What people left the deepest impressions on you?
Did they impair your ability to experience life to the full?
Or did they impact you for good, pushing you in the right direction?

After reading my last blog, 
some of you took the time to go met Joel’s Wife 
(by going the Book Description tab and moving to the entry). 
If you read the description, you already know that Joel’s wife, Jerusha, had both kinds of influences. 
If we look carefully into our own lives, I suspect all of us would find some of each: bad and good.

Perhaps you feel that you had more than your share of negative influences. 
Maybe right now you are feeling discouraged, frustrated, and tired of trying to break free of your past. 
If so, you will immediately identify with Jerusha. 
But as you continue reading, 
I hope you will also find hope and encouragement as you see God at work in Jerusha’s life.

Others of you may be feeling extremely grateful for the undeserved blessing you have received 
through those who have touched your life in positive ways. 
Walking with Jerusha, may increase your compassion and understanding of those who face great challenges.

But regardless of your situation, 
I pray that watching God at work in Samuel’s family will increase your desire 
to be a person who passes on an empowering legacy that will inspire others to live their lives to the full.

One example of such a gift is seen in Loretta Dion Williamson, 
wife of the Superintendent of the Evangelical Methodist Church. 
Like Hannah and Jerusha, 
Loretta left a lasting legacy, not only for her family but the people of God. 
Just about a year ago, after a long battle with cancer, she went to be with the Lord. 
Her warm and loving ministry in the days of her health and vitality 
may not have been any greater 
than the glowing testimony she bore through her years of struggle, disappointment, and pain.

Loretta enjoyed my first two novels and wrote this commendation for Joel’s Wife. 
“I've read both of Arlene's books and found them to be biblically accurate and well written. 
If you read one you'll want to read them all. 
She has great insight on what it might have been like to live in biblical times. 
She is an amazing writer.”

What impressions will you leave of the lives of those who know you?
Will it be an imprint of your own creation?
Or will you allow God to edit the story of your life, creating a life that exudes the glory of God?

I’m excited that some of you have inquired about the book launching. Hope you can come.

You are invited to a Book Launching presenting
Arlene Ussery’s third novel: Joel’s Wife
and Hannah’s Promise Devotional and Discussion Guide
to be used with the novel, Hannah’s Promise
Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 10:30 AM
New Hope Community Church
3041 Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731

Church phone: (626) 442-2554

RSVP appreciate by not required

“I really liked your book,” an unknown woman said behind me 
as I dried my hands in the ladies’ room.
“I can’t pick just two things to practice from your speech,”
said an attendee as I walked out of the conference room, “It was all so good!”
"I'll never forget you as long as I live!” said a young man,
“You said things I really needed to hear.”
 
These are a few of the “treasures” I brought home a few weeks ago
from the CMTA Impact Convention in Pasadena. 
Then after my last blog, I also received comments. 
Some, you can see in the April 26 post.  
Others, here below, are from email responses.
A hard-working city servant was truly "at the end of her rope”
 when the blog came and encouraged her.
Another person has applied insights from the stress workshop
and has found peace in a very stressful situation.
Then a barren woman who read Hannah’s
Promise almost a year ago 
recounted how that story healed her pain--
and now she is five and a half months pregnant!
Appreciative words.   (Can you see me smile?)
Exactly what I need to motivate me to put in long hours alone 
to produce the next novel and the first devotional study guide.
 
Appreciative words are true treasure for a novelist, a speaker— 
and for anyone else.
Appreciation refreshes the heart like cool water in a desert. 
How long has it been since someone expressed appreciation for you?
How did it affect you?
Did you let it sink in so that it could feed the roots of your soul?
I hope so.
 
How long has it been since you expressed appreciation to another?
Do you make it a habit of letting people know you noted their kindness, 
that you value their efforts to make your life more pleasant?
Many times we don’t take the time to think
about how much the contributions of others enhance our  lives.
But what if we did?
Would being more thankful add joy to our own lives?
Might gratitude make us more pleasant to be around?
 
And if we took time to express our appreciation, 
how would it benefit those whom we encourage?  
Could our words be the dew that puts sparkle back into their eyes, 
the shower that lifts drooping shoulders?
 
Let’s do the world a favor,
ourselves as well.
Just for today, let’s liberally voice our joy at others’ kindnesses to us.
Let’s note how it affect us, how it affects that person, how it affects our environment.

Then, sometime when we have a quiet moment today— 
driving, dressing, walking, bathing, or preparing a meal--
let’s think back to someone whose kindness made a lasting impression on  us.
What would happen 
if we found a way to express our appreciation to them— 
or to those close to them, if they are no longer with us?
Could drawing attention to their contribution reactive its power to bless? 
Most of all, let’s habitually thank God for those who encourage us
for all those He uses to lift our spirits from day to  day.
 
P.S.  And don’t forget—Sunday is Mother’s Day!  (At least in the USA)