Miracle Season Contest
With the holiday season over, I can’t help but wonder: shouldn’t we celebrate the miracles in our lives year-round? Doesn’t every moment represent the opportunity for self-discovery, for a deeper engagement with the world at large, and with the people you hold dear? If a current of divine agency runs through our lives, it grows stronger with each connection we make—through the love we nurture, and share with others.
I hope you’ll join me to celebrate the miracle seasons of your life. Each Monday, you’ll receive the opportunity here on my blog (and also on my Facebook Author Page and in the Women’s Fiction Fans Facebook group) to post your photos and memories regarding the miraculous moments in your life. If you’re not yet a member of Women’s Fiction Fans, please click to join and we’ll invite you in.
You may earn three points each week, if you answer on all forums (here, my author page, and the WF Fans group). On Monday, February 5th, I’ll announce the Grand Prize winner and Second Place winner in my newsletter. Winners will be chosen randomly.
Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card to J Jill or Bed, Bath and Beyond and a signed copy of Sweet Lake and The Comfort of Secrets (winner’s choice of gift card)
Second Place: $50 Gift Card to J Jill or Bed, Bath and Beyond and a signed copy of Sweet Lake or The Comfort of Secrets (winner’s choice of gift card and paperback)
To enter this week’s contest: In a comment below, describe a woman you knew during your childhood who helped you discover the magic of your self-worth—a woman who taught you to believe in your power to shape each beautiful season of your life.
You have until Tuesday, January 30th to respond with a comment below.
The winners will be announced in my newsletter, which you may sign up for here.
Need a little magic to get you through the winter months? Let the Sweet Lake Sirens warm your spirits in my latest series, which you’ll find here. Look for book 3 in the Sweet Lake series in July, 2018.
My Aunt Gladys
Thank you for entering the contest, Louetta!
My grandmother. Was very close to both but one was always my strength when needed and taught me strength and unconditional love. Telling me I could do anything. Miss her every day.
Thank you for entering, Amy!
My Grandmother Marie. She raised 7 kids. Worked outside the home full time plus took care of a farm. Never once had a bad word for anybody or complained that she was tired. Truly my inspiration of a strong wife, mother, grandmother.
Thank you for entering, Carrie!
my godmother, who paid for my dance lessons every year! she always encouraged our ice skating and music lessons as well. very independent woman, who beat cancer.
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story, Amy–and for entering the contest!
My mom Peggy Jean
Thank you for entering, Karen!
My fourth grade teacher always, always told me “ You can be whatever you want when you grow up. You can only stop you.” I have never forgotten her words that I received at 9 yrs of age.
She was not a mushy teacher, but one who always spoke with conviction and I loved.
Thank you for entering, Laurie!
so hard to pick just one, but I would have to say my grandmother. My dad’s mom raised her children on her own, after her husband passed away (the day she brought my aunt home from the hospital after she was born) Raising 5 children on her own, she never gave up! She went without plenty of times, in order to provide for her children, and was truly a selfless woman! Growing up, I watched her drop everything if she knew someone needed something or she could help! Because of her, I’ve not given up, despite how hard times might seem. Despite so many things getting in my way, I just think of grams, and keep pushing! <3
Keri, it’s wonderful that you have troubling picking just one! Thank you for entering the contest.
My sister. She was tough, kind, and didn’t let anybody underestimate her.
Thank you for entering the contest, Amy!
I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of amazing women in my life. My Mama, my oldest sister. My Mama was a quiet and reserved woman who had great strength and gave us gentle guidance. I have always looked up to my oldest sister who taught me my love of music and crafts, tole painting, how to cook. She is incredibly talented and I have learned a lot from her.
You’re very blessed, Jeannie. Thank you for entering the contest!
My Precious Mother, “Amazing” Grace Gilmore taught me everything about my self-worth and how to grow through the seasons of life! She stepped into the arms of Jesus on 01/07/2013 and oh, how we miss her influence! She was a little country girl who eloped with the love of her life when she was 15.5 and he was almost 21. They had known each other most of their lives. She dropped out of school but quickly obtained her GED. She worked in a Cafe and obtained her Beautician’s license. They moved to the capital city where Mother went to work at the finest Hair Salon in the State. She had an incredible work ethic and was like a sponge and absorbed everything from from those around her. They had a Stylist from Paris that worked with them, also (that was a BIG deal in MS in the 50’s!) My Mother was pregnant when they moved to Jackson so she went back to her little town to have my sister. The doctor had been drinking and left the afterbirth in and after they returned home, Mother started hemorrhaging and almost died. They had five drs working on her. Her main dr told Daddy, “It’s in God’s hands now.” It took her nine years to get the courage to decide to have me! My Mother retired when I was born. My Daddy started his own business that year as a Realtor/Builder/Developer/Broker, etc. She supported him and was always involved in the Auxiliaries of the organizations he belonged to. She also was very involved in Church – singing in the choir, teaching youth, active in Sunday School and Bible Studies. She also was the first person to deliver a meal to someone in need and their home was always open to anyone. She kept a log book of guests one year and had OVER 500 GUESTS -this did NOT include those who came for sheduled events such as Showers, Teas, Asgard Meetings, Church related events, Family gatherings, etc.
She was Amazing! She did teach me about self-worth! I never, ever thought about my Mother not having finished High School (Daddy either – he obtained his GED when I earned my first Master’s Degree)! She carried herself with poise and grace. She learned from everyone she was around and she was kind and gracious. She knew her worth came from being a child of the KING! She taught me right & wrong, to be a rule follower, and not that I was a treasure. As I got married at 29 and had my children at 33 &36, I did my BEST to emulate her! I ask myself, “Would my Mother EVER have said/done that?” She poured herself into her family and friend’s at every age & stage and was still giving Family Showers until right before she passed away.
I pray I can be that kind of influence on my daughter!
Oh, I’m sure you’ll have the same, beautiful influence on your daughter, Lisa. Thank you for entering the contest!
My friend Cathie.
Thank you for entering the contest, Denise!
My Nana. She only lived until I was 21 but she was wonderful! She taught me so much about laughter, fun and having a good time. I miss her every day45 years later. She was larger than life❤️
I’m so glad your Nana was there for you, Pam. Thank you for entering the contest!
Like so many others, my mom is the most loving and caring mom I could ever have. She taught me how to be a mom to my three girls by the example she was to me. She made my childhood wonderful and was always there to pick me up and brush me off through trials but more than that, she was there to love me and encourage me to do my best. She helped me follow my dreams but gave godly advice along the way. She is still my mom and still loves me and still makes me smile when I think of her and talk to her. She lives a long way from me but she’s always a phone call away if I need her. I love her so very much.
Thank you for sharing, Bambi–and for entering the contest!
It was a woman who I went to clean her home and also do odd jobs she wasn’t well like in the community as all they saw was her at the bar, I saw the real woman she always knew that we were going thru a bad abusive foster home and she said that once i was out that i would learn from all of this and do what i want. I always took good care of her husband who was disabled and stuck in a chair and his wife had no one to talk to nor to even go out so she would take a min and go across the road to relax and have a toddy or two. She was right and I will never forget her !
Hi Peggy! Many thanks for sharing your story, and entering the contest!
My Mom taught me to be strong and independent. She had been through a lot in her life and was a survivor of sexual abuse by her father. She lost 2 children and yet she continued to show a strength that I have emulated. She always told me that when you think you have no strength left, reach deep down inside and pull up more. I also suffered several traumas in my life, including rape, and her words kept me strong, along with a lot of hard work in counseling. She was always my hero and I miss her dearly.
Hi Deborah! Many thanks for sharing, and entering the contest!
I love this question! The woman that I’m thinking of, I still know her; she’s my friend’s mom, and I’ve known her since primary school days. She’s one of those intellectual people that I really enjoy talking to. : )
What a lovely response, Carmen. Many thanks for entering!
My maternal grandmother was the one that fills that special spot in my life. She was the one who believed in me, taught me about running a household, showed me how to find joy in gardening, cooking, baking, and crafting. I don’t know if I could have gotten through my tough years as a teen and young adult years if it wasn’t for her. I love and miss her something terrible.
Amy, clearly your grandmother was a very special lady. I’m so glad she was part of your life during those difficult years.
Many thanks for entering the contest. x
My mother who taught me so many values in my life! She was the one who showed me the joy of reading by taking me to the library every week while I was young! She even berated my dad who thought reading was a waste of time. Today I am an avid reader because of my mom.
Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman, Rebecca. Many thanks for entering the contest!
My Mother, she raised 11 kids, worked in the fields picking cotton and other fruits, She was widowed and had 6 kids still at home, i was the youngest at 5 ,she only went to the third grade at school, so she worked in the fields, she did not drive so my oldest brother was the driver. She was a strong woman and showed me to work hard and be a loving woman.
Brenda, your mother is remarkable! I’m so sorry she was widowed, especially while still raising a large brood of children. Thank you so much for sharing her amazing story, and for entering the contest!
My mother always believed in me and has always supported me. She’s shown strength in almost impossible situations, managing to support two small children by herself. During the poorest times in our lives, we were the happiest we’d ever been. She showed us that family and love was what was important, and that fun could be found in the everyday. She continues to inspire me and to believe in me.
Michelle, your mother sounds like a simply lovely woman. Many thanks for sharing her story, and entering the contest. x
My mother she raised 9 of us.she was a minister. Very stern woman.she taught us to believe in ourselves that all things were possible
Anna, you were blessed for having such a strong role model. A mother and a minister–wow! Many thanks for sharing, and for entering the contest.
My mom is also my hero! I am #6 of 7 kids, so she had a lot to do, besides working at the local laundromat. She had a love of reading and learning, which she passed along to all of us kids. She was the most thoughtful, kind, encouraging, loving person you could ever imagine. She taught me so much about how to be a good mom. She was very giving and would bend over backwards to help anyone in need. She’s been in heaven since March of 2008, 4 days after her 88th birthday. Even though I have always been more like my Dad, I still think of my Mom every day and miss her immensely! I miss both of them. It’d be so cool to be able to talk to each of them one more time. I know we’ll be reunited one day, but sometimes I miss my parents so much, it’s an actual physical pain. ♡♡ xoxoxo
Thank you for entering, Sharon!
My grade school teacher, Ms. Deeb. She made school and learning fun.
Thank you for entering, Dianne!
My mother in law was my best friend , when she was diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live I moved in with her so I could help her and we got 18 months to make and share memories ,
My Aunt Elaine, who taught me to be strong and stand up for myself, to always do what I truly believed was the right thing, and to never forget to be compassionate and caring.
Thank you for entering, Peggy!
My grandmother. She encouraged me to be the best I can be. My Mom was like my sister and we did a lot of things together, especially with my Nanny. Miss her every day.
Thank you for entering, Abby!
I was hired to work as a kitchen aide at a nursing home when I was 16. The Dietary Supervisor took me under her wing and taught me everything she knew. But besides that, she mentored me in all things life. I learned so much from her, not only cooking and baking but also how to be friends with women in different stages of life than mine. 30 years later and we’re still dear friends. (she’s 82 btw.)
Arletta, what a blessing to have met your dear friend while still in your teens! Thank you so much for sharing this story–and entering the contest!
My paternal grandmother. She was only in my life for 10 years but she taught me about unconditional love and family! And I will never forget my Grandma!
Love this response, Cathy. Many thanks for entering!
My mom was one of the people. I use to watch her taking care of us. You would have thought she was a single parent. She always made sure that we had fun. She was also a no nonsense woman. She taught us to do things for ourselves and to reach for the stars.
Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman, Sonnetta. Many thank for entering!
She is a wonderful person. Sometimes we take it for granted until life reminds us how fragile it is.
When I was in 9th grade my PE teacher, Mrs. Wise, told me I had a beautiful smile. I have never forgotten that and try to remember to smile my way through the tough times and to share a smile with people I meet.
My mother. It wasn’t til Dads death that I truly realized how strong she was. Especially her faith. The night she died her last words were. You’ve been my guardian angel here on earth I love you. She taught me to believe. In God. In ones faith
1. My Mom. She always told me to follow my dreams and discover myself. She supported every step of my way and helped me up back on my feet when I fell.
2. My math teacher in 8th, 9th and 11th grade. She knew my parents when she was a kid and brought me back to life when my mom had passed away when I was 15. She was the therapy “people in my family would never do”. We still talk now and then, and I am forever grateful for her being there when my father should have but couldn’t.
My grandmother– she was a wonderful mentor.
Many thanks for entering, Stacy!
This would be my teacher in high school, Joyce Drazic. She was a wonderful role model and we stayed friends long after I graduated. My mom died when I was 16 and she meant so much to me and helped shaped me in to the women I am today.
Many thanks for entering, Donna!
In High School I wasn’t the best student, I wiggled and I talked too much. I probably had ADHD but it wasn’t being diagnosed back then. It seemed I was constantly in trouble. But I had a teacher for typing who just picked her battles with me! I enjoyed the class and she got a job for me at the elementary school, helping with the Special Needs kids. Guess what I’ve done for the last 25 years? I went to college for Special education and Yep, I teach Special Needs students in a Functional Life Skills unit. Mrs. Gabbato was a lady that made a difference in my life, for sure!
My Grandmother, she had a stroke early in my childhood but refused to give up. Something that could/shiuld have killed her made her stronger. Even though she was in a wheelchair the rest of her life she never gave up and continued to fight for what she believed in.
My mother is my SHEro and instilled the notion that I could be and do anything I wanted. Not a popular idea for a child born in the South in the early 60s. I was in and out of hospitals as a teen, having multiple surgeries and she always kept me going. As an adult in my mid-50s dealing with numerous chronic health issues, she continues to keep me going. She’s like the emotional support Energizer Bunny for me and my family.
I had a high school teacher who took the time to listen, help, and just understand what was happening I have lost touch with her now but she is someone that I can still hear telling me what to do when I am struggling with a choice.
My elementary school teacher, Roz Whitcomb, who taught me that a left handed person does NOT have to go through life with an ink stain on your hand if you just TIP THE PAPER THE OTHER WAY.
Look Ma! No ink
Lefties unite!
Hmmm. I was not give that memo, and trudged through elementary school with an ink-stained hand!
I didn’t really have women like that in my life as a younger girl or even teen years
I’d have to say a Teacher then I guess
Shared on Twitter https://twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/954911106446823424
My cousin, Kathleen. I meet her when we were 10 years old and her family moved from PA to AZ. It was a rough start-she and her sister played a few ‘tricks’ on me. But in a few years, I got her back. She wanted dimples so desperately, I told her how to get them. Find two identical pebbles, tape them in the exact place that you want dimples, and keep them there for two weeks. Wash around them, wear them even to school, and don’t take them off ever – not even at night, no matter what anyone says. She stuck to it, father, sisters/brothers, teachers, kids at school – all laughed, but she would not take off the taped on stones. Then came the big reveal. She has such lovely bruises where the stones were – but no dimples. That sealed our friendship – tit for tat, we are the yin and yang of life. Can’t separate us. Oh, don’t worry, we still laugh at our silliness and continue to be silly. She is an amazing intuitive (another link that we share), and just an amazing, compassionate, and very honest person. Love her so much.
I also have to honor my son, Jonathan. He had and still has such an influence on me. Whether it is from this world or the world he now belongs to, I feel his presence, his wit, and his wisdom. He is my most precious and miraculous moment – he changed my life for the better. His picture has been posted on the Facebook page.
Our books look so refreshing and inspiring… Thank you for such a blessed offer.????
My Blessing’s are my New Husband and Children… On Nov 18 2016 I was almost stabbed to death by my ex husband… God blessed me with my life and leading me to a man who cherish not only me but my boys. We where married Dec 11 2017..
My mother who taught me, “Beauty is as beauty does.” A reminder of the important beauty which is found inside our hearts and manifests in loving actions. < 3
This is a really tough one! I had some really influential males in my life growing up but struggle with coming up with a woman.
My grandmother (grandparents) took me in when I was 13 and cared for me until after High School (and still do) but we have a funny relationship. I don’t remember a lot of hugs and kisses and I love you growing up…we just weren’t like that.
Jill – My best friend Annie’s (that was killed in a car wreck when we were 12) mom. Even after Annie died she kept in touch with me and took me out to do things and we always kept a special relationship.
My most influential woman in my life would be my Mom. She really was amazing to me and I will never even come close to what she was. There was nothing that she couldn’t do if she put her mind to it. I honestly can’t think of a thing that she wasn’t good at. I wish I had her abilities.
The woman who has inspired me my entire life is my mother. Though she grew up in impoverished Eastern Kentucky as the daughter of a coal miner and faced obstacles unlike anything I ever have had to face, she always taught me that I could be and do anything I desired. She had a difficult life even as I was growing up and still always put her children first in her heart and her prayers. Today she is my best friend and confidant. I’m so thankful to God that she has been the one He chose to be my mother.
My mom she taught me so much growing up and is still teaching me things. She encouraged me to grow and spread my wings to try new things and never give up.
My Grandmother. She was always there for me and she also would take me, on public transportation, to the library each week.
My Grandmother Blanche and my Aunt Judy
My daughter.
My mom, I miss her every day.
My intelligent, strong mother. She was a social activist starting in the 60’s and she never stopped. She made education a reality, instead of a dream, for many children of migrant workers. An amazing inspiration.
My grandmother raised nine children in Kentucky. She taught me about hummingbirds to which I like them to this day. She fed them every day. She was always in her garden when we came to visit. She also taught me to have faith in God. She went to church every Sunday. She taught me to be loving, kind and compassionate. She was always asking if we were hungry, she wanted to make sure her children and grandchildren were not doing without. She made the best gravy and biscuits.
I miss her.
My wonderful mother, Sara. I miss her so much.
My mother who was devoted, caring and loving. Her life was difficult as she was raised during the depression and her father died when she was very young and her mother was depressed. I try to emulate my mother in everything that I do.
My mom raised nine kids, on no money, with an alcoholic husband. She is my hero.
My mother. She gave me my love of reading, country music and my self worth. She was an amazing mother, woman, wife, daughter and friend, to everyone that had the pleasure to know her.
My 9th grade history teacher in England. When it came my classes turn to visit London, she chose to take us using a tour bus rather than a train like all the other classes. She taught me to take different roads in my life rather than following the crowd.
My first grade teacher. She inspired me in reading. She would have the class stop what they were doing and have them listen to me read. I wanted to be just like her and inspire other children. That is probably why I became a first grade teacher.
My mother was a strong woman who worked hard all of her life. We were poor but I never felt poor because she always made sure I had what I needed.
My mother always encouraged my sister and I to reach for the stars and not let anyone or anything stop us.
The first person who comes to my mind is Miss Hazel, a beautiful person and kind Christian woman who taught Sunday school, bible school, the Girls Auxillary at our church and she was always spending time with and organizing events for the young people and young girls. Those events meant so much to me and inspired me.
mom did that
While my mom and grandmothers were awesome, I had two teachers that were very special. My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Barrymore, was an older woman (probably my age now…lol) and she was so kind and caring. She knew we moved a lot because of my dad’s job and that I was very shy. She introduced me to friends that I’m still in touch with today. Then my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Hood, was also wonderful. She was into putting on plays and encouraged everyone in class to participate. It was frightening at first but I ended up having a blast. I did not pursue acting but it helped with my shyness.
My grandma! A strong and at the same time very gentle woman.
I didnt really have anyone except authors of the books i read that gave me inspiration.
My mom. She is the most intelligent woman I know. She instilled in me an appreciation of human and animal life. As well as a love of music, travel, reading, and so much more.
My neighbor Margo whose real name was Margaret but because she loved me I was allowed to call her Margo.
My grandmother, Billie! She always encouraged me and told me I could accomplish whatever I set my mind too. I spent as much time with her as I possibly could, often more than at home????. But when I was 13 my father bought a ranch over 2000 miles away from my hometown and we packed up and moved from southwestern Colorado to northern British Columbia Canada! I was devastated to be so far away! They came to see us every summer but that was not the same.
She was my special lady!! She has been gone now for several years but I miss her still, especially when I spend time with my wonderful granddaughters!!
