Shannon here: Lisa Schnedler shares how she met her husband. Her book is one of my editing babies, so I can guarantee it’s a fun, heartwarming read, since I’ve actually read it three times. And it didn’t get old. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a print copy of her Time Travel Romance, Bentonsport: A New Chapter. Here’s Lisa:
The Best Matchmaker
I stopped at the red light and glanced at my watch. It was 10:15. I would never make it.
I moved back to St. Louis to complete my internship before graduating from college. I was eager to start a new life, and part of that was finding a new church. I scanned the reviews of various churches and found one that sounded like a place I would like to try—good preaching, solid teaching ministry, and a young congregation.
But here I was, running late. It would not be a good way to start at a new church.
I glanced to my right and saw a small, historic stone church I’d never noticed before, even though I’d driven this road for more than ten years.
The sign in front said that worship began at 10:30 a.m.
Perfect, I thought. I will go here this Sunday and then to the church I planned to attend next Sunday.
I parked behind the church, walked up the stairs, and slipped into a back pew. I sat next to a small woman with a sweet expression who looked to be in her eighties.
She introduced herself and told me she was glad I was there. Looking around, I could see it was a small congregation. The members were of varying ages and races. The tone was somewhat subdued, and as the organ began to play, the woman to my left whispered, “You are going to love our minister.”
A congregation member gave the announcements, we sang the first hymn, and the pastor began his sermon after the Scripture reading.
I was unprepared for what I experienced.
The minister spoke right to my heart.
Thoughtful.
Intelligent.
Inspiring.
When the message concluded, I wanted to hear more.
So, I went back a second time.
And I had the same experience.
This time, as I was leaving the church, the minister shook my hand and, to my shock, asked me what I was doing for lunch.
Lunch?
Um, I don’t have any plans…
Good! he said and asked if I would like to join him.
We went to a Chinese restaurant and talked and talked as though we had known each other for a very long time.
But, the whole time, I wondered if this was a pastoral “get to know you” type of conversation or… something else. He had no ring on his left hand. He appeared to be about eight years older than me.
Where was this going?
I returned to the church the following Sunday, but a visiting minister was in the pulpit. He announced that the church’s minister was teaching a class on C.S. Lewis at a larger church closer to my parents.
I signed up.
I signed my mother up, too.
What do you think? I asked her after the first class.
He’s smart—but he is too old for you.
I was undeterred. Even when I learned fifteen years separated our ages.
My mother stopped attending the weekly class, giving this intriguing minister and me more time to talk.
Those talks led to more going out.
He wasn’t married.
Three months later, we were engaged.
One year later, we were married.
That was 40 years ago.
What did I learn?
When God wants to bring two people together—He can use any circumstance—even being late and dropping into an unknown church–to His advantage.
When you let God be the matchmaker– through a commitment to Him and each other—the match sticks.
You’re going to love our minister!
Yes, even after 40 years, I still do!
Question for Readers: “Have you ever had a sudden change in plans—and, looking back, realized that God was leading you in this new direction? What happened?”
About Lisa: Lisa writes cozy fiction, set in small towns you’ll want to visit, with characters who soon will become your friends. They have certainly become hers.
She serves Jesus through her writing, Christian Life Planning ministry, church, blog, and podcast
Her life is about serving Jesus, loving her family, and writing about good people you will want to meet.
She is married to her best friend and love of her life. Together, they have served churches in small towns people love to visit.
She has this great family—three grown children, married to her “additional three kids,” six grandkids, and two parents who love the Lord and put a solid foundation under all of them. She is a pastor’s wife—and they’ve served churches for more than 30 years. She and her husband recently opened a Christian Learning Center, “Cornerstone,” offering free classes and gatherings to help Christians learn and form friendships.
She is blessed in her professional career and has worked as a hospital president for more than 30 years. She loves to make new friends! Learn more & connect:
Lisa’s Website Lisa’s Facebook Lisa’s Instagram
Lisa’s Pinterest Lisa’s Goodreads Lisa’s Newsletter Signup
About the book – Bentonsport: A New Chapter:
What if you followed your heart—not across distance but across time?
Sarah Peterson never knew how far she would go for love until Thomas Barton walked into her life, they fell in love, and he asked her to join him in his world—one hundred fifty years back in time. More afraid of losing him than of leaving everything behind, she put her future in God’s hands and awakened in the past. Now, she’s facing a world she’s only dreamed of, and reality is nothing like her dreams.
Thomas Barton never imagined he’d meet a woman like his beloved Sara. Leaving her behind was the hardest thing he’d ever done. When he discovers she’s followed him across time, he’s ready to spend his life making her decision worthwhile. His friends come up with a plan to convince Bentonsport she’s part of their era, but it’s going to take another miracle to pull this off.
Love was enough to carry them through a hundred and fifty years. Will it be enough to get them through the next weeks and months?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Lisa’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Bentonsport – A New Chapter Lisa’s Books
Come back June 28th for Cindy Bonds!
No, I don’t recall anything. It sounds like a really interesting book.
I didn’t make a quick decision, but agonized and prayed before following God’s leading. When my kids were small, I wanted to work part time while finishing my college degree. Instead, I continued full time work. Along with my husband’s job, we were able to provide a better life for our kids, and eventually a secure retirement. I didn’t get a degree, but all three of the kids did!
can’t think of any
I had been the administrator of a group of Neurologist for about three years. I wasn’t looking for a change, but within a week or so 2 different people contacted me about other positions. One was managing a group of Oncologist and the other was an ENT group. Both were just from contacts I knew, I wasn’t seeking anything . I remember praying,” God, you must want me to move.” I picked the ENT group and started the first part of August. By October, my dad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The ENT group was right by the hospital he would spend so much time in. I am an only child and I would stay with him , shower and go to work. He was referred the Oncology group that had contacted me. Either way , God was putting me where I needed to be. There was comfort in that. He goes before us and he was with me.
That happened to me in my career. I started off in one field and felt the Lord wanted me to be involved in social work, so I did that for some years. Then when I got married and started having children, I felt called to homeschool my children. I never regretted following either time. Both experiences blessed me as much as I blessed other.
I have a winner! Barbara Hilton won the drawing. I appreciate Lisa for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.