Guest Blogger Rose Chandler Johnson!

Today I welcome Rose Chandler Johnson to my Patchwork Quilt blog. Rose's new book, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea has just been released from Lighthouse of the Carolinas.

Rose, good to have you here! I have a few questions for you today. What inspired you to write your devotional?

Rose: I was writing every day in a spiral notebook. After a while I had written so much, I thought to myself, "Hey, I could turn these into devotions." So, that is what I did. I wrote one or two per week, every week for a year. After a year, I chose from them to compile the devotional. I transformed it into a journal because like yourself I’ve always journaled and I’ve experienced its benefits. I’ve used it with students as well. I think the journal component makes it more memorable and allows readers an opportunity to go deeper and apply their faith.

Alice: Who do you want to reach with your book? Which audience?

Rose: This devotional is uniquely appropriate for working mothers, but also for anyone who wants to put their Christianity into practice in their everyday moments.

Alice: What is your favorite kind of iced tea? Flavored? With sugar or without? Do you make iced tea?

Rose: Yes, I make tea every day at home. I drink at least two quarts of sweetened iced tea daily, and I use only a half cup of sugar in that. I like tea so much, I can’t really say I have a favorite. The brand I’m using at home the most is Luzianne. I prefer it with a slice of lemon.

Alice: Can you share an excerpt from your book with us here?

Rose: Yes, and thank you for asking.

A Life of Service

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" Matthew 16:25 (KJV).

Well I remember the time, some twenty or so years ago, when my little children revolved around me like the planets circle the sun. I felt like I was holding them all in place, but God was holding us all. He was ever present.

One especially exhausting day, as I was changing a diaper, and hurriedly juggling many tasks, I said aloud in exasperation, "I don’t have a life!" Without hesitation, in an instant, the Lord responded emphatically to my words. In my spirit, I heard, "No, you don’t have a life. Didn’t I tell you that whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it?" These words came directly to me, personal and real—interjected into my train of thought by a voice of authority.

At that moment, I knew the Lord had spoken to me. I realized I was doing exactly what the Lord wanted me to do; I was taking care of the needs of my family. My service to them was not an obligation, but a holy calling, a vocation to serve the needs of those in my care. Jesus became a “servant to all” taking on the "form of a servant" in his earthly life. His service was love in action. His selfless love, for our redemption and God’s glory, is a model for all believers. It is with this same spirit of service that we can dedicate our lives to His service, and by so doing, we are strengthened to give of ourselves to others, in our families and beyond, as we go about our everyday lives.

Alice: Rose, where can we find you online?

Rose: Twitter: @rechanjo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rose.c.johnson
Blog: Write Moments with God; http://www.writemomentswithgod.blogspot.com

Thanks, Rose! Readers, be sure to get a copy of God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments! And leave a comment below to encourage Rose as she embarks on her newly-published journey.

Available from Amazon.

Available in print from your local bookstore, online, or from the publisher.