By Jason Hight
My wife started reading your books about three months ago. First of all, when she starts one of your books, it does not get put down until she has read the whole thing. Recently, she read, Waiting for Morning. Our family has been deeply affected by a drunk driver. Sherry’s youngest sister, Brenda, was 22 years old when she was killed by a repeat offender drunk driver going the wrong direction on the interstate. She had a 2-month old little girl at the time of the collision.
We have definitely waited for morning to come during this time in our lives. Why Brenda? Why our family? Sherry has often mentioned to me how your resounding theme throughout your books is so true, Great is thy faithfulness. I find her often humming it after she has read your books. Also, the verse in Jeremiah that speaks of God’s plans for our lives. She has told me that although she doesn’t really understand why Brenda was taken from this earth. God still has a plan for her and the rest of her immediate family. Her mom, dad, and sister are closer now than ever before. Don’t take for granted any day with your family. They are but a fleeting moment in time.
Thank you for your books. Thank you for inspiring my wife to love God and love her family. I know without a doubt she is a better Christian today from reading your fiction. If nothing else, I know the scripture references that you use in your books are clearly etched in her mind and thoughts.
P.S. If you pick her as a winner, I know without a doubt, she would take her only other sister, Christina. (The two of them together are something else to see)
By Veronica Farrar
My daughter, Amber Hessler, has been going through a very rough time this last year. Her husband of 9 years left her with three young daughters in February. The night he left, she was in the hospital threatening to take her own life. I was there with her and she kept crying, "I can't breathe without him!" It was a very trying time for all of us. I turned my daughter onto Karen's books. The first one was "One Tuesday Morning", and since then she reads them in one day.
I had the pleasure of meeting Karen in Archbold, Ohio on May 5th. Amber really wanted to come with me and the girl I went there with, but she couldn't find a sitter for her daughters. Karen talked to Amber on the phone for a few minutes, then when it was my turn to talk to Karen, I unceremoniously hung up on Amber. She called me back a few minutes later, and after yelling at me for hanging up on her, said through tears of joy, "Mom, you just gave me the greatest present ever." It made her feel so special to be able to talk to Karen on the phone instead of in person.
And now she's screaming, "I can't breathe without HIM!!"
Thank you Karen, for giving my daughter back to me.
By Susan Hollister
Susan is my very special wife, who is a stay at home mom and part-time K4 teacher. She has a unique bond with her mom, Frances, who set a strong Christian example and made sure that Susan could graduate college while she worked several jobs.
In March 2001, a week after the birth of our third child, Frances was diagnosed with Stage 5 breast cancer. Susan showed an understanding of God's will that was hard for her sisters and brother to comprehend. They could not fathom how she could find joy, knowing that Frances would die. Susan knew that her mom was eventually bound for a better place than here. After a year of chemo, recovery, and much prayer, Frances returned to a normal lifestyle and was soon cleared of cancer.
In August 2005 the cancer returned and was found to have metastasized to her spine. Frances was given only 5 months to live. About the same time, Susan found the Redemption Series, which mirrors many of the struggles we have seen in our family. These books touched my wife's life at a time when she needed it most. They served to reinforce that "love always wins out, no matter how long the struggle, a reminder that God reigns even in the darkest night."
Since then, Frances recovered yet again, despite the diagnosis of her doctors. 300 words are not nearly enough to detail all of the struggles we have faced over the last 6 years. Susan has read over 25 of your books, which have served to reinforce the values she learned from her mom. Winning this cruise would give Susan the chance she may never otherwise have to show her mom exactly how much she loves her and allow them to share a special trip together.
By Jimmy Stuck
I am writing this to enter my wife, Amy Stucky, in the “Make Karen Cry” contest. Your books have been a great source of inspiration and strength for her, have helped grow into the strong Christian woman that she is and have helped get her through some difficult times.
In the last ten years she has dealt with the sudden loss of a younger brother in a car accident, the loss of her parent’s home to a fire, the sudden death of her grandmother due to a heart attack and the loss of her mother after a long fight with brain cancer. Through all of this she has gone back to school to get her teaching certificate and is in her fifth year as a Special Education teacher. On top of all of that, she is an unbelievable mother to our ten-year-old daughter, an awesome wife and probably the toughest person I know both mentally and physically.
I think she should get to go on the Girls Getaway Cruise because in addition to being the best wife and mom in the world she might be the biggest Karen Kingsbury fan in the world as well. She buys every book the day it hits the shelves and usually reads them cover to cover without putting them down. Between Karen Kingsbury books she only reads other Christian authors and she only listens to Praise and Worship music so a cruise with Christian authors and artists would be a dream come true for her.
Thank you for considering my wife for this contest. She deserves it.
By Jamie Snyder
I have chosen to nominate my friend Mel Terwilliger for the Girl’s Getaway Cruise. She has purchased many of your books and shares them with everyone she knows both Christian and non-Christian. Mel is married to a pastor. Your books have changed her life by giving her a safe place to escape the demands of being a mother of three, the wife of a pastor, the secretary for PTA, a volunteer in the schools, an evangelist to everyone she meets, a host to Monday night football (her husband’s best ministry). While reading your books she gains spiritual truths and biblical principals that she shares openly with other moms.
Mel should get to go on the cruise because she has been one of your best marketing tools. She devours your books and tells everyone she knows about how they made her laugh, cry or challenged her thinking. Your books are so popular that there is a waiting list at the library, so if Mel gets a copy she reads it in a day and passes it on to several of her friends to enjoy before it is due. She buys your books and uses them as a ministry tool passing them on to both Christian and non-Christian women in her life. Mel is always giving of her time, resources, and talents. She always puts others first.
I hope she will be the one to receive a much needed cruise vacation with her favorite author. You will be blessed to spend time with my dear friend, Mel.
By Lisa Moore
I would love to talk to you about my mom. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer almost 6 years ago, and unfortunately this cancer is one of the hardest to overcome. We found out in February that her brain tumor she had removed a year ago has returned. She has been reading your books for a few years, and loves them. I know they encourage her whenever she reads one, but the one I know touched her the most was Reunion.
My mom is so much like Elizabeth. She is my dad's strength, and holds our family together, especially since I moved with my husband and her grandchildren far away to Virginia. She has a quiet strength and grace, and she has endured surgeries and chemotherapy for years without complaining or becoming bitter. She always has a smile ready and after you spend time with her you always feel encouraged. She reflects Christ in all she does, and shows His kindness and patience every day.
She wants to fight her cancer because she does not want to leave her grandchildren. She longs to see them grow every year, and see all their milestones. She lives for the times when she gets to have a visit with them, her face just glows. I know she also wants to be here to see my single sister find her soul-mate and sit in the front row at her wedding.
I know that Reunion was a book that impacted her because it helped her to wrestle with (and maybe she still does) the same emotions and questions that Elizabeth did. If you are ever blessed to meet her, you will meet the living version of your character.
By Betsy Oldham
I gave Jessica her first KK book to read when she was told to rest when pregnant with her 3rd child. In 8 years she had suffered through 8 miscarriages. I know this pregnancy worried her, also. Her family also made the decision to discontinue cable in their home. I gave her the Redemption series to entertain, yet encourage her. I knew these books would touch her because the experiences the characters have are so real.
The Baxters also suffer tragedy and heartache as my friend has. She read these 5 books so fast and wanted more of your books to read. Like myself, she instantly became addicted to your inspiring writing. Jessica deserves this trip because she has endured much in her life. She is the hardest worker I have ever met.
We taught school together and our rooms were across the hall from one another. We were both pregnant this time together. I prayed for this baby of hers all the time. I was new in town and we instantly clicked. We joked that we were twins separated at birth. We shared joys and sorrows together. She balances the life of wife, mom, and teacher better than anyone I've ever met. She's fantastic at all three jobs, which is no small feat.
I've recently had to move away and miss my friend dearly. We neither one realized the significance of our friendship until we were separated by distance. Even though life hasn't handed over her desires or dreams yet she continues to be strong in the Lord and work hard. Telling you why she deserves this in less than 300 words is like trying to measure with a ruler how high the sky reaches. By the way, our healthy daughters both turned a year old this past spring!
By Joyce Teeple
There is a very special generous lady who I would like to submit for your contest, Girls Getaway Cruise. Jane Drummer is a professional teacher who is over the age of retirement but because of her love for children and energy to help others Jane is still in full force teaching 3rd grade at Northwest Elementary in Decatur, Indiana.
