The Hope Chronicles is a blog hop and journal between 5 historical romance authors. Our desire is to bring you lasting hope through these letters, grounded in the hope of our Lord that does not disappoint, and written from the fictional viewpoints of each book’s heroine. We’re so glad to have you join the event. Each day this week, a new Hope Chronicles post will go live, complete with a journal entry and a new giveaway for that blog post. To read more about the project and enter to win the one-of-a-kind, hand-inscribed Hope Chronicles journal, which bounced from state to state until all five of us had spent some time with it, click here. To find your way to the other four blog posts and enter each of the five Hope Chronicles prize bundle giveaways, read on! We have a list for you at the bottom of this post. For those of you who have “hopped” over here from the other Hope Chronicles blogs, my name is Karen Barnett and I am thrilled to be a part of this project. My novel, Shaken (a finalist in the 2012 ACFW Genesis Contest), is all about hope–hope kindled, hope challenged, hope re-born. Set in San Francisco during 1906, Abby Fischer believes her prayers for her sister’s life have been answered when a handsome young doctor arrives boasting innovative ideas about x-ray radiation. When Abby’s world is decimated by earthquake and fires, will she finally find God—and love—in the ruins?
Dear Cecelia,
I must apologize for my clumsy script, but my hand trembles as I consider the possibility you might not be alive to read this letter. When we wrapped you in blankets this afternoon and tucked you in the rear seat of Cousin Gerald’s automobile for the trip to San Francisco, I couldn’t let myself ponder Gerald’s words: “Remember, your sister may not even survive the journey, much less the treatment.”
I’ve been able to think about little else since.
I hope you’ll forgive me for convincing Gerald to try. Everyone—including you, dear sister—had given up. I was the only one left clinging to hope, wrapping my fingers around the delicate strings and refusing to let go. Hope was all I had left.
Remember, you’re the one who persuaded me to talk to God in the first place. I know you believed God would explain to me how your hope is in Heaven, not in healing. Instead, moments after uttering my prayer, Dr. Robert King walked into our lives transforming our despair into new faith! Obviously, God is answering my prayer through Dr. King. It couldn’t be coincidence he and Gerald arrived at such a time.
To tell you the truth, I was up in the old cherry tree when he first walked by. I know, grown women aren’t supposed to climb trees… you don’t need to remind me. Anyway, I nearly fell out of the tree in shock to find a strange man walking through our orchard. It certainly is humiliating to be dangling from a branch when you first meet someone. Especially a gentleman as handsome and intelligent as Dr. King.
Though I don’t understand all his talk about x-ray radiation, I could see by the electricity sparking in his eyes as he spoke—he believes the treatment will work.
Your hope may be in heaven, dear sister, but my hope is that you will stay here with me. I don’t want to be alone. You say that I’ll still have Mama and Papa and little Davy, but it’s not the same. They’ll never understand me the way you do.
It’s funny, but upon meeting Dr. King, I felt an immediate connection with him, perhaps because he’s the only other person who believes you can recover. I know what you must be thinking, but put the idea out of your head. You’re the romantic of the family, not me.
Though most of the peaches have already been plucked, a few of the trees still are heavy with fruit and the fragrance hung thick over the orchard this morning. I could almost hear you singing, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” as I walked through the ordered lines of trees.
Last week you said, “Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of human strength, so we learn to trust solely in Him.” Maybe this was my time, Cecelia. I had reached my weakest point, finally uttered a prayer, and—plop!—God dropped this new scrap of hope into my life, like a fresh peach falling into my waiting hand.
Look how my handwriting has improved as I focus on this new thought. Why would God bring us this miracle only to wrench it away now? I refuse to believe that. I am confident you arrived safely at the hospital in San Francisco. Perhaps Gerald and Dr. King are beginning your x-ray therapy even as I write these words. When I close my eyes, I picture you bathing in the warm, healing rays of this fascinating new technology.
Father and I will join you as soon as we bring in the remainder of the harvest. I will try to remember God’s hope with every peach I gather.
Please, tell Dr. King I intend to take him up on the offer to tour the x-ray laboratory. I fear I will find nothing intelligent to add to the conversation, but I do long to understand this miraculous scientific discovery.
