Today, I want to
introduce you to another writer friend, Karen Jordan, and her first book, Words
That Change Everything.
Karen is a wife to a newly retired guy, mother
of two, grandmother of seven, teacher, speaker and friend. When I met her in
a local Christian writers' organization, one of the things that impressed me
most was her teacher's heart and the way she encouraged us to write our own
stories--even the one that might be hardest to tell. I love the way Karen practices what she preaches.
As I read Words
That Change Everything, I was touched by Karen's transparency and
encouraged by the way she turned to God's Word to chase away the fears and
negative emotions that surfaced during her most trying times.
In the true
teacher's spirit, Karen gives us a blueprint for facing and corralling our own
worst reactions to life's trials through
REST.
- Remember our great
God and His promises.
- Exalt Him for who He is and His faithfulness.
- Surrender
to Him completely.
- Trust Him.
The following is
taken from an interview made available by her publisher Leafwood Publishing.
Author Spotlight on KAREN JORDAN
Words That Change Everything:
Speaking Truth to Your Soul
Who is the book
primarily for?
Women desiring true
peace and relief from overwhelming worries and stress, who are tired of
pretending all is well on the outside while silently suffering on the inside.
What do you love to
write and what inspired you to start?
I love to write
nonfiction, especially memoirs and devotionals. Reading Christian books that
contained the faith stories of others inspired me to take a class on writing
for publication while attending seminary. Then, when one of my stories from
that class was accepted for publication, I considered submitting more stories
for publication.
How and where do
you write?
I love to write
surrounded by nature outdoors or in a room with a view of the lake.
Where do you find
inspiration?
Observing God's
work in creation and hearing or reading the faith stories of others.
Who has inspired
you most?
Besides the Lord—my
husband, Dan. He has stood by me through the good times and the bad. He’s
behind the scenes in most of the stories I’ve written. I know I can always get
an honest response from him. I’m so grateful for his prayerful support and
encouragement.
Talk about
mentoring and the creative process.
Since I’m also a
writing instructor, I know the importance of getting feedback in the writing
process. But I also know the value of gleaning wisdom from someone else’s
experience and knowledge. Plus, I believe that God’s Word calls all
Christ-followers to encourage others in the faith and share their faith stories.
What in your
growing up years fed your desire to write?
I always loved
reading autobiographies and biographies. [I know, weird, right?] And I always
loved to listen to people tell the stories that mattered most to them,
especially their faith and family stories.
How do ideas for
books or storylines or characters come to you?
I’m also compelled
to write the stories that matter most to me, especially my faith and family
stories. And sometimes the ideas come when I least expect them—as I recognize a
need that I might be able to address, discover an inspirational thought or
truth, or think of a memory that I want to share.
What a-ha moments
have shaped your life and writing?
At some of my
lowest points in life, God Word’s has pulled me out of the trenches of negative
thinking, despair, and hopelessness, as he guided me to the truth. And as I try
to encourage other women with the lessons I’ve learned in the waiting rooms of
life, his Word continues to speak truth to my soul when my own logic fails me.
What legacy would
you like to leave?
I hope to leave a
legacy of faith—that is why I write about my faith stories. I think this
scripture best expresses the reason I write my stories: “Write this down for
the next generation so people not yet born will praise God” (Ps. 102:18 The
Message).
How do you want
your reader to feel after closing your book?
As people read Words
That Change Everything, I pray they will be encouraged and inspired to
find REST and peace, as they seek the Word of God for themselves.
What deep
underlying truth do you want your reader to know?
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil
4:5-7 NIV)
How do your readers
encourage you?
I love it when I
hear that something I’ve written has encouraged someone. The writing life is a
bit discouraging at times when I don’t get feedback. So, just one word of
encouragement can make my day better.
Which form of
social media, if any, do you enjoy using the most? (Blogs, twitter
and Facebook fan page)
I hope you'll check out her book on Amazon or Lifeway. It will bring peace to your soul.
Write this down for the next generation so people
not yet born will praise God:
Ps.
102:18
Copyright © Reflections from Dorothy's Ridge 2016. All rights reserved
Labels: Christian, Christian Maturity, Inspirational, New Authors
