I am excited today to introduce you to my friend, Marcia Laycock. I know that you will find it fascinating how God has moved in her life. She is a prolific author, devotional writer and teacher. She is also warm, and caring. God has blessed her with an amazing way of expressing life through Him.
Welcome Marcia.
Thoughtful Thursdays – How God reached Marcia Laycock and changed her life
1. Tell me a little bit about your church background. How did you come to faith in Jesus?
I was raised in a Catholic home but never understood what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus. I went through some nasty things as a child and decided God did not like me let alone love me, so I turned my back on Him by the time I left high school. I wandered in the wilderness for many years, ending up in a tiny town in the far north (Dawson City Yukon). You can read the full story on my website, but short version is, the Lord grabbed hold of my husband and me there, through the death of some close friends, and a “miracle baby,” in 1982.
Within a short time we found ourselves at Briercrest Bible College, then pastoring a small church in Ponoka Alberta. The Lord led us to the mission field in Papua New Guinea in 1996, then to plant a new church here in Blackfalds Alberta, in 2005.
Looking back over all those years it amazes me how He led and kept us and has blessed us in amazing ways as we’ve watched Him at work in our lives and the lives of many others. (tweet this)
2. When did your interest in writing start? Can you look back and see God working through and with you in your desire to write. If so, explain your thoughts.
I began writing when I was very young, mostly I think as a way of escape in a rather stressful home. God gave me some wonderful teachers who encouraged me to continue writing but it wasn’t until I finally yielded my life to Him that a burning desire was kindled in me to see my words published. I’m sure it was by His orchestration that I ended up in a province that had a thriving Christian writers’ organization (now called InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship). I joined that group in the early 90s, and was privileged to be on the executive for many years. It is my joy now to be able to teach and help others in their journey as they write for Him.
3. What is the best thing you have written? Describe it. Tell me why you think it is the best. (so far).
That’s a hard question to answer. It brings to mind some devotionals that have had amazing responses from readers, my first novel, One Smooth Stone, which, through the Lord’s power, has changed lives, and even one or two of my poems. But If I had to choose I think I’d pick my current work in progress, a play called A Pattern in Blue, which is the story of my dad’s experience during World War 2. I was tremendously blessed to be able to work with the professional actors and a wonderful director at Rosebud School of the Arts and see that play read on stage last May, as part of the Budding Playwrights Festival. I am continuing to work with Lucia Frangione to expand and finish it and hope to see a full production of it some day. I think it is an important story that needs to be told.
4. What is your favourite scripture or scriptures and why? What is your thinking about memorizing Scripture? Do you have any tips for our readers on ways to memorize that work the best for you?
I used to be stressed about trying to memorize scripture because I find it very difficult, especially since going through chemotherapy a couple years ago.
But I have been amazed how God’s word simply floats into my mind – sometimes quite long passages – when I need it.
There are a few scriptures that I would say are favourites – Hebrews 10:24, Psalm 103, Isaiah 43:1-7, and the whole book of Job, which, if I had to choose, would be my favourite. I had to read it all in one sitting, write a ten page paper and then an exam, all in the space of a week, while at Bible college, and it had a profound impact on me.
I try to read it in one sitting once a year and it never fails to “knock my socks off!” 🙂
7. What new project/s are you working on? Why do they seem important to you? Are you compelled to write or do you need to find inspiration? How do you deal with interruptions?
As I mentioned in # 3, I’m finishing A Pattern in Blue and also working on another play, as yet unnamed, for the Advanced Playwriting Course I’m taking with Lucia. This play is about a group of people who have come together for support. I believe it’s important because it’s all about putting our theology to work.
The picture below should make you wonder what the play is about. I have lots of questions. Do you?
I am also in the process of setting up my own publishing company, Small Pond Press and have released two titles so far – Abundant Rain Devotional for writers of faith and A Traveler’s Advisory, stories of God’s grace along the way. They are both available now on Amazon.
As I mentioned above, as a pastor’s wife interruptions are constant. I’ve learned not to get stressed over it, to go with the flow and trust that God is working out my schedule so that all things important get done.
Marcia Laycock
Marcia Lee Laycock writes from central Alberta Canada where she is a pastor’s wife and mother of three adult daughters. She was the winner of The Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel, One Smooth Stone. The sequel, A Tumbled Stone was short listed in The Word Awards. Marcia also has three devotional books in print and has contributed to several anthologies, including the Hot Apple Cider books. Her work has been endorsed by Sigmund Brouwer, Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and Mark Buchanan.
How to Find Her
Website – www.marcialeelaycock.com
Blogs – http://marcialeelaycock.com/thespur
http://www.writer-lee.blogspot.ca/
Facebook – www.facebook.com/marcialeelaycock
Twitter – @MarciaLaycock – profile – https://twitter.com/MarciaLaycock
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/marcialaycock/
Amazon author page – http://www.amazon.com/Marcia-Lee-Laycock/e/B007ATSV1E
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MarciaLeeLaycock
The Spur sign-up – http://eepurl.com/BOkO1
Books
One Smooth Stone – http://amzn.to/1vyyBHO
A Tumbled Stone – http://amzn.to/XXnIA9
Spur of the Moment – http://amzn.to/VgcjcM
Abundant Rain – http://amzn.to/1r5zsgZ
Abundant Rain Journal – amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1Jakd91
The Ambassadors book one – Amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1rEz618
Clinging to the Rock – http://amzn.to/1yilevh
An Unexpected Glory – Christmas ebook – http://amzn.to/1l0Wzrz
Earthly Treasure – http://amzn.to/1GkIzhR
Missing Christmas – http://amzn.to/1sQaZOd
Uplifting Devotionals Book 3 – Amazon.com- http://amzn.to/1DEo0hA
Celebrate This Day – amazon.com http://amzn.to/1vE5Ius
A Traveler’s Advisory – am.com – http://amzn.to/1X4VkDB
Thanks Michele,
I loved hearing Marcia’s story as well.
Blessings,
Janis
I have heard much of Marcia’s story already, but I am always blessed. she is a true woman of grace and such a wonderful mentor.
What a gift to be introduced to this new friend! Thanks for sharing so many important insights about writing and about believingly following Jesus Christ.