Sunday, February 24, 2013

What do Pirates, Romance, and Christianity have in Common?


I guess that would be me, MaryLu Tyndall, renown pirate and tall ship enthusiast, die-hard romantic, and lover of God!  Ten years ago, I would never have known that these three obsessions of mine would lead me down the path to publishing.  In fact, ten years ago, I was sitting at a desk at IBM as one of their lead software engineers.  I was a very unhappy software engineer, I might add, who spent her lunch hours writing a novel she never believed would see the light of day!  That novel was The Redemption, a story about a lady searching for a father she never knew. Shipwrecked, she is rescued by a pirate captain who just so happens to be a Christian, a new Christian, but a Christian nonetheless. You can see why I never thought it would ever get published!  Christian pirate is a bit of an oxymoron, don't you think? But I didn't care. I was having fun. 

You see five years before that I was in the bottom of a very dark pit. One which I had dug for myself in my own search for a father I never knew. Instead of turning to God, I went my own way down some very sordid paths, all of which ended in the same place: failure, depression, and disaster. I had tried everything the world said made a person happy and found it all to be smoke and mirrors. When I finally dusted off my old Bible and began to read, it still took months before this stubborn girl came to her senses, got on her knees and gave her life to God. And I've never been the same since!. Yet, isn't it just like God to take our mistakes, our failings and turn them out for good?  All those years I spent away from him have given me a deep understanding of what unbelievers go through, how they think, what they are seeking and a firsthand knowledge of how empty and harmful sin is.


So, that is what I write about. I write about people who are running from God. I write about people who are trying to find happiness in this world. I write about people who are desperate to be loved, to have value and to find purpose for their existence. I also write about healings and spiritual battles and signs and miraculous happenings because I've experienced much of that in my own battle to bring my family to faith.  So many Christians today aren't truly sure God exists. They may go to church, say a prayer now and then as an insurance policy to get into heaven, but they haven't really experienced the awesome presence and power of God! They don't really know Him, His love, and the plan He has for their lives.

These are the people I want to reach through the stories God gives me. That's why God told me to write a story about a Christian pirate ten years ago. I thought I was hearing things. I had never written a full book before or ever sought publication. Nor did I have time to write. I worked full time and had 6 kids at home. But I obeyed. And The Redemption became the first book in my Legacy of the King's Pirates trilogy. Ten years and twelve books later, I'm still writing to glorify God. My books are wildly adventurous, swashbuckling tales filled with romance and the supernatural. One thing I'll guarantee, you won't be bored.

I'm giving away a copy of my March release, Forsaken Dreams, to one lucky commenter. All you need to do is answer this question and leave your email address in the comment. I will announce the winner next month on my post.

Do you believe in miracles and why?

Here's a sneak peek at Forsaken Dreams


You can find me at my WEBSITE, BLOG, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST

I'm so excited to be here with ALL these fabulous authors!!!!!   Look for a monthly article from me on tall ships, pirates, swashbuckling heros, and Godly role models from our past.


63 comments:

  1. I love pirates. Of course, that means you are being added to my must read list. I'm currently trying to plot an ancient inspirational pirate story. The research is, uh, boggling the brain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh cool, Christina! Another pirate lover!! If you need help with research I have a vast library on pirates. :-)

      Delete
    2. Emailing you now, cause I'm driving myself nuts! :)

      Delete
  2. Good {early} morning, Ms. Tyndall! :)

    You may or may not recognise me, as I've been leaving you feedback on your blog throughout the Fridays Forsaken Dreams Giveaways on your blog!? I was most esteemed to learn quite a bit more about Eliza + Blake!! :) I must confess, that I didn't think it would be odd for a Christian pirate,... notwithstanding the fact that they had one in the last Pirates of the Caribbean film by which I already know about having inspired your pirate novels to begin with!!