Now, Cecelia, promise me you will focus on growing stronger. Delay your hopes for Heaven and concentrate on staying here with us. In return, I promise not to complain when we celebrate your recovery by parading down Market Street, stopping at every dress and hat shop along the way. I will even try to smile—if only for you.
Your loving sister,
—full of hope—
Abby
Abby’s Prize Bundle
Now for even more fun–the giveaway! Abby’s package would make a wonderful gift for a special friend, or sweet treats to enjoy on your own. It includes the following:
- A framed copy of Psalm 31:24, “Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the LORD.”
- Two packages of Ghirardelli chocolates.
- A notebook and notepad with the quote, “Coffee with a friend makes everything sweeter.”
- A small cup print that matches the notebook/notepad.
- A sweet embroidered handkerchief.
One lucky winner (from the U.S.) will be randomly chosen from the comments on this page. For fun, since Abby shared an embarrassing story–meeting a handsome man as she dangled from a tree branch–maybe some of you will be brave and share an embarrassing moment with us. If you’re not up to that, tell us something else that made you smile recently. Please leave a name and email address so I can contact the winner. Entries will be closed on November 12, 2012, at 12:00 noon (Pacific time). To place extra entries, please share links on Facebook and/or Tweet with the hashtag #hopechronicles…then comment again to tell us about it. We invite you to enter to win the grand prize journal by registering at the central Hope Chronicles page. To go back and read the other Hope Chronicles entries and register to win those prize packs, check out the links below (Sarah’s link will be available on Friday).
- Monday, November 5th: Regina Jennings (Heroine: Rosa Garner, Sixty Acres and a Bride)
- Tuesday, November 6th: Joanne Bischof (Heroine: Lonnie Sawyer, Be Still My Soul)
- Wednesday, November 7th: Amanda Dykes (Heroine: Georgianna Wentworth, Upon the Waters)
- Thursday, November 8th: Karen Barnett (Heroine: Abby Fischer, Shaken)
- Friday, November 9th: Sarah Sundin (Heroine: Mellie Blake, With Every Letter)
Blessings and Hope! 
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Oh, goodness, I have a million embarrassing stories – either I am always doing embarrassing thing or I just get embarrassed easily 😉 I remember on day in college I was walking to my class with a boy I had a crush on and I tripped, fell and laid sprawled out on the ground, face down in the mud, for several seconds. I was so embarrassed! And covered in mud. And would be late for class. 🙂 Veronicalynnhill (at) gmail (dot) com
Veronica,
Thanks for sharing your story! Ouch! Did the mud cover your blush? I went to college in Indiana and was forever slipping and falling on the icy sidewalks. Thankfully, no mud. 🙂
I remember one of the first times I got a ride home from school with my soon-to-be-boyfriend(now my hubby of almost 39 years) I had bought some personal items. He had a pickup and put the paper bag in the back of the truck. OF COURSE the contents spilled out of the bag on the ride home and he had to scoop them out of the truck for me. HOW EMBARASSING!!! But it didn’t seem to faze him…maybe that’s one reason I decided he was a keeper.
Thanks for the contest. bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
Oh, Connie… I can just imagine! My husband will now pick up (ahem) personal items for me at the store. I’m always amazed he can do that without dying of embarrassment. Maybe that IS the sign of a keeper! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
It makes me happy to read this blog on thankful thursday. I was so blessed during the Sandy Storm. My lights and heat came back on Monday afternoon. 7Days. We had a little snowlast night into the morning and I am so glad to rejoice this Lord given day.
Wow, seven days? I can’t even imagine. Thankful Thursday–love that. Thanks for sharing, Blanche! I’m glad you’ve maintained a thankful heart. Blessings!
I am SO easily embarrassed, so to avoid it further =) I’ll share what is making me smile. My daughter is playing with her toys and singing in her little girl voice. It melts my heart. I’m so blessed.
Tima
timamurrell(at)ymail(dot)com
There’s nothing I love better than hearing little ones sing. I have the joy of leading worship with our church’s children’s program. Hearing little voices raised in song often brings a tear to my eye. Oh, you just made ME smile! Thanks for sharing!
