I’m delighted that my friends, Patricia Eytcheson Taylor and the Rev. Dr. James C. Taylor, are visiting here today. Pat contacted me about editing a book about her spiritual journey after being referred to me by two mutual friends, my client David Bowles and college professor Dr. Jan Kilby. Later, I discovered we have other friends in common, but we met for the first time to discuss the book. I saw that Pat had a powerful testimony to give and was happy to work with her.
Lillie: Welcome to A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye, Pat and James. My readers know a little about On the Wings of the Wind: A Journey to Faith
Pat: I was not intentionally going to write another book, even though I had written children’s books before. When I lost my precious husband, I lost the will to live or do anything else, but at night I began to write note after notes. I was pouring my heart and feelings out to God. I was raised with a strong belief and faith in God. My mother took a picture of God accidentally, which is explained in our book and which helped build my strong faith. Yet as I went through my busy life, I hadn’t paid as much attention to God as I should have.
In most of our lives there comes a time of crisis that no one can help us but God, if you let Him. Too many times we wait for a crisis before we turn to God, usually as a last resource when He is the first one we should turn to.
The Bible keeps telling us that our body is the “Holy Temple of God.” Take it to heart. We must become humble and have a willingness to receive God’s wisdom and be open to him. Without God, I would be nothing. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him I can now can do all things, through Christ that has strengthened me. (Philippians 4:13)
My notes written at night shared this common theme, said in many different ways. Many writers write at night because when it is quiet God can reach and inspire us in our writing. For me this quietness allows me to take time to listen, and listening is the key to hearing God’s voice. Without faithfulness and belief, this story wouldn’t have been written.
On The Wings of The Wind is a love story, created by a young girl who found true love on a beautiful beach in California. Her young soul carried God with her throughout her life. But then a time came when God prepared her in mind and body for something to come which she couldn’t explain or even talk about to her husband or anyone else. She had known that she had the gift of premonitions, which came true, but they had always been for fun and entertainment. Now these strong premonitions were scary; none had been like that before.
When her premonitions came true, she was devastated, and that started her journey to a stronger faith and a closer walk with the Holy Spirit.
Lillie: The book started as Pat’s project. How did you get involved, James?
James: After Pat and I were married, we were sent to Germany on my last tour in the military. I was searching for some papers one day and came across some of Pat’s notes she had written before we met. She told me how in the middle of the night she would cry out to the Lord for guidance and support. Soon she learned to turn over everything to God and began to live for Him in her everyday life. She wrote notes of her experiences night after night. When I found those notes, I noticed a similarity with the Scriptures in the Bible. I found it quite extraordinary for a person to do this, and we both felt that God was speaking and using her for a greater purpose than just herself.
Being an Army Chaplain and a pastor, I talked it over with Pat and decided this work had to be put into a story so others could experience how Pat and I had come to know the living presence of God in our lives. Our story was written that others might read and be encouraged in their life journey by our experiences and be able to understand the Bible better.
Pat and I co-authored this book from her early life until today to show how God was always there for her, sometimes even when she didn’t know it. Our relationship with God the Holy Spirit is shown by the cover of our book, a beach scene where Jesus is walking alone, yet just moments before two sets of foot prints are visible. As the poem “Footprints in The Sand” illustrates, Jesus carries us when we are too weak, exhausted, or afraid to do it by ourselves. When God takes over, His promise of joy and peace and purpose is far greater then we can imagine. You make God your partner, your life, and your friend. He then impacts and relates to us in every area of our everyday life.
Lillie: What is the most important thing you want readers to take away from On the Wings of the Wind?
Pat & James: When we have a deeper faith in Him, we find hope and joy in our lives, even as we face the crises and storms. God is the one that gives us the strength to continue. He lets us know and feel His presence as our faith is strengthened in this all-powerful and loving God. And the most important fact is that He loves us. He loves you.
Lillie: Where did you get the title On the Wings of the Wind?
Pat & James: Our book takes it’s title from our understanding that in the Old Testament, The Rhuah, the Spirit or the Wind of God, is the creating force of all that exists.
The Bible states that God comes on the Wings of the Storm. In Psalm 18:10 it says: “mounted on the cherubim he speeds swiftly to my aid with the wings of the wind.” Storms can be on the inside or outside of our body, but they are no match for He who comes on the Wings of the Wind.
Lillie: You’ve mentioned that you have three common reactions to your book. What are they?
Pat & James: The first reaction is that once they start to read the book they can’t put it down. It is written in an easy to read and understand format, with Scriptures throughout each chapter. The second comment is that their spouses want to read the book, sometimes taking it and finishing before they have finished with it. The third comment is that they are reading it again because they have found so many things that are helpful and spiritually relevant in their lives. Many people are sharing our book with neighbors and friends, some as far away as England, Germany, Bosnia, and Africa.
Lillie: One of the ways you have promoted On the Wings of the Wind is through speaking at church and military activities. Please tell us a little about that.