    {The original film: Curse of the Black Pearl was seen in excess of 4x in the theater, spilt over the months of August through October, as I was meant to go on All Saint's Day for my 5th and last viewing, but the manager didn't realise it was being pulled! The last showing I saw was on Halloween! I sort of was a fixture for the late night show! The reason I bring this up, is because I lost my beloved Nana in mid-July. It wasn't expected, it was very, very sudden abeit drawn out a bit,...and there was something with the character of Captain Jack Sparrow that just 'uplifted' me and put me in a happy place! I was knee deep in grief, even though I had accepted her death and where she was 'now',... its still hard to let go of someone you love and someone you enjoy being around. That's the human condition in all of us. And, I don't know why this particular film moved me so much,... but even the theater manager said that after my 4th visit, he saw a difference in me... he never asked until then why I had kept coming back... and I honestly didn't explain it any better to him!}

    So, yes,... I can understand the connections we make in life and what motivates us to embark on a literary path! I'm a fellow writer, not yet published but completely optimistic and enjoying where I am right now! :) To move past a 10 year writers block at 28 {five years ago} through Nanowrimo was an incredible moment for me on my journey! :) Listening to your story, and see how strong you've come out of your own tribulations makes me smile every time, because I can relate to how life evolves in and outside of your gift. As writing is a gift as much as any other form of art or craft or profession!

    I have your book earmarked on Powells and the Book Depository, on the off shoot that my library doesn't acquire it! Bookaways are smashing but I know their very seredipitious in nature -- I always felt if your meant to win a certain book at a certain moment in time, it was 'writ' somehow for you to do so! Therefore, what I appreciate about blogs like this fabulous one that is just getting started, and regular author blogs, is that it gives the reader an opportunity to interact with writers -- either ones they know or ones they are eager to get to know! :) Which is my long short way of saying,... at some point I will always find a way to read a book that whets my fancy, including Forshaken Dreams, because you had me at "hallo" with this one! I love unravelling threads of history that are long lost and forgotten! I would have LOVED researching this my senior year when I was bogged down in Civil War history bent towards the South without learning much past battlements and dates! :/ I mean, just knowing that they fled further South to change their stars and forge ahead after such devastion and anguish is a story that I want to read!

    Please consider this my next entry to win a copy of Forsaken Dreams!!
    inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

    {postscript} I forgot to tell you I'm an RSS feed subscriber to CFHS, so you will see me regularly around here! And, have you heard Train's new song!? The one that says "only an island Johnny Depp knows"... I am always smirking as I listen to it! Not only because I love Train's music, but because,... wells, YOU KNOW!! :) :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... Ms. Tyndall,

      I was so caught up in the moment of what I wanted to share with you, as outside of my friends circle, I never spoke about my connection to Pirates of the Caribbean, but all month long I've been thinking that I should share it with you, as the more I read about your books + writing on your blog the more I felt it was something you'd appreciate! Anyway, I forgot to address your main question, about miracles?!

      Yes, I surely do believe in them! I witness them all the time! I consider miracles to be ordinary blessings and remarkable turning of tides,... I believe them to be clear evidence of our faith and of our loving God's presence,... I consider even the times I'm five feet away from a marsh rabbit hidden in a cypress thicket to be a miracle! To stand in his presence in his own habitat without interference,... that's a beautiful miracle! I think my story about the Curse of the Black Pearl is also a story of a hidden miracle,... how God inspired me to become attached to a motion picture as a way to release my anguish of loss. He knew that I appreciate films, and what better way to ease someone's sorrow than to fully distract them with Captain Jack Sparrow and the brilliantly talented Johnny Depp!?

      Delete
    2. Well Hello, Jorie!! What a pleasure to get to know you. I'm so sorry to hear about your Nana, but I agree that there's something about Captain Jack Sparrow that just brightens one's spirit. Thank you for sharing your story with me!
      And yes, I agree, there are miracles all around us... if we but open our eyes!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  3. Cap'n, dear Cap'n....I never get tired of hearing your story. You are such a testimony as to what God can do! I am so glad that you have agreed to be a part of this blog. With all of the different authors and their varying styles, it should keep the attention of all the followers of this blog.
    Do I believe in miracles? Silly question...of course I do. God is all about miracles.
    Well, I best be gettin' back to me crow's nest. See ye on board, Cap'n!
    (oh, and ye don't need to be puttin' me name in fer the drawin') ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Waving at me ship's chaplain!!! Love you, lady. :-)

      Delete
  4. Hi Mary Lu, Im a miricle. Mum and dad were married 10 years when she finally became pregnant and then they lost the baby. They adopted my brother and almost 7 years later I was born. They never thought she would have a baby and then I came along.

    Also last year I almost bled to death and without a miricle (or but by the Grace of God) I wouldn't be here today.

    even Friday the new brace I have for my wrist aches after awhile so had the older one on which is like a half cast. I tripped and without that brace I would have damaged my wrist even more as the new brace wouldn't protected the wrist and with the metal probably would have caused major damage. with the half cast I jarred it but thats all. Its a miricle I didn't do major damage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Jenny. Thanks for sharing! Isn't it amazing how God orchestrates things down to the tiniest details just to keep us safe?

      Delete
  5. Sun Feb 24th ..... "Morning, MaryLu" (or, Captain MaryLu).
    As always, your testimony of truth and redemption, never ceases to bless my heart. I love hearing about your call to writing, and, that you NEVER gave up on that first novel of a Christian pirate (which happens to be one of my personal favourites) !
    Yes, I also believe in miracles. And like you, I feel I am one too. Though becoming a Christian at a young age, I had a major spurt of rebellion and 'going my own way', and 'doing my own thing' for several years -- especially in my 30's, and 40's. And, like you -- it all lead down an empty pathway ... going the wrong way, to nowhere !
    But 'Praise the Lord' ... He is SO faithful, patient, long-suffering, forgiving, merciful, and full of everlasting love !!! I would be nothing, without Him !!!
    So, thank-you once again, for sharing your miraculous story with us.
    And, truly -- the characters and the stories of your novels have already touched and blessed me ... so I know that anyone reading them for the very first time is going to be blessed as well.
    People/characters -- we can identify with, with real strengths and weaknesses. And, more often than not, each of us is likely 'running away from something in life', if we were to be totally honest with ourselves.
    So MaryLu ... keep on writing, and glorifying God within your novels. I appreciate you and all of your hard and dedicated work !
    (No need to enter me into the draw.)
    Take care, and, God Bless, In Him, Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Brenda! Praise God He plucked us both from the fire! :-)

      Delete
  6. I agree with Chaplain Debbie - God is all about miracles. Thanks so much for sharing your some of your story, Cap'n dear! I am new to the ship Redemption, and so do not know all these lovely miracle stories!
    After 30+ years of visiting doctors, I finally found one that could fix my wrist by doing a wrist replacement! I had never heard of such thing, but certainly had wondered over the years, if anyone besides God would ever be able to help me with the pain, etc. God sent me to the right Dr. at the right time. If I had seen him years earlier, he would not have been able to help me, as no replacement had been invented yet. God led someone to work on this, and I certainly look at my ability to do most things without alot of pain as a miracle!
    Looking forward to reading this book, and eventually to read all the other books you have written. Praise the Lord for your willingness to use your gift for Him!
    God bless, Betti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahoy there Betti!! Wonderful story! Out of all the doctors you could have gone to... it was this particular one who helped you. Only God could have arranged that! He cares about all our pains. :-)

      Delete
  7. I definitely believe in miracles! God saved my husband's life, not once, but twice during his second tour of duty in Iraq. I know that God brought him home safe to me, and kept me safe while he was gone, as well.

    I'm so excited 1)because I really want to read Forsaken Dreams, and 2)because I've discovered a new blog all about historical Christian fiction!

    Thank you for the chance to win!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth.. that is so awesome. I'm so glad God spared your hubby!!

      Delete
  8. Do I believe in miracles? Most definitely! Almost 8 years ago I was dying in a hospital bed and no one knew what was wrong with me. My dad went out to pray in the waiting room while I was going in and out of consciousness, when 2 men from our old church and our pastor at the time came and began to pray with him. By the time my dad walked back in the room, I was sitting up and drinking some water (and diagnosed with Addison's Disease). God worked a miracle in my life, on the day my mom calls my "Victory Day". =)

    Thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway! Can't wait to read Forsaken Dreams!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love stories like this Elyssa!! Thank you for sharing. God still heals!!

      Delete
  9. I most certainly believe in miracles! As others have said miracles are all around us. My two little girls are miracles! :) Even the things that don't seem like they're good are miracles, because they made us into the person we are today.

    I was born with a cleft lip and palate. My mother almost died when I was born along with me. God saved us both. I've gone through many surgeries in my life, yet even though I was born will a deformity... I'm so blessed for it. It was a miracle in my life because I most certainly wouldn't be the person I am today and I don't think my faith and relationship with God would be so strong. Ever since I was a little girl I've always been close to God in that I've never doubted him. Sure I have my moments, but I love that my struggles made me closer to Him, when I had no one else. It also caused me to be closer to my mom and I love that. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

    God had created a huge miracle in my life and that's all I can see it for. I've gone through many struggles as a young child and eventually made my own mistakes (that were obvious to others), yet I've grown so much. He works miracles in our every day lives and I can't wait til the miracles happens in my husband's life and he comes to God as well.

    Thank you! Can't wait to read this book!

    Bianca
    brpchristiangirl@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bianca... I love how you say that your struggles have brought you so much closer to God. It's so true.. but we often complain when trouble come our way, while as Paul says, we should rejoice because they are creating in us an eternal weight of glory! My husband was an atheist when I got saved.. and now he's a strong believer. God will not give up on your husband!

      Delete
  10. I absolutely believe in miracles! My dad was healed of cancer. He went through all the test and biopsies and they all came back showing he had lung cancer. My family hit their knees in prayer. Surgery completed and doctor came out and said no cancer. I believe with all my heart that he was healed and we received a miracle from God.
    Tammy Anderson
    tatertam1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay God!! I love it when HE shows up Huge like that! That's incredible, Tammy!

      Delete
  11. I certainly do believe in miracles! They happen every day. God is so good, and His goodness is awesome. Just to think about how much He loves us is a marvel. If you look around you there are miracles everywhere. They aren't all "big ones" that we all "wow" over, but just watching a cocoon transform into a beautiful and perfect butterfly is a miraculous event. No question about it, miracles do happen.
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Nancee.. just watching the intricacy and glory of nature and our world around us.... how could anyone say there is no God?

      Delete
  12. MaryLy, I believe God performs Miracles all of the time. I would even say that I am a miracle. I was born in the dust-bowl days in Oklahoma ,1935, on one of the very bad days. Mom and Dad had quilts nailed over all of the doors and still it was so bad inside mother thought I would not make it. I know there was praying going on, for they were always praying. She put Vicks Vapor-rub down my throat and it opened up my airways, and, I'm here to tell the story. I believe every baby born is a Miracle of GOD, and I had 4. Just think of all of the things involved in our bodies. I had a niece who was in a car accident, and had a long Hosp. stay. The doctors the ex-rays showed her brain was scrambled like that of a baby. But, she pulled out of the coma, and was fine.Had a nephew in a coma from an accident. He was in a coma for several months. The doctors were even talking of taking the machines away. Then he came out, with a very minimal thing with his brain, but no one would ever know it. He worked for a big Ins. Co. and found he wasn't quick enough on some of the thinking needed, so they put him in another spot. I have been around him and you would never know this had happened. Two of my kids when teenagers, hit another car head-on, with minor injuries, and the other driver only got his dentures broken. One of the latest was several years ago. My brother, 10 yrs. older than me, went to the hosp. with what they thought was Flu. Then he went into a coma, and was there for over 2 mos. He was moved to another Hosp. in between. The docs said if he even came to, he would have loss of some memory, and would probably have to learn to walk and talk again. There were many, many people praying for him, and when he woke, He had no problems at all. These are just a few of our miracles. My latest great-grandson was born with a ventricle missing on his heart, no rectum opening, and colon not extended all of the way. And, other problems inside. He had to have surgery immediately for a colostomy bag, Later, other surgeries, inside, including heart surgery. Even with the heart problem, GOD made him a strong little boy. He has always been active as could be, tho going to doctors and hospitals constantly. This was a big, big Miracle. He just turned 2 in Jan. GOD is great! I would love to win your book. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, Maxi!! Your stories are AMAZING!! How wonderful is our God!!! How incredibly wonderful!

