Learn about Kathy’s re-released book, Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries: Finding Peace in All Kinds of Weather (Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas).
Kathy, explain what your book is about and how we might use it.
New book by Kathy Collard Miller
My book helps women, in particular, to trust God more and thus worry less. It is filled with stories from my own life and the lives of others who learned how to do that very thing, along with Biblical principles and practical instruction. I’ve also included Discussion Questions that a group or an individual can use. Plus, every chapter highlights a woman from the Bible who either struggled with worry or one who overcame her worry. I’ve also closed every chapter with a “Letter From God” which speaks to the reader about what she learned in the chapter.
You know that I’m all about helping people have a confident faith conviction. How does worry diminish our faith?
Worry is meditation based in fear. We all meditate on something: fear or faith. Worry focuses on the negative and tears down our meditation on God’s promises in His Word. It actually steals away our ability to trust God to work in our lives. Scripture is clear that we are to be anxious for nothing (Phl 4:6) and that it is faith that pleases God (Heb 11:6). Fear and worry are the enemies of faith, and bring us to doubt God. James 1:5-8 gently warns us that doubt produced double-mindedness and when we operate in doubt we cannot expect to receive from God.
Who did you have in mind when you wrote your book?
Women. I write from my own perspective and experiences and the stories in my book appeal to women. However, I firmly believe men would benefit from it also.
It’s so important that we guard our faith. Yet we can find ourselves anxious before we realize it. What kinds of things cause people to worry?
Of course, there are many things but here are a few. We may have experienced some hurtful things in childhood and blamed God. So our hearts are fearful of turning control over to Him. We may think that worry gives us power in another person’s life. I remember worrying when my teenaged son had to fly across country by himself to a Christian golf camp. I worried he would miss his connecting flight until God whispered, “You’re worried because you want him to need you. Let him need Me.” Oh, how revealing. I could then release that worry and let God show Himself strong. Additionally, people worry because they really do think worry does some good. One woman told me, “Well, of course, worry works; after all, what I worry about doesn’t happen.” I’m sure she was joking (I think!), but in our hearts, we can think it does some good. Unfortunately, worry only makes us tense and then we react in ways we regret. Plus, God isn’t honored.
There’s some history to this particular book. Tell us about it.
I’m very excited that Partly Cloudy is being reborn. It’s the same book that was published in 2005 and now Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas saw its value and is re-releasing it. Can I be honest about something I’m worried about, er, I mean trusting God for? I didn’t add anything to the original book and it wasn’t until the process was too far along that someone encouraged me to add an update. So offering the same material is a concern because those who already read it won’t need it. (Did you know you can be concerned and it doesn’t have to turn into worry?) So I’m trusting God that my readers will want to be reminded of the material, knowing that none of us overcomes worry completely.
You’ve written many books, Kathy. Why did you write Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries?
God was working and transforming me to trust Him more and I wanted to share what I had learned. My desire is to help readers trust God more by being convinced of His greatness, sovereignty, power, love, and involvement. We can say we trust God but then we give into anxiety, People Pleasing, controlling others, regrets, fear, and trying to provide for ourselves when God says to wait on Him. Our responses actually reveal that we don’t trust God as much as we think we do.
What is your ultimate desire for your ministry?
I’ve been in ministry for a long time—my first article was published in 1978 and my first book in 1984. Hard to believe since I’m not that old! But in all these years, I’ve been motivated to minister in such a way that women see God in truth and then take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Much of our worry is because we believe lies about God and we allow any thought to permeate our minds as truth. Although I’m learning like everyone else to trust God more and more, I desire to help every woman know she can believe God wants the very best for her and then want His glory.
Are you available for speaking, especially on this topic of overcoming worry?
Meet Author Kathy Collard Miller
Oh yes, I love to speak on lots of topics, including overcoming worry. I especially love speaking at women’s retreats because I can have extended contact with the women. I can be reached by email at Kathyspeak@dc.rr.com
BIOGRAPHY:
Kathy Collard Miller is a speaker and author. Her passion is to inspire women
to trust God more. She has spoken in 30 states and 7 foreign countries. Kathy has 49 published books including Women of the Bible: Smart Guide to the Bible (Thomas Nelson) and she blogs at www.KathyCollardMiller.blogspot.com. Kathy lives in Southern California with her husband of 43 years, Larry, and is the proud grandma of Raphael. Kathy and Larry often speak together at marriage events and retreats.
Kathy’s book Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries: Finding Peace in All Kinds of Weather can be ordered at Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: While Pamela Christian Ministries seeks to present compelling content from reputable contributors, we make it known that the views expressed in all guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views, policies and/or opinions of Pamela Christian Ministries, its owners, management, staff or sponsors. Pamela Christian Ministries has no professional affiliation with the Guest/organization identified here, their business, products, service, contests or claims.
The Guest and/or their business/organization assume all responsibility for the representations made in this post.
Your privacy is always respected and protected.