Reflect and Resolve with Maria T. Henriksen

Like everyone else in the world, 2020 was a struggle for me. My initial writing goal last year was to complete my sequel by the end of the summer and start the formal editing process by the end of the year. Unfortunately, none of that happened, not even close.

In the beginning of May, my computer fried. I knew there was a possibility that I lost everything, including my sequel. Due to Covid-19, I had to mail my computer in the hopes of having it restored. I was devastated but didn’t lose hope that I would be able to have my computer fully restored.

There was a lot going on in my personal life aside from my computer problem. So many things were much more challenging thanks to Covid-19. I did what any other self-professing Christian would do. I prayed. A lot. I also cried. A lot.

God taught me that my writing was not for toil. He showed me that He can use my writing in ways that I never imagined. The key is to listen to His calling, to be obedient. When I was approached to be a contributor to a blog that entailed writing devotions, I prayed about it. I never wrote devotions before. After giving it to God, I decided to commit to being a contributor. This later lead me to be a contributor to a published book of 40 devotions called Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships.

Being a contributor to a well-received book that was published in 2020 was a highlight for me. Not getting my sequel done was a setback, but I’m at peace with it. God knows my heart and he knows the struggles I endured. He rewarded me in other ways and for that I am truly grateful.

God is much bigger than my book or my computer problems. He saw to it that my computer was fixed after a month and sent me on a different path in the meantime. Through it all, I learned that everything happens in God’s timing. He is in control and will further the Gospel how and when He sees fit.

I also noticed that writing helps me sort things out in my life. Being able to put pen to paper helps me put things into perspective and provides clarity as well as a new appreciation for my Divine Creator. When tragedy strikes, I strike the keyboard with the confidence that my trials will not go null and void into the universe. Instead, I use what I learned to help others through my writing whether it be fiction or nonfiction.

I have three main writing goals for 2021. The first one is to write more devotions for Vinewords.net. My initial goal was to write my required three devotions, but I exceeded that before 2021 arrived. A lot happened in 2020 that inspired me to write devotions to be published in 2021 as I discovered that writing was therapeutic.

Secondly, I hope to complete my sequel, Not Again, the Fallout. That may not seem like a lofty goal, but if I learned anything from last year, it’s to do the best I can and trust God for the rest.

My third goal is to write several blogs/interviews via my website or as a guest blogger. I want my blogs to provide value to my subscribers and new readers. Would you look at that? Looks like I’m on my way to accomplishing my third goal with this interview. 2021 is already looking brighter. God is good.

Find Maria online: linktr.ee/AuthorMaria

Not Again is a realistic coming-of-age Christian novel set in the 1980s where romance collides with conviction and innocence collides with tragedy. Its inspirational messages will transform your life forever.

Maria T. Henriksen is a Christian author of both fiction and nonfiction. It is her hope that she transforms lives through her writings. Maria’s novel, Not Again, is a young adult Christian tale with romantic and tragic elements that follows the spiritual journey of a teenage girl during the 1980s. The story incorporates scripture to demonstrate how to overcome even the darkest of tribulations. In addition, Maria shares her faith in God through her personal trials as a contributor to a 40 day devotional called Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships. Maria has been happily married for over two decades. She is also blessed to be the mother of amazing boy/girl teenage twins who are in their first year of college. During the week, Maria works as a substitute teacher and considers it a privilege to be working with the future leaders of America. It’s no surprise that Maria’s background includes many varied interests such as graphic arts, finance, banking, health, fitness, beauty and the list keeps growing. Maria graduated from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s in Communications/Journalism, a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology.