Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Rhonda Gets Encouraged (er...booted in the Posterior) - Virtual Luncheon - Part 3

Rhonda puts cream in her coffee, a LOT of it, and takes a sip. "How I got my column is a long story. I'll try to condense it as much as possible."

"For years, my husband encouraged (see 'boot in the backside') me, saying I should be writing a book. And I would say, "Oh, sure, Let me fit that right in that time slot between Mount Everest in the laundry room and that stack of reports that need to be typed.' Then, I'd say, 'Do you know how many people want to be published and never make it?'

"Basically, I just blew him off, but once in awhile, I would pray, 'God, if You have something for me with this writing business, You're going to have to show me because it seems impossible from where I'm sitting.'

"One day, Mr. Schrock 'happened' to have an interview with a local correspondent, and he mentioned his dreams for me. She told him she'd help.

"Three days later, after a wild morning with the baby, I did something completely out of character - I sat down and wrote about it. My husband laughed, and a family friend howled. He sent it to the correspondent. A week later, she emailed him. 'I think this is column material...but how about the little weekly paper (paraphrasing here)?'

"At that time, a new publisher joined The Goshen News. He wrote a column introducing himself to the community, and invited people to contact him. With fear and trembling, I sent  him that first piece, expecting it would be weeks before I heard back. That afternoon, an email came: 'I think we can use this.'

"On November 5, 2010, we celebrated the three-year anniversary of the column that started on a wing and a prayer.

Jen put down her fork. "What a cool story! But you were the only one surprised. Did Mr. Schrock take you out to supper to celebrate? Hey, Suze, what else do you want to know?"

I laughed. "You know me too well, Jen. I love doing interviews. Maybe we could put this on my blog."

"I know these are local newspapers. Do they allow you to include spiritual themes?"

...to be continued.

Question for the Reader: Rhonda prayed for something that seemed impossible, and God opened the door. Have you ever had a similar experience? I'd love to  hear about it.


18 comments:

Rhonda Schrock said...

...and that's why I have trouble sitting still. It's that boot imprint back there! (chuckling)

Thank you so much, Suze, for sharing my story. Believe me. If God can open an impossible door for this little mama, He can do it for you and the rest of your readers, too.

Waving, smiling, and reaching for another breadstick,

Rhonda

Rita Garcia said...

A wonder and inspiration story on so many levels! Thanks for sharing it!

Jeanette Levellie said...

I love to hear stories of God opnening doors and setting up Divine Appointments. I'm so glad you walked through this one, Rhonda!

P.S. Do you think Mr. Schrock was thinking that one day you'd make him rich by your writing, so he booted you into action? Shall we tell him the truth, or let him dream on?

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

LOL! Now there's some material for a column.

You're welcome. I hope it encourages other writers to approach their local papers. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rita -

I'm glad Rhonda's story inspired you. I hope you'll stop by for the rest of this series.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Walking through those open doors is an important to success. Both of you proved that principle.

I say, "let him dream." :)

Blessings,
Susan

Ferree Bowman Hardy said...

What a funny coincidence to read this on the very day I got my first speaking engagement! (Never mind it's to a nursing home and I'm hoping I don't put MYSELF to sleep, too!) What a hopeful and encouraging interview! Thanks to you both.

Rhonda Schrock said...

Funny you mention it, Ferree. That's the next venture. Last January, I had my very first speaking engagement with a local Kiwanis club, thanks to a club member who is an avid column reader. The other week I received a phone call from a gentleman who was at that meeting and also reads the column. In January, I'll be speaking to yet another Kiwanis club.

It's right about here that I always threaten to go back to being anonymous. :)

Blessings - thanks for stopping by!

Rhonda

Heather Sunseri said...

What a wonderful story. I love the power of prayer in every area of our lives.

Terri Tiffany said...

I really enjoyed reading about this!It is an encouragement to me. ANd yay that Rhonda was asked to speak again!

Jill Kemerer said...

Rhonda, you were born to write!

Susan, I pray all the time. God leads me exactly where I'm supposed to go on this writing journey!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Ferree -

Congrats on the speaking engagement!

My late husband would say, "Coincidences are God working in disguise." I don't know if that quote originated with him, but he used it all the time. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

I'm not surprised since writing and speaking go hand in hand.

Thanks for stopping by to keep the conversation going. I've been out all day. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Heather -

I'm thankful we're not on this journey alone. With my tiny hand tucked in His big hand, I'm secure.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

These gals may be funny, but they know their strength and gifts come from the Lord. It's awesome to see how He moves in an individual's life.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jill -

Rhonda does have a gift.

I'm reminded of the scripture that tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to us.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

Great series, thoroughly enjoying it! :)

Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks! It's giving me a chance to catch up on my reading. :)

Blessings,
Susan