Читать книгу Fresh Joy - Heidi McLaughlin - Страница 9
ОглавлениеACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I knew it was time to write a book on joy while I was in Toronto and my grandson Ryan spurred me on with “Nana, you’ll love a cup of flat white coffee. Trust me.” Ryan knew I hadn’t been able to drink coffee since Jack died, but this exquisitely delicious flat white was the beginning of another step toward healing and joy. That coffee incident is just a snippet of the love and encouragement I’ve received from my family and friends while writing this book.
I am incredibly honoured to include stories from my daughter Michelle Conley Willms and other wonderful people in my life. Thank you to Shaunie Brown, Candace Giesbrecht, Cindy Keating, Carol Rath, Margaret Gibb, and Cheryl Klippenstein. You were so gracious and eager to support me throughout this labour of love. I smile from ear to ear when I see how your words infuse life and colour into the chapters to allow the reader to grasp a deeper perspective.
Then there are my relentless readers who drove through a fierce winter storm to sit at my table and work through many chapters to give fresh insights and words of wisdom. Thank you, Elisabeth (Elsie) Lewke, Kirstin Wakal, Jo-Ann Hemingway, and Michele Layton, for your outrageously loving support. You took the time to read and to give loving and honest feedback. Thank you.
I can’t imagine writing a book without prayer support. My faithful prayer partners Saundra Dalton-Smith and Sheryl Giesbrecht-Turner have been by my side and prayed for this book from conception to reality. My She Café Bible study group, newsletter supporters, sister Brigitte, and numerous other gracious friends often stopped me and said, “Hey, Heidi, I’m praying for you.” For an author who sits alone at her computer day after day, there are no sweeter words.
I am so grateful to Larry Willard of Castle Quay Publishing House for believing in me and giving me a contract. A big shout-out to my gracious editor Marina Hofman Willard, graphic designers, and everyone involved with this manuscript. It takes a village to create a book.
Mostly, my heart overflows with gratitude for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, whose breath is on every page. He created the inspiration and creativity in my heart that became words flowing through my fingertips. Every book I write is an act of worship and praise to God. I thank God for the passion, health, and love that helped me write a book to help people discover fresh joy.