From Life … and from the Heart

By Tyler Myers

Security. Good times. Laughter. Tears. One of the greatest blessings God gives us in life is family.

In his first book, From Life and from the Heart, Tyler Myers shares about his family and some of his life experiences along the way.

Find out what his big brothers, Jimmy and Kevin, were like growing up. What happened when he spent a week with his older sister, Tonya, and her family? Whats that special gift his oldest sister, Diana, has that keeps on giving? And find out what Tylers take is on parents.

Nevertheless, as is often the case, its not all sunshine and roses in life. When Tyler was having a dismal day that showed no signs of getting better, find out what he did that really turned things around. When he was not having a good day at work, what happened that helped him to carry on? Has someone hurt you, and forgiveness seems impossible? Find out some things Tyler has doneand with Gods help, so can youto move forward in forgiveness.

Have you ever wondered what life was like during the Great Depression? Get comfy and read on, as Tyler lets you in on the conversation he had with a dear, elderly friend. Find out all this and more as Tyler Myers shares From Life and from the Heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490808291

Tyler Myers

Tyler Myers is a freelance writer in the Christian market, and he has had several pieces published. He lives in Ohio with his family and his lovable Golden Lab, Ben. He enjoys being with family, reading, writing, music, and working out. He is thankful for God's unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace, which he has needed … a lot!

Book preview

Contents

1

A Different Answer

2

A Gift of Laughter

3

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

4

A Harvest of Blessing

5

*Angel In the Doorway

6

Be Thankful

7

Big Brothers

8

Bravo, BarlowGirl!

9

Caleb’s Prayer

10

Don’t Look Back!

11

For Moms and Dads

12

Forgiveness

13

Getting Paid

14

He Played Santa

15

Marie

16

Mary

17

My Friend, Sarah

18

Nieces and Nephews

19

One For the Youth

20

Slamming the Gavel

21

Start With What You Have

22

The Message of God’s Creation

Dedication and Thank You:

I want to dedicate this book to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, who has given me the gift and talent for writing. Thank You for this opportunity, and for all that You’ve given me! Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and for Your promise to never leave me, nor forsake me! I want this book to honor You, Lord Jesus, and minister to people’s hearts for Your glory!

I also want to thank my parents, Jim and Connie: your unconditional love and support is truly amazing! Thank you for always being there for me, and for being so patient with me, even when I’ve given you many valid reasons to wonder, Where in the world did we get him, and what in the world are we going to do with him?!

To my brothers and sisters, Diana, Jimmy, Kevin & Tonya: I know I have not always been the easiest little brother to live with, and I know you guys grew up quicker because of me. Thank you for all of your unconditional love, support, and patience as well. What a blessing I did not grow up an only child. Thank you, Scott & Diana; Jimmy & Missy; Kevin & Beth; and Ben & Tonya, for giving me the gift of being an uncle!

To my friend, Marc: you are my brother in Christ, and my brother in heart. Thank you for letting me be an uncle to your children! I love how open and honest you are about your life. You accept people the way they are, and you don’t judge them. God has used you to teach me to do the same.

Thank you to all my family and friends, who have encouraged me along the way to keep writing! I would even like to thank my lovable Golden Lab, Ben: God has used you to teach me about forgiveness, commitment, and unconditional love. You are the best dog I’ve ever had! God bless and keep you all!

Note to the Reader:

If you have purchased this book, thank you! If you are borrowing it from a family member or a friend, either way—thank you for reading. I believe the love of Jesus Christ is for all, and I hope this book ministers to your heart!

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1

A Different Answer

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than

your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

When I was in jr. high and high school, most of my free time was spent sitting in my bedroom, with headphones on, blasting my eardrums with Christian music. (Don’t worry, I graduated high school, in good standing, with plenty of credits!)

I often fantasized about playing in a Christian band, and touring to the delight of thousands of fans. (Making thousands of dollars would’ve been nice, too!) After all, I loved music, and had the desire to minister to people, so what could be better?

Unfortunately, reading music was something I struggled with considerably, and practicing an instrument was more of a chore, and a bore, than a joy. This certainly wasn’t the way I had envisioned things turning out.

Now what?

Some time after graduating high school, I came in contact with a man who wanted to give some Christian music to his child for their birthday, but he was not able to pay me monetarily. I was able to send him some music and, eventually, received a wonderful letter from him—words of appreciation, flowing from a very grateful heart!

Though it didn’t happen immediately, I came to realize that was God’s answer to my desire for a music ministry, even though the answer was different than what I had in mind.

2

A Gift of Laughter

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

It had not been one of my better days at work; in fact, it was one of the worst. I was tired and stressed from having to work at such a fast pace, my earplugs were uncomfortable, and the loud, rumbling machines didn’t help me feel any better. And if that wasn’t enough, our assembly line was several parts behind with more coming out of the mold.

It looked hopeless.

I’m so sick of this place! I muttered to myself. I decided, then, that I would get a ride on my first break and leave.

But I didn’t. Instead, I sat at the round table and prayed: Okay, God, I’ve made it this far. Please help me make it through the rest of my shift.

Returning to the line after break, the situation hadn’t improved. My co-workers and I were working to catch up, but it didn’t matter. And by the time I left for my second break, I wanted to explode!

Again, I prayed: God, I’ve had all I can take. Please help me, and help the others… If you don’t do something, Lord, I’m going to lose it!

As usual, break was over too soon, and I trudged back to the line, where the ladies were scrambling to catch up, but to no avail.

Instead of being consumed with anger and frustration