My DaySpring Story

When I had writer's block recently, I asked what you'd like to see as a post. Several of you mentioned DaySpring so I thought I'd start there...

 
(Cover of an award-winning card I wrote, inspired by my personal struggle.)

My grandparents had a Christian bookstore when I was growing up. I spent many hours curled up on an old chair in back of the store reading the stacks of books I'd gathered from the shelves.

I wrote my first book at age five. It was not published but proudly tucked away by its number one fan--my Mom.

I never really considered another career besides writing.

My grandma on my Dad's side was an English teacher. So it seemed words flowed through my veins and heart from the moment I came into the world.

In school I wrote poetry during science class and carried around enourmous notebooks.

I graduated and enrolled as an English major.

All through high school I'd been the "good Christian girl." And frankly, the pedestal was getting old. That first semester I rebelled.

I came home for Christmas broken and desperately missing God. During that time my sweet Grandma (the one with the bookstore) mentioned to her DaySpring sales representative that she had a granddaughter who wanted to be a writer. The representative told her I could send some ideas.

So she passed that little bit of good news along and I decided to try a few greeting cards. It became a turning point in my faith too.

And I know now that what happened next is nothing short of a miracle...to be continued.

What do you want to be when you grow up? (None of us really are grown up yet...right?)

subscribe by e-mail

Share |

Comments

[~Grace & Peace]

Holley,
I totally LOVE your card - from the illustration and the colors down to the message. I used to make cards, too to supplement our income. Love the creative process and the feeling that you get when you know it comes together.

My dream as a child was to be a writer, too. I was a Journalism major in college. My work in the legal field allows me to do some writing but there is only so much creativity you can put in a legal correspondence. Nevertheless (my boss likes to use that word), I persist. Maybe one day I can use both my love of writing and card making for God's glory.

Thank you for sharing your story. Your grandma's store sounds like an awesome place to hang out.

[Laurie]

Hi Holley,
I want to own my own bakery when I "grow up". I love bringing joy to others through their tummies. So one day I will have that Bakery and get those creative juices flowing freely through cakes, cookies and anything chocolate....

I found your site months ago but did not really dive in until last night. I am in the midst of anger and go back through your blog about finding joy has refreshed my soul and I am going to begin for 40 days doing this as well to let God take the anger and help me find that Joy I so desperately long to have again.

[Maureen]

This is an amazing card.....I absolutely LOVE it!!!

[Rebecca]

Love this card. It hits home right now. LOve it.

When I grow up, I too would love to write for a children's organization or an adoption cause. I'd love to be a missionary as well. And a party planner, and a.... :)

[Fiona]

ooohhhh i love hearing how people came to do the things they do.....I'm eagerly waiting for more!!!

[Valarie Hodges]

I bought this exact card about 2 weeks ago for a friend who I keep in contact with that has had a rough year! How cool is that!

[Linda]

I want to be a writer when I grow up Holley.
I am really enjoying your story - can't wait for the next installment!

[Mandy]

I want to be the girl at rodeos who rides her horse really fast, the Stars and Stripes waving in the wind as she proudly displays our National Flag.

And I want to sing and dance with a group just like the glee club on 'Glee'.

[C.C.]

I've learned those three things myself. When I grow up, I want to be a mother. I have a feeling, though, we'll be the ages of Sarai and Abraham.

I tried to email you, but it came back. :-(
Thank you SO much for the Danielson sign!!! I am so excited! What must I do to redeem my prize? :-)

[amy]

That is the best card, Holley! :)
When I grow up, I would love to be a writer. I would LOVE to figure out how to make sense (on paper!) of all the wonderful experiences God has allowed me to have. I don't really know where to start.
Thanks for sharing this story...And thanks for praying for my friend.
Love
Amy

[Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect]

I love your story. :) I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I mean, I think I want to be an editor. In Christian publishing. But all I know FOR SURE is that I want to serve the Lord. Whatever that means for Him and for me.

[Amy]

You know, I feel like I'm in a fog. I graduated college a few years ago with a degree in education (Lang. arts minor) but I haven't put it to "use." I've subbed but that's it. As I type this, I'm wondering....IS that my calling? Or did I choose that because my grandma was a (wonderful) teacher, my aunt, my great grandma...etc, etc. Am I trying to be someone I'm not? I do enjoy writing short stories but never did anything about it.

Following God's ever-gentle nudging can be frustrating, exciting and confusing all at the same time!!

[Jennifer]

That card is beautiful! What a blessing to grow up in a Christian book store... my goodness... that would be awesome!

I can't wait to hear the next part of your story. I love to hear journey stories! :)

[Bonnie Gray]

I LOVE your story. What a beautiful card. The words are few but choice. You are SO blessed your Grandma was there to speak words of blessing that gave birth to a turning point.

Me? I want to be a writer when I grow up.

My single mother told me when I was a teenager applying for college, "You, write? You can't write." And sent my uncle to come talk sense into me. They both told me it would be dishonorable and selfish to become a writer.

Today, I'm keeping the hope alive, one faith word at a time.

[Lindsay @ Not2Us]

When I grow up, I want to be a mother to hundreds. And now I'm crying, because just typing that out makes my heart pound so hard it scares me.

[Maria Jones-Davidson]

Holley, Beautiful Card! Thank you for sharing that Card with us and it's writing. You really are a blessing and an encouragement to us...Well when I grow up...I want to think I have grown a little already if not a lot! Thank you so much for getting us back to where we started. To me growing is a process and it's a matter of turning my life to the Lord and allowing Him to establish, correct, discipline, mold me and make me the woman I should be for Him so I can glorify His name and give Him the honor He deserve to have through my life and the workings in my life. he will always accomplish things for me so long as I am allowing Him and I'm close to Him and His direction always!

[beth]

I came home after work tonight (about 11pm.
One of my students said that nursing instructors need more patience with the students.
It does take more than what I can sometimes give.
Tonight, I am less stressed just by reading your site for inspiration. Help me with some resources on developing patience.
Keep writing and inspiring.
Beth

[Pam]

I have subscribed to many inspirational emails, and never has one touched my heart like yours do. Each time I read them I am blessed and reminded of the love of Our Lord!

Oh, how you speak so sincerely from the heart. I love to read your messages and your cards are BEAUTIFUL. This one above, about what women learn from our struggles-oh how very true. How blessed we are as Christians that we can grow from our trials, by the Grace of our Heavenly Father!

I know the pains of infertility. I have had many wonderful friends, Chritian angels,like you. They prayed for my when I was so down and felt like I could not pray any more. Later on God blessed me with 2 angels...and I know that He has very special plans for you.

Thank you for spreading His love. God bless you!