6 minute read
Conversation
from Marlene Burling
MARLENE BURLING
1. How did your writing change your life?
As a widow, my writing has helped me to take my focus off from me and given me a desire to be an encouragement to others who are going through similar losses; to help them to realize they can go on even in the midst of loss.
2. Before your husband passed away, have you imagined becoming an author of devotionals?
I had never even thought about writing such a book. It was after my husband passed away that my family and friends encouraged me to write a book after I had been writing daily posts of encouragement on facebook.
5. We have gathered on your Facebook fan page, @morningthoughtswithmarlene that you have started a workshop called There’s Life After Death—(LIVING in Widowhood) . Can you tell us more about it?
Grief lasts a lot longer than what our society thinks it should. There are people who may say after even a month or two that “you shouldn’t be grieving; it’s time to get over it.” Yes, it may get better but you don’t get over it. It will never be the same. But, life does go on and there is a verse of scripture that says, “The thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy, but I have come to give you life and to give it to you more abundantly” John 10:10. We have an awesome God who loves us and will never forsake us. He will give us his peace that passes understanding if we keep our focus on Him. We can go on living NOW with His help. Some widows just want to hibernate and let the world pass them by, but with the Lord’s help we can go on.
A conversation with Marlene Burling
6. Between where you started and where you’re at, can you say you’ve achieved your goal?
I don’t think you ever really achieve your goal. You keep pressing on. I think you grow through your loss more and more every day as you walk with the Lord. That’s why I’ve used the titles of my books that I did. A daily walk with God is so important.
7. What are the five stages of grief for you?
Shock Confusion Emptiness Anger Resolution – it is what it is and life goes on and I can go on!
8. Are there any self-help books on the horizon?
Because of the losses I have experienced in my life (both parents, husband, in-laws) and being caregivers for both of my in-laws, along with several physical problems in my own life, there may be another book on the horizon.
9. If your husband could read this magazine, what would you want to tell him?
“I am thankful for your love for me over the 51 years we had together and the faith that we shared together in the Lord. This has been my strength and encouragement since you’ve been gone.”
10. What’s your message to those going through grief?
Grief as much as you need to for as long as you need to. God has given us tears for a reason. Find those “healing people” in your life that can help you. They will be “here” for you. They will have “empathy” (will try to understand your feelings) “Accepting” – won’t judge you for the way you are grieving or how long “Listening” –will let you share your feelings again and again and again!
Loners are more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Find people to be with and things to do. God will give us the most support that we need. It’s so important to be in the Word of God every day.
11. Who is Marlene Burling?
Marlene is a widow. She was married 51 years to Autry Burling. He was a pastor for 30 of those years. Marlene has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She has been a Sunday School teacher, youth counselor, ladies Bible teacher, speaker at banquetsandretreatsforladies,anddeveloped a workshop for widows which she presented at 2 ladies’ state conferences and churches. She began a ministry at her church for widows and singles called The King’s Daughters. She became an end-of-life doula after being the caregiver for her in-laws. She enjoys playing the piano and singing in the choir and trios.
12. What is the book about?
Her books are 365 day devotionals. Each day is a short devotional either taken from a Bible story or character, or lessons Marlene has learned from her own life from childhood through married life. There are many metaphors written simply from objects she may have seen through her day or events from her life. She applies a spiritual lesson and closes either with questions in her “Morning Walks with God” or with a short prayer in “A Daily Walk with God.”
13. What motivated you to write the book?
After the passing of her husband, Marlene began writing mini devotions 5 days a week on facebook. After a few months went by several of her friends told her she should be writing a book. She kept saving the daily posts and they eventually developed into the two 365 day devotionals that she wrote: “Morning Walks with God” and “A Daily Walk with God.”
14. Greatest influence in writing?
Walking with God daily is key for her in her writing. Every day is exciting to her when she is expecting and looking for the things God wants her to learn through her day. Marlene has asked the Lord to show her simple spiritual lessons as she walks with Him. He has revealed Himself to her in a variety of ways and in simple everyday events.
15. What are your goals in writing the book?
There are so many spiritual lessons we can learn when our eyes are focused on God. Marlene’s prayer is that what she has learned will be passed on to her readers. God has given us eternal life which will be in the future, but He also wants us to have an abundant life right now. She wants her book to encourage her readers to have that close daily walk with God even during the “hard times.”
16. Who is your target audience?
(Christian readers) These books aren’t just for women. Teenagers, as well as men, can be encouraged in their personal spiritual growth, and especially on some of those tougher days.
17. To whom you dedicated the book to?
She dedicated the books to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and in memory of her husband, James Autry Burling.
18. What are your writing achievements?
Marlene has received two book reviews: US Review of Books, and Pacific Book Review for her book “A Daily Walk with God” Morning Walks with God is her other book. She continues to write weekly posts on her website and facebook.
MARLENE BURLING
www.marleneburling.com
Morning Walks with God A Daily Walk with God
Paperback $10.99
Paperback
$10.99
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