times. I didn’t care one bit about writing. 

January 2011: Annabelle was still in the hospital. I received a call from an editor friend asking for a proposal. Our conversation was interrupted by doctors coming in for a meeting to tell us they thought Annabelle would die unless we listed her for a heart transplant.

March/April 2011: Editor asked for full manuscript. Annabelle got her new-to-her-heart but still struggled.

June 2011: Annabelle almost died when her new-to-her heart failed. A week later, I got a call from the editor of Abingdon, offering me a contract. 

July 2011: Annabelle almost died at home just 3 days after her 1st birthday. She was life-flighted to the hospital. What was this writing thing again?

September 2012: BOOK RELEASE! But honestly? I found it hard to care. Home oxygen, g-tube feeds, 3+ therapy appointments a week and weekly doctor appointments took precedent. My book sales never did great on that book, but still—publishing stuff helped a little to get my mind off the crazy.

2012-2014: Krista did super good to get out of bed each morning. 

2014-2016: My years of recovery. God was slowly healing places in my heart and allowing writing to be cathartic again. I indie published a few novellas just for kicks. It helped.

February 2016: I decided to indie publish the novel my agent had been shopping. The day I was taking the first step to do so, I got an email from my agent asking me to hold off. Barbour was interested.

August 2016: The summer had been—ugh. Lots of health issues with my daughter. I was SO thankful I didn’t keep my plan to publish the novel on my own. During the mess, I got a phone call from my agent. Barbour/Shiloh Run Press was offering me a contract.


November 1, 2017: The Engagement Plot released.

This timeline doesn’t mention the smaller moments like ARCS arriving and positive reviews coming on the exact day Annabelle ran a fever/puked/visited the ER and scared the wits out of her momma. 

During one such moment this past summer, I panicked. I texted a friend and told her I needed to quit writing. It was making my daughter sick. Every time something GOOD would happen in my writing life, something BAD would happen with Annabelle.

It felt like God either had a sick sense of humor, or I was just a horrible mother.

I’d always told myself it was God timing it out to make me keep writing in a proper perspective. But secretly, I’d also feared that He was punishing me for following my dream of writing. It wasn’t a new fear, but the first time I’d allowed myself to voice it to someone else.

That friend lovingly told me how ridiculous that was. 

If God really didn’t want me to write, he wouldn’t go about it by harming my child. He is a GOOD Father. I can trust Him. Period.

He called me to pursue writing back in 2007, and in a way that was clear and left no doubt.
The only thing that had ever told me otherwise was my fears. And fear, my friends, is not from God.

I took my fear (finally) to Jesus. In time, I saw this picture of God seeing the hurts that come with life. Those same hurts have molded me into a completely different person than I was when I started ten years ago. which now enables me to give much more depth to my stories, because *I* have more depth. Then, He sprinkled in some good news with the bad. He allowed smile moments during some of my lowest, darkest points. He timed them out to perfection to be exactly when I needed them most.

It was such a healing picture for me, one that my heart needed very badly.

Photo credit: Heather Zabriskie Unsplash


His timing is perfection.


So many of us have seasons of discouragement, of fear, of being told wait, of having bad news upon bad news, both in writing AND in real life. Or maybe even being told to put aside writing for a while even though you were so sure this is what God wanted you to do when you started.

I want to encourage you, no matter if you’re in a “go” or “wait” or “I-feel-like-God-is-telling-me-to-go-but-all-I-get-are-road-blocks” season, to hold on to Jesus. To remember that writing isn’t your whole journey, but a piece of it. To keep your focus your eyes on God, because looking at the bumps in this journey, both writing and life in general, can make you dizzy and nauseous if your eyes are trained on them instead of on Jesus, who is steady and constant and unwavering in his love for you.


What are some ways God has worked his timing out in YOUR writing journey? Have you ever had a season where you had to put it aside, or you felt like you were following God’s leading but didn’t see results and doubted your calling?

Krista is generously giving away one copy of The Engagement Plot to one commenter. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.



Can Hanna and Will Find True Love amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV? 


Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.
              
William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations.  Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all?  When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.



Krista Phillips writes contemporary romance sprinkled with two of her favorite things, laughter, and Jesus. And sometimes chocolate for kicks and giggles. She lives in Middle Tennessee with her husband and their four beautiful daughters and is an advocate for congenital heart defects and organ donation awareness. Visit her online at www.kristaphillips.com.

129 comments :

  1. Krista! Welcome to Seekerville. Now I have to tell you that my first memory of meeting you was ACFW Denver a long time ago and you and Jessica Nelson were climbing trees.

    Glad to have you as a guest. I brought muffins for the late nighters. Coffee is on!

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    1. Goodness, I'm just now rubbing sleep from my eyes!

      Oh my goodness. Climbing trees with Jessica was seriously my favorite conference memory!! Such fun!!!

      Thanks SO MUCH for inviting me! Checking "guest posting on Seekerville" off my bucket list!

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  2. Krista, what a beautiful post. You've really touched me with your words. My favorite quote tonight: "I want to encourage you, no matter if you’re in a “go” or “wait” or “I-feel-like-God-is-telling-me-to-go-but-all-I-get-are-road-blocks” season, to hold on to Jesus. To remember that writing isn’t your whole journey, but a piece of it."

