Q & A With Joanna
More about Joanna...
1. How did you become a writer?
It wasn’t anything I ever planned or dreamed. But as John and I were walking through a transitional time in our lives, things started to come out in my journaling that seemed more like articles or essays than entries. With the help of a friend, my first piece was published in our denominational magazine. I thought that was the end of that, but a few years later, a desire to write began to grow in my heart. Still, I needed to know it was God’s idea and not just one more of my short-lived hobbies.
Through a series of miraculous-to-me events, the Lord confirmed it was indeed His call and not a fleeting interest. So I went to my local library and read as many books on writing as I could. Then I took a night class on magazine article writing at our community college and started sending out queries. After being rejected regularly for over a year, I realized this writing idea had to be God because up until then my life motto had been: “When the going gets tough, give up!” (Or at least go do something you’re good at, like shopping!)
2. How do you balance writing and family life? How do you balance "work" and worship?
One of the “balance” things I try to do in every area of my life is to schedule counterbalance. Counterbalance means that if I’ve spent a lot of time doing ministry, or if I’ve been away writing, I schedule extra time with my family when I get back. My husband and I go on a date night. I cuddle up with Josh on the couch and watch a movie. No writing, no research. Just me and them.
I’m also discovering the importance of balancing my life spiritually as well. I try to spend the first part of my day with the Lord, but I’ve found a half-day of prayer alone with God once in a while supercharges my spiritual life. Especially when I’ve been over-busy ministry wise. John and I try to keep a weekly Sabbath as well--ceasing activity as God commands in order to rest and spiritually refocus. As one author describes the gift of Sabbath ...it allows “our souls to catch up.”
3. Are you able to mentor me or read my manuscript for endorsement?
While I wish I could help everyone who asks, the responsibilities of family, ministry and writing doesn’t make this possible. But in an effort to help those of you wanting to be published, I’ve put together a page outlining my own journey as well as a list of books and resources that guided me along the way. I hope you find it helpful. Click on “My Writing Journey.”
4. I heard you have two grown kids and a 6-year old. What is that like?
It was a total shock when we discovered we were expecting, but Joshua is the joy of all our lives! I definitely didn’t plan on being pregnant at 40. Like I told a friend, “Who knew I’d be shopping for cribs and colleges at the same time.” But she reassured me it could be worse. “You could be shopping for diapers and Depends!”
However, I can honestly say that as much as I struggled with my pregnancy, I’m experiencing that much joy and grace on this side of motherhood. I’m truly blessed!
Many have asked how Joshua is doing after I shared about his development delays in Having a Mary Spirit. He’s doing great! Although he didn’t talk in full sentences until he was 4 and a half, he’s definitely playing catch up now. Whew, that boy can talk. Though his low muscle tone affects his motor skills and focus, Josh enjoys kindergarten and is doing great at reading and simple math. We give thanks to the Lord!
5. I hear you speak at retreats and conferences…would you come to our church?
Speaking to women is one of my greatest joys and passions, but it isn’t my only calling. In order to be a good mommy, an effective pastor’s wife and writer, John and I have chosen to limit my speaking to 8-10 engagements a year. While I love the intimacy of smaller venues, we’ve realized that larger venues (200+) are a better stewardship of those limited opportunities.
If you are interested in scheduling an event, please fill out the speaker inquiry form. I am currently scheduled through 2010 and won’t be making decisions for 2011 until later this year. But please know I am honored you would consider having me as a guest. Whether I’m able to join you or not, I will be praying for God’s blessing and His best for your event.
6. What are three things people don't know about you?
I went skydiving a couple summers ago--something I said I’d NEVER do. God had been asking me to trust Him more--to choose faith over fear. When my daughter graduated from high school, we all–John, myself and the two older kids–decided to go skydiving. After spending nearly two decades giving our kids roots, it was time to give them wings!
Mmmm… let’s see, number two… I’ve been mostly sugar-free for three years. Again, it was something I never thought I could do, but I feel great. I have a lot more energy and my food cravings have really diminished. I lost thirty-five pounds, but unfortunately eight of them have found me. Currently, I’m trying to outrun them without actually having to exercise. Fat chance.
And the third thing that people don’t know about me is that, for most of my life, I’ve secretly dreamed of being Christie Yamaguche, the Olympic ice skater. Despite the fact I’ve never actually taken skating lessons and have the vertical leap of a turtle, I still believe that one day I’ll stand on a podium and finally meet Christie Yamaguche.
7. What is it like being a pastor's wife?
I love being a pastor’s wife! I grew up wishing I could be a PK–a pastor’s kid–so I married one and gave birth to three. I truly believe serving the local church is the greatest privilege anyone can have.
But that isn’t to say that being in the ministry is easy. It’s hard to see people walk through difficult times. (Sometimes life throws awful curveballs.) But it is also an incredible thrill to watch people grow in their faith and see the transforming power of God at work in their lives!
I’m often asked me how I deal with people’s expectations in the ministry. It isn’t other people’s expectations that keep me up at night–it’s my own! However, I’m learning that the only things that have any value are the things I allow God to do through me. Which brings me constantly to Jesus’ feet, asking Him to live and love, move and minister. First in me and then through me.
8. Which book would you suggest reading first: Having a Mary Heart or Having a Mary Spirit?
If you have a choice, I recommend studying Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World first. In my own life, I’ve discovered it’s a lot easier to hear and heed the rebuke of the Lord when I’m enjoying the intimacy of the Living Room. Having a Mary Spirit makes an excellent follow-up study as it gives practical tools for transformation, showing us how to cooperate with the Holy Makeover the Lord desires to give each one of us.
If you are considering doing a group study with either book, check out the downloadable work book and leader’s guide here.
9. In what way are you a Martha ... or a Mary ... or both?
I’ve diagnosed myself as a schizophrenic Christian! I want to worship like Mary but the Martha inside keeps bossing me around. Like everyone else, I’m faced with a choice. I have to daily make room for my quiet time with the Lord–the Mary part of my life–it doesn’t just happen. But when I do, I’m amazed how better the Martha part of life goes!
On a practical level, I’m somewhat schizophrenic as well. I wish I enjoyed cleaning and cooking, but I can never seem to find my inner-Martha when I need her!
10. What are you working on now?
I'm working on the final installment of the Bethany trilogy – which I find amusing because I didn't even know there would be a sequel, let alone a third book! It's called The Lazarus Factor: Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts. It was birthed out of a teaching God gave me several years ago: We know God loved Mary, because look how she worshiped. We even understand how God could love Martha, because look how she served. But what about those of us who don't know where we fit in the heart of God?
This book is the tale of the third follower. Lazarus did nothing of any significance except die. And yet, when Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother was ill, they said, "Lord, the one you LOVE is sick." It follows the Bible story outlined in John 11, and I'm excited about all the facets the Lord has been opening before me.
11. What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
Number one, I hope they come away with a deeper understanding of how very much they are loved by God, no matter their personality type. Whether we’re more like Martha or Mary, or even like Lazarus, we are all invited to sit at Jesus' feet.
I also hope readers will go away with a refreshed hunger to really, truly know God – not just about Him - and armed with the tools to actually do it! I was twenty-eight years old and an associate pastor's wife before I discovered the methods that helped me carve out a quiet time with the Lord.
Something incredible happens when we spend time at Jesus’ feet. His mind becomes our mind and His heart becomes our heart. It’s a divine exchange! And a Holy Makeover is the result – more of Jesus and less of me!
