Wednesday, August 19, 2009

WOODHOUSE FAMILY ~ WELCOME HOME

It is a privilege and honor to host Kimberley Woodhouse on my blog. Thank you, Kimberley!





A little bit about Kimberley:


Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases from Tyndale House Publishers September first. In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children’s books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. www.kimberleywoodhouse.com



The theme throughout Kimberley's book, WOODHOUSE FAMILY - WELCOME HOME is "considering it all joy when you go through various trials".



Kimberley, other than considering it all joy when going through various trials, what else would you say to someone who has or is enduring one tribulation after another?

Don’t lose hope. There are many times that we think we are at the end of our rope, but we’re not. A lot of Christians over the years have used the phrase, “God’s not going to give you more than you can handle.” But I think that phrase is inaccurate – you see, I would’ve given up a long time ago, if that were the case.  As human beings we are weak, and the crises of this world can pull us down into the muck and mire where we can’t see the light, but He is strong and wants us to rely on Him. The phrase I like to use is, “God’s not going to give you more than He can handle.” Because if we cast our burdens upon him like He instructs, we really can make it through.


Did you ever get angry at God or blame God for the trials you endured? Or go into a deep depression? If so, how did you deal with it? If not, why?

I never got angry, but I did ask the question, why. And it’s okay to question. He understands our thoughts and feelings and questions better than anybody else. He is waiting with open arms to shelter, comfort, and protect us. But so many times, in our flesh, we want to control the situation, and we simply can’t. I know that’s where I failed a lot. Trying to take control of things, thinking I needed to fix them. But each and every time, He showed me that wasn’t my job, I needed to let things go.

I went through post-partum depression after both my kids were born. With Kayla it was more severe than with Josh. During those times, I did a lot of questioning. But what a beautiful thing the Lord was orchestrating during that time—He was saving Kayla’s life. I would go through all of that again, with all the heartache and questioning, because I know what He did through that.

I’ve spoken all over the country sharing our story, and there are many times that people will make comments like, “Well, we’re just going to pray for complete healing for Kayla.” Or “If you just prayed like this _____ , I bet the Lord would heal her.” I know those people have the best intentions, but comments like that always make you doubt. Was my faith not strong enough? Did I do something wrong? But then clarity comes through, and the Lord reminds me that He is in control. He made Kayla, He knows everything about her, better than any doctor on the face of this planet. And He has used her beautiful testimony to His glory. Our God is the Great Physician, and if He chose to heal her, I know it could happen this very second. But I also know that healing her completely may not be His will, and I am okay with that. I am resting in the fact that He is God and I am not. Praise the Lord for what He’s done, and what He’s going to do.



If you could visit with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I would say, Jesus. I would love to sit at His feet and soak up His teaching.



If you could change places with anyone, who would it be and why?


I don’t think I would. It’s tough enough to walk in my own shoes, I know I would be inadequate walking in anyone else’s.



What writing projects are you working on now? Any new releases in the near future? If so, tell us about them.

I’m working on a parenting encouragement (non-fiction) book right now, and a romantic suspense (fiction) set in Alaska. Please watch my website – www.kimberleywoodhouse.com for announcements of new releases.

Thank you so much!


No, thank you, Kimberley. *smiling*



WOODHOUSE FAMILY ~ WELCOME HOME blurb:

Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.
Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!).

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Peek inside the Woodhouse family’s life (and their famous house) with a 16-page photo insert.



My review of, WOODHOUSE FAMILY ~ WELCOME HOME

Want to see what real faith is. Real faith in action is when things don’t always go our way and yet we trust God anyway. That’s what Kim’s book has taught me.

It really helped me see God in a whole new light. Having come from a teaching that has all but destroyed my faith in a loving God, through Kim’s testimony, I saw a woman who, in spite of many horrific trials and tribulations, never lost faith in her God. Instead of turning away from Him, she turned to Him. Isn't that what real faith is? When you still trust in God when everything seems to be falling apart around you? Kim found comfort in His word, in prayer, and in God himself. Plus, Kim didn't have faith in her faith and in her works. Kim taught me that God is in control - not me in control through my works. What a load that takes off of my shoulders.

Because of Kim’s book, for the first time in a long time, I'm reading the Word again. I'm enjoying it again. And, I've learned my name isn't Woe unto you, or Hypocrite. It's Beloved.

Most of all, Kim’s book showed me that I can make it through any trial because the joy of the Lord is my strength.


If you haven't already, check out Kim's book, WOODHOUSE FAMILY ~ WELCOME HOME

I highly recommend it!

If you leave a comment mentioning something in this post that either blessed you or really stuck with you, I will enter your name into my surprise gift drawing.

Thank you everyone for stopping by.

Until next time...

See ya ~ ~ ~

Debra Ullrick 2nd place winner in the 16th Annual Heartsong Awards Favorite New Author category
The Bride Wore Coveralls, 2nd place winner in the 16th Annual Heartsong Awards Favorite Contemporary Romance category
Déjà vu Bride, the sequel to, The Bride Wore Coveralls, Spirit Light Books
Dixie Hearts, Barbour publishing

(http://www.debraullrick.com/) (http://www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/)

~ ~ ~

26 comments:

Nora said...

GREAT Interview!! Thanks for letting us get to know this author and all she has been through.

I agree with her God gives me more than I can handle daily so that I will daily rely on him. In my weakness HE IS STRONG!!

Wow!! What a story!! Thanks for bringing this to my attendion.

Sincerely,

Nora :D
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Jo said...

This was such a awesome interview and quite a family. They have been through so much.

The theme really touched me ... "Considering it all joy when you go through various trials. I know that is what we are supposed to do but must admit that I don't always.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Martha W. Rogers said...

I've been following the Woodhouse family for several years now. This is such a great interview and really shows the courage and determination of them all to not give up. With our grandson having an incurable genetic disease, I know the struggles. I love the title of the book and love this family. When God gives us more than we think we can handle, He turns around and gives us the strength and resources to handle it. What an awesome God we serve. Love you, Kim.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Great interview! I also hosted Kim on my blog on Wednesday with a giveaway of a FREE autographed book. Kim's story has touched so many. No wonder her show was voted #1 out of all 50 top state home makeovers.

I can only recall one other book that has stuck with me this much long after I read it, and that's Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. A story of forgiveness, redemption and love, no matter what you've done or how far from saving you think you are. Everyone is capable of redemption.

Just like everyone can find joy in your circumstances no matter how bleak they seem.

Thanks, Deb, for touring with Kim.

sealover said...

What an inspiration and blessing to read this post. My husband works for Tyndale, and we're all very excited about the book coming out soon.

TERRI KRAUS

Robin Bayne said...

I agree, inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.

Kimberley Woodhouse said...

Debra,
You are so precious to the Lord and I am praising Him for bringing you into my life. Thank you for sharing from your heart, for your amazing review, and for hosting me here on your blog.

What a blessing you are!
In His Abundant Joy,
Kim

apple blossom said...

Stick with it hold on. Nice interview.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

squiresj said...

I agree too that God gives me more than I can bear and I've been beating myself up for days this week. I have questioned God over and over and over again and screamed why at him even. I really enjoyed your interview and didn't know I had heard of you. I probably saw the show on tv and it did not register but I watch that show all the time as my daughter so loved it.
I am going to take from this that God's not going to give me more than He can handle.
Enter me in giveway.
jrs362(at)hotmail(dot)com

Deborah M said...

This is a subject close to my heart. I have a daughter who is severely disabled. She is 32 years old now and we've been through a lot in her life. It is wonderful so see someone who has come through the storm and still hold on to their faith.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Carmen said...

Going through difficult issues does make one want to question God. Yet I see how He uses me through it all. Sounds like you have a great hold on God's grace. I would love to be entered for your book. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Ronie Kendig said...

I love what you said--she turned TO God instead of AWAY. *That* speaks of her maturity and strength, two things I so admire about my friend! Thanks, Deb, for the review!

Anonymous said...

I have only watched a few Makeover shows, but I remember watching yours!! I would love to read the behind the scenes and how the Lord has blessed your family! thanks for sharing :)

Cherie J said...

What a wonderful interview!

I so agree with what she says about how many Christians say “God’s not going to give you more than you can handle.” and how inaccurate that is because she would have given up in that case. I so agree. When I had my own difficult situations I was facing thinking that way did not work for me. It was leaning on Him that helped me get through it.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carolynn said...

Wow...I'm so glad that they were picked for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition....I always watch that show...I look forward to seeing their episode.
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com

Sandi Rog said...

Wow. What a testimony. Thank you for this interview and thank you, Kim, for being willing to share yourself so the rest of us might learn. You're an encouragment and an inspiration. xxx

Sandi Rog said...

Oops! Forgot to leave my contact information: sandirog at aol dot com

Jeanne Marie Leach said...

I needed to be reminded that when you feel like everything is crumbling down around you, God is still in control. In these difficult times my hubby and I have faced for the last 21 months, I need to keep hope in my heart. As long as I have breath, I can have hope. Thanks for this interview, Deb and Kim.
Love you!
Jeanne

Robin Jansen said...

I love what Kim said about trusting God and not being mad at Him. Her viewpoint of how to get through the hard times really meant a lot to me.

Unknown said...

It was a great interview. The statements she made about "God is not going to give us more than He can handle." Is something that made me pause and realize she is right. To rely on God completely.
Also, it is okay to question God because He knows our thoughts and feelings.
What a wonderful story.
Becky Wolfe
beckyshomes2@hotmail.com

cozymysterygirl said...

Your interview is very inspiring.We all go through struggles but if we just trust in God We will find peace and comfort and it is okay to ask God why.thanks for such a wonderful interview please enter me into the giveaway thanks
Kellie

donna said...

i remember see their story on TV, It's great to know she's written a book too!

rebornbutterfly (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

(I'm Sarah, not donna btw... ) :)

Graham'z Crackers said...

Joshua 1:9 comes to mind after reading this interview. Kim is truly being blessed by God, and the message is getting out loud and strong. I will enjoy reading her book.
Gayla
ladyfrogvintagejewelry(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This was one of the best interviews I have read in awhile. This is the first time I have read your blog or heard of Kim.

The parts of the interview that got to me are the same as most of the other commenters have said. But it was especially nice to know that other people tell someone that they don't pray the right way or that they don't pray enough.

I am dealing with depression and have been told these things from well-intentioned people. That is so hard to hear. It sounds like I am not enough of a christian to warrant God's help or love.

I wish her well and you also.

My prayers will be for you both.

b (dot)werts at sbcglobal(dot)net

Patty said...

What a great interview. It makes me think that I really have nothing to complain about and when I think I do I should know that God is sufficient enough to supply all my needs. I know that thought is there, but sometimes it is hard to get it through to where it sinks in. It is good to know that Kimberley has fully relied on God and still going strong. Thank you for sharing. This was really good timing for me personally.

pleblanc_1[at]charter[dot]net

Janna said...

I am blessed by Kimberly's optimistic spirit! I got to know her a little bit at ACFW conference this weekend and she was such a blessing because everytime she came into the bookstore (which was a lot :-) she was ALWAYS smiling and sweet and such an encouragement! It was SO great to meet her...

Janna
Bookstore Coordinator @ ACFW