    I fully believe in God's perfect timing and have seen it over and over. I'm hanging on to that during tough seasons.

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    1. Missy, I love this, "Writing isn't your whole journey, but a piece of it." If we live our lives right, it will inform our writing, if we're meant to write at all.
      KB

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    2. Thanks, Missy!! I've always believed the more hyphens the better the quote:-) :-)

      God's timing is pretty spectacular, isn't it?!? Never early, but never late. But it is from his perspective, which sees a much bigger perspective than ours.

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    3. Kathy, that's so true!

      Krista, I had to laugh at all the hyphens once I copied the quote. :) I do the same thing! I also do a ton of parentheses. LOL

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    4. I like em dashes and the three dots...perhaps too much...
      KB

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    5. Ohhhh, dot-dot-dots... love them too! (and yes, I do call them the dot-dot-dot, probably because those are more of those fun hyphens!)

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  3. Krista, thanks for sharing your journey, with your daughter and your writing. God's timing. Sometimes I think He's up there laughing at my timeline. I can hear Him say is that what you think will happen? Watch this.

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    1. Oh, I KNOW he laughs at my timeline. And my to-do list. Some days he humors me, other days he rips the things up and says, nope, we're doing it my way, Krista-girl. It'll be better, I promise.

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  4. Krista, thank you for that reality check. I'm in the midst of sending my first ever book out for review -- but I can't imagine doing that while a child was going through life-changing trauma like that. It puts things into perspective.
    I am thankful that you and your daughter and the rest of your family have come through such issues and stayed strong together.

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    1. Thanks so much Evelyn! It definitely wasn't easy, but God walked by our side every single step of the way.

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    2. Evelyn, how exciting to be sending out your book! Best wishes with that!

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  5. Hi Krista, thank you for sharing your journey with your writing and your daughter. I understand stepping back and not writing for a season. I thought I was supposed to write and when my Mom got really bad my writing all 'dried' up, no ideas, nothing. I prayed about it and God showed me I needed to focus on my Mom. She passed earlier this year and I'm still grieving and I am still in a season of 'not writing'. It's too soon for me is what I keep feeling the Lord is saying. But now I am questioning if I should be writing at all. I'm still in prayer.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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    1. Cindy, you did the right thing in stopping to care for your Mom. These moments will never come again.
      Kathy Bailey

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    2. Cindy, yes. So many writers feel guilty for taking those breaks, but I think, if they are done for right reasons (as I said, fear is a pretty goofy reason and never from God!) then they can be very healing and growing times for us.

      It reminds me of farmers and fields. I know pretty much nothing about farming, but have always been told that after a while, they let fields sit fallow for a year or so to "rest" otherwise all the constant use robs the soil of nutrients... or something like that. (someone farmer will come correct me on that, I'm sure!) But I always loved the concept... that God has big plans for us, but sometimes those plans include stepping back for a season and letting our soil rest and recharge and gain the important life experiences that we can bring into our writing.

      The other thing I'd encourage you with: Rarely (if ever) has God directed my tomorrows--today. In a big sense, anyway. If he is calling you to not write "today," that is all you really need concern yourself.

      Those tomorrows will come soon enough, and if you continue to seek him, he'll shed some light on what you should do... tomorrow :-) It is the humanness in us that wants to plan and wants to know the big picture of what we should do tomorrow (i.e. should I give up writing forever?), but concerning ourselves with that tends to rob us of what he has for us right. Does that make any sense??

      There is a deep level of trust to be able to say... I don't know if God will call me to write in the future, but right now he's calling me to wait or go do this other thing over here, and being obedient to him today is all that matters.

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    3. That's such great advice, Krista.

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    4. I love this:

      "If he is calling you to not write 'today,' that is all you really need concern yourself."

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    5. I love that, too. As a wise pastor once told us, "You have His will FOR TODAY."
      KB

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    6. Thank you all so much. Krista, your words speak volumes to me. Thank you.

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  6. What an amazing post. Thank you for sharing. I have four children and one of them is named Annabelle! Spelled the same way :) though she’s a bit older.
    We went through several years of struggling to find His place in the work world. There was unrest in both my and my husband’s hearts about our respective jobs but the opportunities all ended in roadblocks for quite a few years. After a season of waiting, praying, and waiting some more, we both moved to new jobs and are much more settled. Yes, His timing is everything.

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    1. Awww!! I love that you have an Annabelle too!!!

      Yes, we've definitely had those seasons in jobs as well! I lost my job while Annabelle was in the hospital, but for the year prior, I had a serious restlessness in my heart with that job. I fully believe God was preparing me for leaving, because before that point, I really really liked my job and it would have been super hard to leave it. But leaving it was oh-so the right thing to do. I've come to view the "unrest" at times as God slowly preparing my heart for change!

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  7. This is such a beautiful post, Krista. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I learned many years ago to never question God's timing because His clock is never wrong.

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    1. AMEN! Although I'll be honest... God and I still have frequent conversations about the matter. He has to remind me altogether too many times!!