My grandmother, who was incredibly fond of the saying: “well behaved women rarely make history.” She definitely passed that on to me!
My mother was always so beautiful to me, both physically and emotionally. My mom taught me how to be a “lady” and gave me skills on how to command respect from others. Mom taught me how to eat ladylike, sit appropriately, speak without using vulgarities. Mom was such an excellent role model and a truly classy woman. When my mom passed away at the age of 81, I still thought she was so beautiful! Because she was. I miss her laughter SO much! Her grandchildren and great grandchildren would always ask her, “Come on, Grandma, tell us really how old you are.” Her response? “Age is just a number, and my number ain’t listed.” Gosh I miss her!
My grandmother taught me how to be self reliant by teaching me how to knit, crochet, sew, cook. Make jams and jellies, can vegetables and grow a garden.
My grandmother. She was a spunky gal. She used to write poetry for the women’s writers circle ( I didn’t think it was very good as it always rhymed but this was many years ago and I think she thought it had to). She did her own thing even when others thought she shouldn’t. She was very active. My grandfather played the towns Santa and she was always there when need be supporting him. She got leukemia but that didn’t stop her, she got feisty but she was determined to outlive her doctors orders. People knew they could depend on her.
My Neighbor Betty was a treasure, she gave out chocolate milk on Halloween, she helped me pierce my ears and was just a wonder person to go an visit.
My grandmother. She was a tiny little lady that was a very strong person. She taught us a lot of life skills as well as her hobbies such as embroidery and knitting. Loved her so very much!
It would be very easy for me to say my beautiful Mother or my loving Grandmother but I am going to tell you about a high school girl named Jackie that rode my bus. She lived a few doors down from me but of course I never met her. She was in high school and I was in elementary. I had to ride the bus for almost an hour home because we lived out in the country and so I would do my homework on the bus so when I got home I could watch the Afterschool Special on tv. Jackie would watch me do my homework everyday until finally she came over to sit with me one day and showed me an easy way to remember my multiplication facts. After that day, Jackie sat with me everyday and tutored me. I will never forget her and all she did for me. I found out just about a year ago that Jackie passed away. I went to her grave and left a bouquet of flowers and a pack of multiplication flash cards just in case she was tutoring someone in the cemetery.
When I was young I would have to say my mom and my Aunt Marie.
My Grandmother; a special lady!
My MOM. She would do anything for my two brothers and me. Than also for my kids and grandkids. I miss her a lot since she passed away last June.
It is telling me I already posted my comment about my mom when this is the first time posting. My mom is a very special lady who would do anything for you. I miss her a lot since she passed away last June.
My Baba, my Grandmother, and my Mom.
My mother gave me a world of magic every day of my life by teaching me how to read. I am a proud fifty -four and I can still hear her reading to us when we were little. I am blessed to still have my mother with me and of all the gifts she has given me in my life reading is still my most favorite gift.
My best friend’s mother
Several special ladies, but my mom was the most influential. She was a wonderful mom, daughter who cared for her daddy until the very moment of death, a devoted pastor’s wife, caregiver to several elderly folks in our home town, wonderful gardener, quilted more quilts than I could count, and so much more. I will be forever grateful for who she was and the example she set
I wish I would say my mother, but as much as she wanted to, this wasn’t something she knew herself. That made it hard to pass on to me. And I can’t think of a single woman for whom I can make that claim. So I’ve had to learn how to do it for myself. I only hope that I’ve been successful in being that for someone else.
My Grandma
I have three. My mother taught me to become strong. She endured many challenges during my childhood and watching her go from surviving to thriving was phenomenal encouragement!
My maternal grandmother, was always happy and smiling. Everyone loved her and I never saw her angry. She showed me how to face life with positivity.
My paternal grandmother, showed me love and grace. I would never have grown into the woman I am without her inspiration.
All of these women are dear to me and I hope I have made them proud.
I would say Mom she only lived till I was 24 she died at a young age but she was strong and always told me to be strong and self reliant . She taught me respect for myself and others . I carried her advice my whole life and tried to be a good women a loving and caring person like she was. I miss her so and it is over 40 years since she is gone.