Learning (31 page)

“Don’t be sorry.” He smiled, hiding his concern. “I want you to feel good, Chey.” He held her hand and let her sleep the rest of the way home. When they reached her apartment he walked her to the front door and kissed her goodnight. “Get some rest.”

“I will. Thanks, Cody.” Her smile tugged at his heart. “You
were amazing out there. Your guys … the town … Larry’s sister.

All of it.”

“You forgot one thing.” He backed up a step, not wanting to keep her when she didn’t feel good. He gave her a final smile. “You were there, Chey. I felt your support every minute.”

She grinned, clearly grateful for the compliment, and then she waved once more and went inside. When the door closed behind her, Cody climbed in his truck and drove home to his apartment. Once he was inside he stepped out on his small patio, sat in his folding lawn chair, and stared at the stars. Cheyenne was amazing. He was blessed to call her his girlfriend. She deserved a guy who would cherish her and treasure her and maybe he was that guy. In time he would have to think about taking their relationship to the next level. That was the right thing to do.

Cody breathed deep and leaned over his knees. He had so much to be thankful for. His football team … the town of Lyle … the love from Cheyenne … his mother’s progress … and his faith. So much.

Cody absently twisted the friendship ring he still wore on his finger. He still loved what it stood for, the Bible verse it contained. There was no reason to take it off, really. Besides, never mind about the past. God had blessed him completely and fully — beyond his expectations. He had learned much these last months … lessons that would last a lifetime, he was sure.

What more could he possibly ask for?

B
AILEY DUG HER LADLE INTO A VAT OF GRAVY
and poured a scoop over a mound of mashed potatoes. Then she passed the plate to the bearded guy on her right. It was his job to add several turkey pieces, and then at the end of the line of volunteers a homeless person would be given an early Thanksgiving dinner.

It was the Monday night before the holiday, a perfect time for
Bailey and her castmates from the new Bible study to serve at the mission in downtown Manhattan. The crowd of hungry people filled the room, more so than Bailey expected. The work would last another few hours at least, and Bailey was grateful. This sort of faith in action could truly change the lives of her castmates.

And they were open to change now. They met Monday mornings at Starbucks across from the J. Markham Theater. Francesca had expressed her disapproval a few times, but she had also admitted that since it wasn’t an official
Hairspray
Bible study, there wasn’t much she could do. Somehow, Bailey still had her job.

She ladled another scoop of gravy over another mound of mashed potatoes. Gerald worked on her left, making pleasant conversation with the people who passed through their line. Gerald had the kindest heart of anyone on the cast. He understood better now God’s calling for him. He hadn’t given his life to Jesus yet, but that would come. Bailey had no doubt.

“You’re moving a little slow, lady,” the bearded guy on her right elbowed her lightly in the ribs. “Pick it up.”

She looked at him, at the familiar teasing eyes she had come to love over the last few months. “Hey,” she leaned close, her voice a whisper. “Don’t hassle me, Brandon. I’ll pull off that beard and they’ll chase you out of here.”

He chuckled, pressing the fake beard firmly into place. Even the cast hadn’t figured out who he was with this disguise. Of course, Brandon had arrived separate from her and just as the meal was being served — all intentionally. Bailey had merely introduced him as Jorge, a friend in the business.

They went back to work, serving tirelessly for the next few hours. After that, she and Brandon found a quiet table and shared dinner with the street people gathered around them. Moments like this she was sure she’d made the right choice, and she was grateful beyond words for Brandon. He was moving here in a
week, and that combined with the fact that they were going to have Christmas together with her family made Bailey thrilled about all the future held. She had learned so much in New York City, and she had much to be thankful for. Her Bible study … the fact that she still worked a dream job on Broadway … her family’s health and love … and Brandon Paul. Bailey smiled at him and memorized the way she felt right now.

Because she could hardly ask God for more than this.

Dear Reader Friends,

Now that you’ve journeyed with me through the first two books of the Bailey Flanigan Series, I’m sure you’re thoroughly confused. That’s okay … I feel that way a little too. As we learn from God, we’re bound to feel a little confused. I think God must like when we can’t see the happy ending ahead. It makes us rely that much more fully on Him.

As I mentioned before, the character of Bailey Flanigan was inspired by my daughter, Kelsey. In real life there is no Cody Coleman, no Brandon Paul. But the way she lives for God, and her passion for His word and His truth are a mainstay in her real-life story — the way they are with her fictional character: Bailey.

In addition, Kelsey is the oldest of six — the others all boys, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. When I write about Jenny and Jim Flanigan, I am — for the most part — writing about my family. Kelsey and I have the relationship that Bailey and Jenny share — an open communication that has allowed her to trust me with any conversation, any decision, any heartbreak. I have had the privilege of raising this one-in-a-million girl, and the very great responsibility of seeking God’s wisdom in helping shape her into the young woman she is today. Along the way I love hearing about your one-in-a-million daughters, and the way God is working in their lives too.

And so, along the years — through the Firstborn Series, Sunrise Series, and especially during the four books in the Above the Line Series, we watched Bailey grow up. We watched as she developed a love for Cody Coleman and musical theater and a
longing for the dreams God had placed in her heart. When Cody pulled away from her and Brandon Paul stepped in, I knew Bailey needed her own series.

Of course, that story wouldn’t be complete without a season of learning.

The story of Bailey has many twists and turns ahead. The books to come will be
Longing …
and finally
Loving.
I think you’ll be amazed at where God takes this fictitious girl. Here’s a funny, fictional fact: The books in the Bailey Flanigan series will release over the next eighteen months. But during that same time, we’ll follow Bailey through three years of life.

Ahh, the marvels of storytelling.

Anyway, thanks for joining me on Bailey Flanigan’s journey … and yes, the journey of one more ride with the Baxter Family. Some of you may have ideas about where Landon’s story is headed, but I think you might be surprised. I guess I have to always remember what Jenny Flanigan told Ashley … when we’re too weak to walk on our own, God will carry us.

As always, I look forward to your feedback. Take a minute and find me on Facebook. I’m there every day — hanging out with you in my virtual living room, praying for you, and answering as many questions as possible. I have Latte Time, where I’ll take a half hour or so, pour all of you a virtual latte, and take questions. We have a blast together, so if you’re not on my Facebook Fan Page, please join today. The group of friends there grows in number every day, and each of you is very special to me.

You can also visit my website at
www.KarenKingsbury.com
. There you can find my contact information and my guestbook. Remember, if you post something on Facebook or my website, it might help another reader. So please stop by. In addition, I love to hear how God is using these books in your life. He gets all credit and He always will. He puts a story in my heart, but He has your heart in mind. Only He could do that.

Also on Facebook or my website you can check out my upcoming events and get to know other readers. You can hear about movies being made on my books and you can become part of Team KK — a community that agrees there is life-changing power in something as simple as a story. Please post prayer requests on my website or read those already posted and pray for those in need. If you’d like, you may send in a photo of your loved one serving our country, or let us know of a fallen soldier we can honor on our Fallen Heroes page.

When you’re finished with this book, pass it on to someone else. By doing so, you will automatically enter my “Shared a Book” contest. Email me at
[email protected]
and tell me the first name of the person you shared with, and you might win a summer day with me and my family. In addition, everyone signed up for my monthly website newsletter is automatically entered into an ongoing once-a-month drawing for a free, signed copy of my latest novel.

There are links on my website that will help you with matters that are important to you — faith and family, adoption, and ways to reach out to others. Of course, on my site you can also find out a little more about me, my faith and my family, and the wonderful world of Life-Changing Fiction™. You can also follow me on Twitter. I give away books all the time, and I’d love to see you there!

Finally, if you gave your life to God during the reading of this book, or if you found your way back to a faith you’d let grow cold, send me a letter at
[email protected]
and write, “New Life” in the subject line. I encourage you to connect with a Bible-believing church in your area, and start reading the Bible every day. But if you can’t afford one and don’t already have one, write “Bible” in the subject line. Tell me how God used this book to change your life, and then include your address in your email. My wonderful publisher Zondervan has supplied me with free paperback copies of the New Testament, so that if you are financially
unable to find a Bible any other way, I can send you one. I’ll pay for shipping.

One last thing. I’ve started a program where I will donate a book to any high school or middle school librarian who makes a request. Check out my website for details.

I can’t wait to hear your feedback on
Learning!
Oh, and look for Bailey Flanigan’s Book No. 3:
Longing …
in stores this fall. Until then my friends, keep your eyes on the cross and remember this:

When you see just one set of footprints, God is most definitely carrying you.

In His light and love,
Karen Kingsbury

www.KarenKingsbury.com

1. What does the word
learning
stir in your heart? Explain.

2. Have you or someone you loved learned a major lesson lately? Tell about that.

3. What did you learn about growing in your faith by reading this book?

4. Explain how Bailey felt she was a failure after Chrissy’s death. Explain how you do or don’t relate to this personally. Share an example.

5. Have you ever felt like you failed God? Talk about that time.

6. What does God want us to learn when we feel we’ve failed Him?

7. The Bible tells us in Lamentations that God’s mercies are new every morning. How can that truth change the way we view our failures?

8. What lessons did Cody learn in this book? Describe the characteristics that make Cody so willing to help.

9. Do you know anyone like Cody Coleman? Talk about how they love to be needed, and what that has looked like in their lives.

10. What lesson from your childhood made the most impact on you? Why? 11. There is a cost to pursuing dreams. Lessons must always be learned along the way. What dreams did you have when you were growing up or what dreams do you still have, and how did God teach you lessons about those dreams?

12. The story of the Lyle High football team coming together to earn prize money for a sick girl with cancer was one that touched Cody deeply. Talk about what this part of the story meant to you.

13. Have you ever seen people come together to help someone in your church or family or community? Tell about that time.

14. Brandon Paul learned that our lives are but a mist that appears for a little while. What does that mean to you?

15. Did you learn anything from the character of Brandon? Do you think there are real-life celebrities like him? Why or why not?

N
O BOOK COMES TOGETHER WITHOUT A GREAT AND TALENTED
team of people making it happen. For that reason, a special thanks to my friends at Zondervan who combined efforts with a number of people who were passionate about Life-Changing Fiction™ to make
Learning
all it could be. A special thanks to Moe Girkins — whose commitment to excellence at Zondervan was unparalleled, and to Steve Sammons, who may be one of the only execs in publishing who actually gets the big picture of what we’re doing for the kingdom. Also, of course, a special thanks to my dedicated editor, Sue Brower, and to Don Gates and Alicia Mey, my marketing team. Thanks also to the creative staff and to the sales force at Zondervan who work tirelessly to put this book in your hands.

Also, thanks to my amazing agent, Rick Christian, president of Alive Communications. Rick, you’ve always believed only the best for me. When we talk about the highest possible goals, you see them as doable, reachable. You are a brilliant manager of my career, and I thank God for you. But even with all you do for my ministry of writing, I am doubly grateful for your encouragement and prayers. Every time I finish a book, you send me a letter that deserves to be framed, and when something big happens, yours is the first call I receive. Thank you for that. But even more, the fact that you and Debbie are praying for me and my family keeps me confident every morning that God will continue to breathe life into the stories in my heart. Thank you for being so much more than a brilliant agent.

A special thank you to my husband, who puts up with me on deadline and doesn’t mind driving through Taco Bell after a football game if I’ve been editing all day. This wild ride wouldn’t be possible without you, Donald. Your love keeps me writing; your prayers keep me believing that God has a plan in this ministry of Life-Changing Fiction™. And thanks for the hours you put in working with the guestbook entries on my website. It’s a full-time job, and I am grateful for your concern for my reader friends. I look forward to that time every day when you read through them, sharing them with me and releasing them to the public, lifting up the prayer requests. Thank you, honey, and thanks to all my kids, who pull together, bringing me iced green tea, and understanding my sometimes crazy schedule. I love that you know you’re still first, before any deadline.

Thank you also to my mom, Anne Kingsbury, and to my sisters, Tricia and Sue. Mom, you are amazing as my assistant — working day and night sorting through the mail from my readers. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Traveling with you these past years for Extraordinary Women and Women of Joy events has given us times together we will always treasure.

Tricia, you are the best executive assistant I could ever hope to have. I appreciate your loyalty and honesty, the way you include me in every decision, and the daily exciting website changes. My site has been a different place since you stepped in, and the hits have grown a hundredfold. Along the way, the readers have so much more to help them in their faith, so much more than a story. Please know that I pray for God’s blessings on you always, for your dedication to helping me in this season of writing, and for your wonderful son, Andrew. And aren’t we having such a good time too? God works all things to the good!

Sue, I believe you should’ve been a counselor! From your home far from mine, you get batches of reader letters every day, and you diligently answer them using God’s wisdom and His Word. When readers get a response from “Karen’s sister Susan,” I hope they know how carefully you’ve prayed for them and for the responses you give. Thank you for truly loving what you do, Sue. You’re gifted with people, and I’m blessed to have you aboard.

And to Randy Graves, a very special thank you. Randy, you and your family have been friends to our family for more than a decade, and now as my business manager and the executive director of my One Chance Foundation, you are an integral part of all we do. What a blessing to call you my friend and coworker. I pray that God always allows us to continue working together this way.

Thanks also to Olga Kalachik, my office assistant, who helps organize my supplies and storage areas, and who prepares our home for the marketing events and research gatherings that take place here on a regular basis. I appreciate all you’re doing to make sure I have time to write. You’re wonderful, Olga, and I pray God continues to bless you and your precious family.

I also want to thank my friends at Premier — Roy Morgan and your team, along with my friends at Extraordinary Women and Women of Joy. How wonderful to be a part of what God is doing through all of you. Thank you for including me in your family on the road.

Thanks also to my forever friends and family, the ones who have been there and continue to be there. Your love has been a tangible source of comfort, pulling us through the tough times and making us know how very blessed we are to have you in our lives.

And the greatest thanks to God. You put a story in my heart, with a million other hearts in mind — something I could never do. I’m grateful to be a small part of what you’re doing! The gift is yours. I pray I might use it for years to come in a way that will bring you honor and glory.