tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post4007826185238026643..comments2023-10-21T07:52:07.859-04:00Comments on Overcoming With God: Interview with Serena MillerCarrie Fancett Pagelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-36001143310855919542011-12-03T13:39:32.354-05:002011-12-03T13:39:32.354-05:00Congrats Nora!!!Congrats Nora!!!Anne Paynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16326796364748948854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-18054914487919603722011-12-02T20:43:26.205-05:002011-12-02T20:43:26.205-05:00Well, Nora, I was hoping you'd win on the firs...Well, Nora, I was hoping you'd win on the first drawing and random.org selected your number!!! Congratulations on winning a copy of one of Serena's books!Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-43869353447569001732011-12-02T20:40:43.510-05:002011-12-02T20:40:43.510-05:00Laura Frantz, dear friend, thanks so much for comi...Laura Frantz, dear friend, thanks so much for coming by and for your kind comments. That has to be one of the many blessings of being a published author with Revell - getting to meet all those other wonderful authors and getting to preview their books for endorsement!Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-6305702178795627682011-12-02T20:37:22.383-05:002011-12-02T20:37:22.383-05:00Karen and Jo, we will enter your names! You too, ...Karen and Jo, we will enter your names! You too, A Joyful Chaos! Nora, you are so right! I appreciate you coming by to share with us.Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-20878596802779081102011-12-02T20:33:38.472-05:002011-12-02T20:33:38.472-05:00Hey Laura H - I was one of your crit partners duri...Hey Laura H - I was one of your crit partners during that horrible time and we sure did put up a lot of prayers! So glad to see you out there publishing your books! Thanks so much for coming by, Laura!Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-42770312184095675632011-12-02T11:22:07.427-05:002011-12-02T11:22:07.427-05:00I would love an opportunity to win one of these bo...I would love an opportunity to win one of these books. Fascinating interview. <br /><br />I'm a cancer survivor--I know a little of what your husband suffered.<br /><br />vernetlh (at) yahoo (dot) comlollipopshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13795604276462398576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-88361598652757062592011-12-02T09:02:22.986-05:002011-12-02T09:02:22.986-05:00Thanks for the great interview. Another book that ...Thanks for the great interview. Another book that sounds like it is going to be very interesting from another author who is new to me. I just love finding all these new authors and new books. <br /><br />Blessings,<br />Jo<br />ladijo40(at)aol(dot)comJohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09701821129126576340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-36890167338778843332011-12-01T21:26:06.029-05:002011-12-01T21:26:06.029-05:00Thanks for the interview and giving us a peek in t...Thanks for the interview and giving us a peek in to this new authors life and books. I loved what Serena said about her books, "I heard an author once say that she wasn’t trying to save the world with her stories, she was simply trying to brighten someone’s weekend. That is my goal, too. I try to create a safe place into which a reader can retreat, with a sigh of relief. As I write, I always mentally write for a weary nurse walking around with my paperback in her pocket, looking forward to the respite of losing herself in a different world for a few minutes during her hurried lunch. I hope the book will take her on an adventure that will end in an uplifting of her spirits, a greater appreciation of our Lord, and hope for the future."<br /><br />Yes, it's nice to know that you can retreat to a "safe" place and get away from the cares of this world. Christian Fiction doesn't have to be preachy but just plain safe and fun!<br /><br />I look forward to reading your books.<br /><br />Blessings<br /><br />Nora :o)<br />The Book Club NetworkThe Book Club Network - TBCNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16607319515427572279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-11276664811997893832011-12-01T18:28:32.546-05:002011-12-01T18:28:32.546-05:00a great posting...thanks for the chance to read th...a great posting...thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel :)<br /><br />karenk<br />kmkuka at yahoo dot comkarenkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01059861255253991778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-26402628214451384222011-12-01T14:43:58.442-05:002011-12-01T14:43:58.442-05:00This sounds like a great read! Thanks so much for ...This sounds like a great read! Thanks so much for doing the review, I would love to have this book!A Joyful Chaoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13647481484192797931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-90646041018704631962011-11-30T13:14:15.340-05:002011-11-30T13:14:15.340-05:00Serena, you are so right - all we must have is fai...Serena, you are so right - all we must have is faith like a mustard seed and God will do the rest! Bless you for your transparency. God is so good. I am so looking forward to reading your latest book!Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-3483237112583380162011-11-30T13:13:43.339-05:002011-11-30T13:13:43.339-05:00Yep, Julie. You certainly did! Sometimes a person ...Yep, Julie. You certainly did! Sometimes a person says the right thing at just the right time--even when they don't have any idea they're doing it:-) <br /><br />Speaking of which--I'm judging my first contest ever this week. Remembering back to how badly my hands shook each time I opened an envelope with the results of a writing contest--I'll try to be extra aware of how much a compassionate judge's words can mean to an unpublished writer:-)Serena Millerhttp://www.serenabmiller.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-70755140790217415222011-11-30T11:44:39.895-05:002011-11-30T11:44:39.895-05:00SERENA!!! Truly??? I judged you in a contest?? I t...SERENA!!! Truly??? I judged you in a contest?? I thought your name just sounded familiar because I've seen you around on blogs. I am SO thrilled I was able to encourage you and this makes me chomp at the bit all the more to read about Katie Calloway!! And, YES, if you go to ACFW, PLEASE lets meet, okay?<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-75362220285255992072011-11-29T23:13:02.830-05:002011-11-29T23:13:02.830-05:00Pam, Anne, and Judy--
I feel like it might be goo...Pam, Anne, and Judy--<br /><br />I feel like it might be good to tell you that I never once felt like I had a particularly strong faith. It usually felt like I was barely keeping my head above water both emotionally and spiritually. But I did learn something from that. <br /><br />I discovered that God's love and grace even covers the bad times when we are struggling to trust Him. When we cannot muster much faith at all.I believe it is wise, when one is under great stress, to sometimes allow ourselves to simply allow ourselves to rest as much as possible--to not try to manufacture faith. <br /><br />There were times during the darkest days when my head was stuffed too full of fear for me to even be able to pray a comprehensible prayer. For awhile I was deeply ashamed of what I considered was my lack of faith. Then a more mature friend than I informed me that I didn't have to strong all the time. That it was okay to float upon the prayers of my friends when I needed to, and to rest in the knowledge that no matter what happened...God was still God, and I was not. <br /><br />Sometimes my faith was (and is) much less than a mustard seed, but God is a keeper of promises and He said that he would never forsake us.Serena Millerhttp://www.serenabmiller.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-57375030532598925502011-11-29T19:08:51.220-05:002011-11-29T19:08:51.220-05:00Hi Teresa--thanks so much for your kind words abou...Hi Teresa--thanks so much for your kind words about my Sugarcreek book. I tried very hard to make it as accurate as possible without losing the storyline. I spent so much time in the real Sugarcreek, Ohio village, it became a sort of home-away-from home and I miss it when I'm not there. <br /><br />Having your husband collapse while singing a song to his sons on Father's Day sounds like a nightmare. I am thrilled for you that he is okay now. Sure does make a wife appreciate each day of normality, doesn't it? What a blessing that he's gotten to watch his boys grow up!Serena Millerhttp://www.serenabmiller.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-16473596046013196442011-11-29T17:27:18.979-05:002011-11-29T17:27:18.979-05:00What a great interview, very powerful story! Great...What a great interview, very powerful story! Great reminder to keep faith in the Lord!! I have yet to read anything by Serena, thanks for the chance to win!<br /><br />Courtney<br />kcmelone at yahoo dot comCourtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-58285425231112692192011-11-29T10:43:12.646-05:002011-11-29T10:43:12.646-05:00Wow, what a powerful interview. I am so happy Ser...Wow, what a powerful interview. I am so happy Serena that God has given your husband more time on Earth. God isn't finished with him yet. Your testimony of holding on to your faith in tough times has put me to shame. We are going through difficult and uncertain times right now and even though I haven't lost my faith I haven't trusted the Lord fully by turning my burdens over to Him. I hope this makes sense. I Love the Lord with all my heart and it hurts when I let Him down. Satan is right there trying to put doubts and fears into our hearts and our minds. He isn't allowed to do that to me. Jesus and I won't let him.<br /><br />God Bless you in your writing!<br />Judy B<br />judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]comJudyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15662361293867445784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-31122216370276332732011-11-29T09:12:31.939-05:002011-11-29T09:12:31.939-05:00Anne, my RA is not happy with me and we'll see...Anne, my RA is not happy with me and we'll see how much blogging I can do. I am so please to announce that we have a new contributor coming on - Teresa Mathews plus our friend Marian Baay from the Netherlands will be sending us regular Friend on Friday posts! I am so grateful for the people he has sent our way, including you, Anne!!!Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-38388032010588031712011-11-29T04:49:40.548-05:002011-11-29T04:49:40.548-05:00This is such a soul-stirring interview! My heart i...This is such a soul-stirring interview! My heart is heavy and I will cling to that verse Serena mentioned, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." All Scripture is perfect but sometimes there is one that just jumps out and today it is this one. Thank you, Carrie & Serena, for your transparency and willing spirit to minister! Blogging takes time and effort, of which I am sorely lacking right now, but this is the one blog I come to each day and it never fails to encourage :)Anne Paynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16326796364748948854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-90299598816979949002011-11-28T22:44:59.411-05:002011-11-28T22:44:59.411-05:00I'd like to win 'Love Finds You In Sugarcr...I'd like to win 'Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio'.<br /><br />frequentreader19 (at) gmail (dot) comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-35240882169491336932011-11-28T21:50:52.488-05:002011-11-28T21:50:52.488-05:00Happy anniversary to one of the dearest ladies I k...Happy anniversary to one of the dearest ladies I know! Serena's next book is due to be released on the day of my 39th wedding anniversary. Yes, we got married when we were 3 yrs old. LOL! Just kidding, but we were young!Diana Flowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17127629740742628849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-24311132582984317462011-11-28T21:19:38.353-05:002011-11-28T21:19:38.353-05:00Teresa, Isn't that something how God was able ...Teresa, Isn't that something how God was able to work that out in your life and in Serena's life? Praise God! I celebrated my 24th anniversary with my husband today and I cannot imagine going through that with him. But God knows what we are able to endure. As Serena said - Though He slay me...Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-58630128765366295772011-11-28T21:17:51.657-05:002011-11-28T21:17:51.657-05:00Faye, Thanks so much for sharing that. I am start...Faye, Thanks so much for sharing that. I am starting on it as soon as I am done reading The Chamomile, a colonial by Susan Craft. I cannot wait to read Serena's book!Carrie Fancett Pagelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09096954464239963966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-75781495910755614222011-11-28T20:09:43.563-05:002011-11-28T20:09:43.563-05:00Lovely interview! I just loved Ms. Miller's Th...Lovely interview! I just loved Ms. Miller's The Measure of Katie Calloway, one of my favorite reads this year :)<br /><br />crazi.swans at gmail dot comFaithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03150290024386704712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713519582170578996.post-10358382060692170302011-11-28T19:31:49.082-05:002011-11-28T19:31:49.082-05:00Serena, I am thankful not only that your husband i...Serena, I am thankful not only that your husband is now in remission but that you both chose to trust God even in this most difficult time of suffering. I've been going through my own rough time but I keep having to make that conscious decision to trust God, no matter what. I am thankful He loves us and has it all in control!<br />Both books look good but if I won, I'd choose The Measure of Katie Calloway. I like books about women who find their strength in the Lord. <br />pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]netPam K.noreply@blogger.com