DWITS #3 – Acknowledgements and Poetic Hymns

Posted September 4, 2020

This photo below was taken at my Mom’s 80th birthday party eight years ago. My two oldest daughters, Hayley and Megan, were both away at the time, so are not pictured. I’ll share photos of them in a future post.

In this week’s blog, I want to share about two aspects of my book. First, throughout my life, especially my adult life filled with tragedy and tears, I have had a trustworthy team cheering me on. I could not have made it this far — nor written this book — without their unconditional love and steadfast support, so I acknowledge:

+My parents, Bob and Joanne Howard; my encouragement in all things.

+My children, Grant, Justin, Zane, Hayley, Megan, Eddie, Taryn, Jesse, and Madison; my treasures.

+My late husband Cary, late daughter Abby, and late daughter Destiny; my impetus for this book.

+My contributing authors, Alan, Debbie, Jim, Kathy, Marcia, Robert, and Susan; my forever friends.

+My Savior, Jesus Christ; my Comforter and Provider.

Second, I have been a “church-goer” most of my life and it is through the encouraging words of timeless hymns that I find joy during the most difficult moments. Each “Part” of my book begins with the poetic words from one of my favorites. Here are the first few verses of one that keeps me standing, ready for battle each and every day.

Standing on the Promises[i]

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

[i] Carter, Russell Kelso (lyrics and music). Standing on the Promises. 1886. Public Domain.

Death and Grief

sharimcminn

Shari Howard McMinn is an author, editor, farmer, writer, and most importantly Mom to 11 children. Widowed very unexpectedly on June 2, 2013, Shari continued the direction of her life built with her late husband, Cary, and launched her public speaking and writing business which he had often encouraged her to do. Drawing from her 'over the top' life, she writes non-fiction and presents PowerPoint talks on issues related to family life, including adoption, childhood nutrition, family economics, homeschooling, and proactive parenting. She is available for broadcast interviews and presentations in Colorado and surrounding states, as well as Florida and Georgia. A dynamic speaker, Shari engages the audience with her true-life storytelling and practical advice based on experience and biblical wisdom.