      Delete
  13. Ahoy MaryLu, Or ( Cap'n MaryLu) it is a joy to read your testimony about how you dusted your Bible off & turn your life over to The Lord. That is great because now look where you are . The Lord has healed me so many times i can't count them anymore. I am so glad you are letting me be a part of your crew & also the crew themselves. I love your books & am awaiting " Forsaken Dreams ". Oh, you do not have to enter me in the give away. Be seeing ye Cap'n

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahoy Liz.. thanks for stopping by!! I'm so glad the Lord has healed you over and over.. !

      Delete
  14. Our God is a God of miracles! I think there are probably many miracles going on around us that we don't see or recognize.

    I just started reading your book 'Surrender the Heart. Only a few chapters in, but really enjoying it so far!

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Patty!! I agree.. if we only open our eyes to see what God is doing all around us!

      Delete
  15. Oh, ML ... your story gave me goosebumps because once again, we have SO much in common!! Love learning more about you and JUST received Forsaken Dreams in the mail, upon which I promptly did a little jig and ran in to show it to my hubby. Cannot WAIT to dive in, my friend, because you are simply one of the best.

    Love you!!
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, you always put a smile on my face!! I could actually see you dancing around the house! LOL. Love you too, girl!

      Delete
    2. You both put a smile on my face and frequently.

      Hugs,

      Jill

      Delete
  16. You do not need to enter me in your giveaway, but I loved the story you shared. And the question you asked. Loved reading the replies also. Currently, I am in the learning stage of writing and do not know what the future holds, but know that God has called me to it and has created a love for it within me. God has been everything for me the last few years as I have dealt with the illness and death of a loved one. Now I am finally able to write again, and I thank Him for that. Your question about miracles reminds me of an instance in January of 2008.

    At the time I was working a frustrating, boring job that I gritted my teeth and went in to work each day. It was early morning, before seven, and pitch black outside the only light was from the dim parking garage lights. I was walking toward the stairs when a driver suddenly decided to park. Her car caught the back of my last step, swinging my around, over her hood and then straight back, to land flat on my back.

    The back of my head felt like it caved in. Everything swirled. I didn't dare move at first, then I tried to move my arms. I could feel them there but they didn't budge. I could talk though. She sent for help. While we waited she sat down on that cold cement floor beside me. I was able to move my arms then, and I talked a bit, but still didn't dare move my head--it still felt too flat against the pavement. Then I looked over at her. When I saw her tears, and the scared look on her face, I couldn't help myself. I reached over and set my hand on her. She looked at me, and I told her something very simple. "God is in control."

    I believe in that moment God healed my head. I do not know why God allowed that to happen, but I think that that day for that lady, whose name I don't even remember...Tracy?, for that moment in time, God wanted her to know that He is in control.

    Yes, I believe in miracles. I have seen miracles, and I have known disappointment when I haven't received miracles that I have prayed for. But through it all, God has been in control, and I revel in His love, that He loves us so much that He would give His all for us. It is amazing to me to think that as much as we can love Him, He will always love us more, so much more than we can comprehend. It is daily miracle, is it not? That He loves us with a depth we can only begin to understand in light of eternity...Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanna, thank you for sharing your story. It brought tears to my eyes. I would imagine you'll be seeing Tracy in heaven some day. Wouldn't that be wonderful? And I couldn't agree more.. the biggest miracle of all is that He loves us, despite our weaknesses, our sins, our failings... He loves us.

      Delete
  17. MaryLu, I love hearing your testimony and those of the others here. God most definitely had a plan for each and every one. Yes, I believe in miracles. I've heard of so many. The one that comes to mind is one that happened to my brother. A few years ago, he was coming home from work in a nasty snowstorm. His place of work is fairly close to a set of railroad tracks. It was very slick from the snow, and as he approached the tracks, he suddenly heard the whistle of a train as the crossing arms began to come down. He turned and looked to his right and saw the train coming not more than fifty feet away. He had to make a split decision whether to try and stop before getting to the tracks or hit the gas and try to make it over before the train reached him. He tested the brakes and began to slide and knew that if he slowed down, he'd never make it. So saying a prayer, he floored it. Now remember, it was slick because of the snow. But as he pressed down on the gas, he said it was just like his little pickup suddenly had traction. He barreled for the tracks with the train being just feet away. Just as he reached the tracks, he said it was as if an invisible hand gave him a push over the tracks. He made it with only seconds to spare and the only damage was the fact that he took out one of the crossing arms as he crossed over. God had His hand on my brother that day, and I call that a definite miracle. God is SO good! Thank you for your awesome post. No need to enter me. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angi... what a COOL Story!!! A similar thing happened to my husband and I. We were set to have a collision with a car flying down the road to our right. I mean.. we were going to hit. There was no doubt in my mind. I remember closing my eyes and praying.. and I felt weird.. almost like something was going through me. When I opened my eyes.. the car was past.. and i had a bleeding gash on my leg ( I have no idea from what) . My husband couldn't talk for several minutes.
      God is sooo good! I guess it wasn't our time. Or your brothers!

      Delete
    2. Oh AMEN, MaryLu! And how many times have things like that happened around us that we don't even know about. I'm sure we'll find out when we get to heaven. :)

      Delete
  18. I most definitely believe in miracles! Especially since I was a recipient of one myself not to mention all of the little miracles that happen everyday! About 20 years ago I had food poisoning which led to my back going out, I couldn't do much of anything and had a 6 month old baby and a 18 month old son to care for. When my back went out I found out I had a curvature in my spine and that one leg was about 1 1/2inches shorter than the other. I never realized it but now when I look back at pictures I can see it. Anyway, a healer was in a town not far from us so we went to see him. he called down anyone in pain. I went up, said not one word and he immediately said to me that Jesus was telling him about my leg and curve in my back. He healed me in Jesus' name and I actually SAW my leg lengthen......it was amazing! My curvature disappeared too. My chiropractor was astounded and not really sure I was telling the truth but he had before and after xrays! Yes, God is good and we should marvel at all of his miracles, big and small!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, my name is Marie Ferland.....I forgot to add it to the post.
      mariefluffy@yahoo.ca
      :)

      Delete
    2. I forgot to give my name and then my reply post disappeared, so sorry if this comes ouop twice. My name is Marie and my email is mariefluffy@yahoo.ca

      Delete
    3. Hi Marie! Great story! I once knew a preacher who had a healing ministry of straightening out people's legs.. Derek Prince. I've heard it happen on a taped sermon where he was ministering. I'm so glad you got healed! Praise God!

      Delete
  19. Hey MaryLu,
    Love your testimony. I know that dark pit well. My earthly father didn't stick around and my mom raised my brother and I along with extended family. Love the cover and video of Forsaken Dreams. I do believe in miracles. God pulled me out of the pit.

    Smiles,

    Jill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jill.. seems we all get stuck in a pit now and then! Thank God, He doesn't leave us there. :-)

      Delete
  20. I believe in miracles such as finding myself in the right place at the right time to see a friend that I hadn't seen in years. Carol centraleast at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I do believe in miracles. I think God causes miracles to happen often though we don't always recognize them. We seem to think it has to be something "big."
    I would love to win a copy of your new book. I really enjoy these adventurous stories!

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most miracles aren't big ones at all, Pam.. I agree! It's the little ones that we often miss!

      Delete
  22. I definitely believe in miracles! I believe in them because God performed them in the Bible and continues to perform them today, from big things to littler things. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! Why would God stop them after Jesus came? Yet. I know some people believe that. And then they never get to experience a miracle. Thanks for stopping by, Veronica.

      Delete
  23. Hey MaryLu,

    I'm so glad that you listened to God's calling to write the stories of your heart. I LOVE them! Your personal story gives me hope for two of my sons who aren't walking with the Lord.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Vickie!! I have two kids not walking with the Lord currently.. so I truly understand. It's so hard. But God can get anybody, anywhere! Most people would have told you back then that I was a lost cause.
      Thanks for dropping by!

      Delete
  24. What a great opportunity to give God some glory. My friend who is a doctor diagnosed himself with a heart attack and died, he had a number of doctor and ambulence people working on him and after 1hr and 20 mins they stopped. His wife who is also a doctor arrived and prayed for his healing (we as a church had been praying also). My friend took a breath and came back to life. He should have been a vegetable but is a normal functioning human being who now flies all around the world telling of God's miracle in his life. He is on facebook as Miracle Man and his name is Dr Sean George. We were so priviledged to be part of this amazing miracle. But we serve an amazing God.
    Leanne Webber leeandshane2@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WOW. I've heard of similar stories but they've happened overseas.. on the mission fields in Africa and the middle East. This is amazing!! I wonder if he saw anything while he was out.. I always like to hear from people who've visited heaven!
      Thanks Leanne!

      Delete
  25. Ahoy there! To answer yer question... Do you believe in miracles and why? I do believe in miracles because God works in wondrous ways that your simple minds can't comprehend and trying to figure out how something is resolved like a very bad sickness and then they miraculously get healed. Knowing there is no real cure for a certain sickness and then through much prayer and relaying on God the person is healed. This is one way I do believe in miracles!

    Tracy C
    CoopaTroopa04 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Blog: http://poetics-of-life.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen Tracy! There is too much evidence to deny miracles!

      Delete
  26. How did I miss your day? I guess because I've been sick. Ugh! Marylu you are such a blessing to me. Thank you so much for all you've done, all the prayers sent up, and for being such a close friend. I'm so glad we are blogging together! So much fun!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yikes, I didn't realize you weren't feeling well.. so sorry! I know you've got a lot on your plate right now. You're the one who has blessed me, girl!! I'm glad we are blogging together too. Have a great day! Hugs...

      Delete
  27. I do believe in miracles, though I have no wonderful stories to recount. I can cite many examples of times that God has bestowed divine protection upon me and those I love, but we all experience these blessings, I'm sure. God can do anything He chooses, and I believe He often chooses to do the miraculous, even though I haven't knowingly experienced it myself.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Miracles are definitely not just a thing of Bible times! Jesus changes lives all over the world and that is the biggest miracle of all! I personally have experienced that life changing miracle and I pray that others see that difference in me and long for that miracle themselves! Can't wait to read this book! MaryLu is one of my favourite authors and her other books have touched and inspired me! Her books are a must read if you haven't read any, especially this one!

    Lena Martinolli

    ReplyDelete
  29. I definitely believe in miracles - I have seen them happen, both large & small. My salvation & the change in lifestyle from my "bad girl" days - is the most important one.

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for sharing your story, MaryLu. I've never been a pirate story fan because, as you said, a Christian pirate is rather an oxymoron. However, you've made me curious and the Forsaken Dreams trailer convinced me to go on the adventure. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete