Hi Friends, I’m celebrating my birthday this week, and I thought I might answer a question I’m often asked, how did you get started on your writing journey, and then share the celebration with you by offering a special giveaway.
I’ve loved reading since I first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. I soon graduated to chapter books and spent many happy hours, lying on our porch swing reading. Those lazy days gave my imagination a chance to grow, and they helped me develop a love for well-told stories. My love for writing began when I penned my first novel at age twelve, titled Passport to Paris. I wrote it out by hand, and my mother typed it up for me and helped me with the illustrations. Now that’s love! I continued to be an avid reader through my school years, and though I enjoyed writing, I mainly focused on art, and that became my major at college. I come from a family of artists who valued and encouraged creativity.
My husband and I were blessed with five children, and when our oldest son had some learning challenges, we decided to homeschool. That was a huge investment of time and energy, but it was a wonderful choice for our family. It revived my love for history and exposed me to great children’s literature as I read aloud to our kids each day.
Our family spent time in Kenya as missionaries in 1996-97. After we returned to the US, I missed Africa so much that I decided to write a story set there as a way to relive some of our experiences. I poured out the story without knowing much about the art of writing fiction. I loved it! But when I showed it to an editor at my first writers’ conference, I found out I had a lot to learn about writing novels. I almost gave up writing at that point, but the Lord used a kind neighbor to encourage me with a gift of several writing craft books. I sensed the Lord telling me to press on and learn what I needed to learn to become a better writer.
Soon after that, I read a novella by Beth White. I was so impressed with her story, that I emailed her and asked for her advice about learning how to write fiction. She was very encouraging and directed me to a new group that was forming online called American Christian Romance Writers. I joined ACRW in 2000, which later became American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and I connected with a wonderful group of published and aspiring authors. There were less than 100 of us that first year. Now there are 3000+ members.
Through ACFW I met Kristy Dykes, who became a dear friend and mentor. Her love for the Lord and encouragement were priceless! She critiqued my work and invited me to be one of four authors who submitted a novella proposal to Barbour. Wedded Bliss was accepted and published in November 2005. I joined a critique group, and those friends helped me polish my writing. A few months after Wedded Bliss was published I received a contract with Love Inspired for my first novel, Along Came Love.
During those early years, before I was published, I wrote five novels and two novellas. I call those my “learning how to write novels.” Since then I’ve had more than twenty novels and novellas published. Winning a Carol Award, The International Digital Award, and the Crystal Globe Award have been great encouragements along the way! But most of all I feel blessed that God has allowed me to share the stories He puts in my heart. My prayer is that readers will be touched with God’s love and truth, and they will be drawn closer to Him as they read my novels.
I recently celebrated the release of my twenty-second, A Token of Love, which is an English dual-time romance set in Victorian London. I’m very grateful for all God has done to open up doors and help me along on my writing journey. If you like novels by Michelle Griep, Julie Klassen, Roseanna White, and shows like Downton Abbey and All Creatures Great and Small, then I think will enjoy my novels.
And now for the birthday giveaway . . . I’d love to hear more about your story. As you look back, what’s one important turning point in your life-journey? Share your answer in a comment below. I’ll choose one winner on October 8th and notify them by email. They can choose to receive a signed copy of A Token of Love or The Legacy of Longdale Manor, which just won the ACFW Carol Award earlier this month. This giveaway is open to US readers only. Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me!
Until Next Time ~ Happy Reading!
Carrie
Unfortunately, my life changing and turning point came in March with the loss of my husband. We had been married 57 almost 58 years. Somehow, it still doesn’t seem possible. My love for him hasn’t wavered. I still talk to him as if he was here.
Dear Nona, I’m sorry to hear about your husbands passing. I’m sure after so many years together this is a huge change for you. Your love and commitment is a great example. I’m saying a prayer for you and asking the Lord to comfort your heart.
In 1974 I was asked to begin a library in our new church plant 4 years old though I was a full time teacher, mother of two teenagers, and wife to an engineer. What a blessing it has been! This summer my church Parkway Baptist honored me in a special service for serving 50 years.
Four plaques, a reception, and an endowed scholarship were presented to me. I was overwhelmed with the many acts of kindness.
That’s wonderful to hear about your special ministry as a Church librarian! I’m glad your church honored your service!
