Since I'm all about Splashes of Serenity, I dove into the pool of people posting an interview with Kathy Collard Miller, the author of Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries. Who doesn't want to find serenity or peace in all kinds of weather? Kathy Collard Miller shows us how. Be blessed as God covers you with His umbrella in the thunderstorms of life.
Leave a comment on this blog and you will be entered in a drawing to receive a free copy of Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries. The winner's will be picked out of basket (or perhaps an umbrella) on November 9, 2013. Congratulations to Talker445, the winner of Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries.
Won't you join in on Kathy Collard Miller's facebook party being held today, November 2, 2013. Lots of free prizes! https://www.facebook.com/events/1431207380424833/1431938777018360/?notif_t=event_mall_reply
What is your book about?
My book helps women, in particular, to trust God more and
thus worry less. It is filled with stories from my own life and the lives of
others who learned how to do that very thing, along with Biblical principles
and practical instruction. But that's not all! (Oh sorry, wrong commercial).
I've also included Discussion Questions that a group or an individual can use.
Plus, every chapter highlights a woman from the Bible who either struggled with
worry or one who overcame her worry. And as if that's not enough, (this is
sounding like a commercial), I've closed every chapter with a “Letter From God”
which speaks to the reader about what she learned in the chapter.
Who is your book for?
As you can tell, my book is primarily for women readers but
I believe men would benefit from it also.
Why do you think people worry?
Of course, there are many reasons but here are a few. We may
have experienced some hurtful things in childhood and blamed God. So our hearts
are fearful of turning control over to Him. We may think that worry gives us
power in another person's life. I remember worrying when my teenaged son had to
fly across country by himself to a Christian golf camp. I worried he would miss
his connecting flight until God whispered, “You're worried because you want him
to need you. Let him need Me.” Oh, how revealing. I could then release that
worry and let God show Himself strong. Additionally, people worry because they
really do think worry does some good. One woman told me, “Well, of course,
worry works; after all, what I worry about doesn't happen.” I'm sure she was
joking (I think!), but in our hearts, we can think it does some good.
Unfortunately, worry only makes us tense and then we react in ways we regret.
Plus, God isn't honored.
Give us the history of your book.
I'm very excited that Partly Cloudy is being reborn.
It's the same book that was published in 2005 and now Lighthouse Publishing of
the Carolinas saw it's value and is re-releasing it. Can I be honest about
something I'm worried about, er, I mean trusting God for? I didn't add anything
to the original book and it wasn't until the process was too far along that
someone encouraged me to add an update. So offering the same material is a
concern because those who already read it won't need it. (Did you know you can
be concerned and it doesn't have to turn into worry?) So I'm trusting God that
my readers will want to be reminded of the material, knowing that none of us
overcomes worry completely.
Why did you write Partly Cloudy with Scattered
Worries?
God was working and tranforming me to trust Him more and I
wanted to share what I had learned. My desire is to help readers trust God more
by being convinced of His greatness, sovereignty, power, love, and involvement.
We can say we trust God but then we give in to anxiety, People Pleasing,
controlling others, regrets, fear, and trying to provide for ourselves when God
says to wait on Him. Our responses actually reveal that we don't trust God as
much as we think we do.
What is your ultimate desire for your ministry?
I've been in ministry for a long time—my first article was
published in 1978 and my first book in 1984. Hard to believe since I'm not that
old! But in all these years, I've been motivated to minister in such a way that
women see God in truth and then take every thought captive to the obedience of
Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Much of our worry is because we believe lies about God
and we allow any thought to permeate our minds as truth. Although I'm learning
like everyone else to trust God more and more, I desire to help every woman
know she can believe God wants the very best for her and then want His glory.
Are you available for speaking, especially on this
topic of overcoming worry?
Oh yes, I love to speak on lots of topics, including
overcoming worry. I especially love speaking at women's retreats because I can
have extended contact with the women. I can be reached at Kathyspeak (at) dc
(dot) rr (dot) com.