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  8. Thank you for your post, Krista. It reminded me once again, at the perfect time, that God's timing is exactly what it should be in so many ways.

    My husband and I think of such moments in our lives as "God Winks" (a book we both love). Sometimes we get the wink right away and can see it and recognize what it is in the moment, but other times years have passed and we realize some of the things that have and haven't happened were for truly good and divine reasons. :)

    I hope you and your family are enjoying the season of Thanksgiving and that Annabelle is healthy and happy! :)

    Happy writing,

    Jeanine

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    1. God winks! I love that!! It sounds nicer that "God smirks" that I tend to refer to them as, LOL!

      Thank you so much! Coming into cold and flu season (which she is super susceptible to sickness and usually gains us at least one hospital stay a year) we REALLY appreciate prayers!

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  9. Krista, there is so much "meat" in this. I've been frustrated in my own writing journey, but as I look back, I can see that I wasn't ready to publish, either in a craft sense or as a person. I could not have handled success.
    There are really no shortcuts.
    Kathy Bailey

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    1. Looking back gains such insight!! I remember my frustrating those first 3 years... but holy cow. My books were nowhere near ready, and *I* wasn't ready either!!!

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  10. What an encouraging post! Talk about putting things in perspective.

    My son-in-law's brother-in-law (must think about that one) has been blind since he was a child. Several years ago he began to get sick and they found out he had some kind of kidney disease. It was difficult finding a donor because he has a rare blood type. Anyway, he did receive a transplant but his body rejected the transplant. He's now needs another transplant but can't be put on the waiting list for another 2 years. I forget the reasoning. The emotional day-to-day living for them is so uncertain. They are also big into organ donation and I've learned so much fro them.

    As a side note, even though he's blind, he tries to do everything a seeing person does. His wife takes him hunting and helps him shoot.

    Please toss my name in the hat. The Engagement Plot sounds like fun.

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    1. yes, we are huge advocates for organ donation!

      I will be praying for him!!!

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    2. I did have to think about that. Your son in law's sister's husband. Whew. That hurt my brain. BUT WHAT A GUY!!

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    3. Yes, Tina! And actually it's his half-sister, but why mention that? Too confusing! LOL.

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  11. It's so great to read your whole story because it shows the beauty in waiting on God especially when it's hard. Thank you for reminding us that this spring journey is a small part of it bigger story where we become more like Jesus. And I've already got your book, and I'll stay it on December 1 when nano is done!

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    1. Not spring journey. Writing journey. Sheesh :)

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    2. LOL! I hope you enjoy it!!

      And YES YES!! "...a small part of the bigger story where we become more like Jesus." SO MUCH THIS!!!

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  12. Hi, Krista!

    I found echoes of my own story when reading yours, including similar fears. Last fall, I entered my first-ever writing contest. I found out I finaled in it, and then a few weeks later, my husband fell from a ladder and badly hurt his leg. Right around that same time, I found out I won that contest. A few days later, infection set in, and my husband wound up in the hospital for nine days. During his recovery, I entered a few more contests, and my successes were almost exactly in line with his setbacks. (I got a phone call that I was a Genesis semi-finalist while I was in literally the ER with him, the prelude to another four-day hospital stay). It got to the point where I told him I was going to quit writing, because every time something good happened for me, something bad happened to him. It sounded crazy when I said it out loud, and he reassured me that it was, in fact, crazy, and that I should absolutely not quit writing. Reading your post, nutty as this sounds, was reassuring to me; that I'm not the only one who makes these crazy mental connections.

    I'm still at the very beginning of my publishing journey, but I've had a few more successes (thankfully without further injury to my husband!). The biggest of which? Signing with my agent. Which just so happened to take place on my husband's birthday.

    Thanks for being so honest with us! Prayers for your precious Annabelle as well as your writing career!

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    1. Oh how I LOVE the timing of signing with the agent on his birthday!! If that isn't confirmation that those God smiles were truly smiles, I don't know what is!

      Sometimes speaking aloud those fears to a trusted person is JUST what we need to help kick them to the curb!!

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    2. Oh, my goodness Amanda. Talk about bittersweet writing journey.

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    3. Amanda, I'm so glad your journey has moved on without any more setbacks for your husband! :)

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    4. Signing on your hubby's birthday.. gives a special meaning to "icing on the cake". Su-weet! :)

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    5. Awww, thanks, everybody! It's been an adventurous year, that's for sure! He is doing great now. His leg still bugs him sometimes, I think, but he's feeling better than he has in a long time, and this whole thing has uncovered some underlying health issues he needed to address. So while his health is still sometimes a struggle for us, it is way, way, WAY better than it was!

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  13. Krista, thank you for such a wonderful post! I can't tell you how many times I've heard "don't compare your journey to others" or "it will happen in God's timing." I know both of these statements are true, but being human, it's easy to continue to "compare" and/or wonder when I'll finally sign a publishing contract.

    You said "...looking at the bumps in this journey, both writing and life in general, can make you dizzy and nauseous if your eyes are trained on them instead of on Jesus, who is steady and constant and unwavering in his love for you." Yes!! I love this! I am going to make a sign to hang above my desk to remind me to keep my eyes on Jesus and trust in God's perfect timing.

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    1. Oh yes, sometimes those words seem SO CLICHE when we are in the midst of the frustration. I've growled at those words many a time. But for me, it all came down to trust. Did I trust God with my writing journey? Fretting about the timing was a sign that I was doing a dismal job of trusting. Keeping my eyes on Jesus is definitely the cure, but man. I'll be honest and say that I get distracted quite easily and God constantly is having to clear his throat and snap his fingers to keep my gaze from wandering! Such a fickle human I am!!

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  14. Krista, thank you for this beautiful post! I so needed this reminder.

    Blessings!

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  15. Thanks for sharing your story, Krista. What a journey you have been on with your daughter as well as your writing. I'm trying to rely on God's timing for my writing journey and not letting fear rule me.

    Please enter me in the drawing for your book. It looks good!

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    1. Thanks so much Sandy!! It had definitely been a journey, and that God let my writing and Annabelle's journey intersect so many times was definitely his timing and NOT mine!

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  16. Krista: Your faith in God shines through in this post, even when pain and illness tore at your heart. I like how you showed your writing success in parallel along with your daughter’s very challenging journey. God bless you both. When I receive a rejection, I look at the sky and say, I'm not ready yet, am I Lord? Then I remind myself if I don’t submit, I wouldn’t be failing my way to hopefully succeed some day. Timing is everything. Keep writing everyone.

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    1. I'd also encourage...
      It isn't always about you being ready or not.

      There is so much we don't see. Maybe your story is something a particular editor needs to see... and that editor hasn't been hired yet. Maybe there is one person who needs to read your book... but they need to read it in 3 years and that's when God wants it to come out to time it just right. Maybe there is another story he wants you to write and it needs to be published first... so this one will keep getting rejected until you write it.

      I have no idea. I don't know your journey, only God does. But just know that the timing isn't always about you not being ready. There are much bigger things going on behind the scenes that God is orchestrating that you know nothing about!

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    2. Exactly. I have read Why Bad Things Happen to Good People and the author (a rabbi) describes life like a tapestry. On one side all the strings are in disarray and going everywhich way but the otherside forms a beautiful picture.

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    3. Suzanne, that's such a good attitude. I need to adopt that more.

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    4. Tina, what a beautiful picture of life. So apt!

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  17. I’m making pumpkin spice muffins next. Check back in an hour and dish yourself out one. French vanilla coffee is brewing too. Have a great writing day Seekerville Community.

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    1. OHMYGOODNESS! I call dibs on a pumpkin spice muffins.

      And I have hot chocolate for those non-coffee drinkers in the bunch.

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    2. My hero..er heroine. I love pumpkin spice muffins.

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  18. Krista, I so appreciate your post. Your words are encouraging. And in the end it all comes down to remembering Who is in control of this entire journey. Nothing takes Him by surprise. When I/we lean into Him and trust Him, we can keep moving forward, and moving closer to Jesus.

    Loved this uplifting post, Krista!

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    1. Yes, nothing surprises him!

      I always remind myself that I can't mess up God's plans... unless I tell him no (see Israelites and their years of wandering... but even then he still brought them into the promise land!)

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  19. Thank you for sharing your journey. Your strength, your perseverance and your trust in God's timing is very inspiring.
    Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Thanks for sharing. It is an encouragement and God's timing is always right. Although I will admit there are times when it is difficult to be patient in waiting.

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    1. It definite is difficult.

      Have you heard the Take Courage song? here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ ...

      What really presses into my heart is the idea of him being IN the waiting.

      If I'm impatient and try to rush the results, am I missing out on something precious, something beautiful, that God has for me in the waiting?

      I want Jesus much more than I want a publishing contract, and if I can have sweet moments in the presence of God in the waiting, then BRING ON THE WAITING.

      Some of my favorite writing memories (like climbing trees at writing conferences with friends...) were founding in those waiting years.

      Even in those 308 days we were in the hospital, waiting, hoping, praying for Annabelle to get better, God was there. He met me there in so many ways that I could never have experienced elsewhere.

      Anyway, I don't know if that helps, but it's what God's been teaching me lately!

      Excuse me while I go play that song again....

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  21. I am a huge fan of God's perfect timing WHEN IT GOES MY WAY.... Oh, Krista, it's so nice to have you here. I remember when I interrupted a guest post in Seekerville (inserted into her POST) and on the comments for everyone to stop and pray for Annabelle. That is the ONLY TIME I've ever done that, but the thought of that little princess at death's door made me flip and beg.

    And I would do it again! :)

    Thank you for this today. Your struggle was/is so real and such a heartfelt thing for the mothers and grandmothers here.

    Bless you! Bless you for being here, for sharing so honestly and for this new book!!! Running to order it RIGHT NOW.

    Thank you, dear Krista. For letting us be part of your life and for letting us love on Annabelle.

    You make us all see what truly matters.

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    1. Oh goodness, I didn't know you'd done that! Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. The writing community was such a sweet and amazing support for me through that journey. So many prayed for my Annabelle and our family, and I was truly humbled by it. Seekerville's own Mary Connelly even sent me some of her books to read while A was in the hospital because I desperately needed something that would make me LAUGH. (I had picked up a book that was all about a lady dying... and promptly threw the thing across the hospital room.)

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    2. Mary was nice??? ARE YOU SERIOUS????

      Wait.

      There was a child involved.

      CLEARLY SHE LIKES CHILDREN, KRISTA!!! :)

      I love seeing Annabelle updates and her cute quirkiness... oh my stars, so much fun! Over facebook, of course. ;)

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  22. Krista, it's so nice to see you this morning. During my morning devo time, I was thinking about timing and your post was perfect. Thanks so much for sharing, and congratulations on your new book!

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  23. Kristi, it's a delight to have you with us today, and I was so deeply moved by your journey of faith. Thank you for sharing!

    So many lines from your post are quotables! Two in particular that struck chords with me:

    He is a GOOD Father. I can trust Him. Period.

    To remember that writing isn’t your whole journey, but a piece of it.


    I've shared my "God's timing" journey to publication (all 25 years of it!) several times here in Seekerville, and without God's repeated assurance in small ways and in large, I surely would have given up. He truly knows what we most need each day of this journey and can be trusted to provide at just the right time.

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    1. Thank you, Myra!

      Yes, I love God's little encouragements of "keep going" that he gives us!

      I feel like it's a really good thing God doesn't let us know in advance the journey we would take. When A was in the hospital, they told us she would be there for 4-6 weeks after birth.

      She was there for TEN MONTHS.

      I am so thankful God didn't tell me my tomorrows at that point. 4-6 weeks was overwhelming enough. You would have had to scrape me off the floor had you told me how long and crazy the journey was going to be!

      I think our writing journey is similar. 25 years seems like a VERY LONG TIME. But taken day-by-day, the journey is SO worth it in the end. And I'm sure God did some AMAZING things in your life in that 25 year journey!!!

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    2. MYRA, isn't it the truth??!!

      Without big and little victories along this wearisome path, I surely would have quite by now.

      I'm nothing without God...BUT I'm EVERYTHING with him.

      I need to hear your story again. xo

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    3. *quit ... I cringe. Please, don't kick me out of Seekerville, Grammar Queen!!!!!!! Lol

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    4. Oh, wow. Just noticed I typed "Kristi" instead of "Krista!" My apologies!!! (Or maybe I can blame it on autocorrect. Yeah, I'm going with that.)

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    5. I totally forgive you for the Kristi vs Krista thing. Just don't let it happen again, muhahahaha!

      If we get kicked out of Seekerville for grammar issues, I really should leave now, HAHAHA.

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    6. Thanks, Krista! Seekerville's the one place I love to use these, too --> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  24. Krista, thank you for blessing us with this precious post. I've prayed for Annabelle countless times and hope she's doing well. Your journey is inspiring.

    I've seen God's perfect timing in my own writing journey, but life brings change and I'm at a crossroads with the arrows pointing in different directions. I want a neon sign that flashes "This Way, Janet." And frankly I'd like it now. But I know God has blessings in the waiting. This comment of yours resonated with me: Rarely (if ever) has God directed my tomorrows--today. So I need to take it one day at a time trusting God will get me where He wants me to go in His perfect timing.

    Janet

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers!!! Annabelle is doing pretty fantastic! She has her bumps in the road still (she's struggling with the some ear stuff that is pretty frustrating at the moment), but they are minimal in comparison to what she's been through. We're so thankful!!!

      And yes, one day at a time!!! Sometimes I think God has this flashlight and is like, Okay... step HERE today. I have no idea where it's headed... but I'm confident I'll look back and see this beautiful waltz he's choreographed for me or something!! Or maybe a tango... #watchingtoomuchdancingwiththestars

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  25. Krista, your book sounds great! I just bought the eBook on Amazon!

    Janet

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  26. Love, love the cover of your book, Krista. Did you have any input on that?

    What are you working on now?

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    1. I love her "holy cow, what do I do" look :-) The cover when through a few remodels based on me being super picky (at one point I complained that the hero looked like he was wearing a onsie tux... and in my defense, it really did!) There are still a few things I personally would do differently (so hard when you indie publish your own books and design the covers to then let go and be at the mercy of someone else!) but I'm happy with the final outcome!

      I'm currently working on (hopefully) the sequel... Barbour wanted to see how well this one went before discussing a book 2 (this is the first romcom they have done in many, many years) but book 2 is Carly's story, Hanna's BFF and a favorite among readers so far. She is such a fun, spunky character to write!!

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    2. Oh, I can't WAIT!!!!

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  27. Krista,

    Welcome to Seekerville! Thanks so much for sharing your timeline journey and encouraging words. I've followed Annabelle's journey and all the highs and lows. (I'm still praying!) Your tenacious resilience is such a testimony.

    Having lived in and out of hospitals many years ago
    with our oldest child, I can identify with some of your journey. I put my writing career on hold during those dark days, but I did still manage to crank out some words on paper napkins that would be included with our son's hospital trays. Those words--those "napkin notes"-- would later become one of the stories that finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest. (Beauty for ashes...)

    You're so right. Every tear I shed, every time I wanted to quit, every dream placed on hold... God gave me little rays of encouragement along the way to keep me going. A contest win. Contest finals. New relationships. Enough big and little victories to make me keep trudging the path.

    I also believe God does have a sense of humor. AND I think he LOVES taking us by surprise.

    Congratulations on your much-deserved success! And please, toss me in for THE ENGAGEMENT PLOT.

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    1. Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers!

      I do have a few "story ideas" I scribbled down during her hospital stay... but they are in a file folder in the deep recesses of windows and I'm not sure they will ever see the light of day! They were pretty crazy. (I don't get brilliant when stressed... I get weird. One was called "Dr Love" or something dumb like that. LOL)

      Congrats on your Genesis final!!!

      And yes, I definitely thing God has a sense of humor. At least he does with ME. :-) :-)

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  28. Thank you for sharing, Krista!

    God's timing is perfect, of course, but it can be so hard to wait. Especially for me, on the salvation of family members. But I keep praying and trusting.

    May God bless you and all of Seekerville!

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    1. yes, waiting can be hard, and the salvation of family members... that makes waiting in the writing journey pale in comparison. *hugs* Praying for YOU as you continue to be faithful and lift your loved ones up in prayer!

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  29. I Love You, Krista PhilIips!!! I love you, your family, your life story & your stories!!!
    Keep Marching, Sister!
    "God is with you, Mighty Warrior!" Judges 6:12

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  30. Hi Krista:

    It's funny how subjective life can seem.

    I think anyone reading your post today would nominate your for "Mother of the Year" and yet here you are wondering if you were…"just a horrible mother."

    You're too close to the trees to see the forest.

    The same with God. I think most philosophers would agree that God is not 'in time'. He is eternal. There is not a time He is going to end. Time is for mortals to worry about and to use as a frame of reference.

    You have me emotionally into your post and I'd just have to ask: how is your daughter, Annabelle, doing today?

    BTW: I love the cover of your book! I'd call it the best book cover I've seen in years.

    Why?

    The cover asks questions! How many covers do that? Most covers are just happy to answer the question of what the book is about. That's okay.


    "The Engangement Plot" cover is really a cliffhanger in a single clip!

    What is going on here? Yea, it's about an engagement and/or wedding…but what is going on here?

    James Patterson, in his writing course, was asked what was his 'brand' since he wrote in several genres and for different age groups and was selling more fiction than anyone else. Patterson said that 'his brand' was that in each book he is always asking questions that the reader just must have answered as soon as possible. So no matter what age group or type of book it is, Patterson always keeps the pages spinning!

    You managed to do it on a cover!

    Amazing!

    When I first saw that cover, a few days ago, I thought the man was holding a velvet ring box in his hand. I posted this then on Seekerville and said how much I loved this cover. This morning I looked again and saw the gun (It is a gun right?) Wow!

    I thought OMG! This ups the questions even more! I have to read that book.

    Back to reality:

    There is something even better than perfect timing and that's perfect caring…and I see that in you.

    Whatever you do, writing or anything else, you are a success.

    And thank you Seekerville for another helping of inspiration.

    Vince

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    1. You have totally made my day.

      That is indeed a ring box and not a gun.

      HOWEVER, there are guns in the story. Only it is the women who are tote them... the hero is mostly anti-gun interestingly enough.

      Seriously, I got the best laugh out of that though. Thank you!!!

      Re: Annabelle - she is such a joy! She definitely has daily challenges... she is just pretty amazing, if I do say so myself.

      Here's a fun video of her from TX Roadhouse yesterday... the staff went out of their way to play another "dancing" song and even came and linedanced by her so she could join in. It was pretty awesome.

      https://www.facebook.com/KristaPhillips/videos/10155135325481453/

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    2. Just watched the video of Annabelle--adorable!!!

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    3. So fun to see Annabelle dancing!!!

      Janet

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    4. Annabelle LOVES to sing and dance. She has such joy in the Lord when she sings!!

      Not sure what her booty-slapping is when she dances though... ha ha ha!!

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    5. Hi Krista:

      Loved the video! So happy and full of life! May she keep that spontaneity forever!

      Not a gun?!?!

      "My wife, or your life!" He pulls the trigger and a ring pops out of the barrel.

      Synergy :)

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  31. KRISTA!!! Welcome back to Seekerville, my friend, and WHOA ... what a journey!!

    I remember well praying for that little girl along with the prayers of thousands of others, so to see the timeline is throat-bobbing to say the least. What a trial, but SO worth the Treasure!!

    You said: "To remember that writing isn’t your whole journey, but a piece of it. To keep your focus your eyes on God, because looking at the bumps in this journey, both writing and life in general, can make you dizzy and nauseous if your eyes are trained on them instead of on Jesus, who is steady and constant and unwavering in his love for you."

    This is a lesson I have learned over the last few years as well, but I daresay you have learned it far better than I with the path God has taken you, my friend!! It's a lesson I covet because it has brought me to a place of deeper relationship with God I would have never experienced without it.

    You asked: "What are some ways God has worked his timing out in YOUR writing journey? Have you ever had a season where you had to put it aside, or you felt like you were following God’s leading but didn’t see results and doubted your calling?"

    LOL ... uh, yeah. Three years ago, I took a sabbatical to focus more on God, family, and writing for the sheer joy of writing, which was the best thing I ever did. Told my editor I wasn't going to pitch a new book or series for a while, and I didn't. That sabbatical helped me to take my eyes off writing success and onto Jesus, which is the only success I long for now, to please Him instead of myself. It's not always easy, but it is always rewarding!

    God bless you in your career, Krista, and God bless that sweet little Annabelle!

    LOVE the cover of your book -- draws me right in!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Thank you SO MUCH Julie!!! It was definitely worth the treasure!!!

      "That sabbatical helped me to take my eyes off writing success and onto Jesus, which is the only success I long for now, to please Him instead of myself." YES!! I'll admit, I have to remind myself of this all the time, and I, the numbers geek that I am, have a hard time reminding myself that success isn't in book numbers, but in giving God glory.

      Would I rather 20k in sales of a good book that changes no one? Or 1k in sales that draws those 1k people closer to the heart of Jesus?

      I'd take the later (but then I cheekily remind God that the 20k with 20k lives changed would be SUPER COOL TOO) :-) :-)

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  32. I love this Krista...so "me".

    "Although I'll be honest... God and I still have frequent conversations about the matter. He has to remind me altogether too many times!!"

    I love hyphens, too! When I reach out to him it's more like Oh-No-Not-You-Again. I think I teach him about patience! lol

    My writing journey has been slow, but I think through daily prayer and looking for his signs and direction, someday I will finish up in first place. Oh, Happy Day!!!

    Thank you so much for this beautiful, heartwarming post. Prayers for A and your family...truly a testimony of God's love and wisdom.

    Blessings,

    Marcia

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    1. LOL. Hyphens are quite fun!

      Sometimes it does feel like God is gonna be like, "Geez Krista, HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TEACH YOU THIS" but I'm SO thankful for his grace. Oddly enough, God's grace is a HUGE theme in The Engagement Plot.

      I wanted to wring my heroine's neck so many times... but then I realized I am way too much like her at times for comfort!!

      Thanks so much for your prayers!!!

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  33. Krista, your mom journey and your writing journey are so inspiring. I'm in awe. You are my hero!

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    1. Thank you so much!

      And let me tell you, any hero-like qualities I may seem to possess are definitely not from me!! Love that Jesus can use us imperfect vessels!! I've always said if God's strength is really made perfect in our weakness, WOW. He has some REALLY REALLY PERFECT strength because of me!!!! #Jesusismysuperhero

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  34. I tried posting from my phone and it doesn't seem to have worked yet. My fear is that three copies will suddenly pop up. So... let's try this again:

    Krista,

    Thank you for the blog post. You had me in tears, both from what you went through and the fact that God sent you good news amidst the trials. When I first started writing (many, many years ago), I didn’t think that writing novels could be God’s will for me. Thankfully, I had a spiritual mentor who didn’t try to put God in a box or force me into a preset mold. Still, it was hard to accept. Add to that those devastating moments we all have when we realize how bad our first drafts are and question if we have the ability to become anything.

    Finally, I’m beginning to see God’s hand in all this mess. Not just in the writing but in helping others in their journey as well. Maybe I should’ve had a clue earlier by the fact that a terrible movie version of a novel is what started my husband and I going back to church regularly. In that, I think God was saying He can use any means He wants to speak to people. I may end up being just like the talking donkey in the Bible, but that’s okay by me.

    I still struggle with doubt whenever I reach another roadblock with no clear detour. Then I need especially to remember similar experiences in the past and consider how God paved the way. Somehow, I always come through on the other side with a greater understanding of the craft. Somehow, in spite of all the setbacks, I can’t walk away. I guess that means God designed me for this journey—that God designed you and all the other wonderful ladies and gents who visit this site.

    I love the premise of your book, by the way! Please put my name in the drawing :-)

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    1. Sometimes all you can do is stand in faith and praise Him, is my motto. Good to see you, Lara.

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    2. I love when God's artistry begins to shine amidst the mess!! It is breathtaking!!

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  35. Krista, even knowing the trials y'all have gone through with Annabelle, my heart is stirred reading it all in chronological order. You're amazing! Annabelle is amazing!

    There are so many takeaways here that it's hard to pinpoint them all, so I'll just mention two...

    One, when loved ones (esp. children) are facing something life-threatening, nothing else matters. Years ago, my husband had blood-poisoning in his hand and had to have emergency surgery. During that time, I didn't care one whit about my job. Thankfully, my employers and co-workers managed everything without me, but work was the last thing on my mind for quite a while.

    And... while I hate that you and your family have been through such a traumatic time, I imagine your writing is stronger for it. The deeper life experiences, the richer the rewards.

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    1. I think timelines are awesome, it is one thing to know things in your head, but when I put them down and see how they intertwine, it is amazing to see God's hand in it all!

      And yes, I'm hopeful that my writing is stronger for it too!! This book is such a culmination of many things God has taught me on this journey, and I really pray readers can see that through it!

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  36. Welcome to Seekerville Krista, Wow, you've had your share of life's lessons and the good news is that you had the Lord with you. And what a blessing to see His timing and presence in all of it. That is key. Blessings and thanks again for sharing with us. Have a wonderful day.

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    1. Thanks so much Sandra!! His presence has definitely been a sweet blessing through the last 7 years!

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  37. Krista, what a powerful testimony. Thank you for sharing it so openly. I love that you saw how God sprinkled in the good to help you deal with the bad.

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    1. yes, much better than my misguided notion that God was sprinkling the bad to punish me for the good. How silly our minds can be sometimes!!

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  38. Thank you for your post. I have been going through a season where I feel like God has been telling me to go (not just in writing, but in other areas as well) and all I get are roadblocks and life's "stuff" tackling and piling on top of me like I'm the guy with the football. The theme of God's perfect timing has been hitting me a lot this week. Thank you for your encouragement.

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    1. Jeff, thanks for stopping by the Village. Passing you the muffins.

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    2. It's evening now, so I feel like I'm allowed to bring out my brownies now for dessert, right?

      And I make some pretty epic brownies.

      Jeff, those roadblocks are no fun. It's like God is saying, "Go... just not that way."

      Funny story: That job I mentioned at the beginning of my post... when we had first started praying about moving, I had decided that if we moved, I'd just transfer within the company I already worked in, because they had a Nashville location and that's were we wanted to move to be closer to family.

      But as I was telling my husband that that was what God was leading me to, he wisely said, "What if he wants you to get a different job?"

      I was like, uh, he doesn't?? I have stock options and a decent pay and he definitely does NOT want met to transfer.

      But to humor him, I went online and applied for a job.

      Which ended up being a job 100x better than if I'd just transferred with my current company.

      Anyway, I have no clue if that is applicable to your situation, but taking that step back and exploring other options (even ones I thought were horrible and God would NEVER call me to do) ended up being the very thing I needed.

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  39. Krista, great to hear that Annabelle's heart is doing well. God bless her and you.

    I've had to walk by the beam from a flashlight in the Rocky Mt. National Park at night. I kept wanting to shine the light ahead of me as signs warned about bears in the park, but the beam wasn't bright enough to let me see what was coming. Believe me I was praying the entire time. The next morning on the same trek, I was astonished to see elk lying near my destination. As you said in your post, sometimes it's good not to see what's ahead. :-)

    Janet

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  40. Krista, I know you have a hungry crew heading into the dinner and homework hour. Thank you for spending the day with us and sharing from your heart. Your post really resonated with our Villagers. Praying for continued spot-on timing and success for you!!

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    1. Thanks so much for inviting me!!! Yup, kids have been filing off school buses for the last hour and are demanding food, go figure!! I'll try to stop back in later tonight for a bit just in case. Thanks SO MUCH for having me though, it's been fun!!

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  41. Krista! You've had an amazing journey! Thanks for sharing. Love your faith that shines through all adversity. Prayers for your daughter.

    God's timing is always perfect, which you know so well!

    God bless you and your family!

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  42. Thank you for sharing the story of your journey, Krista! Such an encouragement. And congratulations on your book!

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  43. What a moving story, I'm glad your daughter is doing better. Your book sounds so funny!

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  44. I'm super late stopping in today (been on the go) but wanted to say THANK YOU to Krista for sharing your journey with us. What a powerful testimony you have and you seem like an AMAZING mom. Prayers continue for your precious Annabelle.

    No need to enter me in the drawing as I plan to purchase your book. :)
    Thank you again for visiting and sharing today!
    Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo :)

    P.S. I just thought of something I wanted to add: A few years ago at an ACFW conference (can't remember which city!) I was trying to locate the Prayer Room (I have no sense of direction at those large hotels, LOL). You happened to come along just then and so kindly took me to the room. I still remember how patient you were as you led me to that room, and your sweet spirit impressed me then. :) Thank you!!

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  45. Krista, your story is amazing. It makes my efforts and struggles feel puny in comparison.

    I so identify with making your own timeline. I've done that numerous times. Numerous because NONE of them work. You think I'd catch on by now. :-)

    Congratulations on your new book!

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  46. I'm a little late commenting on this post!

    Thanks for sharing your story Krista. I've found over the years that God's timing is always perfect. I may not like it and it will most likely mess up MY plans, but He always knows best. I've had to trust that over & over again :-)

    Congrats on the new book, it sounds amazing! Toss my name in please, thanks so much.

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  47. I appreciate your sharing from your heart, Krista. Fear is always the number one enemy to pursuing dreams. Especially for this writer. You inspire me.
    Cindy Huff

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  48. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I do that thing, too--the one where I confuse using my gift with sin and punishment? So I especially appreciate you and your gentle friend reminding me that God didn't call me to write as a taunt. He love us! And Annabelle. Thanks again--

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  49. Krista, thank you for sharing your journey with us! I agree 100% that God's timing is perfection!
    We just have to be patient and wait on Him (hardest thing to do, right?)
    I'm eager to read The Engagement Plot!

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