One of my biggest turning points came when my Mom passed away in December, 2020. Though I have three older sisters, my life as it knew changed drastically. I had never moved out of our house. Mom and Daddy were always fine with me being home, and I was able to help Mom with Daddy before he passed away. Then, I became Mom’s full-time stay at home caregiver for the last 9 years of her life. Home with her, I started two “jobs” that I love, but never dreamed of doing! One was my “dream job” that I never verbalized except to Mom once, and that God dropped in my lap January of 2020. With both businesses, I’m able to support myself, and be my own boss. My walk with God has deepened, and I know He’ll continue to see me through.
Thanks for sharing that with me, Trudy. You honored and cared for your parents, and the Lord has taken good care of you.
I loved the story of your journey, Carrie!! I thought you might share a list of all of your books. That would be great to see! Also, if I remember correctly, your mom was also a writer. If so, do you have a list of her published books or even titles of unpublished ones. That would be great to see also.
I have both books so don’t include me in your awesome giveaway.
Happy Birthday, too.
HI Charlotte, thanks for your kind comments! Yes, my mom was a writer and an illustrator. Her writing was for our local newspaper where she wrote human interest stories and illustrated them. One of my favorites was about a huge number of teenagers who liked to ride their skateboards down a mountain park road in our town. That was in the late 1960s when I was very young. It was a fun story. I’d love to share my book list with you. It has it’s own page on my website. Here is the link: https://carrieturansky.com/book-list/
My biggest turning point was when I turned in my resignation after 15 years at a large retailer, not having a true plan in mind but knowing I could trust God to lead
That sounds like an important time and decision. God bless you, Jennifer!
I would have to say the turning point for me was the birth of my children. Amazing how life changes when other people rely on your existence.
Hi Janis, yes! Becoming a parent is a big turning point. So much changes. It really helped me grow and become a stronger person. Thanks for stopping by!
my turning point in my life is when my husband left me and my son and he was only five years old. I had to get a full-time job and a babysitter. come home make dinner mow the lawn or shovel the snow . do the laundry in take care of my son. I had to be his mom and Dad and the bread winner. It helped me to grow up to be a very strong person and know that I can take care of myself and someone else.
Those sound like big challenges, Kay. God bless you!
The greatest turning point in my life happened on two nights; Jan. 21&22, 1973. My dream was to become a professional singer and many doors of opportunity were beginning to open for me. While I was visiting a pastor and his family in Oklahoma and singing at their church, I met a handsome young man on Jan. 21st when he went forward during the invitation time to answer God’s call upon his life to become a a pastor. I shook his hand in the reception line for at least 10 minutes and I knew then that God was calling me to another path in life. The next day I spoke with the pastor about my doubts concerning my relationship with Jesus. Even though in many parts of the world about His love, I realized that day that I had head knowledge, but had never seen myself as the sinner I was. I asked God to forgive me of my sins and asked Jesus into my heart and that night at a special Evangelism service at the church, I was baptized and became a born again Christian. The young pastor to be and I were married just four months later and we celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary on May13, 2024 and my husband pastored for 48 years before he actively retired. We were blessed with four children, two daughter-in-laws, one son-in-law and five grandchildren. God had a much richer, fulfilling life planned for me instead of the one I had planned for myself. God is so good and I praise Him everyday for all that He is and all He has done! Joy McLain
Thank you for sharing this with us, Joy! What a wonderful life and love you’ve experienced!
A huge turning point in my life was actually this summer. I had been staying at my son’s house and decided to move into a lovely condo that is perfect for me. It was a huge decision but I’m happy I made the decision and looking forward to this next journey in my life.
Hi Jeanne, it sounds like you’ve made some important decisions and changes. Moving in a challenge, but it always makes me sort through belonging and see what’s important. I hope you love your new home!
Happy birthday! Going to college
Hi Bn100, going to college sounds like an important turning point for you. I’d say it was for me too. Blessings!
Because of dyslexia I didn’t learn to read until I was eleven. Contrary to what my dad believed, it wasn’t lack of trying. With a lot of patience from my mom and Sunday school teacher, I did learn to read. It might not seem like much, but it did change my life.
Hi Marti, that’s so interesting to hear about your journey to learn to read. We have 5 children and both our boys also struggled in the same way. With patience and time, they both learned between ages 8 – 10. They have gone on to accomplish great things. I’m glad you had a patient mom and SS teacher who helped you!
