Needing Help

Tonight my blog site has a few additions: the cover of my book and a photo of Jack and me at the beach. My accommodating son-in-law, Adam, has faithfully managed www.GettingThroughThis.com since its inception three years ago and has been my go-to guy for problems of any kind.

Now, as a result of his fine work, my little devotional book is available in the margin and can be ordered by clicking on any of the web addresses beneath its picture. It will be ready for shipping next week, and my prayer has been and will continue to be that people who are swamped with grief over losing a mate will secure a copy and be uplifted by the short daily devotionals inside.

When I first posted on this web site, I had no idea I’d one day write a book that would be available in the margin. But then again I had no idea back then that widowhood would be the subject line. Of course God saw all of that and even now sees what might be posted in the margin next year at this same time. None of us should put anything past God’s doing.

One thing I’ve learned, though, is that whenever God puts opportunity in our path, he also puts helpers and encouragers there, too. Adam has been both of those for me in my relationship with this web site. Over time he has good-naturedly taught me how to use its features, and that has meant many repeated explanations of the same web task, over and over.

But Adam is a patient young man, and never once has he criticized his non-techy mother-in-law for being a slow learner. Because of that I don’t ever hesitate to ask him new questions, and I never worry he might respond harshly. God was the one who put him next to me in this web undertaking, and in these three years I’ve gotten to know him well enough to believe that even when I’m not around, he isn’t complaining about me. The fact that he married into our family was, as Nate often said, “a home run.”

Adam has taught us all by his example. He’s been willing to be used of the Lord in the lives of others, and because of that, God has used him. And the good news is that any of us can follow suit and experience that same lofty privilege of being a tool in God’s hands. So if we want our lives to count for something valuable, something permanent, all we need to do is tell the Master, “I’m available” (as Adam has), and God will do the rest.

“If anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)

16 thoughts on “Needing Help

  1. Congratulations on your book! You will surely help many with your wise words. Good luck! 🙂

  2. Thank you, Adam for having a big part in encouraging all of us…your kind eyes and welcoming smile speak volumes! Margaret, many blessings on your book…congrats!

  3. What a blessing it has been to watch our son be so welcomed into your family and fit right in with everyone. It is a treasure to know that he has such a good relationship with his in-laws, especially with you, Margaret. Your appreciative words makes my heart smile. from Adam’s Mom

  4. Wonderful news, Margaret! I have a newly-widowed friend who will be comforted by your book. And thank you, Adam, for exercising the spiritual gift of understanding computers. (I’m sure that’s somewhere on the list).

  5. I saw your book at my parents’ house and it is beautiful! Congratulations, I’m sure it will be a blessing to many!

  6. I am loving the book. I gave the other copy to my friend. She received it with tears in her eyes.
    Sincerely,
    Your first customer (and proud of it)

  7. After reading most of this heart warming book, I do believe there will be another one, written by you. God is using Margaret Johnson Nyman, mightily. In fact, I believe He is still using the memory of Nate, and every adult in your family, now, to show us all how getting through this life, WITH HIM, is a must !

  8. I have pre ordered five copies of your book. I am ready to be blessed by it and hope to encourage other newly widowed friends with your devotional as well. THANK YOU!!!!!

  9. It warms this grandmother’s heart to see the comments made about Adam; He truly is a blessing to his family and friends…and his electronically=challenged grandmother appreciates his readiness to explain for the zillioneth time the same pc move….!! God has blessed both families!!

  10. How exciting! I’m so glad your wisdom and lessons in faith will be available beyond the blog.

  11. I’ve been happy to help! The blog has been a learning experience for both us. It’s exciting to see the book complete, and I’m looking forward to hearing the stories of how God uses it.

  12. Great news, Margaret! I have been waiting for this book! Will be ordering several copies, to give away, and one for me! Your journey, and your daily blog have really impacted me. I’m so glad God has used your writing gift in such an amazing way and look forward to reading your book. Thank you!!