There is a little boy, Ethan, who has Rhabdomyosaurcoma and is fighting this evil cancer but soon will be fighting for his life. Reunion, in the Redemption Series, touched my heart to tears as I read the life of Elizabeth. I was living each word and hanging onto hope with every page.
Hope had come in March for Ethan. An auction was held and Jane submitted and bought Ethan Teeple Forever in Fiction. The generosity of people brought in over $40,000.00 to help Ethan with his medical bills. Ethan was one year old when he was diagnosed and now is five. As this letter is written Ethan is on his way back to Riley Hospital to receive another dose of chemo. He is now receiving a trial drug which required last week a constant in and out at Lutheran Hospital.
Your books have touched many lives and I am one. Ethan’s mother, Autumn, introduced me to your books 2 years ago. You can vision how God’s hand has led each step down the path to your involvement in our family. When Jane Drummer came to the office that day and said you responded to her email Forever in Fiction I was ecstatic! “That is Autumn's favorite author”, I exclaimed.
The guestbook of caringbridge.org for your father, Ted, has been uplifting to look to heavenly promises. Ethan also, has a caringbridge site that will bring you to tears.
By Rose McCauley
My sister, Becky Villier, and I have always been close, especially after another sister died of cancer 4 years ago. A month ago I loaned her the Redemption series, and she has already read those 5 books and has ordered the Firstborn series for herself and all the family and friends she’s sharing them with.
Becky’s a special person to all she meets, giving unselfishly of herself no matter how tired she is after working two jobs. Bec is known for the smile on her face, but something happened two years ago that she and her family are still digging out from under--Hurricane Katrina.
They left New Orleans, their home for the past twenty-eight years, on August 28, planning to return the next day as they had several times before. Instead, they sat in a motel and watched their neighborhood flood. Becky and her three children moved to Kentucky for three months so the kids could attend school. Her husband had to stay in Baton Rouge with the steamboat he captains.
Bec used this time to start on the mounds of paperwork needed for the insurance company and the government. When they were reunited, the family of five lived in a tiny camper trailer for months until they received a small FEMA trailer. They remain in that trailer almost two years later.
Work on their house has been slow due to lack of workers, dishonest tradesmen taking advantage of the situation, and dwindling funds. Her husband’s job is in jeopardy due to slowdowns. Becky told him how the stories in the Redemption series taught her to pray that God’s will be done. Through it all, Bec has kept on working and taking care of her family. I can’t think of anyone who deserves to win this trip more.
By Sharlan Baldwin
My daughter, Chandra Jones, read Karen’s online book called No Matter When. She identified with the heroine so much that she cried. She has been questioning certain areas of her life and this book spoke to her. She and her husband have been working on their relationship to improve it and follow God. Also, she has been questioning her ability to write. She has started a book but has been dragging in finishing it because of self esteem in that area. No Matter When helped her to rethink her thinking about herself.
When she was finished with reading No Matter, she scoured your website looking for more to read. (They were having financial difficulty, so at that time she could not buy a book) She found your entry in your journal for March 26, 2007, about forgiveness and a situation that happened between you and your husband. She couldn't stop crying. You ministered to her concerning her relationship with her husband. Their struggle has taken a toll on them both, but God sent His message to them at the right time to strengthen and keep them standing.
You were used by God to be their minister at that time through your writing of No Matter and your journal entry in March. She now considers you to be her #1 Christian Author. There are others that are exciting to read also, but you, Karen, fed her soul.
Chandra should be chosen to go on this cruise, not only because she deserves it, but because I believe that she will receive strength spiritually and rest for her body and mind.
By Ellen Childs
My daughter, Karen Crooms is probably one of your dearest fans, because she has purchased and read just about every one of your books. After she reads the book, she can just about tell the entire story line just as it was written. Maybe when I get too old to read, she can tell me the entire story from the beginning to the end. I truly believe her faith in God has been strengthened through not only the miracles of many of your characters, but the scriptures that you quote in your books.
You see, three years ago Karen was diagnosed with MS. She refuses to believe that she has this terrible disease. If you knew her, you wouldn't believe it either because of her positive attitude and bubbling personality. She is a CPA and has never missed a day from work because of this disease.
When Karen was expecting her second child, she was on a prescription drug for a thyroid problem. She told her gynecologist and he wanted to perform several tests that Karen was unsure about. When she asked the doctor what they were for, he said, "Your baby could have a mental deficiency or other abnormities and you might choose to abort the baby."
Karen said, "Forget about this test, I'm a Christian and I wouldn't abort my baby under any circumstance." She now has a healthy, strong 10 year old, 5th grade son who has been at the top of his class since he started school. He has the same bubbly personality as his mom.
Karen's time is filled with work, her family, and church (she is assistant choir director). I honestly don't know how she has the energy to do all she does. I think she really deserves this cruise and it would be so wonderful for her.
By Henrietta Finch
I nominate Vivian Ratliff for the Karen Kingsbury
cruise. Vlivian eagerly reads each new book by Karen Kingsbury. Karen's books are a great inspiration and encouragement to her .Vivian has spent most of her life serving others. She is a widow of a pastor who went home to the Lord 12 years ago. She served the church faithfully along with her husband for 32 years. She has taught Sunday School for 55 years, and is still teaching Sunday School and several Bible Studies.
Vivian has volunteered in two nursing and retirement homes for 25 years. She now helps in the Alzheimer unit of a nursing home and has
been teaching a Bible study to the retired and disabled seniors in the same home for 23 years. Each Wednesday she goes to a Senior Citizen Center to teach a Bible study and help the seniors there. She has taken several young women into her home, led them to the Lord, and kept them until they could get out on their own.
One of the young women met a fine young man and had a beautiful wedding
on Vivian's large deck. Vivian's large family dearly loves and appreciates her, as do her friends. She is now 79 years old and still going strong. She gives the Lord all the credit for how He has used her and prays He will continue to use her until she goes to be with Him! She has served so long and so faithfully, I feel she is deserving of a reward!
By Marilyn Martin
My mother was always to "busy" to read and even made numerous comments that she just didn't enjoy reading. Last year, I introduced her to the Redemption series. She devoured the books and for the first time in my life, I saw my mother immersed in reading a fiction book! Karen, I have been a teacher for 17 years and have had the pleasure of teaching numerous children HOW to read. However, only you as an author.....through your captivating characters and fascinating plots could instill a LOVE of reading into the heart of my mother.
Why my Mom should win passage on the cruise: Public speaker Donna Partow talks about the analogy between a Musk Oxen and Christian women. When Musk Oxen hear the howling of the wolves which prey upon their young, the adult Musk Ox form a circle around their babes. NOTHING can destroy their young before breaking through their defensive circle.
My mom has been my "Mighty Musk Ox Princess Warrior" by protecting me with her prayers and the gift of a Godly inheritance for my past 42 years. She has formed a circle of spiritual protection around me, my sisters and extended family.
At this time, my mom is hearing the howls of some "wolves of discouragement" in her life. Her own mother is in failing health and needs a lot of physical support. My mother's brother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and my mom's only sister has a severe mental illness....resulting in a severed relationship between the two of them. It's time for me and my sisters to become the Musk Ox Warrior Princesses of my mom's lifetime....to approach the throne of grace and intercede for her!
By Pam Sheppard
My friend Dottie Tomlin is such a big fan of your books! I was given one of your books years ago, when I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and undergoing treatment. When my friend Dottie was diagnosed with the same disease about a year later, I felt that God wanted me to pass on the gift I had been given, so I gave Dottie one of your books.
She's been hooked ever since! She's so cute, she has a list of your books with the one's checked that she has read, and the one's still to buy, and when we go on day trips together, our first priority is to go hunting for Karen Kingsbury books!
Dottie was my next door neighbor before I relocated to Florida. She has lived alone except for her dog Prince, for many years following a very emotional divorce. After her thyroid operation, her dog became very ill and passed away, leaving her completely alone. Your books are such an inspiration to her, and I know the Lord speaks to her through your stories.
She gets up every morning at 5 am to read them, before getting ready for work. feel she should win passage on the Girls Getaway Cruise because at times she gets really depressed about being all alone, and needs the reassurance of other Christians to know that she is NOT alone, God is and will always be there for her.
I pray that she will be able to win this cruise!!!!
