Hey friends! It’s with great pleasure that I get to introduce you to my friend, Jill Kemerer. Jill’s endurance on this publishing journey has been an inspiration to many, including myself. Not only that, she’s funny and big-hearted and everything else that’s lovely. I hope you enjoy her encouraging words (and a wonderful reminder). Make sure to check out her debut novel at the bottom. It’s getting wonderful reviews! Take it away Jill . . .
In December I came across a little book by Joyce Meyer. Good Health, Good Life was exactly what I needed. I’d let my exercise routine slide and slipped into poor eating habits. Needless to say, I gained several pounds! So I was reading Joyce Meyer’s book and I came across something so powerful, I sat back and pondered the words before reading it again.
“This is how we need to think about receiving God’s love. We need to be hungry for it and passionate about it. I encourage you to go after I, study it, and meditate on it. As you seek it eagerly, you will receive a life-changing revelation of God’s deep love in your heart.” ~ Joyce Meyer, Good Health, Good Life
One of the things I love about writing novels is sharing my Christian faith. It’s funny how God works—the spiritual truths my characters learn typically are things I unintentionally deal with while writing. In Small-Town Bachelor, my heroine Claire Sheffield thinks nothing of fostering young otter twins until their new home at the zoo is ready. She feeds them, plays with them and loves them without thought of what they can do for her.
(I have to admit, I really want otter twins in my backyard! They are so adorable!)
God loves us so much more than we could ever love our kitties, dogs or even otters. Sometimes that’s hard to believe. Bad things happen to us. We pray for relief. Then worse things happen! And we think, God must not love me. We equate the good times with God’s favor.
I’m the first person to whine and feel unloved when life doesn’t go my way. Ask any of my friends! They’ve heard me whimper and complain many times. But God promises to work everything together for our good. He tells us we will have trouble in this world. He never says the reason people have good health, riches and the hearts’ desires is because He loves them more or because they’re better somehow.
This year I’m taking Joyce Meyer’s advice and I’m praying for God to show me how much He loves me. I’m meditating on it, praying on it and trusting God’s goodness. Will you join me?
Thank you, Katie, for generously letting me be your guest today!
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About Jill:
Jill Kemerer writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules.
Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&MS, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter.
Small-Town Bachelor
A Place to Call Home
When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in.
Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She’s this city slicker’s opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can’t ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can’t imagine ever leaving her behind…
Interested in buying Small-Town Bachelor? Click on http://jillkemerer.com/books/small-town-bachelor/ for links to purchase!
Jill, thank you for your insight and honesty about the struggles we go through in our lives as Christians. I am going to order your book–it sounds delightful, and having the spiritual lessons woven into the story will be very meaningful. Thank you so much for writing about your faith openly–that is a determining factor for me in buying a book. I want to read about characters whose lives I can learn lessons from, as well as read a really good story. That combo is perfect! 🙂
Excellent post! Thanks Katie for sharing Jill with us.
Just this evening I was descipling a young man, and one of the things we were talking about you touched on. We are quick to cite Romans 8:28 when others have troubles, but we don’t even finish the sentence. There is not a period at the end of the verse, and verse 29 begins with “for”, which is God telling us WHY these things happen. They are to make us like Christ, conforming us to his image. In my years I’ve learned it is the hard times in life that are really the best, for it is those times God is using to mold me and to use me to reach others. Thanks again for the encouragement.
J.L. – thank you for pointing out that Romans 8:28 is connected to verse 29. That hit me very powerfully, and is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I appreciate you writing this.
Hey Jill,
Just finished your book and I love the otters! What a unique passion for the heroine to have! And of course, Reed is yummy, too!
COngrats!
Sue
So awesome! Congrats on the book, Jill!!
Thank you, Cathy!!
Thank you so much for having me today, Katie! I love your new online home makeover, too! 🙂
My pleasure, Jill! Love you!