In 2005, my sister Mary and I began talking about writing a book together. Our children were mostly grown, some married with children themselves. They were asking for advice, and we wondered if sharing our mothering experiences might make a helpful book. It wouldn’t be a compilation of quotes from experts or the experiences of other moms but simply what worked and what didn’t in raising our 14 kids.
(17 first cousins: Mary’s 7 — my 7 — our brother Tom’s 3)
After months of discussion, our first official meeting finally took place on September 27, 2006, during which we spent time praying over our book idea and recording names of women who might pray along with us. We created a statement of purpose and began making notes.
But life got in the way. My family moved from our home of 29 years to a much smaller place and had to focus on eliminating and concentrating. Shortly thereafter, Nate got sick, and in a whirlwind of upheaval and grief, he passed away.
While we were still reeling, Mary and Bervin’s home of 40 years sold, and they too were eliminating and concentrating to make a move. Then shortly after that, Mary learned of her pancreatic cancer and began treatment with major surgery and 6 months of chemo. During these same years, the two of us greeted 19 new grandchildren and 6 new in-law children. Our book was firmly stuck on the back burner.
But now, 10 years after our first book-discussion, God suddenly began giving me a repeated prompt: “How about that book on mothering?”
Since my book of prayers for widows is in its final editing stage, I began praying extensively about resurrecting Mary’s and my book. “Lord, should we really try to do it?” But as always, he was way ahead of me and was all set with his answer.
Two weeks ago, I was listening to a sermon while readying for the day, glancing at my open Bible now and then. When the preacher referenced Proverbs 4:23, I turned there and found brackets and a star at that exact verse. I’d also written a note there, 8 years ago:
“Whatever my assignment from God, I must focus intently on it and do it without distractions, gazed fixed, looking directly ahead. 11/07 (Mary’s and my book).”
I’ve often wished that after I’ve prayed about something, God would just send me a letter with his answer. This was pretty close!
What were the odds I’d hear that particular sermon referencing that particular verse after that particular week of prayer about the book? What were the chances I’d have even chosen that particular Bible to use that day, of the many I own? No other Bible had that particular note in it.
Immediately I thought about the Lord watching me write in that margin in 2007 while knowing he was going to impact me with it in 2015. Only God…
And so I stepped into his directive, “gazed fixed on the book,” and talked to Mary. These days she is feeling tip-top, another fact that defies all odds. But with God, who believes in odds? She shared my excitement about revisiting our book and was all for walking through the door God had re-opened.
So… as we move forward “looking directly ahead,” I will be the writer; Mary will be the organizer, fact-checker, side-bar creator, and brains behind the words. In order to find new writing time, though, I’ll need to dial-back on blog posts for a while. Though I may blog occasionally, it will no longer be 5 posts a week.
This decision was a difficult one, since I feel attached to you readers and look forward to blogging each day. But I’ll continue to pray for you, and you’ll be on my mind daily. Also, I promise that if anything changes with Mary’s health, I will immediately resume regular blogging. Meanwhile, concerning Mary, you can assume that NO news will always be GOOD news!
As for our book? Stay tuned….
“Show me your ways, Lord…. Guide me in your truth and teach me….” (Psalm 25:4,5)
You cannot possibly have known how I have benefitted, every day, from your blog. God has often used your writing in my life, and I am so thankful for it and for you! Your faithfulness to Him has made, and will continue to make a difference. Thank you!
I am so excited that your new book is almost ready! I have been praying for you as you have been writing it, knowing that your insights will continue to be a great encouragement to me and many others. I am two days away from the second anniversary of Ted’s homegoing, and you have been a major source of hope and healing for me on this journey, always pointing me to Jesus and his great love and comfort. Thank you, Margaret! The new book by you and Mary sounds wonderful, and the two of you will make a great team as you share your experiences of raising your families while reflecting God’s wisdom. I’ll continue to pray for both of you!
Hi Margaret-
I read your posts every day and without fail, the Lord teaches me something or has me make application. I will miss the daily bread, but I completely understand intently focusing on this new direction that will impact families for generations while the Lord tarries.
“Listen, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children,
but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,
which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,that they may arise and tell them to their children,that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.”
Psalm 78:1-6
Will be in prayer for the impetus and direction and contents of this book, that the Lord will give you the pen of a ready writer, that the Holy Spirit will breathe His breath into its pages and that He will continue to give you both good health as you work together on this project.
Much love to you,
Tery
We have been especially thinking of Mary as of late. ” BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD ” that she is doing so well. JIm/Pearl Glauser.
How beautiful the Lord weaves everything together!
I too, will miss your daily blog, but I know the Lord is calling you to work on your “mothering” book. It is truly exciting to be a follower of Jesus!
I am very thankful that Mary is doing so well.
Yay! I have wished quite a few times you would write a book to share your wisdom on mothering. I am so excited that you and Mary are planning to do just this. And I am so thankful Mary is feeling well. Will keep you and Mary in prayer.
A friend recommended your blog when I was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. I’ve enjoyed following your family and your journey. Thank you for your inspiration of “getting through this”.
Margaret–looking forward to your new book. Also, I can’t imagine a more well equipped team than you and Mary for a discussion on parenting!
Your blogs have been very thoughtful and inspiring for me and I will miss them. Knowing you and Mary are engaged in your work will be wonderful–you both will continue in my prayers, but with a new focus!
So looking forward to reading the new book(s). Praying and trusting the Lord to use you both as His vessels! Thank you for saying, ‘Yes Lord’ and putting into writing how He guided and directed your family’s journeys. May you be richly blessed for blessing us. Love to you and Mary.