T.O.P.'s Tuesday: YOU Encourage Me

If you are a faithful reader to the blog then you are used to me sharing how YOU encourage me. Today is another one of those days. 

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to speak at the New York State Reading Association's Delegates Assembly. It was a lot of fun. I reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and shared about writing and books. Their theme this year was "Sisters". Everyone at the assembly brought a "sister" book to share. These books ranged from early readers to adult fiction and non-fiction. I wrote down a few titles as did my daughter who joined me for the evening. 

After my presentation and the evening's meeting I had time to visit with those in attendance and even sold a book. The sale was a blessing but it was hearing the ladies stories of loss , finding hope, and the healing they experienced that truly brought me joy and encouragement. 

Since I started to speak and share with others over six years ago, it still amazes me to see how sharing from my heart with honesty (sometimes too much, lol) how it frees those listening to share their own heart aches and pains. They understand they aren't alone and there is hope and most importantly it is possible to survive loss and tragedy.

One woman bought a copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey to read and we enjoyed a nice conversation. Within the week I heard from her. She thanked me for writing the book and how it encouraged her. Then what she said next encouraged me, she asked, "Can I order 5 more copies please? Others need to read this." Wow...a blessing I'm still counting almost three weeks later. This is a compliment and answer to prayer.

As I wrote Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey I prayed for God to use the words within it to encourage, uplift, and inspire at least one person. God continues to answer this prayer four years later. I'm thankful and this is a blessing I count. As I communicated with this woman via the Internet she introduced me to PayPal and because of our connection, I'm now able to take orders for books and accept payments through PayPal. 

We were doubly blessed...I love it when it's a win-win, don't you?
We both were encouraged and learned something new...

Thank you for encouraging me!
Have you been encouraged lately?