We Give Thanks Day 2

Let’s hear from some more of our authors on what they are thankful for this year. How about you? What are you extra grateful to the Lord for this Thanksgiving season?

I'm so thankful for the gift of writing and the readers I've met. When I think of all the wonderful, encouraging folks who share a love of fiction, I'm truly humbled and awed. Recently a reader wrote to me and said, "What a wonderful man your husband must be to inspire the sweet love you portray in your novels." This reminded me so poignantly of the blessing of a godly husband and family. This Thanksgiving I feel especially blessed as my brother, a missionary in Spain, will be with us. Since my mom has recently moved from Kentucky to Washington state, this will be the first time in many years our whole family will sit down together for a holiday meal. I pray readers have a memorable holiday and feel the Lord's presence in new ways this year and in the days to come, even in the hard times. He is so faithful and the author of all good gifts. – Laura Frantz, author of The Colonel’s Lady

Thanksgiving is an attitude, not just a holiday in November. But isn’t it glorious to have a day dedicated to recounting our blessings? Over this past year, God has enabled me (in ways only He can!) to meet the deadlines on my Cajun series, and to share my quiet creative days with husband, Paul, newly retired after thirty years in Christian retailing and now a proverbial reading machine. I’m immensely thankful for family, for friendships, for faith tested by fire, and for a publisher that allows me to glorify God through the power of story. I haven’t accumulated wealth, but I’m a very rich woman. - Kathy Herman, author of False Pretenses and Dangerous Mercy

The fact that I'm a published author is still something that amazes me. I wrote for so many years in what I think of as mole-like anonymity that, to finally have a contract for a book is stunning, something I will never take for granted and I never stop thanking God for this opportunity. But for much longer than I've been a writer, I was a stay-at-home mom to my four daughters. Anyone who knows my girls, knows that they, far more than writing, are my life's work. They have grown up to be wonderful young women and being able to be with them while they grew up is something I'm thankful for beyond measure. My husband worked so hard for all those years, long hours at grueling work, so that we could raise our children with a mom at home. I'm so thankful to him for that hard work. He is my very own romantic hero. And I'm thankful to God for giving him the strength to bear that burden all those years, and even more thankful that finally now, I can help ease that burden with the money earned from my books. – Mary Connealy, author of Out of Control

This Thanksgiving, especially with so many out of work in our country, I'm thankful for provision--for a roof over our heads, food to eat, clothes on our backs. With so many struggling to see where God might be pointing them next, I'm thankful for work that incorporates mission, day in and day out. I love my job! God has been more than gracious to me and mine...and I have never been more aware of it than this year. I pray that he will continue to lead us all, and provide for all those who are in need. – Lisa Bergren, author of Waterfall, Cascade, and Torrent

God's presence has been especially sweet this year as I've walked with my husband through prostate cancer and with my dear friend through a recurrence of ovarian cancer. Dave is cancer free now and Diann's cancer is responding to chemo so I'm so thankful for those tremendous blessings! But I'm even more thankful for a God who weeps with us and holds us close when we face hard things in life--and who gives us joy in the little things every day.  Colleen Coble, author of Lonestar Angel

Though every day brings an abundance of things for which I am thankful, this year is especially precious to me. Both my husband and I have work we love, he passed his Bar exam, and two books of my heart were published. Besides the material blessings, I was able to spend more time with my family than I have in been able to in many years, and my relationships with them and friends, my husband and, most importantly of all, the Lord, are stronger than ever. –Laurie Alice Eakes, author of A Necessary Deception

I'm thankful for cancer. Yes, it’s an odd thing to be thankful for, but through my battle with thyroid cancer I've come to appreciate the things I took for granted. A loving, supportive husband and awesome kids. Parents and family members who were there for me in so many ways--physically, emotionally, prayerfully. Friends and readers who prayed me through some very dark moments. Above all, the Lord, because he blessed me with so much that I don't deserve. My eyes are now open to the richness of life. My prayer is that I will continue to be thankful every single day, for every single moment, and always acknowledge the "One from whom all blessings flow."    - Kathleen Fuller, author of Treasuring Emma