Shannon here: Debbi Migit shares how she met her husband, plus a chance to win a print copy of her nonfiction title, Child of Promise. Heads up, Debbi’s February 2021 release, September Shadows is one of my editing babies published by Scrivenings Press. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Nov 14th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Debbi:
“Phil Migit sounds like a jerk.” I smiled to take the sting out of my words.
Trish shook her head, “No, he’s a great guy. Maybe I didn’t describe him very well.” Trish’s ex- fiancé was moving back, and she wanted another chance with him. “Could you help me with a makeover? I want him to see a new Trish.”
Although I still doubted Phil deserved her, my romantic soul joined Trish’s plan. I joined her on shopping trips and hair appointments, quizzing her about Phil.
“He’s very smart.” Trish glowed, describing Phil as logical and rather unemotional. “He admires Spock,” she confided.
“Doctor or Mister?”
She laughed, “Mr. Spock.”
Trish introduced me to another friend of Phil’s, and now Randy joined us for more shopping. Their conversation was filled with, “Phil doesn’t like this” or “I wouldn’t buy that, Phil would hate it!”
I finally became exasperated by Phil’s opinions; he wasn’t even in the state yet! I walked over to a mannequin and pointed to the blouse on display. “Would Phil like this?” I asked innocently.
They gaped at me.
The psychedelic print was not my favorite, but I felt a little rebellious.

Giveaway
“No way.” Randy shook his head. “Phil hates that style.”
“Great,” I declared, “I’m buying it.”
Trish looked around as if Phil’s wrath might descend upon us at any moment.
I clutched the bag holding my ugly blouse and privately vowed to wear it the first time I met Phil Migit.
Finally, the day came, and Trish called me that night. “Please stop here after work.”
I hesitated, but Trish’s pleas swayed me.
“Okay, I’ll stop by for a few minutes.” I was really disappointed I’d forgotten to wear the psychedelic shirt I’d bought in Phil’s honor.
I entered her kitchen to the sound of a guitar strumming. Trish’s living room was crowded with our friends who were singing along.
Trish whispered reverently, “There he is.”
Phil’s dark head was bent over the guitar. The picture I’d painted in my mind was not quite accurate. I’d expected a studious, preppy type with short hair and glasses. He did wear glasses, but his jeans and brown work boots were worn, and he wore a faded flannel shirt with the cuffs rolled up.
His dark brown hair curling past his shoulders might even be longer than mine. He glanced up and a brief smile curved under his mustache.
I glanced at Trish. “He’s not what I expected,” I confessed.
Trish didn’t seem to hear me as she focused on Phil.
Soon, the song changed to one I knew, and I started to sing along. An hour passed quickly and glancing at the clock, I saw it was past eleven. As I left, Phil looked up to give a quick nod in my direction.
Trish followed me to my car, where she announced morosely, “He’s going to ask you out, you know.”
I was stunned. Phil barely seemed aware of me.
She slumped against my Nova. “I just know he’s going to ask me for your phone number.”
“Nobody’s that big of a jerk! He knows how you feel about him, right?”
Trish nodded. “Yes, but he wants to stay ‘friends only’.”
“Don’t give him my number, even if he asks, which he won’t. Plus, I’m leaving for vacation. A lot can happen in two weeks. Just be patient.”
I headed home, secure in the knowledge that by the time I returned, Phil Migit would be history.
***
“This is your Phil Migit early-warning system. Take cover!” Randy laughed as he ended the call; I didn’t.
In the months since we’d met, Phil pursued me relentlessly. He often visited Randy before stopping at the bookstore where I worked.
Randy would call me as soon as Phil left and I’d hurry to the backroom, telling my co-workers I shouldn’t be disturbed.
But I couldn’t avoid him forever, and the truth was, I didn’t want to. Our singles group often went to eat together and I’d been fighting my growing attraction.
But Trish considered him all hers. Phil said they were just friends, but I still refused his invitations. I didn’t want to hurt Trish. Lately, I’d avoided the singles meetings, which was why Phil was looking for me at work.
Now I hurried to the back room and waited until my co-worker came to give me the all-clear.
“He’s gone.” Sandy opened the door. “Debbi, are you sure you want to keep sending him away?”
I nodded without turning. She left as my tears fell and I laid my head on the table as the truth took my breath way. I was in love with Phil Migit! How had that happened? I was overcome with conflicting emotions: joy, excitement, and hopelessness.
Now what?
***
The following week, Phil and I had our first date; within three weeks we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. But I worried we’d get caught up in the idea of a wedding before we had God’s blessing for our marriage.
