Quick! What’s an unexpected blessing in your life right now?
A blessing you didn’t foresee. Maybe something you thought was going to be really good, but then it turned out to be even better than you ever dreamed! Or perhaps it’s something you didn’t even dream of, and now you marvel at what a gift God has given you.
That’s how I feel about you!
When I first started writing, I was just concentrating on trying to give God my best and just get the story done. Little did I realize what a magnificent blessing and encouragement my relationships with reader friends would be.
Recently, Landmark Booksellers, a beautiful antique book store in downtown Franklin (a quaint, historic town just 20 minutes from Nashville) invited me to sign books at the Franklin Main Street Festival, an event that draws over 100,000 people to the town over the course of the weekend, and oh… I had an absolutely blast! I was supposed to stay for about an hour and stayed for nearly four!
People kept stopping by, some just to chat and find out what the books were about. Others wanted to know if the novels were really about “the real Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville.” (Answer: Yes!) We talked history, heritage, iced cold lemonade, kettle corn warm and delicious from the kettle, and so many other things.
When I left that afternoon, I felt so full inside. So blessed by those who came. And I feel that way when we share here online, or when I see you in a local restaurant, or at a conference, or at one of the mansions when I’m dropping something off.
The relationships we share are an unexpected blessing from my writing career. And…I thank you!
Now tell me… What’s an unexpected blessing in your life?
Tammy
P.S. I spoke in Henderson, TN at Freed-Hardeman last night so am currently on my way back to Nashville. Prayers for safe travel appreciated, and I’ll check in later this afternoon once I’m back.
In case you missed it, here’s a recipe you don’t want to miss!
Eleanor Braddock’s Southern Buttermilk Pie
Grab more delicious recipes from my novels
If you make this, be sure and send me a picture or post it on my Facebook page. And yes, Patti Jo, that means you! ; )
Tamera Alexander
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Morning! I am up feeding Connor (he is down to one feeding a night!) so praying for you right now. Unexpected blessings…hmmm. well my first thought is for my mom. Since I have been a mom, I have a whole new appreciation for her. There were a couple times she would drop everything and come help us. I had a new perspective of her sacrifice as a mother as well as her love for us.
Another blessing is a little more silly. I am part of a January 2014 babies group on Facebook. It has been amazing to have moms from all over who are going through the same things so close in time. We are able to give tips, ask advice, and just share a genes friendship 🙂
No I did not type all that while feeding Connor…he finished a few minutes ago 😛
Hey Catherine and oh, I love what you shared! So true about becoming a mommy and then how that changes your view. How cool on the babies group! What a treasure that must be. There’s nothing like knowing you’re not alone as you walk a path, huh? Hug that sweet Connor.
Will do! He is sleeping in my arms now 🙂
I broke my wrist in March, resulting in surgery, and that has turned out to be an unexpected blessing! Stepping out of my busy life, while I recuperate, has caused me to spend precious time with God re-evaluating my life. I am now in the process of making some much needed changes so I can live a more authentic life. I am so grateful God has used this difficult circumstance for my good!
To what extremes the Lord will go to get our attention, huh, Pat? And what a wonderful attitude you have about it all. Living an authentic life is something I’ve wrestled with the Lord about, as well. In fact, writing A Lasting Impression was an outgrowth of that (ongoing) journey about being honest with others, with myself, and with Him. He truly does use all things for good for those who love him, as you said. Thanks so much for sharing.
Unexpected blessings? Well, for one, YOU, Tammy! I never dreamed when I went to the very first ACFW writers conference in Kansas City years ago that I’d meet such a dear friend who would become my critique partner for well over a decade now.
Another unexpected blessing has been our move to the city last year. (New Yorkers, Houstonians, Chicagoans, etc., will laugh that we call Wichita a “city,” but it certainly is compared to the town of 1500 we lived in before moving.) We knew we wanted to be closer to family and closer to the airport, but weren’t sure how we’d take to city life. It has been more fun than we ever dreamed! More importantly, it has put us just where we need to be for things that hadn’t even happened yet at the time we made the decision to move. God is good and He specializes in unexpected blessings!
