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Looking Out the Window: Regina Andrews Tells Her Love Story



  Regina Shares her Love Story
    And Tells us about her New Book
                                                                                                        
                                         LIGHT OF THE HEART



When Love Comes Knocking on Your Door
                                           by Regina Andrews
Sunlight fills the room, warming the lemon chiffon walls. I look over from my side of the bed and see him there, sleeping peacefully on his side, his breathing relaxed and his limbs at ease.

Closing my eyes, I open them quickly. Yes, he is still there. Yes, he is my husband. And yes, today is our wedding anniversary.

A breeze flutters through the open window, rustling the sheer curtains and stirring memories of such sweetness and contentment. Our wedding anniversary! A truly blessed union that was meant to be.

I smile as I recall how those who knew me “before” were amazed when I finally “tied the knot.” Fancy-free and independent, I was the quintessential free spirit, with no desire to “settle down.” Me, get married? No way.

Then, my sister buys a condo and two doors down she has a neighbor named Jon. They are both on the Condo Board. One day I’m visiting her and she asks me to deliver a flier to him about Maintenance of the Grounds.

Grumbling under my breath I stomp up the stairs and knock on the door. Jon answers. Lo and behold, I am knocked off my proverbial horse.

He’s sincere, cute and a great conversationalist. Before I know it he’s offering me a drink and I’m sitting on his sofa, giggling and sipping a grape juice-club soda spritzer.
An hour later the doorbell rings and his mother and sister enter the living room, their eyes wide and their mouths frozen in round, open “o”s. They sit down, Jon gets them spritzers and before we know it another hour has gone by, and we’re laughing like old friends.

Then my cell phone rings and my sister is squawking on the other end about all the other stuff we have to do that day. I say good-bye and we all set up a time to meet for lunch together the following week.

Easy, natural and fun. Before I know it, Jon’s calling me every night and we’re doing as much together as we can possibly fit in – including going to Church together on Sundays.

I find myself telling him things and wanting to know his opinion on things like never before. Little by little, I am opening my heart to him. I realize I trust him.

This starts me praying for guidance. You see, I don’t want to get tangled up in anything serious. So I don’t want to begin anything I’m not intending to finish. Jon deserves honesty, and he deserves the best.

My answer? A strong, sure, unwavering certainty inside that trusting him is right. This is a good man, a positive person, a sincere soul and a humble servant of God. It’s a feeling that being with Jon is almost beyond me, my designs or anything I might decide on my own.

It feels like a calling. God is knocking on the door of my heart, offering me a gift. God is rapping with persistence, letting me know it was time to open up and cherish another, take care of another, put another ahead of myself. God is blessing me with an angel.
That’s exactly what it was; we were called to be together, and blessed by God’s hand.

I look back over at Jon as he stirs. It won’t be long before he’s awake. I can’t wait to begin our day together! I have so many things planned to make him happy today, starting with his favorite breakfast.

Then I realize that even though it’s our anniversary, I feel like this every day, anyway. How lucky am I, to feel this! Sure, there are days when we’re exhausted by life. But not by each other. And that’s pretty wonderful.

Fresh, new and joyous, every day. Hard to fathom that it’s been fourteen years. Memories have been created, challenges faced, tears shed, wounds healed, triumphs celebrated, faith nurtured, love cherished, gratitude expressed. All of it, shared together.

The sunshine illuminates the lemon chiffon walls. It’s our wedding anniversary! I feel as excited as if it were the morning of our wedding. With a smile, I recall us all laughing as my dear mother-in-law, Joan, proclaimed: “I always said, for Jonathan to find the right girl, she’s going to have to march right up those front stairs and knock on his door. And, Gina, you’re the one who did it!”

What a delightful memory, and what a blessed union. It all came from answering the call, which in this case was a knock on the door. Literally, the front door of a condo and spiritually, the inner door of my heart. These are the ‘knocks’ which called me into marriage.

It leads me to wonder: how did you get the call from God to share your life, and how are you sharing it?

                                                              
                                                                  
Light of the Heart by Regina Andrews
More than anything, Cascade Preston wants to forget her dark childhood in Sterling Lakes, so there’s no way she’ll agree to help refurbish that town’s church. Then she meets Dan McQuay. Will she be able to forgive the past and let the light of God’s love shine through into her heart?

Back Cover Blurb
A stained-glass artist based in Boston, Cascade Preston’s world is a kaleidoscope of color and beauty. She has overcome a dark childhood, deeply shadowed by domestic violence, in the town of Sterling Lakes. When she is approached to design new windows for a refurbished church in Sterling Lakes, she ignores the request. But when the no-nonsense Project Manager Dan McQuay appears looking for the window plans, the project takes on a whole new light. Will Cascade be able to keep the dark, protective cocoon she has built around herself intact, or will McQuay break through and shine new light into her heart? Is it possible that God’s plan for Cascade will lead her to forgive the town that ignored the situation in her family?
REGINA'S BIO
A resident of Providence, RI, Regina grew up in nearby Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her Master’s Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. She is inspired by anything to do with nature, and she and her husband enjoy visiting nearby Cape Cod.

Regina’s hobbies include Travel, Museums, Theater, Classical Music, Choral Singing and Gardening. She is a radio host for In-Sight, an association dedicated to providing services to the visually impaired of all ages.

Learn more about Regina at her Web site - http://www.reginaandrews.com/
Visit Regina's blog - http://www.reginaandrews.wordpress.com/

Comments

Miss Mae said…
Oh, this is BEAUTIFUL, Regina!!!

Congratulations on your anniversary, and especially for finding such a wonderful soul mate. :)
June Foster said…
Regina, My heart is still pitter patting. What a beautiful story and I know you reflect this same joy in your stories. As for me, God used adversity to bring me to a place to write about characters who overcome by the power of God and His Word. June Foster
What a romantic story! And true, too. It was fun to learn about the meeting of a couple that were truly meant for one another.
Gina said…
Dear Gail,
Thank you so much for hosting me today and offering me the chance to shine the joy & love that God has sent. What a blessing! Your blog is so lovely, thank you.
Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Miss Mae,
You are so kind to visit and I am so happy that you enjoyed our story :-) Your congratulations, kind words and support mean more than you could ever imagine.
Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear June,
How nice you are, to visit and leave a comment! Thank you for your warm words. I am looking forward to reading some of your works, I know they'll be wonderful if He inspired you!
Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Linda, you're so nice to stop by and comment. My sister loves to tease me and remind me that it's all thanks to her making me take the flier over to Jon's in the first place that I'm so happy now. And she's right!! Lol.
Hugs,
Regina
JONATHAN said…
Excellent book Regina.Nice story about your anniversary!Look forward to reading the book in more detail
What an inspirational story, Regina. Thanks so much for sharing.

I am a stained glass piece in progress. I firmly believe that after my Confirmation in my faith, the Lord opened up my soul to teaching his word. When I was 18, before I joined the Army, I was a teacher's aid in our religious education class. Since then, I've been involved in teaching children in my faith. It's been a rewarding experience. I'm 43 now and still teaching.

Smiles
Steph
JONATHAN said…
Regina-Spotlight on Love looks like such an interesting book.Will this book be a series like some of your other books.Have a nice day!
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi Regina,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful love story on my blog.
Laurean Brooks said…
Beautiful love story. "Sigh." You are one blessed couple, Regina. This marriage had to be made in heaven.

Gail, thank you for posting Regina's story.
Anne Patrick said…
Beautiful story, Regina! Congrats on fourteen years of marriage. You are such an inspiring woman - always so joyful and encouraging. I wish you the very best with your new book and the series.

Hugs,
Anne
Anonymous said…
What a wonderful story of abiding love. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all marriages retained their first love? Your book sounds wonderful, too.
Gina said…
Hi Jonathan! Thanks for commenting, you are very loyal and supportive.
Bless you :-)
HUgs,
Gina
Gina said…
Dear Steph,
Thank you so much for visiting and for sharing your background, too. You make a beautiful point - we are all stained glass works in progress. Lucky are the lambs under your guidance! Bless you, dear sister.
Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Laurie,
You are so kind to stop by and comment. My parents were so, so happy in their marriage; I never in a million years imagined I would be so blessed.Thanks you for visiting!
Blessings and hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Anne,
You, I know, can picture me shaking my head and saying "No way!!!" to the Old Ball and Chain. Then, suddenly, the 'b & c' became a pair of angel wings. Funny what the Call can do!
Thank you for your friendship, insight and support. As well as our occasional Happy Dance. :-) You are an amazing friend and an incredibly talented writer! Bless you.

Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Mildred,
Thank you for visiting and for your kind comments.

My godmother's name was Mildred - Aunt Millie - my mother's best friend all through nursing school and way, way beyond...so I already feel a close tie to you.

Thank you again for your insights and interest. Bless you.

Hugs,
Regina
Joyce DiPastena said…
So very beautiful, Regina! I was truly touched by your story. What a blessed anniversary for you, and so glad you shared it with us!
Diane Craver said…
Regina,
What a beautiful love story and so glad God brought you two together and you listened to His voice! Congratulations on 14 years of marriage!

You are such a sweet and wonderful friend - you always brighten my day!

I'm sure your new series will do well - you're an awesome writer!
DanielleThorne said…
Thanx for sharing your sweet story of how you met your husband. It's as wonderful as your books! Good luck, Regina, you are a wonderful, faithful woman with much to be proud of.
Gina said…
Dear Joyce,
Thank you so much for your kind comments! I am so grateful that you enjoyed our story. Bless you for your friendship.
Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Diane,
Your kindness and loving heart have made such a difference to me, over and over again! Your talent and encouragement always dazzle me, and I am humbled by you, by all you do and by your incredible faith.
You're a blessing in my life! Thank you and God bless you always.
Hugs,
Regina
Gina said…
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for your friendship, your talent and your expertise! You are all-around wonderful!!! I am so lucky and blessed to be your friend and colleague. Bless you!
Hugs,
Regina
B. J. Robinson said…
Beautiful, sweet story, Regina. Loved it. BJ
Gina said…
Hi Barb,
You are so dear! Thank you so much for stopping in; and I'm really glad you enjoyed our story.
HUgs,
Regina
Cassandra M said…
i found my calling when my oldest was born.

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