Hi, Carrie! Happy birthday!
As an adult, I have lost two older siblings. Each time, I had lost jobs through down sizing. Being unemployed, it gave me the opportunity to focus on clearing out their apartments as both were not married or had children. What had been devastating allowed me the time to concentrate on a huge undertaking. God always knows what we need even when we don’t!
Carla, I’m impressed that you are able to trust God and see what look like setbacks as His help through challenging times. God bless you!
The life changing moment for me was almost 8 years ago when I lost my husband of 20 years to Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. He fought a hard fight for almost 2-1/2 years and he passed away. At the time we were living in Indiana and 6 months later I put our house up for sale, sold in about 4 months and I moved back to my hometown of Chicago because that’s where my son and his family live. Thanks for your great generosity. I would love a chance to win a book.
One thing that changed my life was an auto accident. Cruise control that didn’t work kicked in. Turning van off wouldn’t even stop to an til it hit a tree. My daughter’s were with me. Youngest and I affected worse. I was bruised from neck down and now years later find I have severe back problems, all added to my RA. Also gave severe Afib this year been there for years. Pulmonary stage breathing. Changing cardiologist has improved my life
Jane, I’m so sorry to read about your accident and how that has impacted you. I’m thankful you have a good cardiologist who is helping you now.
My biggest life changing moment came when I asked Jesus to save me at the age of 19. He then led me to my husband, now married almost 55 yrs. God would bless us with 2 precious children. Our second child, a daughter, contracted spinal meningitis at the age of 7 wks. Fortunately God spared her life, and she came home 6 wks later. But….as the years passed we noticed she wasn’t responding the way she should and had enormous behavior outbursts. After many doctor, hospital, rehab, etc testing and consults, it was determined she was mentally handicapped. Our life was turned upside down. Finally at the age of 17 she was admitted to a mental training center. That was the hardest decision we ever had to make, but God alone would realize what that move would allow her to progress. That facility closed and we used a group home…terrible ordeal. Now she’s 50 yrs old, and in a personal residential setting with loving caregivers and friends. All I can say it the same God that saved me at 17 is still giving grace with each new trial that we face along the journey. . We give Him honor and glory.
Hi Linda, it sounds like you have been on quite a journey with your daughter. I’m so glad to know they Lord has helped you help her and carried you through.
Yes He is our strength and guide! He’s forever faithful even in hard times ❤️
A major turning point for me was when I met my husband. I had decided I wasn’t going to date anymore and didn’t want a boyfriend after three consecutive ones who were not on the same path with God. Our house had also burned to the ground my senior year in high school. With everything else, the three novels I had started and eighty-one poems I had written were in ashes. A year later I met Roy, a godly young man, and fell in love. I hadn’t been able to write anything until then. I felt like I had been walking through a dry and thirsty place in life and after much prayer I had found an oasis. God has used Roy in such a huge way in my life and he’s become my greatest cheerleader in my writing.
Hi Cindy, your love story could inspire a novel! I’m glad you and Roy have enjoyed so many years together!
A turning point for me was several years ago when I got my first writing contract with a small press. It confirmed my decision to start a second career of doing what I love after retirement as a speech pathologist. The author community is so supportive and helpful. Thanks for the opportunity.
Hi Susan, that’s great to hear about the joy you’ve found in writing and connecting with others in the writing community.
Happy birthday, Carrie! I love your books so much, so thank you for this give-away!
There have been so many significant turning points in my life over all these decades, but as I think about each one, the most life-altering turning point is coming to Jesus. Jesus is the One that all the other things hinge upon.
Hi Susie, that’s wonderful to know the impact that decision has made in your life. It’s true for me as well. Blessings!
This summer when I learned that sometimes you just need to be alone with Jesus for a period of time. It’s like for a season he needed me to just be with him. I always knew, but it really allowed me to see that I really just need Jesus!
Hi Nicole, that sounds like an important summer on your faith journey!
My turning point came many years ago as a 21 year old. I was brought up in church and received Christ at age 13. Back then there was no discipleship going on, not in my church any way…I went to church every week but it slowly became just a habit. In Jr. High I got in with the wrong crowds – I smoked, drank heavily and smoked a lot of pot. I did all this, but nothing made me happy, I had no joy. All while living the life of a lost person – the Holy Spirit worked at my heart, He was always convicting me – and I was always ignoring Him!…Until the day I didn’t. God so heavily convicted me that I couldn’t help but turn to Him. I remember the day clearly that I re-dedicated my heart to Jesus. It was life changing! I couldn’t learn enough, I grew in so many ways.
Fast forward 8 years, I met my future husband. Although he was a believer and loved the Lord, he had no intention of going into ministry, where as I felt called. I never shared it with him because I didn’t want him to go into ministry to please me. I gave it to the Lord. We married, and 2 months later God called him to ministry! Today he is a full time lead pastor and we have been ministering at our church for 32 years!! Praise God that He never stopped chasing me, caught me and turned my life around!!
Hi Sharon, I loved reading more of your story. That’s wonderful to hear how the Lord has worked in your life and guided you and your husband to serve him together!
It’s wonderful to learn a little more about your writing journey, as well as your family’s journey! I love how God brought people into your life to encourage you, and even to help open the doors needed to move forward with what He’d laid on your heart. Those connections and friendships have made my journey so much richer too. I’ve always wanted to write (and always written in some capacity), but I’ve begun to carve out more time for it as our kids get older. It’s also meant that they’re old enough to participate in the writing, which has been such a gift to our whole family!
Hi April, thanks for visiting the blog and sharing your thoughts. It’s bee wonderful to connect with you!
A belated Happy Birthday to you, Carrie. A major turning point for me was when my husband decided to join the Air Force a year after we were married. For young, small-town kids, it was a huge change and taught us to lean on each other and the Lord. We spent 30 years moving from place to place, dealing with deployments, raising our family, and having to opportunity to meet and know many wonderful people. We definitely learned to be independent and how to cope with whatever comes! Friends became family and still are. Three years ago, my husband’s retirement from the service brought another turning point and more change as we had to pick a place to live instead of being told where we would live. It has been an adjustment moving to a civilian lifestyle, but we purchased a home and are settled in our community. We will forever be grateful for our experiences and look forward to what the future holds.
Hi Shelley, thank you for sharing about that important phase of your life, and thank you to your husband for his service. We have a son who is a Marine, so I know a little of what that’s like. Blessings to you and yours!
Meeting my husband. Everything changed after that.
Hi Cheryl, meeting your future husband and marrying him is a big turning point! Blessings to you both.
A turning point for me was when we went to S.E. Asia to be missionaries. We had been in the pastorate for 29 years so I was in my early 50’s when we went. We left our daughter and two small grandsons in the states which was hard to do. It was the biggest blessing and the best years of our lives. We are now retired after having been over there for about 15 years. I really do miss living there and the people. God was so good to us.
Hi Faith, that’s wonderful to hear how the Lord blessed you through your time in S. E. Asia. Those sound like very special memories.
A turning point for me came when I gave birth to twins. I left my job because all my salary would have gone to daycare and started a freelance editing career. During that time, I had several parenting books and Chicken Soup for the Soul books published, which I never would have had the time to write if I’d stayed at my full-time job. Promoting my books helped me develop marketing skills, which I utilized in future and current jobs. It’s always interesting to see how one chapter of our lives prepares us for the next!
Hi Susan, that’s great perspective to look back and see how one chapter of our lives prepares us for the next! We have twins also, so I know how fun and challenging that can be.
I have 2.
Learning about Helen Keller changed my life. I’m deaf so When I found out she was real after watching the miracle worker , I had to find out everything I could about her. She made me push myself to not go to a deaf school and go to college.
My second was the 1997 animated movie of anastasia. When I found out it was loosely based on real events, I had to find out everything I could about the family. When I found she was related to queen Victoria, I then had to find out more info about her.
I was in second grade with a pre k reading level. By time I entered middle school I was a high school reading level. Anastasia was the spark I needed to get to love reading and world history.
HI Patricia, that’s so interesting to hear how a desire to learn more about those real people in history motivated you and helped you improve your reading! In my research for my novels, I’m always looking for real people who inspire me and then use their lives as parts of my story. In my latest novel, A Token of Love, I was inspired by Josephine Butler who was a champion, public speaker, and author who worked to change laws to protect women and girls from exploitation in the late 1800s in England. I gave her a small role in the book. I hope you have a chance to read the story!