BOOK
SUMMARY AND BIOGRAPHY:
It is
possible to worry less through trusting God more. Regardless of the storms of
trials, temptations, worry, uncertainty, confusion, or regrets that you're
facing, you can trust God more. Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries
offers a conversational style, personal testimonies, practical illustrations,
and solid biblical teaching for breaking anxiety and the devastating effects of
worry. Each chapter includes Discussion Questions for individuals or groups,
along with a “Letter from God.” In addition, a profile of a woman in the Bible
who struggled with or experienced victory over worry is featured in each
chapter to inspire every reader to see God's hand in her life.
Kathy
Collard Miller is a speaker and author. Her passion is to inspire women to
trust God more. She has spoken in 30 states and 7 foreign countries. Kathy has
49 published books including Women of the Bible: Smart Guide to the Bible (Thomas
Nelson) and she blogs at www.KathyCollardMiller.blogspot.com. Kathy lives in Southern
California with her husband of 43 years, Larry, and is the proud grandma of
Raphael. Kathy and Larry often speak together at marriage events and retreats.
I'll comment! I'd love to win her book! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are a wise woman, Paula Davis!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Paula! If you win it, will you lend it to me to read too? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteworrying too much has been a real problem for me. It's tainted my joy and spontaneity quite often and have been unable to enjoy the gifts that come my way. It's taken me a long time to recognize this behavior and be conscious enough to change my responses. Taking an arms wide open approach to things helps! Thank you for sharing, Elaine and Kathy, best of luck with your book! Get the word out.
ReplyDeleteThea, your humor has helped me take some of the worry out of my life. Thank you! It's been a joy sharing laughs. Prayers hugs for you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteWorry is one of those subtle responses we don't always recognize as sin. It makes a statement about how we really see God in our lives. Dealing with this one would hopefully help us see other areas that we need to be aware of that may be hindering our spiritual growth and relationship with Christ.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts, Jane! All true! What a testimony we would be to the world if we stopped worrying and started trusting in the Sovereign God. Lessons I need to learn!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane, for your insights! You read my mind because that's what I hope I've communicated in my book. Keep sharing those thoughts because I'm sure you're impacting those who know you. Thanks for stopping by here. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThea, you sure have pointed to the very important step of recognizing when worrying is going on. You are right: we don't always see it as the problem it is. One of the ideas I give in the book is to put a rubber band on the wrist as a reminder to ask: "Am I slipping into worry right now?" Then we can stop the slide into worrying and choose to trust God instead. Thank you, so much, Thea, for posting here. I'm sure your comment has helped others. God bless you!
ReplyDeletePaula, so glad you're interested! Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteKathy, Worry had been very present in my life due to seeing my mother worry a lot. We were a family of 11 and I'm sure she wanted to provide adequately for her family. I lost her at age 17, right after accepting Christ into my life as my Savior. This affected me in that I could only trust God as far as MY faith could trust for. Not trusting in Jesus Himself. So lack of trust in Him, and prayer to Him, was a natural avenue for worry to follow. Not to mention other hindrances. But I'm so thankful for believers who write books that have been used by God to address these issues. I avidly read my Bible and know God speaks through it but sometimes a book, (which obviously contains Biblical principles) is more directly applicable to a specific area. God has been so precious to me in this journey of learning to trust Him so much more. I pray He uses your book to free many from this area that binds believers and hinders us.
ReplyDeleteJane, your mom's example could have been a hard hurdle to overcome, but praise the Lord, you have cooperated with Him for a wonderful victory in your life. Y'know what's funny, when I needed to do some more editing on the book and had to re-read it, what I meant for good for others blessed me because I needed to be reminded of God's principles in the current situation and "worrisome" circumstances I was in at the time. Isn't God creative in how He ministers to us. I was reminded, worry is always a temptation. It's fun to connect with you, Jane! And thank you to Elaine!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds practical and encouraging! I would love to win a copy. Thank you for a great interview.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You are the winner! Please send me your address so a book can be sent to you. Send to SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much,!!!
ReplyDelete