About me: I teach literature in a Christian high school by day and write inspirational fiction by night. I love to share book reviews, devotionals, and stories of inspirational folks. I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a winner of the 2011 Genesis Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished writers.
Here’s the story of why I started this blog:
I’ve been teaching ever since I can remember. As a little girl, I would line up my dolls and instruct them in theways of their pretend world. As a teen, I taught real kids at Vacation Bible Schools and backyard Bible clubs. So far, I’ve spent more than twenty years teaching literature and writing to Christian high school students.
Though I’ve spent half my life in the classroom, that’s not where I encountered my greatest inspiration. It came from the men and women who muscled through some challenge or problem in life, and then beckoned me through the door they had opened, calling, “I found the way. Follow me.”
Why write a blog? Because I’m hoping to connect with lots of these door-opening, encouraging people. For my part, I’ll be interviewing faithful folks who are opening doors for others. I’ll also be sharing thoughts on how faith impacts daily life. And, of course, I’ll be talking about books. The characters from great stories have opened many doors for me—chiefly the door to my heart! My blog would not be complete without them.
I aspire to be a Doorkeeper. And maybe if I’m faithful in this life, I’ll be tenured into the position for the life to come!
~Renee Ann Smith~
reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com
“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a Doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10
Albert Schweitzer said, “In everyone’s life, at some time, the inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner fire.”
I want to be a doorkeeper too! So glad you found me and left a comment!
I’m so glad Emily told me to read some of your stuff you are such an inspiration… But then again you always have been!!! Keep up the good work!!
oh, i’m a teacher by heart as well. =D
thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. i’m glad to have found your site. (oh, or maybe the other way around. well, glad we’ve met.)
Viviene, I enjoyed reading through your blog and could tell that you want to open doors for others in many ways. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh! I remember those days of lining up my dolls on my bed and I placed pillows on their laps as desks! I even gave them paper to complete their work on, and I later graded them. I had my Dad place a chalkboard on my wall so I could better teach my students. I thought I was the only one that had done that as a child!
My days of teaching turned into caring and teaching for my 5 children.. not quite what I thought I was preparing for, I just wish sometimes my children could be as silent as my dolls were somedays..lol
Thank you for visiting Soccer Mom in Giggle Town.. I enjoyed looking over you blog and look forward to reading more as I get the chance.
Blessings & Giggles
Jeanie
Thanks for your sweet words here, Jeanie! I’m glad we found each other’s blogs!
Renee,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. When I get the kids to bed, I’m going to dive into your site a little more. I love the concept of your blog. I can’t wait to read the reviews.
Hopefully we can become blog buddies!
Welcome! I appreciate your visit!
Hi Renee!
Thanks for dropping by my blog. I’m glad you did because now I can follow YOUR blog. I’m blessed to be here. Take care always!
I’m always glad to find another blogger who loves the Lord, cherishes their family, and loves to write! I joined your blog through GFC so I could remember to follow you!
I love love love the blog. I’m now following via the blog hop. I’d love a follow back!
What is your favorite read currently?
Courtney
http://courtney-theandersons.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping in, Courtney! I’m following back!
Hi Renee,
Just read your comment on my blog and thought I’d pop over to say hello and introduce myself. What a wonderful site you have here. I can’t wait to sit down and peruse..read Darlene’s story and get to know you.
Happy New Year!
Kelli
Thanks for visiting, Kelli! Blessings!
What a great topic for a blog! Inspiration and faith!
Thanks, CK!
Oh, this just gets me excited!
You made me laugh with this comment, Heather!
Just popping over to take a peek at your site. I LOVE your work here. Thank you for your kind words on my own blog…. you touched my heart. Blessings to you!
Juanita
I enjoy stopping in at your site, Juanita!
I’m so slow…you came to visit my blog, what a week ago? Please forgive me. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I have enjoyed your site as well and will be coming back often.
Renee, you were born to be a teacher, a leader, a “door opener”. Since I met you in 1969, you have opened doors for me. You would bribe me with a stop at the candy store if I’d go to the library with you. Once there, you’d find a book that you would somehow know that I would enjoy, and you’d be right. Me, someone who didn’t like to read, started enjoying going to the library with you and reading. You would play Nat King Cole records when everyone else was playing Bee Gees. You broadened my horizons in so many ways. Your steadfast belief in your faith inspired me.
Through the years we lost and and found each other. Even now, you still amaze me and inspire me and open doors for me. I sit here looking for answers to questions I have. I am still that logical person I always was. My dad has Alzheimers and my mom is fighting colon cancer. I’m trying to find the “answers”. I want to help them and DO something. I’m struggling with facing even the thought of losing them. Then I read your blog. The one about Kay Arthur and When the Hurt Runs Deep. “You can live with a thorn.” “…allow it to serve its indended purpose…you may experience a power not your own.” Wow.
I needed that.
So thanks Ren. Thanks for opening another door for me at a time when I wasn’t looking for a “door”. I was too busy looking for Exit signs.
You have a gift for teaching, sharing, “opening doors”…whatever you want to call it.
You still amaze me.
Jeana, I’m so glad that the post helped you! If you ever get a chance to pick up Kay’s book, it’ll help even more!
Thanks so much for your sweet words here. I remember that when I was feeling like the biggest nerd of all and like few other kids my age could understand me, you just accepted me for who I was. That’s what I remember most about your family–they just loved people. All kinds of people. And none of us had to pretend to be something we weren’t in order for you to call us friends! And I also remember that your home was always a joyful place. I still see that in the smiles of you and your kids!
I’ll be praying for you and your parents. Through anything life has thrown my way, I’ve found my one constant is the Lord. He’s the only One who can see the future, so who better to help prepare me for it? I’ll especially be praying for His peace in your heart. I know prayer seems like what we go to when we can’t do anything else–but I believe it has more power than that.
I’m so sorry for what you’re going through and am truly thankful that your parents have you, your family, and Jan!
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Thank you for having visited my blog. I am so glad you are able to be a light in the life of so many teens. Best wishes to you, and your family.
Hi Renee,
Lovely to meet you through UBP. This is my first year and I am enjoying finding so many great blogs, like yours.
Fondly,
Glenda
Gg – Notes on the Journey
#269
ps. Love The Hiding Place. Am following you through google reader . . . see you soon.
Thanks for stopping in, Glenda! I left you a comment at your blog. I’ll be back to read more. Blessings!
My husband is the administrator (and a teacher) at a Christian school … our hearts are in Christian education, for sure!! It’s great to find like-minded (and apparently book-loving) people in the blogging world. Looking forward to getting to know more about you. God bless! PS I’m hear via UBP11.
Thanks for stopping in here, Conny! The best part of blogging is all the great folks I “meet.” I had a great time visiting your blog and will be back. Blessings!
Hi, I found your adorable blog on the Ultimate Blog Party 2011 and I’m a new
follower. Hop over and say Hi if you get a chance, Jennifer from Just
Wedeminute
Your blog is delightful and I am thrilled you added “Elsie-Adventures of an Arizona Teacher 1913-1916″ to your likes. It should be available on Amazon late September. It has taken me 23 years to complete “Elsie.” I began the research shortly after my grandmother died. I read her journals and letters, discovering a hidden love story and delightful details of her years of teaching in Arizona. I knew someday it should be a book. I live on Antigua, an island in the Caribbean where I have been a missionary since 1974. Thanks again, Barb