Pat & James: We have attended church conferences and been guest speakers where we present a one-hour workshop on “The Holy Spirit for Today.” These short sessions have standing room only. We also have worked through military wives’ groups and Bible studies at several military posts. The Military Post Exchanges have allowed us to have book signings in the front of their stores because some of our book deals with military life after September 11, 2001.
Lillie: Can you share something that was challenging and/or rewarding about the writing and publishing process?
Pat & James: Finding the right publisher who agreed that we need to get our book out to the public in a timely manner.
Lillie: I’m sure my readers will want to know more about you and your book. Do you have a blog and/or Web site? Where can readers buy On the Wings of the Wind?
Pat & James: We have a Web site/blog, On the Wings of the Wind. You can order the book directly from us on the Web site. When you order from us, you not only receive an autographed copy of the book, you also get a bonus, a CD that has Christian music by a wonderful singer, Janet Norris, and a sermon on the Holy Spirit by James. You can also order the book from Amazon.com
Lillie: Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t asked?
Pat & James: On The Wings of the Wind provides spiritual guidance to teens and adults as they journey through life. If we submit ourselves to God and let Him plan our life, He will care and provide for us and can give us riches and blessing beyond measures. We need to give Him our cooperation and be willing to do all that He tells us to even if it doesn’t make sense to us.
Our book shows and tells you how to know when it’s God telling you to do something. As we become on speaking terms with God, we learn to recognize His voice. If you give your heart to Him, He will talk to you. We need to put a few moments of silent time aside for Him, empty our minds and just wait, expecting Him speak. When you wake up in the morning, simply tell Him that you love him and thank him for the day. He could respond by your having a great day. He can’t resist being loved any more than you or I can.
We are very blessed with the wonderful news that the Midwest Book Review gave On the Wings of the Wind a rating of Highly Recommended, and Libraries Alive of the National Church Association gave the a book a rating 4 Stars-Highly Recommended. Our book will be listed in their national publication for the next five years.
Lillie: Pat & James, thank you for visiting. I’m sure I didn’t ask everything my readers want to know so I hope you’ll check in during the day to answer questions.
Pat & James: Yes, we’ll be back and hope to answer lots of questions. Thank you for inviting us to visit your blog today.
=============================================
Patricia and James Taylor, authors of On the Wings of the Wind, live in San Antonio, Texas. Since retirement from the U. S. Army Chaplain Corps, James has served as a Lutheran interim pastor in several congregations. Pat shares in this ministry through her gifts of compassion, visitation, and speaking.
What an outstanding interview, Lillie! I knew I can learn something new, every time I visits your blog! By the way, keep up the good work, Pat and James.
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wilson,
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. The Taylors’ book is excellent as well.
Thank you for the great interview on your blog, Lillie.
Wilson, thank you for the encouragement. We will continue to write about the reality of God’s existence, love, and power available to everyone.
Blessings,
Chaplain James and Pat
Pat & James,
Thank you for sharing here and for having the courage to share about Pat’s walk with the lord in your book.
You here about many people writing autobiographies about their lives as they get on toward their later years, and these can be a source of extremely valuable insights as well as inspiration.
But I would say that to reach the later stages of one’s life and to be able to write about a lifetime of being led by the lord is probably about the greatest achievement one can ever hope to accomplish.
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Andrew,
I love your observation that being able to write about a lifetime of being led by the Lord is the great achievement one can accomplish. So many people focus on money, prestige, fame—the trappings of this world rather than preparation for the world to come.
Thank you for your encouragement. It seems the Lord allows our compound knowledge that we have gathered over many years and then like Grandmother Moses inspires us to open our hearts and minds. He then gives us the wisdom and courage to write the truth.
Blessings,
Chaplain James and Pat
I saw your last post about them, and their interview very touching!
C,
I’m glad the interview touched you.
Thank you for your comments on Lillie’s great blog interview and the enouragement that we have received from you.
Blessings,
Chaplain James and Pat
Really interesting interview. I really liked your work!
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Andy.
Andy, Thank you for the compliment on the excellent interview on our book “On The Wings of The Wind.”
If you would like to purchase a book from us, including a free CD,let us know.The songs are, The Wind Beneath My Wings, Holy Spirit You Are Welcome, Lord, You are Holy, What Can Separate You, Breath of Heaven, In Return, Looking Back at You, More Precious than Silver, and The Lords Prayer.
My Chaplain husband, James will speak on the “Holy Spirit”, plain and clear,on the CD.
We want to get the message out that the” Holy Spirit” dwells within us and is there to lead and guide us and we need it more than ever today.
Our book ” On The Wings of The Wind,” sells for $l7.00 and includes the handling and shipping.
I don’t know if our editor Lillie told you about our comments on our book, so here goes. People can’t put it down once they start reading it, they are reading it twice. and their husband want to read it too. I can’t say more than that.
Feel free to write me anytime at our web-site http://www.onthewingsofthewind.com
our address is Chaplain James and Pat Taylor
l02 Cherokee Ln
San Antonio,Texas 78232
Blessings,
Pat Taylor
I enjoyed reading the interview. I’ll definitely be checking out the book.
thankyou
Steve
Steve (if you wrote YourName@Keywords in the name block, your name would appear in the link along with your keywords),
I’m confident you will enjoy the book as much as you enjoyed the interview.