By Kari Whisner
Reunion was released in July 2004 as my entire family, including my grandparents, “Gran and Pa” headed to Myrtle Beach for our annual vacation. It was Gran, an avid reader who introduced her daughter, my mother, Terri Pribonic to the “Redemption Series” and you can only imagine Mom’s delight at having the book along to enjoy while sunning on the beach. Gran did not yet own a copy.
Mom enjoyed the book and it was the topic of her conversations throughout the week, often reading to us parts of the story that touched her heart. She longed to share the story with Gran despite Gran’s pleas of, “Don’t tell me!” Gran wanted to savor the book on her own, yet, couldn’t help being caught up in Mom’s daily updates on the Baxter’s.
When Elizabeth fully surrendered herself to God’s will the Holy Spirit ministered to Mom in a deep, indescribable way. Though she didn’t understand exactly…she knew God was requesting that same type of surrender of her.
Vacation ended, as did the book. Mom wanted Gran to read Reunion as she traveled home. Instead Gran encouraged Mom to re-read and highlight favorite passages; she did. It was one of their last moments together. Gran was killed in a car accident within days of our return home.
The highlighted, watermarked, sand filled, tanning oil stained book that had been the topic of their last conversations together was lovingly placed in Gran’s coffin. It was inscribed with a note expressing a daughter’s love for her mother as well as the joy of seeing her again; the grandest Reunion of all.
Since Gran’s death, Mom’s learned to surrender through the remarriage of her father, my sister leaving for college, my marriage, a first grandchild, and a job change.
By Jane Covey
Abigail, 6, in a car accident with her alcoholic father; Hannah, 10, abandoned by her mother, beatened by her aunt and uncle; Sarah, 9, severely abused and neglected by her family; Shelley, 11, severely emotionally disturbed; Ian, 6 months old, found strappped in a car seat in a closet; Martha,10, severely neglected; Kendra, 13, parents deceased, abandoned by her sister; Cayden , 11, beaten and neglected by a sadistic father and alcoholic stepmother; Olivia, 5, used as a human ashtray and very neglected; Mary, 2, left with strangers for months at a time; Aaron, 12, autistic and abandoned; Ruth 3 (?) abandoned on the streets; Peter, very ill and abandoned at the hospital as a newborn.
All these children had horrific beginnings. With God at her side, my sister, Ellen, adopted them one by one and provided them stability, love, guidance and a safe place to be a kid. (Ellen adopted the first six alone, the last 7 we adopted together).
With God's help and through your books, my sister has learned about the love of God, forgiveness, compassion, acceptance and tolerance. She often wondered how you were so assured of God's unconditional love and how she could have that in her own life.
The more books my sister read, the more she realized that God is there for all of us. The more she understood His love, the more she was able to give to her 13 adopted children.
The children now range in age from 5 to 28 years old. All are happy, healthy, miracles of God. Even though they endured horrific abuse and neglect, God watched over each and every one of these children. He had a plan for them.
With 13 special children, my sister needs this cruise.
By Dianne Lawrence
My sister Wanda's son, Robbie, retired from the Army after twenty plus
years of service two years ago. I shared your books EVEN NOW and EVER AFTER with her because the story was so close to what she has gone through with having a son in Special Forces.
Robbie played army with little plastic soldiers and toy guns from the time he was old enough to hold a gun. He always said he wanted to be an ARMY MAN when he grew-up. He has served in Desert Storm, Baghdad, Iraq and Afghanistan. The story in EVER AFTER where the Mom placed the toy soldier on her son Justin's casket was so real that it left Wanda crying uncontrollably thinking of the loss of so many Mothers and families.
This was something she could see herself doing. Although Robbie is retired, he is back in Afghanistan now working with the State Department training the men over there.
Wanda's daughter, Rhonda 43, had a stroke in February 2006. Rhonda's son Canie has Autism and Wanda is his primary caregiver for Rhonda to work.
Our Mother, who had Alzheimer's for over ten years, passed away August 10, 2006. On December 14, 2006 Wanda fell down her basement stairs. She had three fractures to her skull and multiple hemorrhages to the brain.