Well, it’s not my most embarrassing moment but I remember I was very embarrassed at the time. I was in jr. high and the school served spaghetti at lunch and when I was walking towards the table I tripped and fell over a backpack left on the floor. Spaghetti went everywhere I was so embarrassed.
Katie J.(johnsonk133@yahoo.com)
Oh, boy, THAT must have been a mess! What is it about junior high–everything seems determined to embarrass us? I wouldn’t go back to that age if someone paid me. Thanks for sharing your story, Katie!
One of my most embarassing moments was in college. My roommate and I neither one could sleep so we were both on the top bunk counting the cars pass through our window. Then a few hours later, we still couldn’t sleep, so we’re talking. I say something (too embarassing to even mention it here) without thinking, and was promptly attacked by pillows. She reminds of that comment every chance she gets.
What makes me smile today is the fact that it’s Thursday and my best friend has a miracle baby.
dawn(dot)janis(at)gmail(dot)com
Great story, Dawn! I have fond memories of my college roommate, too. And a miracle baby? That’s always awesome! Thanks for sharing your smiles today.
While walking in a department store we came to a T-aisle (choice to go right or left) by the sports department. I stopped to ask directions from two standing there. My two teens said, “Ah, Mom, those are mannikins.”
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
There’s actually more to the story… they tried to interrupt me to tell me, and I said, “Just a minute…” Were their faces red! “Ah, Mom…” But, they didn’t walk off leaving me stand there! Yay!
That’s a great story, Kathleen! I’ve always found mannequins a little unnerving, but I can see myself trying to carry on a conversation with one. Your kids were sweet to stick it out with you. I love the name of your blog–did you notice the name of the hospital in Abby’s letter?
I will will you what has made me smile today I got a nice hug from my 14 year old son before he left for school usually he is in a big hurry he even told me to have a good day.I am truly blessed. co_coa95@hotmail.com Emma Marler
That’s precious, Emma! My son is thirteen and hugs are a rare thing these days. I have to corner him sometimes. 😉 I always try to say, “I love you!” when he leaves (not in front of his buddies, of course) and the other day I actually heard a quiet “love you, too!” in return. Melted my heart.
Here’s my embarrassing story – I was in middle school, walking with a guy that I liked. I was carrying a big box of candy, when all of the sudden, a football hit me right in the head from behind. I dropped the box and candy flew everywhere! The guy watched it all too. So, so embarrassing!
Thanks for sharing your story, DL. It’s funny how many of our embarrassing moments happen around that age. And in front of boys!
I just shared this giveaway on my Facebook!
And I forgot to include my e-mail in the last comment: hisotherhalf613[AT]gmail[dot]com
Thank you for sharing – makes me smile and great way to start my day ..
Thanks for stopping by, Deborah. I love hearing that Abby’s words made you smile! I hope the rest of your day is full of joy.
Shared link on my Facebook news page. Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink.net
Tweeted sharing link! https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/266573323335512064
Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Thanks, Kathleen!
So, is Cecilia going to get healed? Is Dr. King going to develop more than a professional interest in this case? You can’t leave us hanging.
I met my husband when I was in high school. I was a senior and had dressed as my mother and was going with my freshman sister to meet her teachers at parent/teachers’ meetings. She knew him, flagged him down and introduced us. She’s always had great timing.
You’ll have to wait and see, Regina! 😉
Love your embarrassing moment story! Isn’t if funny how many of these funny moments are in front of attractive men? Abby would be pleased to know she’s not the only one who struggles with this.
I have thought and thought trying to remember an embarrassing moment in my life and I could only come up with one. When I was probably 4 years old I sang a duet with my mother and I asked her if I was singing loud enough during the intermission. She laughed and told everyone about me asking. That was the last time I ever sang with her because she embarrassed me terribly. I do sing though with a band, so I didn’t let it hold me back.
I’m glad you didn’t let it hold you back! That give me hope, since I’m continually embarrassing my sensitive daughter. It’s just too easy. She’s taken to saying, “This DOESN’T go on Facebook, Mom!” What style of music do you sing?
A girl after my own heart. It’s so hard not to complain about shopping! 🙂 Lovely letter, Karen, hinting at so much story!
Lori, I think we have a lot in common! I’m not a shopping fan, either. Thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to your book release!
