When have you experienced a sweet “yes!” amidst a series of “no!”s? For me, this journey has felt like a forest full of no’s, not-yets, not enough, not now. When you’re in the thick of it all it’s difficult to find the path out. Can you relate?

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. —1 Corinthians 1:3-4, 19-20

I haven’t always made sense of the no’s. However, I learned that with each “no,” my capacity to say, “Me too” only increased. I also learned that the no’s make the yes-moments sweeter.

Here are two “Yes!!”s I’m excited to share with you.

 1. I finished the first draft of my book. Yessss!!!! 

There have been so many people who mentioned either in person, in a card, in an email, “Krishana, have you thought of writing a book?” Sure, I’ve always wanted to write a book. I love to write! However, I didn’t know it would be a book about my story. Then in early 2014, I visited some friends in Washington State. It was about eight months after my transplant. I needed a new environment and a time of refreshment. (And I needed a little rebellion…you really shouldn’t travel that far eight months after your transplant!)

This getaway was one of those moments when God brought a little bit of clarity into my messy life. I didn’t know what it meant to live in the United States again, find a job, move forward. However, I knew I needed to write my story. Besides sweet moments with Jesus, friends and the beauty of the Northwest, I left Washington knowing I needed to take this next step. When I got home, I began pulling out old prayer journals, starting in 2004. As I read, I saw glimpses of current themes in my life. That 2004 young woman had no idea about the journey ahead, but boy she loved Jesus.

Writing my story has been another one of those adventures when I thought I knew what the destination would look like, but later discover I had no idea how beautiful it would be. Initially, I set out to share my story hoping it would impact one person—not knowing that the one person it would impact most was me. 

God used this writing process to bring incredible healing into places where I needed to see Him showing up to be my Rescuer and embrace His deep love for me. So, I guess I already have a 100-percent success rate. All that’s left now is whipped topping, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and a cherry to what He’s already accomplished. Especially considering what He’s ultimately accomplished through Christ—a definite, “Yes!” Whatever He desires to do with my story is up to Him. I’ll follow His lead.

I look forward to sharing more with you about this journey, next steps and the story itself. I anticipate launching the book in June 2017. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement along the way.

Stay informed by signing up for email updates through my new site: tandemliving.org. To sign up follow the instructions in the box in right-hand column on the main page.

2. Serving in Europe — Yessss!!!!

Last year, I spent a week in Portugal as a small group leader for a women’s retreat through Greater Europe Mission (GEM). This retreat called Connecting Hearts, brings GEM missionary women serving in many different locations to a place where they can be refreshed and recharged.

Once again, I have been invited to be a small group leader for this retreat, which will take place in early November in Greece. It is a unique opportunity to meet with God and other missionary women. It’s a sweet yes of bringing together my heart for Europe and missions. I’m thankful God has given me this opportunity to continue living out these passions.

Besides being a small group leader, in the past, I have coordinated the goody bags for these women. These goody bags consist of things that they don’t often find across the pond like Reese’s Cups, green chiles, brownie mixes, peppermint candy canes, etc. Those coming from the U.S. split the weight of what we can take in our luggage and assemble these goody-bags in Europe. If you have ideas and would like to bless these women with something specific that is lightweight, let me know.

I would like to raise $2000 to cover both travel/retreat expenses and help with these goody-bag items.

If you’re interested in partnering with me in prayer and/or financially here is the link to my GEM account. Or you can contact me, and I would be happy to send you more information in the mail.

 

I would love to hear your stories of sweet-yes-moments among the difficult no’s in the comments below.

Thanks for joining me on this journey!