Angie, welcome to Overcoming With God. We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.
Would you tell us about the one of the most difficult things in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
About three years ago, my husband and I went through a very low point in our marriage. For about a year, we even questioned whether we should stay married or not. It was a very difficult time, and I still feel the residual from emotional wounds inflicted by both of us.
What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?
Isaiah 61:3- and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
What helped you get through or helped you cope with this difficulty?
The people around me helped me cope with this difficulty. I have dear friends—some who are writers and know my heart—and I also have some Godly men and women who would speak to me when I couldn’t hear from God myself. They all said the same thing, and God confirmed it in His word. I know now, that above all else, God was calling me to love my husband. And as soon as I recognized that, I had an overwhelming sense of love for him again. It was amazing!
Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?
Yes, My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is available in Large Print.
In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
In my story, the hero and heroine deal with prejudice from both their families and those around them. I hope that my book offers encouragement and understanding for those who find themselves discriminated against, or questioning God’s acceptance of those different than themselves. Ultimately, my book points to the same conclusion I discovered in my marriage, that Love truly does cover a multitude of sins, it breaks through the toughest barriers, and it’s the driving force for everything God does in this world.
BIO: Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. Two of her historical romance novels comprise her Fall 2017 debut: The Outlaw’s Second Chance, in September, and My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah, in November. She also writes historical and contemporary fiction. Sign up for her newsletter at www.angiedicken.com
Angie’s Links:
website www.angiedicken.com
Facebook.com/dicken.angie
Twitter.com/AngieDicken
Instagram.com/agdicken/
Author Page on Amazon:
Giveaway: A copy of My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate Utah: Leanna's Choice. Answer Angie's question: What situation have you found yourself in that has ultimately ended in you stepping out in love first, regardless of receiving love in return?
There are times in our lives when we may step out in love and not know whether it will be given back. I think about greeting visitors at church that might be passing through. It would be very easy not to put yourself out at all and not say a word. Maybe it is out of your comfort zone to approach a stranger but every time I do this, I know it makes me feel good and I hope it makes them feel good as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Melanie! I know that I have felt so welcomed when someone in a new place or church comes up and makes an effort to get to know me. :) Thanks for sharing!
DeleteWe often find ourselves in situations in the church where we have to chose to love others, regardless and before we are loved back. We teach Jr. High Sunday School, and we have found that love and prayer can eventually win over the unruly, unlovable child. We have one particularly difficult child now, maybe the most difficult child we have had. But we had another student a couple of years ago that started out openly mocking us, but now greets us with a hug. Early teenage years are hard on everyone. LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I have a teenager now...and I know EXACTLY what you mean. Perseverance is so important when it comes to loving others...because the timing of their heart's softening is just not in our control! Thank you for sharing this excellent example. :)
DeleteFor awhile there had been a wedge driven between my oldest brother and myself in our adult lives.We had even stopped talking. I realized how silly and sinful my grudge was ,so I then reached out to him and we're close to this day. Thank you for this inspiring post Angie!
ReplyDeleteThat's so inspiring! I have had struggles with my siblings, and I hate to say it, but we aren't as close as we should be. But we are spread over the country, and we don't always make the efforts we should. Thank you for posting!
DeleteIn my everday dealings with my children, I try to remember to step out in love, even if they are being mean, spiteful, or simply disobedient. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteYes! My children have taught me many things, but stepping out in love is one of the most effective...and most difficult at times! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteEvery time my husband and I have an argument! I have to remember that we are on the same team, not enemies, and showing love regardless of the other feelings I'm having helps us work toward resolution and softens our hearts.
ReplyDeleteYes! When we are committed to someone, we just need to look for the big picture and remember that we are walking this road together...even during the bumps. Such a hard lesson! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteThank you for your interview. I sometimes feel like we take a spouse for granted but if we make a conscious effort to show love it makes a difference. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI am an AVID reader.
Conscious effort to show love--yep. That's so true! Thanks, Susan!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI already have the book in both paper and e copy, so don't enter me. I just wanted to say, I really enjoyed it. I learned about a part of our nation's history I wasn't familiar with or had forgotten.
Thanks for writing such a good book!
Blessings~
Thank you so much, Robbye! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteThank you for sharing your heart. I would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa. :)
DeleteThanks for sharing from your heart, Angie. I have had times when I have had to just step out in love and continue on. It's always good to be reminded of it! Thanks for the giveaway as well :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Betti!
DeleteThank you for sharing your heart. I’ve had to step out in love numerous times without receiving love in return. It is such a hard place to be, but God is always with us. Blessings
ReplyDeleteIt is a very hard place to be. I am so glad you see God with you when you do! Thanks, Lucy!
DeleteI enjoyed reading this. Marriage is work--and it is only in turning to Jesus that I am able to keep on. I am an AVID reader and would love to read this!
ReplyDeleteRosalyn, marriage is tough, for sure. I am so glad you are able to persevere! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteSo many times I step our in love first.... my husband is a pastor and it is such a part of church life.
ReplyDeleteI am sure it is! I only work part time at a church, and I am certain that you and your husband must step out in love first OFTEN! Blessings!
DeleteAngie, thank you for your wonderful post. I love the verses you shared. I was a public high school teacher for 25 years. I tried to show my students I cared about them and I wanted each of them to succeed and be the best person s/he could be. It was difficult. Many of them had behavior and/or other problems. I had a sheet of paper in my top, right, desk drawer with encouraging Bible verse written on it. I would pull it out and read it, when I was having a particularly difficult day. I was only there, because God put me there. I knew He would help me be more like His Son.
ReplyDeleteIt is so wise to keep Scripture close in trying situations. Thank you so much for sharing, Kay!
DeleteI took over for a friend who was teaching the cradle roll class at church when she had surgery and continued to teach even until now some 25years now! #Avid
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteThank you Angie for your heartfelt & honest interview! Struggles are a normal part of marriage, as much as we’d like to think perfect is possible. My husband & I had to step back from my daughter when she was on a particularly destructive path. Thankfully our marriage survived it, and my daughter’s emotional & menatal health is much improved!
ReplyDeleteTrdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com
That is so great that you and your husband were able to step back together...I often tell my husband I just want to be a team when we have difficulties with our kids. Sometimes we are, but too often we butt heads. Oh we are a work in progress! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI am wanting to read this book. I lived in Utah for 16 years as a Baptist missionary. I love this series.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am excited by how many readers I find that have lived near the area. Utah is a beautiful place!
DeleteThank you for sharing from your heart. Marriage is definitely a work of love covering a multitude of sins (bad attitudes, crabbiness, hurts, etc.) Almost 50 years later and I'm glad I married the man I did, despite the challenges we have had. God's grace and mercy are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI have already read your MHB book and really enjoyed it.
Thank you, Anne! It sounds like your marriage is a testament to perseverance and love!
DeleteMy favorite part of this interview : "Ultimately, my book points to the same conclusion I discovered in my marriage, that Love truly does cover a multitude of sins, it breaks through the toughest barriers, and it’s the driving force for everything God does in this world."
ReplyDeleteGod is so good and so gracious, even in our toughest times. Such a great reminder!! Looking forward to reading Angie's book. Thanks for sharing this interview Carrie!
AVID
DeleteI am so glad you found a nugget in my interview. God's love has amazed me more and more as I grow and learn! Thank you, Ladette!
DeleteStepping out in love first... You have challenged me. Yes, I do it with husband and family, not so much with strangers or aquaintances. Thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteI am an AVID reader.
DeleteJennifer, we can step out in love to strangers "together". Definitely something I need to be practicing too! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI step out of my comfort zone every Sunday and really welcome visitors to our church. I don’t know if I’m receiving that love back or not but I try to pour my self out without reservations to welcome them where they “Want” to come back. We are helping my daughter and son in law that has started a new church that is a daughter work from a larger church. I am an Avid Reader.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to welcome people to church, I am certain you are sharing love and bringing people back for a second, third visit! I am always blessed by warm welcomes at that front door! Thank you for sharing, Brenda!
DeleteAngie, my husband and I had a difficult time in 2010. We were approaching our second anniversary that year but we came very close to divorce. What saved our marriage was the Weekend to Remember conference. We still had issues but we dealt with them. We've learned to love and communicate. To this day, our love is stronger than ever! We still act like newlyweds - holding hands, kissing, showing our love no matter what.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is struggling in a marriage. Seek a pastor or Christian counselor or attend one of these conferences!
Absolutely! Wise counsel is KEY! My husband and I went to a counselor...and he did so much to help us stay together! I have heard WONDERFUL things about the Weekend to Remember conference. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteMy husband and I have had our ups and downs over the years. As far as stepping out in love, I'd have to say my children at times, another is an old friend whom I'm not in contact with much these days.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Andrea! I hope that your friend and children feel the love you share with them!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely a wonderful book I hope I get to read! Over the many years there has been many difficulties, but with God love is never ending.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crissy! You are very write on God's love never ending!
DeleteAnd I didn't mean to write "write". :) Haha!
DeleteThank you for sharing. I'd love to read the book.
ReplyDeleteA paperback copy of Angie Dicken's My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah goes to Amy Fields! Congrats, Amy!
DeleteYay! Congrats, Amy! I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI am a Utah gal and I have been watching for this book. I would love, love love to read this wonderful book!!!
ReplyDelete