Aw…I feel the very same way about you, Deb. So glad God brought us together! And yes, so true on how God moves us into new circumstances in prep for something else…just to get us ready. He’s so faithful! And he’s never caught off guard either. #TrustworthySavior
The first thing that popped into my mind when I read your initial question was this: about a week ago I connected online with the young woman who portrays the titular character on the cover of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn (released in April from WaterBrook Press). Her enthusiasm first for the cover, then for the story (I sent her a signed copy of the book) really blessed me. I had no idea God had that in store way back when, last summer, I gave my opinion about who (out of three choices) should be “Tamsen” to the world, and my publisher was able to make that happen.
Safe travels!
Hey Lori! What a gorgeous cover. I love the unexpected blessing in that connection. God is so good to give us those encouragements. Blessings on your release and praying God gets that book into the hands of readers who need to hear that story. Thanks for being here!
Tammy, I have to say first and foremost that my Family is a huge blessing… .As each day passes, there is rarely a moment, when we don’t have something to be grateful for. Quality time spent with members of our Family means so much…from the oldest (my nearly 97 year old Mum) right down to the littlest ones, who are at the moment, holidaying in the US.
I’m sure they are counting their Blessings right now as they mingle with Mickey and Minnie and riding in Dumbo LOL.
While we are on that topic, would you please pray for a safe journey, as my son prepares to take the wheel and drive his (and our) loved ones on the “wrong” side of the road from LA to Las Vegas.
Very different to driving in Aus where we drive on the” right” side of the road(left) heh heh heh..
I can’t let this opportunity pass, without saying that my computer has been a blessing(most of the time) as I have been able to “meet” some of you wonderful people online and through that happening, we have travelled and were truly blessed to meet some of you wonderful people in person. That was just so special to me!:)
There have been times in the last year, when I have had to deal with some physical restrictions as far as activity goes and it is these treasured moments at the computer and reading your great books, that have given so much enjoyment and been a blessing to me, Tam.
Blessings to you my dear and have a great time in Europe…we will be in the UK, so not too far apart, distance wise. Take care.:)
You’ve got our prayers, Rosie, for your son and other loved ones as they brave driving the “right” side of the road here in the states. : ) I’m so grateful God led you to this blog all those years ago. Through Judy, wasn’t it? You’ve been such an encouragement and blessing to many. Hugs to you, and give your sweet mum my love as well, please.
A recent, unexpected blessing for me was attending the Red Carpet event for Moms’ Night Out. So fun! And I got to meet so many great people behind the movie!
LOVED your pictures from that event, Tricia. An unexpected blessing, indeed!
I am a fairly new convert to Christian fiction – having read primarily biographies and auto biographies prior to my venture into Christian fiction. God gave me a nudge last year and asked me to pray for, and be an encouragement to Christian fiction authors and writers. I have been diligent in doing so with my free time since then by online comments, participation in blogs, etc., promo of their books, purchase of their books, at times – cards and small gifts, and of course – prayer.
The unexpected blessing for me has been the response I have received. I have met so many warm, caring, down-to-earth, appreciative, inspirational, loving authors and writers – some of which I have met in person, as well as online, and have become especially close to. I only wish I had enough time to be able to comment to each of them online, or by mail – every day!!
I’ve been reading to learn more about what is involved in the writing of a book – from the idea for a story line to publishing and promo, etc.. – and the amount of work and time involved has not only been very surprising, but has enhanced my appreciation for authors and the enjoyment of their books. I would like to say “thank you” to all Christian fiction authors for the blessings you are to your readers, and more importantly – for letting God use the gift of writing He has bestowed on you to inspire and show His love!!
Bonnie, what a blessing you are. Thank you (on my behalf of my fellow authors here too) for those kind words. We so appreciate you praying for the authors as God has led you, and for reading and taking these journeys with us. And the best thing about all this is that this is only the beginning. We’re in the Shadowlands right now. This world is only temporary, and what’s coming is beyond anything we can imagine. So much to look forward to!
Bless you for sharing today.
