God’s Surprises
God blesses me so much. He really does. I marvel at where I am in my life now, compared to where I used to be. I love my job, I love my church, I love my family. Life for me, right now is very, very good.
And then something comes along that makes it even better. Another of God’s little surprises along the way.
And these past several days have held several such surprises from God.
It started with a conference in North Carolina. This is an annual conference I’ve gone to as a part of my job for several years now. And this year as I sat on the plane I was thinking, why am I going this year? What can POSSIBLY await me that I’m not expecting? And, true to form, MUCH was waiting for me. Not only was the conference good, but I was able to talk to two potential authors about a book they might do for the company I work for. I was also able to connect with a couple of friends from previous conferences. That, too, was a blessing. And I made a couple of amazing new friends whom I already treasure.
Wow. It was just an awesome week. On the plane ride home I was able to reflect back to God, So THAT was the reason I went! I should have known it could only be a good experience.
Tonight, I got the photographs back that I took on that trip and was able to relive some of the fun. (Note to self: no more cheapie disposable cameras. The pictures turn out grainy).
During that same week I was notified that I had won a “Fiction Editor of the Year” award from AWSA (the Advanced Writers’ and Speakers’ Association). My wife, who was able to attend in my absence, received a very beautiful award that now graces my desk at work. (Truly, the credit for that award goes to the fiction authors I work with. How can I miss when I edit such great novelists?).
Then in the mail this week, I received some tapes from my dad. I’ve been asking him to record some of his memories of growing up and his experience at Pearl Harbor and now I have them and am anxious to hear them!
To top the week off, I got another unsolicited positive book review on Amazon for my book His Victorious Indwelling.
And last but not least, tomorrow Bev and I will be watching as our youngest grandson (six months old) is dedicated to the Lord at the church our daughter and son-in-law attend.
What a week!
Not long ago I asked God about all the good stuff in my life right now….and I felt like I heard this answer: “Nick, just enjoy the miracles!” Meaning, of course, that I don’t need to question why good things happen. He is, after all, a good God. And even when troubled times come, He is STILL a good God.
So now I’m hours away from leaving for another conference…..and yes, I find myself asking, why, God, am I going to this conference? What can POSSIBLY be awaiting me there that I’m not expecting?
I can’t wait to find out!
Nick! That is great to hear. I am happy for you and all the good going on in your life.
Be blessed!
Dad-I’m glad to hear things are going so well. Congrats on the award and the review on Amazon! I’m glad you and Mom were able to attend Matthew’s dedication. Thanks for coming. I’d love to hear Grandpa’s tapes sometime, too.
Nick:
Congratulations on your Editor of the Year award – wonderful news! From all I hear and know, it is well-earned.
In fact, all your news is sweet. I’m especially enchanted by the dedication of your little grandson. Talk about big news! I had that experience in May for my one-year-old granddaughter (my one and only, so far), Sidney Anne. During the ceremony, when the light was shining on her, she lifted up her hand and pointed heavenward – as if on cue. It was pretty precious. I hope she will learn early from whence cometh her help.
BTW, is your father a Pearl Harbor survivor? If so, then we have that in common. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your good news. It’s encouraging to see God working everywhere. Nice Website and blog, too. (What a gorgeous quilt!!!)
Yes, my dad was at Pearl Harbor. Thanks for the congratulations. What an honor!
Nick,
We have been rejoicing here in Phili for the blessing of this award. Although your real award is in Heaven it is always nice to get a fortaste. We also want to thank you for your involvement in our ministry here at CLC. You and Bev continue to be a blessing to us. Didn’t know you guys were Jesus Freaks like us!
We have recently been to the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference and had a similar experience. What stress to get ready for but what blessing we brought home. Enjoy!
Jacque and Dave,
We’re honored to be a part of what you do!
Nick, congratulations on earning the Golden Scroll Fiction Editor of the Year Award! It makes me want to read and enjoy another of your author’s wonderfully edited books. Any new women’s fiction recommendations?
Hi Nick,
Just doing research on the surprises of God when i came across your blogg. I had a similar “surprise” experiences when I went on a mission trip to Brazil a couple of weeks ago. Our Heavenly Father wants to be good to us. He wants to amaze us with His goodness. We should get up every morning with the attitude, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do!”