One evening, I sensed the Lord say. “Phil will ask you to marry him tonight. You can say yes.” Heart pounding, I drove to the mall and straight to a jewelry store. I’d resisted looking at engagement rings, but now I took a brochure. Then, eager for Phil to meet me after work, I hurried to the bookstore.
That evening, I slipped the folded brochure into the pocket of Phil’s suede coat. His attention was on me, however, and he wasn’t aware of what I’d done.
Later, as we drove to our favorite restaurant, Phil looked at me. “I have something to tell you. I spent the evening praying about our relationship, and I believe God spoke clearly to me tonight.”
He was so solemn I felt my pulse quicken. What if I’d heard wrong, and God said we weren’t to be married? What if he said good-bye?
“Will you marry me?”
I gave him a soft smile. “Look in your coat pocket.”
Phil reached into his pocket and pulled out the jewelry brochure. He glanced down and then back at me, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
My smile widened. “I heard from God tonight too. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
About Debbi: Award-winning author and speaker, Debbi Migit, lives in central Illinois, surrounded by pumpkin patches and cornfields. Her first book, Child of Promise, is the true love story of a family formed through adoption. After ten years of infertility, Debbi and her husband, Phil were just months from adopting when God said, “Not this way.” Child of Promise is the story of audacious faith resulting in multiple miracles; it encourages readers to remember their own promises and believe again.
She has won multiple awards and contests, writing stories that are filled with faith and hope. She loves to share personal anecdotes about God’s faithfulness, infusing her talks with authenticity and humor.
Debbi and Phil are the adoptive parents of Alex (31), Ethan (20), and Kate (19). The God-ordained spacing of their children offered the unique opportunity to parent a teen and two toddlers at the same time. This is the season Debbi fondly calls the TNT years!
Debbi’s hobbies include reading, writing, and avoiding arithmetic. Her favorite color is turquoise, and she collects Trixie Belden books and typewriters. If playing Candy Crush was a paying gig, she would be rich.
Debbi’s new YA Mystery Romance series begins with September Shadows and is set in Montana. After the mysterious death of their parents, three young sisters are determined to stay together and make a new life for themselves. This new life includes faith-testing danger, adventure, and romance. Watch for the release of September Shadows in spring 2021.
About the Book – September Shadows:
After the sudden death of their parents, Jess Thomas and her sisters, Sly and Maggie, start creating a new life for themselves. But when Sly is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, the young sisters are threatened with separation through foster care. Jess is determined to prove Sly’s innocence, even at the cost of her own life.
Cole McBride has been Jess’s best friend since they were children. Now his feelings are deepening, just as Jess takes risks to protect her family. Can Cole convince Jess to trust him−and God−to help her?
Question for Readers: Has adoption touched your life? Were you, a family member, or friend adopted?
Come back Nov 6th for Laura V. Hilton!
My cousin’s two daughters are adopted. Even though this cousin and I are not close like we were as kids, I am so happy for her. She and her husband have grandkids, which they love!
I also remember grade school and seeing some Korean girls who had been adopted by American parents.
Hi Linda,
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m glad your family has been touched by adoption-it’s such a blessing!
Debbi
My cousin has adopted 3 little boys that are adorable but a handful lol! My best friend was adopted as well now she and her husband are houseparents at a children’s home.
Hi Sheila,
Three little boys would definitely be a handful LOL! It’s interesting how many people who have been adopted (like your friend) have a heart to care for children who need a home.
Blessings!
Debbi
WOW, it’s a beautiful story of how God works in our lives! I have some friends who adopted <3
Hi Natalya,
God creates the BEST adventures for us! I believe adoption will increase and many families will be formed by God’s hand.
Blessings!
Debbi
We have a good friend who was adopted 60 years ago and has lived a wonderful life.
Hi Beth,
Your friend is a pioneer in adoption 🙂 I’m so glad she experienced that gift!
Blessings,
Debbi
No, there has not been any adoption in our family and I don’t know anyone who was adopted.
Hi Diana,
I think adoption will become more prevalent in the days to come. You may meet an adoptee sooner than you think 🙂
Blessings,
Debbi
Hey Debbi, thanks for being on my blog. I’m dying to know if you and Trish are still friends? My husband and I have a friend who is adopted. Both her parents are gone now, but they cherished her and she did them.
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for inviting me! Trish did (eventually) forgive me, but we lost touch when she left the area.
When I was growing up, my parents were very dear friends with two couples from church. Both couples adopted their daughters as newborns, and experiencing their joy planted the seed in my heart for adoption. I love to watch God’s plans unfold!
Blessings,
Debbi
I have a winner! Diana Hardt won the drawing. I appreciate Debbi for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.