Oh wow embarrassing story huh? Let’s see, I’m a pastors wife with a husband that’s very well put together and organized. I on the other hand am a free spirit always finding laughter and a bit unorganized. So I think my most recent embarrassing moment would be when our church moved into a Jr. High School. We used the auditorium/lunchroom for our services. In the auditorium/lunchroom is a stage with about 6-8 steps up the sides to the stage. If you can picture an auditorium/lunchroom floor, it’s usually linoleum and slick and those stairs and my heals kept me on my toes when going up and down them during services. Apparently maybe too much since instead of slipping I snagged my heal on the stair and tripped/fell halfway down barely catching myself on the handrail. I’m sure I turned red (maybe not as much as my husband)then laughed it off and thought, why do we have to broadcast live??
God bless!!
Did you need my email address??
Kristie Truett
kristie(at)connectionlifechurch(dot)org
Kristie,
I’m also a free spirit married to an organized man. It just sets us up for embarrassment, doesn’t it? My husband isn’t a pastor, but it reminds me of a similar story. Our church has a beautiful Christmas eve service with small lit candles scattered all over the front of the stage and stairs. After playing guitar with the worship team, I tripped over one, sending several flying. Thankfully I didn’t start a fire and very few people even seemed to notice. But broadcast live? Oh, no!!! Thanks for sharing!
karen,
i so enjoyed your posting…thanks for sharing.
something that made me smile recently was halloween costumes…a little boy dressed in a suit & tie pushing a suitcase on wheels came to my front door…he said he was ‘a salesman.’
have a great day….love hope chronicles 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Karen,
That sounds so sweet! I loved seeing all the little ones dressed up in their costumes. I’m so glad you’re enjoying Hope Chronicles. We’ve had such fun setting it up.
Karen – I love the strength of Abby’s hope! And I love her sense of humor. I can’t wait to read this book…someday soon!
I have a truckload of embarrassing moments. One that stands out – in college I was passing by the athletic field where I knew my ex-boyfriend was running. I had NOT gotten over him yet. I saw the pack of guys running way on the far side of the field. While I was trying to pick him out of the pack, I walked smack into a tree and got my hair entangled in the branches. Suddenly, I heard my name called out from behind. There’s ex-BF, standing at the fence (he’d probably stopped to catch his breath). I’d passed right by him – he’d seen me scanning for him, walking into the tree, the whole thing. Somehow I got myself untangled and excused and managed to say hello and good-bye. I was mortified.
Sarah,
Your story almost made me snort soda out my nose! Classic! I bet that help you get over him quickly, eh?
The most embarrassing moment I had was probably while on a trip with other friends we stopped at a rest stop. I had to use the ladies room so bad. I was in a hurry and just went in the first door. Big mistake I should of looked up YOU guessed it I was in the men room. Thank God I had looked up so a urinal and ran back out. You can bet I am very careful now!!! LOL
I loved the story above but want to finish it. I hope I can win. Thanks for the chance!!!
joeym11@frontier.com
Diana,
That’s always been a fear of mine. I obsessively check the door sign before I dare go inside, and even then I sometimes worry… We all have our little hang-ups, don’t we? I’d love for you to read the rest of the story, but my I’m still searching for the perfect publishing “home” for Abby’s story. Hopefully soon!
This paragraph really spoke to me today and I thank you all so much for this project. You wrote: “Last week you said, “Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of human strength, so we learn to trust solely in Him.” Maybe this was my time, Cecelia. I had reached my weakest point, finally uttered a prayer, and—plop!—God dropped this new scrap of hope into my life, like a fresh peach falling into my waiting hand.” My husband lost his job several weeks ago and I only make enough for our rent on my salary. But, I’m trying to remember that God has a plan for my life, He loves me, and that there is hope ( I have a lot of resumes out ;o)! I appreciate the reminder!! Something that has been making me smile recently is my two little ones learning to play together. I have a three year old and a one 1/2 year old. I love how they giggle together and invent funny games. Just yesterday my oldest was pulling the little one around the living room in a laundry basket and they were having a grand old time! :o)
Dawn Burgess dawnloveskevin@yahoo.com
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Dawn. I’ll be praying about your financial situation. God recently reminded me how HE is our provider. It’s funny how often He has to remind me of that. I’m so pleased Abby’s words spoke to your heart.
Your little ones sound precious! That’s about the same age spread as my two kids–but they’re now 13 and 10. Funny thing is, they still play with laundry baskets. My son was walking around with one on his head just a few weeks ago. Great toy, right? 🙂
I guess I’m one of the few folks out there that isn’t easily embarrassed. Which is a good thing because I am constantly doing something stupid–but it just makes me laugh. So here’s something that made me smile: My 3 year old is sick with the flu and pretty miserable. She was snuggling with me in my bed last night and I was looking at her and feeling her misery when she said, “What’s wrong Momma?” I told her, “Oh Honey I’m just worried about you because you are sick and there’s nothing I can do to make you better.” She stroked my face and wispered, “Don’t worry Momma, I will be okay. I get better soon.” My wonderful daughter, in all her misery, was comforting me! My cup runneth over!!!
Oh and by the way–my daughter’s name is Abigail!! 🙂 Autumn Zimmerman
I’m so glad you stopped by, Autumn! You’ve probably been there for some of my most embarrassing moments since we’ve been friends since junior high. You taught me to laugh at myself, too, and that is such a precious gift. I love your Abigail stories, she is such a blessing.
I probably caused some of you most embarassing moments!! 🙂
Ha ha!!! Could be…but I’m not telling. 😉
Oh, what fun! Now, to pick just *one* of my embarrassing moments…. I’ve had so many that I don’t embarrass to easily any more. 😉 The one that comes immediately to mind is walking down the hall in high school, too close to the wall apparently. Someone opened a classroom door out into the hall and I ran smack dab into it (and I do mean “smack!”– there was a loud one). The best part? Later that year in my history class a kind fella with a guitar wrote a litty ditty about me that went like this: “Amanda’s always runnin’ into windows… Amanda’s always runnin’ into doors.” And, sadly, it’s true of me to this day. “Clumsy” would be a good word to describe me… if it could actually do my clumsiness credit. I think I’m 4 notches above clumsy, right on the brink of catastrophic.
Oh, Amanda! You are too funny. Now I want to hear the song. 🙂 My roommate in college was that way, too, and we loved her for it. I usually embarrass myself with poorly chosen words–probably a bad trait for a writer.
I’ve been in that camp, too– the foot-in-mouth one. Those stories REALLY mortify me (so it’s handy that I can’t recall any to share right now), since I’m usually over-analytical about every word I write when communicating with people. 🙂
I usually say the wrong thing when my embarrassing moments happen. I work with a lot of customers and one time I answered the phone and said what I was thinking instead of how can I help you. Bookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(dot) com
Me, too, Michelle–it’s usually my mouth that gets me in trouble. Thanks for sharing your story!
I am one of those people that have so many embarrassing moments it would be hard to pick just one. The advantage to experiencing many moments teaches you to laugh at yourself and never take yourself too seriously. 🙂
So true, Janette. I wonder if that’s why things seem SO embarrassing when you’re a teenager, but become funnier as you mature? We learn to take ourselves less seriously?
By the way–my mom’s name is Janette with the same spelling. I haven’t seen it written that way very often! I’m so glad you stopped by.
Wow, after learning about Abby before this letter, then reading her own words today, I sense her struggle and the desires of her heart so strongly. It’s so wonderful to see it brought to life, Smell the warm scent of peaches and sense what’s going to happen on the horizon of the lives of these women. I hope to one day get to read her whole story! I smiled at reading about Come Thou Fount ,one of my favorite songs!
Joanne, you are such a blessing and encouragement to me! Thank you for your kind words, they mean more than you know. God has used Come Thou Fount often in recent years. Whenever I get discouraged about my writing journey, it pops up somewhere almost instantly–radio, worship, books, you name it. It even showed up once on Pandora–and not under hymns, but on the movie soundtrack channel. Isn’t He good?
I can’t think of any embarrassing moments, but reading the last pages in a good book that end the way i wanted it to makes me smile a lot. ejs8741@homail.com
Me, too, Jean! I like happy endings. Thanks for stopping by.
No comment. LOL
Hmm. Sounds like there could be a good story behind that! 🙂
haha! 😀
Interesting subject for your letter and leading to all sorts of imaginary thoughts! Looking forward to see the ‘rest of the story’.
