Shannon here: Leeann Betts shares how God helped her overcome a lifelong fear, plus a chance to win a free print (US only) or ebook copy of her latest, Romantic Suspense, Risk Management. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: July 4th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Leeann:
Small Boats and Big Waves by Leeann Betts
Small boats—and the thought of drowning, terrify me. This fear paralyzed me and caused me to miss out on numerous things—until God helped me see the bigger picture.
We went to Peru on a mission trip with my church. We arrive at a collection of tiny structures in the middle of nowhere, providing food and supplies for weary travelers. We slip, slide, and scramble down a muddy bank to the water’s edge where our sailing craft awaits. I look upstream. Nothing but a couple of canoes. I look downstream. A metal boat about ten feet long, its canvas covering long rotted—a tiny outboard putt-putting to life under the tentative ministrations of a teenage boy.
My hubby helps me clamber in, and I sit in the middle of the middle seat, clinging to the edges of the warped board. The rest of the team is chatting, laughing, leaning against the side, ignoring me, for which I’m thankful. I think, “Okay, God, I can do this. I just have to do this one more time, on Sunday, when we leave.”
I ask about crocodiles, and they laugh and say there aren’t any. Phew! “But keep your hands out of the water,” somebody says. “There are piranha.”
Oh, nice.
When will this be over?
Then the Lord showed me the riverbanks, which in some places looked like sculpted sand. He reminded me that the river didn’t carve these banks, because although we’re at the headwaters of the Amazon, the water is slow-moving.
God pointed out the wake of the boat nudging up against the riverbank, and told me that the hundreds of boats that ply these waters daily made the contours in the riverbank.
“You are like the waves,” He said. “A little touch here. A nudge there. Your presence changes the lives of people, just like the wake changes the shoreline.”
In Risk Management, Carly learns that her life makes a difference. She must make decisions about a future she
doesn’t want. And while the Peru connection isn’t where we find her, it, too, makes a difference.
Question for readers: How has God spoken to you recently about making a difference?
About Leeann: Leeann Betts writes contemporary romantic suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical romantic suspense. Risk Management, which releases June 30th, 2020, is the 12th and final story in her cozy mystery series, “By the Numbers”. Watch for a segue novella in September that weaves Carly’s story with the upcoming new cozy mystery series, “Mysterious Ink Bookstore Mysteries”, with its first title releasing in December 2020. Together she and Donna have published more than 30 novellas and full-length novels. They ghostwrite, judge writing contests, edit, facilitate a critique group, and are members of American Christian Fiction Writers, Writers on the Rock, Christian Authors Network, Pikes Peak Writers, and Sisters in Crime. Leeann travels extensively to research her stories, and is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary LLC. Learn more & connect:
Go to Leeann’s Website to stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
What Can Be Online University: online courses on the craft of writing
Etsy online shop of original artwork, book folding art, and gift items
About the book – Risk Management: In Carly’s finale, she has three mysteries to solve. But will the killer finish her off before she solves all? or will a deadly disease be her demise?
Can’t wait for the drawing, worried you won’t win, or interested in Leeann’s other titles? Get your copies now!
order autographed print copies of books that are shipped directly from the author.
Come back June 30th for Tara Johnson!
I’d love to read this book!
I really like the phrase you used in your post that says “You are like the waves,” He said. “A little touch here. A nudge there. Your presence changes the lives of people, just like the wake changes the shoreline.”
Recently I was reminded of the difference I make in the way God uses me and my art to encourage hearts. Such a sweet gift from God when He chooses to let me know how my cards and my art encourage others and make a difference.
Thank you, Suzan, for your comments. I’m sure you are a great encouragement to others!
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog!
I have recently seen how God moves through the prayers requests that come through our prayer chain.
Also, not seeing my friends at Church during the pandemic makes me appreciate them. They email me that they miss me and have said I was an encourager.
I have enjoyed Carly’s stories. Sorry this is the last one.
Very nice. God will make the ground under your feet sure. He’s just that good lol.
Hi Lee Ann,
Not quite sure I have heard God speak recently on any given topic. But I know that He trusts me to work steadfastly on projects He has given me. Thank you for this lovely devotional. And the book sounds like one I would enjoy!
Amy Bovaird
Loved this real life illustration. I’d love to read the book.
God has really been showing me how small offerings add up. I often feel so ill equipped but He is faithful to show me that it’s not by my strength, ability, or bank balance that He uses me. It is Him shining through.
I have a winner! Paula Shreckhise won the drawing. I appreciate Leeann for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.