Steve, So glad you enjoyed the interview with our editor, Lillie.
If you would like to order our book, “On The Wings of The Wind,” you will received our free CD with beautiful songs I have picked for it. There are nine songs: The Wind Beneath My Wings, Holy Spirit, You are Welcome. Lord, You are Holy, What Can Separate You,B reath of Heaven, In Return, Looking Back at You, More Precious than Silver, and The Lord’s Prayer. You will also hear about the Holy Spirit from Chaplain Taylor.
Our book is $l7.00 includes shipping and handling.
put Chaplain James and Patricia Taylor
l02 Chereokee Ln.
San Antonio,Texas 78232
We will be happy to send it to you.
Blessings
Chaplain James and Pat Taylor
What a wonderful interview with these very special people!
Thanks!
Liz
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Liz,
Glad you enjoyed the interview. I enjoyed doing it.
Thanks for this interview. I love, LOVE hearing the background of how a book gets conceived and written. For every book there’s also a story of how it came about.
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Spot,
Your so right, as Lillie’s interview brought out, we each have a story to tell. Ours is intertwined in the power of the Holy Spirit. We directed our footpaths and when we both lost our mates he brought us together in a most unusual fashion.
After seven years of being a widow, I was introduced to an Army Chaplain who was visiting my own church during Lent season, preparing for Easter.
After serving him a meal, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to sit down and join him. It was like I had known him for ever. We just felt drawn to each other. It was love at first sight.
In my book, ” On The Winds of The Wind,” you will read how the Holy Spirit whispered to me from deep within my whole being to be patient with this Chaplain. At the sametime, he was preparing the Chaplain to get to know me.
You can find out so much more in “On The Wings of The Wind” about how God can work your mind and body and you don’t realize until later on. And all for the good.
I have no fear or pressures in my life today, because God is here for me, The bible says, God lives within us, doesn’t it? My life has became incredible, even though we are living in a world of turmoil now. God takes away all the pressures and fears when you read my book and follow what I say. I let God in to give me that peace and understanding and how to cope with this life.
You are welcome to purchase my book, ” On The Wings of the Wind,” with a free CD—you can’t get the CD at a store, only through me.
Blessings,
Chaplain James and Pat Taylor
Spot,
Yes, it’s always fun to hear about how books came to be.
Hi,
It is always interesting to know how the book was published and what are the thought behind the books.
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vaibhav,
Yes, the “story behind the story” is always worth hearing about.
Hi Sunshine,
Writing a story or a book is not easy. I have to be greatly inspired. I cannot write fiction, so I love telling the real thing in a story. Other words, I have to live it.
“On The Wings of The Wind,” has so much story in it, you can learn so much about life and God working in your life also. We all have the Holy Spirit in us, and it’s time to open up and bring forward him to love and know him as we are in critical times now.
This story reveals how easy and simple it is to bring the Holy Spirit into your life.
I had no idea of writing again after losing my precious husband, but God began to instill in me what is to be told to others.
In the story, there are notes that I had sat down and wrote (inspired by God ) late at night, and put them away, but my new Chaplain husband found them and said they went with the scriptures in the bible. So they must go into a book for people to see and understand the bible better.
You see God is not only in our bodies with the Holy Spirit, but also in our minds. Again it is all in the story, “On The Wings of The Wind.”
Please check with your local book stores or use Amazon.com. if you would like to get this book; it’s well worth it. You will learn so much from it.
Blessings,
Patricia Eytcheson Taylor
You are welcome to purchase my book, ” On The Wings of the Wind,” with a free CD—you can’t get the CD at a store, only through me.
[...] guest today is Aundrea Hernandez. I met Aundrea through Patricia Eytcheson Taylor and Chaplain James Taylor. Aundrea did the illustrations for the book On the Wings of the Wind and created the cover for [...]
With your interview, I think I am convinced of buying the book. Thanks for posting.
Jone,
You can order from Amazon.com or directly from the authors. Hope you enjoy it.
This interview is very interesting and inspiring. I’ve been in their blog titled On the Wings of the Wind it sounds very encouraging and I wasn’t mistaken that I visited their site. Keep it up! Good luck.
John,
If you like the interview and the Taylors’ site, I’m sure you would enjoy the book.
[...] http://lillieammann.com/2009/05/22/interview-pat-james-taylor/ September 30th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized [...]
My beloved husband Philip and I met Pastor James and his lovely wife, Pat on a train travelling between London and Hampshire a few years ago. We spent a few hours of happiness with them. God sent moments!
Their book “On the Wings of the Wind”, their friendship, their prayers. their support have helped me through the days, weeks and months since my beloved husband died. Not only are they such delightful people, their book is inspirational.I read it over and over again. Thank you and God Bless you both. Dorothy
Dorothy,
My sympathy on your loss. I’m happy that the Taylors’ book has been a source of inspiration and comfort for you.
[...] [...]