Thank you, Bonnie!
P.S. Post shared!!
Thanks so much, Bonnie! ; )
Our Church celebrated it’s 50th anniversary this past Sunday. I’m so glad that my family and I were able to be a part of the celebration.
50 years of being Christ’s hand and feet to the community in which you’re living, dixieendottie! Wonderful! I’m praying for you and your family, that God will continue to work through you for his glory.
The Main Street Festival looked like so much fun! What a great thing to participate in.
An unexpected blessing in my life: My renewed writing career. After giving up writing to take care of my little ones, I never planned to write again. To have this surprising second chance to write for the Lord’s glory has come as a wonderful and very unexpected blessing.
LOVE that, Becky! And I had no idea that this was a “renewed” career for you. Wonderful. Don’t you love how God “has this,” no matter what “this” is. Follow him, be obedient to his calling on your life, and he will make your paths straight. Not easy, necessarily, but straight (as in clear and according to his will). Thank you, Lord, for unexpected blessings!
You are, Tammy! You’ve included me in your promotion team, cared about my life, and prayed for me. I’m so grateful that God gifted you with so much talent and you’ve shared it with us. Your writing blesses my soul and enriches my life. Thank you!
You about made me cry, Deborah!! LOL! So glad our paths have crossed, friend. And thank you for all you did (are still doing, I just saw another recent post!) to spread the word about A Beauty So Rare. Appreciate you.
Love those unexpected blessings! Sounds like the booksigning was a ton of fun, too!
It was SUCH fun, Cara. The festivals are one of my favorite kind of signings. The atmosphere is so laid back and friendly.
Being able to move back to SD and receiving my settlement.
God is so faithful to hear the pleas of our hearts, Regina. Thanks so much for sharing.
My unexpected blessing has been unfolding over the past 6 months. My husband was asked last fall to serve as interim pastor at a great little church way out in the country, about 17-18 miles from where we lived (in our dream home – a 1910 bungalow). In time, we and the church realized Joe was to be more than interim, and in January they called him to be their pastor. But all along we kept saying we wanted to stay in our home, even though it meant driving some distance to get to the church. Then God laid it our hearts that we really needed to live among the people we were serving. Letting go of our dream home wasn’t easy, but as we opened our hearts and released our will to God’s, He changed our hearts’ desires. The church totally renovated the parsonage, letting us pick out all the colors, light fixtures, flooring, doors, kitchen appliances, etc . . . We put our old bungalow up for sale, and God sold it in 2 months. We moved in our new home 3 weeks ago, and are absolutely loving it. More importantly, we’re absolutely loving this new church family with whom God is allowing us to serve. This time last year, we could have NEVER come up with this scenario for where we would now be living and serving.
Teri, bless you for sharing that with us! Your trusting heart is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. He gives the best gifts, doesn’t he? There’s simply no way to outgive him. As we’ve told our children countless times, “Just try to outgive God. It can’t be done.” I’m so grateful for the blessings he’s poured into your lives, and into that church’s life through your obedience and steadfast faith. Bless you, friend.
That festival sounds like such fun, Tammy! 🙂 I’m sure the attendees were thrilled to meet and visit with you.
An unexpected blessing for me has been all the wonderful and precious friends I’ve made (like YOU) since I began my writing journey. I’ve told my family that even if I’m never published, the friendships I’ve made are priceless to me.
I want to add that I absolutely LOVED A Beauty So Rare – – Oh my, each night as I sat down to read, I was “there” with Eleanor, Marcus, and the others (I think this book is now my new “favorite” of all your books, Tammy).
And I promise you – – I WILL try making that Buttermilk Pie (but the photo of mine probably won’t look like your pie photo). 😉
Hugs from *warm* Georgia, Patti Jo 🙂
Patti Jo, I still remember meeting you at that ACFW Conference, with that ol’ Deb Raney. ; ) I’m so grateful God crossed our paths when he did. Thank for the kind words about ABSR. So glad you enjoyed it! DO let me see your pie when you bake it. I promise, there’s no way to mess this pie up. It’s perfect (and perfectly delicious) every time! Hugs!