The doctors didn't think she was going to make it through the night. Praise God she did, but she still has a lot of problems that is going to take a long time to heal. She is my MIRACLE SISTER whom I love very much. These are only a few of the many reasons that I feel Wanda needs the Girls Getaway Cruise.
By Kelli Goodman
Zo Moore (my mother), not to long ago, got me started on your novels. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and a friend of hers thought she would find strength and understanding in your words. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two years ago and has been struggling ever sense. It started with a mammogram that showed nothing. Two months later there was a large lump. She had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.
Three months later she found out that despite her efforts to keep her breast she would need to have it removed. Her cancer was very aggressive and had spread into the lymph nodes. Within the last year her cancer has spread into her lungs and they have found cancer traces in her esophagus. We have been praying for a miracle, but, unfortunately, the miracle may be that we have her for this season. Until…God, in his infamous wisdom, takes her to a place where she is no longer in pain.
Most women think of Breast Cancer as a curable disease..well…not for my mother as it was not for Elizabeth Baxter. I think that reading your books have not only brought her closer to God but able to deal with the long road ahead. My mother may have given up on herself, and her disease, if she had not felt the strength of Elizabeth Baxter.
My mother is an outstanding person, not only kind to everyone she meets, but strong. As with Elizabeth Baxter, my mother would do anything for anybody. She cares about her family and loves being with them and her grandchildren.
P.S. I know that this is an award for a cruise. Unfortunately, my mothers health would not able her to go. My hope is not that you will consider her for the cruise….but…maybe for an HONORABLE MENTION.
By Pat Thompson
I am writing about my 15 year old daughter Portia. One year ago, my husband and I thought we had lost her to the teen years of sullen rebellion and emotional distance that we had hoped would skip our
family.
We knew that she was struggling with acceptance and insecurities. She began to refuse to go to church or have anything to do with God. Almost as if she had lost faith in the God of her childhood. She began to make up lies uncontrollably and refused to do her school work. Her grades suffered as her self esteem steadily declined. She withdrew into a shell of her former self.
My husband and I prayed for her and tried to find ways to pull her back toward us and God, but nothing seemed to work. We went to a bookstore to find some help on how to handle a rebellious teen, when we discovered a shelf of books by Karen Kingsbury. Portia has always loved to read.
A light bulb went off in our heads and we purchased several of the books. Upon reflection we now realize that these books were one of the instruments God used to help recapture the heart of His child.
Today, God has completely turned her heart around and she now has a very open and loving relationship with us and with the God of her childhood. Your books are truly life changing.
Portia is a gifted writer and was published at the age of 11. It would be very inspiring for her to be able to meet her favorite author as well as others who share her two passions, God and books.
By Sharon McWilliams
I want to tell you how it touched me to really see the Godly Mom that I have since reading your books. My Mom raised eight children with no help from my abusive father. She was told by her own mother “don’t come home with a baby in your belly”. She did not feel she had anywhere to go.
As I read the Redemption Series, Ashley’s parents were supportive, never judgemental. They listened to God speak to them for leadership in every situation. My Mom sought God thru His word and prayer. With all that she had to deal with, she made time to show us God’s love and mercy. She taught us we must praise God through storms as well as good times. My Mom and Elizabeth stood on God’s promises to protect their children and bring them back to Him.
My younger brother lost his fifteen year old son last August in an accident. Before the accident my Mom and I were at their home. My nephew made the comment “I am too young to die, I want to have fun”. I remember so well, how Mom ministered to him. I will never forget his words to her “You are right, Mama”.
My Mom may have not been told great things from many, but I know that through your books, she has touched me tremendously. My Mom has never been on a vacation and I promise if she wins this getaway, you will never forget her. God’s light shines inside and out of her.
By Elizabeth Rosenberger
“Take this,” said Peggy. “If you’ve never read a Karen Kingsbury book, then you need to.”
I thought it was because she was sharing something she enjoyed reading. After I read the book out of your Redemption series, I realized it was more than that. Being at the lowest part of my life with losing my mother to cancer, and my son at the height of a meth addiction, I was to worn out to pray and felt like my faith had died.
But what Peggy didn’t know, was instead of handing me a book, she was throwing out a lifeline to a drowning human being. After reading the first book, she brought me the others and I devoured them. And I can honestly say, that was the turning point for my faith and for my sanity.
