Blessings Abound, by Paula Rose

Each year's MJAA Conference is memorable in its own way. The first year I had a table in the Marketplace, Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book 1 was under contract, but I didn't have a book. However, 12 wonderful people spoke with me and purchased that novel. Three men who were writing their doctoral dissertation asked for and received my bibliography, which is found in the back of the novel(s). The second year, I had Book 1, and was delighted to share a table with an author friend of mine. Once again, I sold 12 books, and since my goal for both years was to meet people and sell enough books to cover expenses, I was delighted that I did that.

This year was as different as my goal was for having read many glowing reviews of both books, and having been blessed with amazing social networking friends, some as close as a few blocks away, and others as far away as Australia, I've learned that being in a place where I can meet and speak with others is as or more important than selling a book, especially since God did not ask me to sell, but to write books! And this years event proved that to be true... From beginning to end, and everything in between, I found myself affirmed and was amazed to hear over and over again, "I know you from Facebook!"

Amazing moments in the midst of this weekend occurred when I least expected it! I meet wonderful sisters in Messiah and lifelong bonds were formed.

Yet my most amazing experience occurred when a friend's husband bought both books, not because he, his wife, or daughter would read them but because of the many kindnesses my husband had bestowed upon his wife who packs our groceries. This affirmation of my spouse meant more to me than anything that was said because Ron has always been that silent blessing to all who know him.

Did I sell more books than I ever did before? Yes! Did doing that make the event special? No...as always being affirmed by like-minded people remind me that God bless, and this year he blessed me by showing me that though I'm an author I would not be one, if my Ron had not affirmed and nurtured me as he does others, for you see... that's his gift!

1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.