Emily Wickham began her writing and speaking journey in 2005. She writes for Lifeway Christian Resources and enjoys serving the Lord as an author, speaker, and podcaster. She teaches via Indestructible Life, a podcast that helps women discover the life Jesus is and treasure the life God's Word gives. Emily also shares brief messages about the return of Christ on her YouTube channel. Please connect with Emily by subscribing below to her blog, Heart Stirrings.
Present, My Proposal, Journey, & More
Dear Readers,
It’s been delightful to see the raspberry pink of our redbud tree surrounded by the delicate green of budding trees. Now two white dogwoods are taking center stage in the woods, and seeing them gives me such gladness. The sights and sounds of spring radiate with loveliness. I feel tremendously blessed to witness the stages of life in our backyard.
Our home remains on the market, and we continue to trust the Lord. Thank you for your prayers—may God’s will be done.
This past month was packed with proposal writing. Thanks for joining me for those details and more…
The Glory of Jesus: Present
“But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also’” (Acts 23:11, NASB).
I planned to fully complete my proposal this past Friday, and I developed an insane stress over that deadline. But in yesterday’s early morning hours, as I sat in my office snuggled in a blanket, the Lord sat with me. He’d already been present earlier when tears fell. I’d failed to meet another self-imposed deadline, and I felt utterly worn out. Nothing left to give.
I’ve been working like crazy, and at times this proposal has felt like a huge weight suffocating the life out of me.
So we sat in my office, Jesus and me. I couldn’t see Him, of course, but I sensed the peace of His presence. And little by little, God renewed my strength. Praise His beautiful name. Although I desperately wanted to meet my deadline, the Lord provided peace. He’s stayed with me through the entire proposal-writing process. He’s in this. And He’s with me.
Jesus is with you, too.
This resurrection season marks our celebration of all Jesus Christ did for us. Because He suffered and died in agony, pouring out His precious blood for us, we can be forgiven. Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb, but on the third day, God raised His Son Out. Of. That. Grave! And because JESUS lives, we can live, too … saved by grace through faith. Praise His glorious name.
The Lord promised to never leave or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). He strengthens us in moments of deep need, lavishing us with grace. Let’s remember we always can call on His name, knowing He is present with us forevermore.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Proposal Progress
And the rest of the story is…
My proposal is SO CLOSE to final completion. I just need to revise a small portion plus conclude the writing sample and edit the entire document. This morning I also remembered I have one more element to add as well, so I need to tend to that, too.
Thank you for your valuable prayers—please keep them coming. I’m most grateful and trust the Lord with this endeavor. His timing is perfect.
Indestructible Life
Season Two is scheduled to begin on April 11. I’m excited and thankful that even during this past month when I didn’t upload new content, Indestructible Life still sustained downloads, meaning people continue to tune in. Praise the Lord.
Please pray as I plan to record episode one for the new season later this week. And please plan to listen next Tuesday to discover more about people in the book of John.
Journey
I received three copies of the Summer 2023 issue, which bears the new quarterly format. Now the bio. of every contributing writer is included, and I’m thrilled to be listed. Glory to God. On top of that blessing, I discovered my Heart Stirrings blog is recommended to Journey readers on page 127—what a fabulous surprise! Wow, God is SO good.
A Logo
My super-talented daughter, a graphic designer, has created a logo for me, and she plans to add finishing touches as soon as I can sit with her to discuss details. This is so exciting! I can’t wait to share it with you as soon as possible.
Until Next Time
May our loving Father in heaven fill you with joy and wonder this resurrection season. Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), impact us for eternity, and His empty tomb secures our future. Jesus said, “I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:18).
Hallelujah!!! Jesus is risen, and Jesus is present.
In Christ’s Love,
I've been working like crazy, and at times this proposal has felt like a huge weight suffocating the life out of me. #bookproposal #ChristianWriter #WritingCommunity Share on X Yesterday God enabled me to accomplish more than I anticipated. #BookProposal #ChristianWriter #WritingCommunity Share on X Hallelujah!!! Jesus is risen, and Jesus is present. #GodsPresence #Resurrection #Jesus Share on X
Know that I continue to pray you through this book proposal process my friend. I’ve made a career out of proposal management, and not one has ever been an easy endeavor. Whether is a missile warning system a new bomber, some new life-saving device, or a book proposal for a book that we pray will help Christ save many more lives, each is always a challenge. My encouragement is to seek Him always as He indeed can make our paths straight Ms. Emily. Praying for your home sale, next move, and of course your positive impact upon God’s kingdom through your writing and speaking ministry He has called you to. God’s blessings ma’am and Happy Easter. He is Risen!
So kind, thank you brother J.D. I am ever grateful for your prayers and encouraging words. God is faithful. May the Lord bless you and Ms. Diane with a wonder-filled celebration of His resurrection.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily