A Time to Dance/A Time to Embrace (81 page)
The reason? A troubled marriage is a tested one. And when we look to God together as a way of passing the test, we will always be closer in the long run.
Please don’t read into this a callousness toward those of you who’ve suffered through a divorce. It is the rare exception when two people determined to walk away from each other stop and look to God instead. Many of you would love to have a spouse willing to listen to God, willing to look for the escape route that would lead you away from divorce.
But far too often that spouse still leaves, completely hardened to God’s voice.
For you, I pray God’s tender mercy and healing upon your life. That you would look to Him, the Author of life, for whatever your next step should be, and that you would believe He is the God of second chances. That He has good plans for you even now.
For those of you considering a divorce, mired in the throes of bitterness and betrayal, my prayer is that you stop attacking each other. Stop thinking it’s your husband’s fault or wishing you had a different wife. Realize, instead, that the enemy of our souls is the one who destroys what God has created. And the oneness of marriage is definitely a God-given gift.
Get counseling . . . pray together . . . pray for each other . . . look for ways to honor your spouse. And most of all search for the route of escape. Quite often that escape route is as simple as making an apology. Then allow God to heal your broken love. Let Him give you a time to laugh and love and live in peace.
A time to embrace.
And see if the bond you share isn’t much stronger as a result.
On a personal note, we have had our adopted Haitian sons home for more than a year now and life couldn’t be sweeter. Our biological children have embraced their new brothers in a way that can only be considered miraculous. Our entire family owes a debt of thanks to so many of you who have prayed for us along the journey.
We have had some hard times as well. After fourteen years of coaching basketball, my husband will be taking a few years off. Without getting into great detail, I can say this: some of the issues John Reynolds experienced the season before his injury were very, very close to home. We are, of course, glad to have Don home with us. The kids love it when he holds “mini-camp” in the backyard.
But still, there is loss.
If your son or daughter participates in organized sports, I have this challenge for you: thank the coach. If he or she is someone who cares for your child, someone who doesn’t use foul language or abuse your kids for the sake of a victory, take time to be grateful. After every game, every practice, make it a habit to find those coaches who volunteer their time or who get paid only pennies for doing the job, and thank them. Coaches—
good
coaches—are hard to find. And when parents fail to see that, everyone loses.
As always, I pray this finds you and yours well, and feasting on our Lord’s rich promises. We look forward with you to whatever adventures the Lord has around the corner. Keep praying that I write the books God places on my heart in a way that will leave a life-changing mark on yours.
In His love, and until next time . . .
Karen Kingsbury
P.S. As always, you can E-mail me at [email protected], or contact me at my Web site: www.KarenKingsbury.com
A
S ALWAYS, WHENEVER
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are hosts of people working behind the scenes to make it possible. On that note, thanks must first go to my husband and kids, for understanding my need to hide away when deadline calls. There were reasons why this book was harder to finish than most. I couldn’t have done it if you hadn’t pulled together and allowed me the time to write. I love you all!
Also, thanks to my family support team, especially my mom and dad, and the rest of you who take time to read my books and offer valuable insight. A special thanks to my niece, Shannon, for always being the first with feedback. One day I expect to be reading your books, honey.
Prayer support is crucial when writing a novel—especially one with God-given truths woven throughout. I would be unable to write the stories God has given me if not for the prayers of my husband and kids, my family, and friends. I’m blessed to have not just those people praying, but also Sylvia and Walt Wallgren, Ann Hudson, and so many of you faithful reader friends who constantly lift me up in prayer. Thank you for your faithfulness. I pray you enjoy the fruits of partnering with me in this writing ministry.
Also, a special thanks to my assistant, Amber Santiago, for being everywhere I can’t be as I set about the business of writing. Please know that your time with Austin and the hours you put in making my house livable are an amazing blessing to me. Thank you for your servant heart, Amber. I appreciate you more than you know.
In the writing of this book, I found myself desperately in need of quiet time. When that happened, I called up new friends of mine, Louise and Warren, and snuck off to their bed-and-breakfast for a few days of solid writing. Thank you for providing me with a quiet, phone-free environment in which to work. I am certain I’ll spend many more hours at your hideaway.
Thanks also goes to those people who read galley proofs for me: Melinda Chapman, Joan Westphal, Kathy Santschi, and the Wallgrens. Your expert eyes have helped me turn out a novel I can smile about. Thank you!
On a business note, I’d like to thank Ami McConnell, Debbie Wickwire, and the good folks at Thomas Nelson for their commitment to excellence in women’s fiction.
I had the privilege of working with my favorite editor, Karen Ball, in the course of this book. It was a difficult season for Karen, as she lost her dear mother, Paula Sapp, days before editing my manuscript. Karen, I ache with you at your loss and believe along with you that your mother is finally free. That even now she watches over you, praying for you, longing for the reunion that will take place one far-off day. Thank you for being willing to work with me even amid a season of heartache.
It is my belief that God teams writers up with agents for a good reason. As such, I am eternally grateful that the Lord brought Greg Johnson into my life. Greg is an author’s dream-come-true agent, looking out for every aspect of my writing career. If you’re reading this book, you can thank God for Greg’s role in my life. I couldn’t do this without him.
Also a special thanks to Kirk DouPonce of Uttley-DouPonce Designworks. Kirk and his amazing team of artists are quite simply the best cover designers in the business. If I had my way, every book I ever write would have their artwork gracing the front. Thank you for pulling off another amazing cover! You’re the very best.
1. Was the love between Abby and John stronger or weaker in light of the fact that they had so recently changed their minds about getting divorced? Explain.
2. Describe a time when you had a falling-out with someone you love.Was the love between you stronger or weaker afterward? Why?
3. Trust takes time to build again, especially in a relationship that has fallen victim to betrayal. How did this truth present itself in Abby and John’s relationship?
4. Has trust ever been an issue between you and someone you love? Describe that situation.
5. How were you able to finally trust that person again?
6. The Reynoldses’ son was involved in Internet pornography. What are your thoughts on whether this form of sexual sin is addictive? What examples from the book do you think would help in breaking that addiction for you or someone you love?
7. What role did Abby play in the family drama after John’s injury? Why was this damaging to her?
8. Describe a time when you felt you had to fix everyone’s problems. How did this make you feel? How were you able to move past that season?
9. John’s emotions varied quite a bit in the days after his injury. What event finally changed his attitude for the better? Why?
10. Nicole experienced a blow to her faith after her father was paralyzed. Why do you think this was? What finally helped her come back to a place of believing?
11. Have you ever suffered through a time that tore at your faith? What made believing in God so difficult during that time? How did you work through that time?
12. Jake’s reaction to his role in Coach Reynolds’s injury was one of horrendous guilt. What were Jake’s feelings regarding his possible punishment? How did he grow during this season of sorrow and guilt?
13. Describe a time when you did something for which you couldn’t forgive yourself. What brought about those feelings? How were you able to get past them and finally heal?
14. What were some of the ways the love between Abby and John grew during his wheelchair days? Describe your favorite moment between these two. Why was it special?
15. Love is not always easy. Describe a time when you were able to share love with someone through a difficult time. How did it strengthen your relationship? What did you learn in the process?
O
THER
L
IFE
-C
HANGING
F
ICTION BY
K
AREN
K
INGSBURY
September 11th Series
One Tuesday Morning
Beyond Tuesday Morning
Redemption Series
Redemption
Remember
Return
Rejoice
Reunion
Firstborn Series
Fame (June, 2005)
Forgiven (Fall, 2005)
Found (Spring, 2006)
Family (Summer, 2006)
Forever (Fall, 2006)
Red Glove Series
Gideon's Gift
Maggie's Miracle
Sarah's Song
Hannah's Hope (Fall, 2005)
Forever Faithful Series
Waiting for Morning
Moment of Weakness
Halfway to Forever
Women of Faith Fiction Series
A Time to Dance
A Time to Embrace
Stand-Alone Titles
A Thousand Tomorrows
(April, 2005)
Oceans Apart
Where Yesterday Lives
When Joy Came to Stay
On Every Side
Children's Title
Let Me Hold You Longer
Miracle Collections
Treasury of Christmas Miracles
A Treasury of Miracles for Women
A Treasury of Miracles for Teens
Treasury of Miracles for Friends
Treasury of Adoption Miracles
(April, 2005)
www.KarenKingsbury.com
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