God Blesses through Blogs!

I found a great blog called "Operation Encourage an Author." I love that the goal is to encourage authors who so often uplift us, the readers. The feature author last week was Julie Lessman. Her books include the Daughters of Boston series, and upcoming A Hope Undaunted. Readers were given the opportunity to ask Julie a question. Being new to the blogging world, it is thrilling to be able to interact with people who we would not normally come into contact. God blessed me through our exchange, and I was so touched that I wanted to share it. Here is our discussion"

(Me) Well, I have never read Julie Lessman before, but I recently asked the question on my new blog "What is your favorite Christian fiction book?" My first response was the Daughters of Boston series, so I had to check it out! It looks like I would love them. My question is do you have a scripture that you consider your life verse and why?

(Julie) WOW, MEGAN!!! I am SO blessed to hear that people actually voted for my series on your website -- VERY COOL!! THANK YOU for sharing that with me! :)

And I am VERY excited that you plan to read my books as well and will now give you my standard warning -- PLEASE begin with book 1, A Passion Most Pure, because this is really a series that needs to be read in order to get the most out of it due to several big surprises, okay?

You asked: Do you have a scripture that you consider your life verse and why?

Gosh, I have SO many life verses because I need SO much help in my life, but if I would have to choose just one for various things, it would be as follows:

The verses I PRAY the most (every day!!) would be Psalm 139:23-24, which are: Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.

The verses that calm my fears the most would be ALL of Psalm 23, which I have memorized and often lull myself to sleep saying when I am upset about something.

And my verses for 2010?

#1) Proverbs 4:25-27: Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left;turn your foot from evil.

#2) John 3:30: He must become greater; I must become less.

GREAT QUESTION, Megan, and thanks again for stopping by!

Hugs,
Julie

(Me) JULIE, I just wanted to say thanks for your response. A friend of mine in Bible study suggested Psalm 139 to me this week to focus on...And it just gave me chills/brought tears to my eyes to see it here. And your verses for 2010 really apply to what He is working on in me...WOW! What a confirmation from the Lord! Thank you so much. I can't wait to read your books, as God is using you to touch people's lives even separate from them!!!

(Julie) WOW, Megan, talk about "chills/tears"!!! Don't you just LOVE when God does that to confirm something to you??? I am SO glad that He is fine-tuning each of us through His Word, but especially through Psalm 139, at least for me and apparently you too!

But I'll post a warning here for you and everyone who attempts to pray Psalm139:23-24 (Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.)

WARNING!!! If you attempt to pray this on a daily basis, please know that you will have to stop fairly soon thereafter because TRUST ME ... he WILL nail you to the wall with various "offensive ways" that He sees in you, so BE PREPARED!! I periodically have to cease praying it because sometimes I just need a breather ... :)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the books, and I would love to hear what you think when you are done if you want to contact me through my website.

Thank you SO much for your encouragement, Megan, and have a blessed weekend!

Hugs,
Julie

Isn't wonderful how God uses people even when they are unaware. He directs one person to a blog in which someone will confirm a scripture already given. I love it!

Actually, Proverbs 4:25-27 has direct applications to where I am in my walk with the Lord as well. I am working on "Practicing the Presence," being aware of Jesus and the Holy Spirit's presence and working in every aspect of my day. I must keep my eyes on Him at all times. I must learn not to turn to the distractions of the world. Again, I just love how God works. Isn't He Amazing!

I have ordered Julie's series of books and am eagerly watching the mail for their arrival! I am almost disappointed that I have 9 books I need to read and review by the end of March because I want to stop everything and read her series as soon as it gets here! For now I will fulfill my responsibilities while eagerly awaiting the time I can break open A Passion Most Pure, the first in the series.