Peggy deserves this. She is a hardworking woman who is family orientated and loves her grandchildren around her. She is always doing things for other people and putting herself last. And I know if she wins, she will take her daughter, and that’s the way it should be.
By Natalie Sutyak
Nine years ago, I received an unforgettable phone call. My dear friend, Lori was crying uncontrollably asking me to pray. I could barely make out the words through her sobs,"There's no heartbeat." They would check again tomorrow to make sure. My heart ached with her, as we both wanted to be mothers so badly, and I began praying that God would perform a miracle.
Tomorrow had to bring good news. But it wasn't meant to be. Heartbroken, Lori had her first miscarriage. Months later we found out we were going to have babies one month apart. But instead of enjoying our pregnancies together, she became the friend watching from the sidelines when she lost another baby. When my son was born and needed oxygen, Lori was there, standing at his side pumping the air to help him breathe. Miscarriage after miscarriage, she was my inspiration of faith.
I am certain that the birth of all three of my children was extremely difficult for Lori as she waited on the Lord to give her a child of her own. But she was so unbelievably strong. Throughout her years of hurt, Lori found comfort in reading. She could relate to the stories of tragedy, how people dealt with their pain, and kept their faith. Your books have a reoccurring verse that stood out to Lori, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you..."
True to His Word, they were finally able to adopt, and their three children are all close in age to ours. Now we are raising our children together, just like we planned. I believe my dear friend Lori should win a
Girls-Getaway Cruise to meet the author whose writing God used to encourage her through a very painful time.
By Leslie Lorentzen
I have never read one of your books. Which is rather pathetic, since I am trying to become a writer. But I will never forget the first time I heard your name praised. It was from my friend, Kim. She had started reading your "Redemption" series around the same time that her husband had started having an affair.
She thought he was acting bizarre and started sharing her suspicions with me. I didn't want to believe it could be true, because this man was my husband's best friend. One day the roof caved in on Kim. She was alone with three kids and fighting for everything she had. During this dark time of the soul Kim found comfort in your books even while her husband was treating her like dirt.
She read them after she and her husband reconciled. She read them as they fought a new battle for the healing of their marriage. She was veracious. It seemed to me your books were to her a salve to heal and a map to guide the way. Since then I can not help but think of your name with fondness. Knowing the gift of the word's God gave you in that series worked a miracle in the life of my friend.
The next book on my reading list will be yours, for what better words to emulate then those that have changed a life. And as for my friend and why she deserves this trip, after all she's been through who else could deserve a vacation?
By Jay Todd
I am writing to tell you about my wonderful wife, Christina. When I heard of your contest, I began to think of how I could express her worth in words. In my opinion, Proverbs 31:10 says it best: “For her worth is far above rubies.” With Christina, I experience the reality of this verse everyday. Christina is a perfect candidate for your contest since she meets both qualifications.
First, God has used your books to touch her life in many ways. As a teenager, Christina often struggled with depression. When she began to turn to the Lord, a godly woman gave her a copy of When Joy Came to Stay. As she read, God used this book to bring healing in her life and to draw her closer to Himself. Until this day, she reads every book you publish, and they continue to encourage her in her walk with Christ. Now, when she reads your books, she gets a much deserved “escape” from the busyness of life as a mother of two very active girls.
Second, in spite of my bias, I cannot think of another person who is more deserving than her. I am seminary student and work full-time to provide for my family. As a result, Christina has made innumerable sacrifices for our family. To her, they are not sacrifices because she is keenly aware of God’s faithfulness in our lives. She is a spectacular wife who encourages me constantly and a wonderful parent who displays the love of Christ to our girls. She inspires me to be a better husband, father, and man. It would be her dream to go on this cruise with you.
By Kathy Miller
Two years ago my sister-in-law Martha Carpenter ended up in the hospital with gastroparesis. Her life since then has drastically changed. She is very limited in the foods she can eat and then she can only have a few spoonfuls. She stays weak most of the time and gets dehydrated easy. She
has good days and bad days with the bad days ruling out the good.
During this time she has read ALL your books. They have brought her great pleasure. She told me one day that it made her see that everyone has problems and it made her feel that she is not alone. She has called me way in the night crying
and told me what has just happened in one of your books.
