Alice Wisler, featured author, plus monthly book give-away

Alice J. Wisler's new devotional and a picture of her son Daniel
 

It's my pleasure to introduce Alice Wisler as our guest author today.  Alice Wisler has written a devotional for those who need comfort in heartache. Having lost her son Daniel to cancer, Alice has the sensitivity and empathy to speak right to the heart of those who hurt. This devotional is relevant and encouraging, and leaves the reader with the confident hope that God will sustain them and help them face each new day.  It's for anyone struggling with heartache from any kind of loss--of a loved one, a career, health or finances, hopes and dreams, divorce.  As I read this lovely book, I thought of friends with whom I want to share it. So I invited her to be our guest today.  I hope you enjoy the interview which follows.

You have had a heartbreaking experience with grief; could you talk a little bit about that?

My son Daniel died after cancer treatments in 1997.  He was three when he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his neck.  He was four when he died in my arms after a staph infection entered his compromised body. The day was Groundhog Day, so every year when the little rascal is looking for his shadow to predict the onset of spring, I am remembering my little rascal—a beautiful blond-haired boy who loved his mama and had a great sense of humor.

 

What is one of the greatest hurdles when it comes to dealing with grief?

I think we are surprised at how long grief takes (how long the journey through it is) and what an impact grief has on each aspect of our lives. The loss of Daniel challenged my faith, my beliefs—my very core.

 

How does service to others help overcome grief?

Doing for others means getting out of yourself, so to speak, and letting others enter your life.  You begin to see that others have sorrow, too.  Others are hurt and need understanding.   By helping to meet the needs of others, you help yourself (a remarkable truth from God’s economy).

What is the main takeaway of you new devotional, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning?

Life is tough and grief is real.  Being human isn’t easy.  God provides for us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, sustaining us so that we can carry on.  He is full of compassion, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace.

You have a lot of writing exercises in your book.  How important is writing through heartache?

If you ask me, it is vital.  Writing saved me.  When Daniel died, I needed to pour my pain onto paper and have my journal share in holding it.  I wrote all the time. Now I teach online writing courses (Writing the Heartache) and speak at conferences on the value and benefits of putting pen to paper. Writing is inexpensive therapy, a great gift from God. I hope you’ll visit my website to learn more about my workshops.

Besides this devotional, what else have you written?

I have written five novels and two self-published cookbooks in memory of kids. 

Rain Song (Christy Finalist)

 How Sweet It Is (Christy Finalist)

 Hatteras Girl

A Wedding Invitation

Still Life in Shadows

All my novels take place in the South.  Even though I was born and raised in Japan, now that I live in North Carolina, I have learned the beauty of sweet tea and grits.

How does your family handle having a mom and wife who is behind her laptop most of the day?

My three kids are used to seeing me spend the majority of my time writing or heading out the door to speak.  My oldest, Rachel, who is now 22, drew a picture of me years ago when Elizabeth, my youngest (now 15), was a baby.  The drawing had Elizabeth in the baby seat/carrier on the carpet and me at my computer with my foot rocking the carrier.  My hands, of course, were on the keyboard, eyes glued to the screen.  My husband Carl likes me to quit work each day by 5 pm and spend time with him so I honor that request.

Read more about Alice at http://www.alicewisler.com

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

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Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Alice's devotional, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning: Reflections of Comfort in Heartache.

At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone. Join in. Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1. Leave a comment on this blog which includes your name and email address if you want to be included in the drawing. You can comment without leaving it if you want to as usual.  I will use your address to contact you if you win.  To leave a comment, click on the pencil icon or the word comment at the end of this blog post.

2. Share this blog post on Facebook so your friends will read about it and visit too, tweet it if you have twitter, and mention the book give-away on your own blog if you have one. It would be great as well and an extra perk for me if  you would become a follower of this site, so you won't miss a single post.

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 9th. A winner will be announced here on Monday, February 11th, so be sure to check back to see if you've won.  Thank you so much for participating in the monthly give-away.

May God be with you.