Hi CARRIE,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
A major change in my life happened when I got asthma and taking the drugs to help me breathe damaged my body by making me dizzy and now that is how I live each day. But reading wonderful Christian books takes my mind off of reality and I get to go on so many wonderful adventures. Thank you so much for the giveaway.
Hi Judi, I’m sorry for the challenges you are facing, but I’m glad to know reading is a comfort and distraction. Blessings to you!
The biggest turning point in my life, was over 40 years ago when I was a sophomore in high school. My best friend invited me to a weekend winter retreat with her youth group, and this is when I heard the gospel message for the first time which led me to ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior.
Hi Denise, how wonderful to hear how the Lord used your friend’s invitation to that camp so you could hear the Gospel and ask Jesus to be your Savior. I had a dear friend who invited me to a youth for Christ meeting where I heard the Gospel for the first time and prayed to receive Christ. Great turning point for us both!
A turning point was the birth of my 4 grandchildren who give me great enjoyment, pleasure and happiness.
Hi Anne, grandchildren are a wonderful blessing! It does add joy to this stage of life! I have 12!
Hope you have a happy birthday! Mine is in a week and a half! I would love to read your Kenya book someday if you ever decide to release it or rewrite it. That sounds like it would be a fascinating story. I think a turning point in my life actually happened this year when I unfortunately became very ill for several months. It really strengthened me and my husband spiritually, and our relationship with God has grown so much as a result. I am thankfully better now, praise the Lord. ☺️ But I know I’ll always look back to this year as a year of spiritual growth and see how God used my illness for good!
Hi Sara, You have an amazing perspective after coming through your illness. I’m happy to hear you’re better now. Perhaps the Lord will use this in the future to give you compassion for others and can share your story to inspire their faith and hope.
Hi Carrie,
Unfortunately, my turning point was the passing of my husband after being together for 30 years. I was a wreck after the passing of my Dad a few years earlier and my hubby’s passing nearly finished me off. But, I must come from strong stock because I’m surviving!
HI Lynn, I’m very sorry to read about the loss of your husband and your Dad. Two big losses like that must be very difficult to go through. I hope you have good support around you. Have you heard of Grief Share? This is a group that meets in churches to help those who have lost a loved one.
A major health challenge (cancer caught early)urged me to move one hour awayand change my living situation with 9 days notice. God was with me while family members sobbed (I think they temporarily forgot everything is controlled by God) while I moved ro an area where I always wanted to live, met wonderful friends and received better medical care. I am doing well .
Hi Jcp, I’m so glad to hear you are doing well now. I had a colon cancer diagnosis 5+ years ago and went through surgery and chemo treatments, so I know a bit about that kind of experience. It sounds like the move was a good one and you have come through it stronger.
My life changing event happened when I was a librarian in Quartzsite, Arizona. One of my patrons came into the library and told me about the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. My husband and I prayed and we moved to Texas where I became a school librarian.
Hi Becky, that is interesting to hear how God used that painful tragedy to motivate you to move and become a school librarian. Are you still doing that job? Is it a high school? Some schools carry my books. I think they are appropriate for teens and have some great history and lessons that could encourage teen readers.
Happy Birthday! My turning point came when a young college student who was majoring in music suggested I try teaching a few piano students of my own. A short time later I saw a newspaper ad for a piano teaching seminar at a local college – I attended and now I’m starting my 45th year of teaching piano!
Hi Leanne, we love piano teachers! In the next book I’m writing one of the sisters is teaching piano!
I have been very sick since I had Covid 3 yrs ago. It did a number on my stomach. But I am slowly starting to feel better and I just am sooo thankful to the Lord for helping me. I will never take good health for granted ever again!!!
Hi Judi, I am saying a prayer for you now. Father, please continue to heal Judi from the long-lasting impact of COVID. Please give her the best care possible and comfort her heart as she waits on you for full heaing.
Growing up, I was always looked upon as two people-I am an identical twin.
We were always looked upon as “one” instead of individuals.
Only when I got to high school and was in different classes than my sister did I realize-‘Hey, I am my own individual” and then we went to different colleges and I learned to be on my own. Great awakening.
Hi Joye, that’s so interesting to hear your perspective on this! I have twin daughters. They are not identical, but very close even as adults.
Losing my oldest son to a drug overdose, in 2010; he was a month shy of his 34th birthday… One phone call from the ex husband changed my life…
I am blessed to have 6 grandchildren: 5 boys, and a little 2½ yr old granddaughter!