An embarrassing moment to share? Oh dear, I feel there has been too many for me to chose from! I have two left feet for a start, act before I think thus letting my heart decide instead of my brain much too often! Needless to say, I am a dreamer!
Thank you for the lovely opportunity of entering this giveaway and blessings to you and yours,
phjones1954[at]yahoo[period]com
Keep dreaming, Noelle! That’s a blessing in itself. I’m glad you enjoyed reading Abby’s letter. Blessings to you, too!
Karen, what can I say….you brought tears to my eyes, especially when I saw the words ‘Come Thou Fount’. That song has such a powerful influence on me. This whole Chronicles idea was truly an inspiration from God. You ladies have found a way of touching the very souls of readers. This story has it all…drama and laughter…I can only imagine how I would feel if I was the only one left with hope in a situation…at that moment it is only you and Jesus left standing in a room, looking into each others eyes…..you cling to the hope in His eyes and He helps you to carry on. Okay, now I want to listen to ‘Come Thou Fount’…..God Bless.
I forgot to leave my email address, can this count as my embarrassing moment? 🙂
debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com
I tweeted and shared on Facebook. 🙂
“Only you and Jesus left standing in a room, looking into each other’s eyes.” That’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing. It reminds me of a song our church worship band sings which has the line, “It’s just You and me here now, only You and me here now.” It gives me chills every time.
I mentioned to Joanne Bischof in an earlier comment how much Come Thou Fount has meant to me over the years. God seems to use it to keep nudging me forward in my writing career. Just when I’m losing hope, I hear the song play somewhere, as if God is reminding me–you’re doing this for ME, not for personal glory.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Hope Chronicles. It’s been a real blessing to me as well.
Every time I hear ‘Come Thou Fount’, I say “I’m going to church”…..Love Comes Softly; great movie, great message.
Hi Debbie! This is so special. You ladies are making me want to sing the song. I think I will have to put it on!
Just eavesdropping here: I loved that scene in that movei, too!
I only saw that movie just recently! My thought was–“Hey, that’s MY song.” LOL. I loved the scene and the movie. I checked it out from my public library, but I want to buy a copy for myself.
Let’s all sing together… 🙂
It’s great to know that this song touches others the way it touches me….a special bond. God bless you all!
One embarrassing moment I can think of is the day I was making a birthday cake for my Grandma and she saw me spill the batter onto a chair while trying to pour it into the cake pan. I cleaned it up and saved as much as I could and baked it anyway….Grandma never said a word and ate the cake like she didn’t know…
Jasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(.com)
I hope I did it right but I shared on Facebook…
What a sweet Grandma! Thank you for sharing, Jasmine. Blessings!
Karen enjoyed your post and thanks for your part in the Hope Chronicles, where would be if we did not have HOPE…
thanks you
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
I can’t imagine living a life without hope. I’m so thankful we’ve found ours in Him. Thanks for your kind words, Paula. Hope Chronicles has been a blessing to me. It’s been an honor to participate.
Thanks for this letter, the smallest spark of hope can move mountains and your letter reminded me to never give up. This is a wonderful way to meet new authors and find new books to add to my wish list. Thank you for the fun and uplifting journey through your journal.
I’m so glad you found hope in Abby’s letter, Charlene. Hope Chronicles has been a fun journey! Has everyone registered to win the journal? Remember to do that over at http://www.joannebischof.com/extras/events/
Thanks for stopping by, Charlene!
I was in Sr. High camp and had a crush on a young man from our youth group. Young men and women both attended the same camp. We met for classes, meals, and devotions together. I thought that Ted had a crush on me as well. I bought him all sorts of candy and snacks during free time and he gladly took them. I was in puppy love! Then I found out that he was taking my goodies and sharing them with another girl. I wanted to die! I had never been so embarrassed in my entire life. Many others new of my crush on him. I cried about that for days!
Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh, those high school boys… Sigh. Yes, alas, I have a similar story. Maybe we all do. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your moment with us, Judy!
I cannot think of an embarassing stories 😉 so I can share something that made me smile lately…just silly things my kids say, like my six-year-old telling me the names that her kids will have. 🙂
That’s so sweet, Jen Anne! It’s bizarre to think of our children being parents someday, isn’t it?
Embarrassing moments… I’ve never actually had big embarrassing moments…recently we went to a gathering where I sang song I wrote and I messed up the beginning 😛 That was pretty scary…but I got through it!!
That IS scary, Jenna. I play guitar and often lead worship with our church’s children’s and women’s ministries. But, I much prefer to just play guitar and let someone else do the singing. I think it’s wonderful that you write your own songs! Sharing my stories with others is scary enough, I can’t imagine singing a song I wrote myself. Good job!
I shared this on twitter!! 🙂
This letter makes me want to read your book! I’ll have to look for it.
Becky,
I’m glad you enjoyed Abby’s letter! My agent and I are currently searching for the perfect publishing home for Abby’s story. If you follow my blog or my FB writer’s page (https://www.facebook.com/KarenBarnettAuthor) I’ll let you know as soon as it’s available. 🙂
An embarrassing moment for me was just recently. I had gone to visit my friends on their college campus and I wasn’t used to the area, so I accidentally turned on a one-way street…going the wrong way!! There weren’t any cars coming, but there was a ton of college kids looking at me like I was crazy. Haha, oh well!!
I really liked the letter! Now I want to read the book!
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
Marissa,
Our town has lots of one-way streets and people are constantly turning down the wrong ones. I always feel bad for them, especially since I’ve done it myself. I’m glad you enjoyed Abby’s letter! Blessings!
We had company over for the first time, someone I worked with and who went to our church. I’d worked really hard to have a nice dinner, and made fresh, homemade brownies. We were eating when the timer went off for the brownies, so I excused myself and took them from the oven to the stove top to cool. I didn’t know that the burner was on AND that glass pans explode when heated directly! There were glass and chocolate bits all over the kitchen, which of course was open to be seen by all at the table! Ugh…
Thanks for sharing this wonderful insight into Abby’s heart, and please enter my name in the drawing!
susan.stitch(at)sbcglobal.net
Oh, my, that must have been a huge mess. And in front of company, too? Ouch. I imagine the house smelled yummy, though. Thank you for sharing your moment with us. 🙂
What a wonderful letter! I can’t wait to read the book! Thanks for sharing and please enter me in the drawing!
Beth Gillihan
rbgillihan@gmail.com
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Beth!
I was helping my husband (at the time boyfriend) clean up a yard with tons of junk and we were putting it in the back of his truck. I picked up a brick and threw it, instead of walking over and setting it in, and it hit the side of his truck. i felt horrible and totally embarrassed! Thankfully he forgave me! 🙂
jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com
Ouch! I bet he wasn’t happy. I’m so glad he forgave you! Thanks for sharing your story. 🙂
I was trying to think of something embarrassing I have done and I could not think of anything but I am famous for saying goofy things and my family blames it on me being blond. One time I asked who painted the trees well the trees had not been painted by anyone other than Jack Frost. It was so embarrassing but they did look like they were painted not just covered in frost. Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway
griperang at embarqmail dot com
I bet the trees were beautiful! It’s usually my mouth that gets me in trouble, too.
As a new pastors wife and new wife…my husband and I were invited for Italian at a little old ladys home.
Ten of us were seated at a round table. Under the table I was rubbing my husbands leg with my foot…at least I THOUGHT it was my husbands leg. MY pastors eyes got really big (his wife wasn’t there), and I KNEW…..
missionwife(at)hotmail(dot)com
That’s so funny, Melody! That might count for one of the pastor’s most embarrassing moments, too!
As a new pastors wife and new wife…my husband and I were invited for Italian at a little old ladys home.
Ten of us were seated at a round table. Under the table I was rubbing my husbands leg with my foot…at least I THOUGHT it was my husbands leg. MY pastors eyes got really big (his wife wasn’t there), and I KNEW…..
missionwife(at)hotmail(dot)com
As a new pastors wife and new wife…my husband and I were invited for Italian at a little old ladys home.
Ten of us were seated at a round table. Under the table I was rubbing my husbands leg with my foot…at least I THOUGHT it was my husbands leg. MY pastors eyes got really big (his wife wasn’t there), and I KNEW…..
missionwife(at)hotmail(dot)com
I smiled reading the letter. This looks to me like it will be a very good book to read! I love to read!!!! I’ve had too many embarrassing moments to try and remember one of them!!!
I’m glad you enjoyed Abby’s letter, Donna! I have plenty of embarrassing moments, too, and reading everyone else’s just brings back memories of ones I’ve forgotten, too!
I loved reading the letter, I will add this book to my collection!!! Hope what an wonderful word!!! Thanks for the opportunity to enter to win!!
Diana Liggett
liggetts7@yahoo.com
Thanks, Diana! If you keep following my blog (or my author page on Facebook) I’ll let you know when the book is available. My agent and I are currently searching for the perfect publishing home for Abby’s story.
I love this letter so much, because it reminds me of the relationship my sister and I have.
I’m so glad Abby’s letter touched your heart, Deborah. I always wanted a sister, but God blessed me with lots of brothers, instead. They’re great, too.
What a lovely letter, penned by an amazing writer.
Thanks so much, Heidi! That’s sweet!
I have a ton of embarrassing stories, too many to remember. One that comes to mind right now happened when I was single and a very new Christian. I had been to a local country dance club with my sister, Melanie, and friend, Patti, and was driving home. We were stopped at a four-way stop by the sheriff’s department who were looking for drunk drivers, wanted criminals and the like. When the officer asked me for my driver’s license, I gave it to him and asked if he wanted the ones from the others in the car. He said no and I said it wouldn’t be a problem. Again, he said no and I said, “Are you sure? It’s no problem at all.” Meanwhile, Melanie and Patti are in the back having a fit trying to get me to shut up. The officer just laughed, gave me my license back and told me to go on. The most embarrassing part was I had nothing stronger that Coca-cola to drink and the officer was cute. My sister still doesn’t let me forget it! hehehe
Great story, Michelle! It sounds like one you can all laugh about together, and that’s the best kind.
I have a good share of embarassing stories….back when I was in college, I was able to go on a trip, as the biology representative, with a class from the Economics Dept to ECHO (Economic Concerns for Hunger Organization) in Florida. On the trip down, we (and it wasn’t MY fault) accidently left the professor at a gas station. It was over an hour and a half before someone noticed she wasn’t in the van. Since this was before cell phones, I had to call down to ECHO to see if she called since we had no clue where she was left. The other vehicle went on to ECHO while some of us drove back for the professor. By the time we arrived back at the college in Michigan a week later, EVERYONE knew what happened. I didn’t hear the end of it for years, even though it still wasn’t my fault (I had been sleeping).
Wow! I bet your professor was pretty steamed by the time you picked her up! Cell phones have made life so much easier that way. My husband and I call each other when we get separated in the mall. 🙂
A lovely post, especially this quote: “Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of human strength, so we learn to trust solely in Him.”
As for an embarrassing story . . . a couple of years ago my family visited a church for the first time, where my husband preached in the morning service. After service, I was visiting with the youth minister’s wife and asked her when her baby was due. The thing was . . . she wasn’t pregnant!
Pam Burke
pamburke74@gmail.com
I’m so glad you enjoyed Abby’s letter, Pam.
What a funny story! It might qualify as her most embarrassing moment, too.
When I was a teenager, my boyfriend drove to my home for a visit. While he was there, an ice storm started. My parents asked him to stay the night with us since the weather was so bad, but he insisted on driving home. He promised he would call when he arrived so I would know he was safe.
His call never came, so I called his house and asked his mom if he was home. She told me he wasn’t home yet and she was so worried because of the storm. We then started talking about a bunch of other things. After about 15 minutes she said something that puzzled me. When I questioned her I realized I had called the wrong number! Her son had been out visiting his girlfriend, too, and her son’s name was the same name as my boyfriend! But still, I was pretty embarrassed. The mystery lady and I both had a good laugh and hung up.
As soon as I hung up, my phone rang. It was my actual boyfriend who had forgotten to call. He was safe and sound.
ischu9@aol.com
What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Getting our new kitty last week definitely made me smile. She’s a sweetheart (though she has a fierce side).
jennyjenjen92[at]gmail[dot]com
I love kitties, too, Jenny! I have three of my own. 🙂
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