One night her daughter got up and Martha was sitting on the couch crying. She said, "Mom are you in that much pain?"
Martha said, "No, I just finished one of Karen Kingsbury's books."
Your books have brought her much joy and provided a way to spend her time while she has been coping with the new changes in her lifestyle. I think she would have given up if it hadn't been to looking forward to you next book. When she gets one she always calls and says ok i have finished it and it was the best.
I think she should go on the crusie so that she can meet you and be able to tell you in person the influence your books have had on her during these past two years. She gets so excited when we talk about you and I think this would just make her day even if she can't eat all the food on the
cruise.
By Jason Boehm
This year has been a difficult one for our family. Much like the story of your father, our five year old daughter’s heart stopped beating. CPR and defibrillators were used to try to restart her heart, and she was not given any hope of surviving. God, in His wisdom, chose not to give us a miracle. Lindsey died on November 7, 2006.
Through this, my wife Laura has glorified her Heavenly Father. Tragically, though, her earthly father was diagnosed with terminal cancer two weeks later, and he passed away in January. While her pain and trials have been enormous, she is not my nominee for the cruise.
In 2000, the day after my father’s funeral, Laura and I discovered that we were pregnant with Lindsey. My mom accepted this news as a gift from God, and she and Lindsey had an incredible bond. When Lindsey died last year, the Lord took His gift home and left my mom with an incredible longing for Heaven. Despite her own tragedies, when she heard of your contest, my mom emailed my wife, “Enter – I can’t think of anything anyone else could write that could win.” But that’s my mom; she always considers others above herself.
Karen, you are my mom’s favorite author. I know this because she shares all of your books with my wife. I also know because she showed me the picture of you and her at a book signing in Alabama. My mom was in tears in the picture because she had just shared Lindsey’s story with you, which, I understand, is similar to your son’s situation. I know how much of an inspiration your books have been to her. I can’t think of anyone who could use this cruise more than my mom, Liz Boehm.
By Katie Zimmerman
I would like to share with you how God has used your books to touch the heart and change the life of my dear friend and sister-in-law…Paula!
I don’t know exactly when Paula came to Christ, but it is evident that God has used your books to make a profound impact in her spiritual walk! Your writing, Karen, has inspired Paula to seek the Lord with all of her heart!
Your God-given talent for writing gives your readers the ability to relate to your characters emotionally, physically, intellectually…and spiritually. So often, Paula calls to share what God has laid on her heart through the reading of one of your stories and, through tears…and laughter, shares how God is using your characters to challenge her and impress His truths upon her heart!
Selflessness is one of Paula’s many beautiful attributes! She has shown loving compassion, comfort and support to countless people, sharing the love of Jesus through serving with Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, family resource centers, nursing homes and church. She has also helped children through programs such as Compassion, Feed My Starving Children, Toys for Tots and Operation Christmas Child….all of this while struggling daily with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Over the past 10 years, Paula has experienced daily weakness of the arms and legs, pain, body numbness, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Through it all, she keeps her eyes focused on Jesus and presses onward! Paula’s life is a worthy example to emulate! Thank you, God, for blessing Paula through Karen and helping her to know and feel Your presence!
By Joy Ryan
My mother in law Nenia has changed my life as well as many others using your books. I had a difficult time growing up and like many others had grown apart from God. I moved back and forth from Washington state and New York after my parents divorce when I was thirteen.I lived anywhere from their houses to friends and relatives and even a shelter.
Now I know others are worse off in this world but at that time it was huge to me and instead of clinging to God I ran in the opposite direction. During the time I was dating my now husband Adam I was living with my father. The house became unsafe due to his drug use and sometimes abusiveness because of his addictions. Adam's parents took me in and gave me my own room that happened to have all of your books.
Nenia gave me the Redemption series to start with and after finishing the first book I realized a couple of things. I had found my love for reading again but more than that I had found my love for God again. I believe that she should win this because she deserves to have something nice done for her since she does so much for everyone else.
She has always wanted to go on a cruise and what better cruise than one with her favorite author? She is an amazing mother in law who's shown me many things but most important what it is to live life for God. Your books along with Nenia's inspiration brought me back to God and changed my life. Finally I just want to thank you for using the gift God has given you and changing lives everywhere with your writing.