Hi MS Barb, I’m very sorry to hear you lost your oldest son. I’m sure that was a huge turning point in your life. That’s wonderful to hear you have 6 grandchildren. They must be a true blessing!
There are so many important turning points in my life. Among the most important would be the three times men left me — two husbands and a fiance. Fortunately, I am still so blessed to have six amazing children.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Carrie! ♥
Hi Gigi, I’m sure those were life-changing times. It’s good to know you have six children. They sound like a true blessing in your life.
Feb 2020 a man pulled out in front of me and I T-boned and went across 3 lanes of traffic. I had a crushed upper left arm, crushed right thigh and my pelvis was cracked in two places. I was in a hospital bed for 3 months. Couldn’t get up while my pelvis was healing. I wound up with plates and screws in my left arm, a metal rod and knee replacement in my right leg and 2 screws in my pelvis. I had previously had a left knee replacement and a right hip replacement. Just recently I’ve had a left shoulder replacement after a fall. So 4 joint replacements have changed my life forever. But trying to look on the bright side of it all I bought a tee shirt that has Bionic Woman on the front.
Wow, Gail, that sounds like such a long and challenging road to heal from that accident. I’m glad you’re moving forward in life and have a sense of humor to buy that shirt!
When I was 17 I had my first child, and my second was born when I was 19. They were 15 months apart. Then my first husband left when my son had just turned 3 and my daughter was almost 2. I learned that I could do more for myself than I thought I could.
A year and a half later, I met my current husband. We’ve been married 31 years, and he has been a wonderful husband, father and papa. I learned from him that I don’t always have to rely on myself.
Hi Connie, how great to hear how the Lord brought a faithful man into your life! He sounds like a keeper.
When Ii left my first job and went to work for the Library. Loved the Library job. Should have left the first years before,
Joan
Hi Joan, we love librarians! That’s wonderful to hear you found a job that you truly enjoy!
My turning point was when my family purchased our first home. No more landlords to cope with.
Marion
Hi Marion, it is wonderful to be able to own your own home!
Hi Joan, we love librarians! That’s wonderful to hear you found a job that you truly enjoy!
My sixth grade teacher was a hard one She taught me what working on a project was hard but rewarding. To this day my hand writing is quite good due to her perfection.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, that’s fun to hear about your 6th grade teacher who challenged you!
Linda May, I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. It sounds like that was a very big turning point in your life, especially after 20 years of marriage. God bless you as you continue to walk forward with the Lord.
I loved reading about Journey . Thank you so much for sharing ! Happy birthday!
A huge, not so great turning point for me happened in 2018 when I became disabled due to body wide damage from a pharmaceutical drug. I had a very active life before this, but had to give up so many activities that I enjoyed after. With God’s help I’ve had to learn to adjust to my new normal, but I do mourn the loss of what I once was.
Hi Kim, I’m very sorry to hear about the changes you’ve had to adjust to since taking that drug. I’m sure that has been a hard challenge to face. It’s good to know you’ve allowed the Lord to comfort you and help you through all the changes since then. God bless and comfort you!
Honestly, there are so many important turning points in my life that, when looking back, you can see God’s hand play out – even when I didn’t see it at the time. The most life changing one was when my oldest brother died in a car crash when I was 11. As awful as that was, and as much as I’d rather have him back, that event changed who I turned out to be. It made me grow up fast, but it also helped me to have a greater love for my family. It taught me to trust in God and learn to lean on Him during hard times.
Hi Bridget, I’m very sorry to read about the loss of your brother, especially when you were so young. It sounds like you have learned some important lessons from that loss. God bless and comfort your heart.
I’ve been through so much since I’ve been in Arkansas but the Lord knows that He has a purpose for me out here and I cannot wait to find out what it is.
Hi Courtney, Keep trusting the Lord to lead and guide you. I hope you’ll see opportunities to share His kindness, mercy, and love with those you meet. Sometimes His will and purpose are not big, new, and exciting things. Sometimes joy and fulfillment comes in simply talking and walking with Him each day.
Honestly, one of the biggest turning points in my life was during 2020. The pandemic changed so much in my life and I feel that God used it to push me in a direction that I never had any intention of going, but looking back it’s where I needed to be. I really learned the concept of walking by faith, and not by sight thought that time. 🙂
Hi Sabrina, what a great lesson- learning to walk by faith. It’s good to hear how God taught you that special lesson through that hard season of COVID.