Will pass on your love to my Mum, Tammy. She is well aware of my new ” author friends” and I always show her each new book that comes my way. 🙂
Yes, you’re quite right! It was through Judy that I became aware of the blog but if it hadn’t been for my darling eldest daughter, giving me Judy’s “Pullman Series” for a gift (Christmas 2009), I may not have been put in touch with you at all. Having read the first in the series,there was a message /invitation to readers to write to the author . I pondered this for a little while, as my daughter mentioned she couldn’t wait to see the contents of Judy’s ” Scrapbook”. Well, I took the plunge, thinking how bold I was being expecting a response and what would people think, of some crazy person living thousands of miles away, daring to email a highly revered writer!
I couldn’t have been more WRONG! The very next morning, there was an email from Judy and that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship and…well you know the rest.:) I fell in love with all of you, came to know you and adore all your books!
Truly, a very unexpected Blessing that came my way, adding a new, very important dimension to my life!:)
Ah, bless you for all this, Rosie! I’m going to share this with Judy too! : )
Tammy, the very first thing I should have done in my last response, was to thank you, for your Prayers for my beloved Family, travelling through the States. It is very much appreciated!:)
Hugs from Nashville to Down Under! ; )
Hi Tammy,
My unexpected blessing is that not only am I a reader fan, but I will now be a co-Bethany House author with you and so many other wonderful people! My historical romance, Irish Meadows, will come out in the summer of 2015!
God is so good!
I have your book and am looking forward to diving in!! Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement! I hope to do the same in return to other writers. Such a wonderful group of writers to be associated with!
Cheers,
Sue
WOOHOO!!!!! Congrats, Susan! Oh so happy for you! Irish Meadows. It sounds wonderful! Tell me about it… Have you seen your cover yet? Do you know who your editor is? Celebrating with you in my corner of Nashville!
Tammy, I am so looking forward to reading this new book. Blessings? Many in my life. In December, my oldest son & his wife adopted 3 children, two girls ages 1 and 2 along with a 2 year old boy. Their hands are so full, and my heart is full of love for these children. My husband and I planned to go see our two sons in June when they both celebrate their wedding anniversary. Now I have found out that they are planning to have the children dedicated while we are visiting them next month! Oh, I am so excited knowing that these special children will now be raised in a Christian family and knowing who God is!
So much for which to be grateful, June. I read through your post twice, praying as I went through the second time, asking God to bless those precious kids and their parents. And you and your husband as you “hem them in” with love. What a precious season of life. Thanks for sharing.
P.S. I love your name. It was my mom’s name too. 😉
In the past couple of weeks it has been a book that has touched me that I didn’t think would or a comment from a friend or a scripture that just hit home. I feel like my life is full on unexpected blessings every day. It’s like someone loves me. 😉
Oh, how your last sentence made me smile, Tressa! Yes, honey, SOMEONE does love you. 😉 I was just at my stylist’s salon getting my hair texturized (she texturizes my hair between cuts because if not if starts looking like a football [as they say in Steel Magnolias]), anyway… Jennifer (my fabulous friend and stylist) shared something with me that was so similar to what you said. These little “love notes from the Lord” come in all shapes and sizes, and from the most unexpected places. But they come so faithfully. We’re so incredibly blessed to belong to Him. Thanks for sharing.
My blessings are my 2 1/2 month old son, plus he started sleeping through the night about a month ago.So thankful for a full night’s sleep. Receiving a phone call from a friend when I was having a very hard day.
It’s been quite a while for me, Steph, since those “infant days” with my children, but I still remember them well. Full of blessings, for sure, but also exhausting. So glad your little one is sleeping through the night. And yes to those phone calls from a friend. Thanks for sharing!
My unexpected blessing was reading your book Candle in the Darkness. I started reading it just before we left California for a “history vacation” in Virginia. I loved visiting the places that were in the book. I also loved how Eli said “Massa Jesus.” I had to text my friend at home to get your book. She is loving it too!
My flight home seemed shorter this time because I was reading Hidden Places. Thank you!