Back in May, my father and I were able to visit a very close cousin of his several days before his cousin passed away. My father and his cousin were like brothers. At the time of the visit we didn’t know that would be the last time we would be seeing him.
Hi Diana, I’m glad you and your father were able to visit his cousin. Those family times are like a sacred treasure.
The day I was baptized. I had suffered with panic attacks for 47 years and had multiple attacks even the day of my baptism while on the way to the lake where the event was to take place. I have been relatively free from those paralyzing attacks since that day. It has been 21 years. God walks with me daily. He is my ever present help. What a gift to know that He will never leave nor forsake me. Life is not bigger than I am because I never have to do it alone!
Hi Anne-Marie, that’s wonderful to hear how the Lord has been working in your life and helping you emotionally as well as spiritually. It is a comfort to remember He walks with us every day and never leaves us!
A life-changing moment for me was a huge move from Arkansas to upstate New York. I had only been married for five years and had never lived very far from family. Nine years later we moved to PA. Homesick does not begin to express how I felt. After 30 years my husband retired and we moved back to Arkansas. I was blessed to be able to take care of my 95-year-old mom for two years before she passed away.
Hi Linda, moving and living far from family and friends can be very challenging. I’m glad to hear you were able to have those two years with your mom.
A life changer for me was an unwanted divorce. It was devastating at the time but I’ve learned to look for the positives. God showed me that He would never leave me.
Hi Pam, It is a comfort to remember God will never leave us or forsake us. That’s an important promise to hold on to.
Hello Carrie a life changer for me was when I lost my husband from a massive heart attack and we had been married 35 years! Happy Belated Birthday
Hi Sarah, I’m sure that was a very difficult time, losing your husband after only being married 35 years. May God comfort your heart and give you courage to press on.
My most recent turning point was the loss of my husband last year just before our 38th wedding anniversary. We met in middle school, became best friends, and married just after graduation. So, I’m learning to adult without him and trust the Lord for guidance in this new season of life.
Hi Vicki, I’m very sorry to read about the loss of your husband. I’m sure it’s been a very challenging year with all the matters you need to handle now and work through the grief process. God bless you and give you comfort and support.
A turning point in my life happened just before Covid so 2019 when God placed on my heart to open a maternity home to give women another choice for life. Both for their unborn baby and for themselves with hopes that that they will find new life in Christ. The home is not opened yet, but we (board and I) are working toward that goal.
Hi Jeannette, what a wonderful goal to work toward!
Hi Carrie,
Belated happy birthday – I hope you did something fun to celebrate. And congratulations on the birth of your granddaughter – both children are adorable!
Having the privilege of leaving the corporate world and getting to be at home with our children was a wonderful turning point for me. I am eternally grateful to God and my husband for making it possible. Now our daughter is married with a home of her own and our son has gone ahead of us to heaven, so life has moved on, but we are blessed to be able to work with our daughter and son-in-law in the business my husband started 41 years ago! God is good, even when things are hard.
Hi Joyce, thank you for telling me more about your family and that important turning point. It is a wonderful blessing to be able to be at home with children. I know that’s not possible in every family. That’s wonderful that you recognize it as a blessing. I’m sorry to read about the loss of your son. I’m glad your daughter is still with you and you call all work together.
I would have to say one of my life changing events occurred when our home caught fire in 2015. We were only able to salvage a few things – I’m not sure if I have recovered yet from it. God provided many people that helped us during that time and I cherish them still today.
Wow, Paula, that’s a very important turning point. I’m thankful to hear you had friends who could come around you and help you through the last 9 years.
Thank you for sharing your story; it was so encouraging and interesting! I feel like I am currently at a turning point in my life. I started grad school about 20 years ago and couldn’t finish at the time. I just started again in March, even though I am now in my mid-40s! It is such a big thing for me to finally fulfill my dream of finishing my degree to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in the next several years.
Hi Laura, we need more marriage and family therapists! I’m happy to hear you are pursuing that calling!
My life-turning moment was in 2007, when I was watching a video about revivals that a friend shared. The Lord gave me repentance and faith then, and ever since, I’ve been walking with Him and seeking (falteringly) to obey Him because I love Him.