I Didn’t Expect to Meet Him at Church…
One of the things I enjoy most about writing these newsletters is that no two months ever seem quite the same. Some bring long-awaited milestones in the publishing journey, while others surprise me with stories I never could have scripted myself.
This month has a little of both. I’m delighted to share some exciting news about Powers of Death and an upcoming book talk where I’ll be giving a sneak peek into Sabina’s next adventure. And then there’s the completely unexpected tale of how a Sunday morning at our little Lutheran church turned into an unforgettable encounter with a Grammy-winning musician—and, somehow, one of my most popular Facebook posts ever.
As always, thank you for coming along on this journey with me. Whether we’re exploring the ancient streets of Ephesus or finding joy in life’s unexpected moments, I’m grateful to have you here.
A WRITER’S JOURNEY
Powers fo Death has officially been resubmitted! Thank you for sticking with me through the publis
hing process. Your patience means so much. Book Three of the Secrets of Ephesus series raises the stakes as the assassination of an emperor ignites a deadly conspiracy that reaches into Sabina’s own family. I can’t wait to share it with you this fall!
Join me for my Book Talk in Cornucopia at the Community Center on Sunday, August 16th, at 2:00. Refreshments will be served while we get a preview of Powers of Death and some of the history that anchors these historical mysteries.
WHO KNEW CHRUCH ATTENDANCE COULD IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA?
For those who saw the photo and wondered what on earth was going on—and for those who missed it altogether—yes, that’s Lyle Lovett holding one of my books.
It all started at church.
John leaned over and whispered, “Doesn’t that guy look like Lyle Lovett?”
“I was thinking the same thing,” I whispered back. Then, being good Lutherans, we immediately returned our attention to the service. Priorities.
Afterward, I introduced myself. “Welcome to Zion. I’m Liisa.”
“My name’s Lyle.”
Wait…what?
A quick glance at the guest register confirmed it. Yep. Lyle Lovett. Right there in our little Lutheran church.
Now, if you’ve spent much time around Missouri Synod Lutherans, you know emotional restraint is practically a spiritual gift. We welcomed him, chatted politely, poured another cup of coffee, and collectively pretended there wasn’t a four-time Grammy-winning singer in our vestibule.
Eventually, with just a little encouragement, John wandered out to chat. The conversation turned to my historical mysteries, and Lyle asked about the books. John offered to bring him one, and when I handed it over, John asked if I’d signed it.
Lyle smiled. “Would you?”
The irony was not lost on me—Lyle Lovett was asking for my autograph! (At this point I was drifting dangerously close to behavior unbecoming a stoic Lutheran.)
He graciously posed for a couple of pictures before heading out.
Surely that was the end of the story. Not in a small town.
Our friend Phil happened to be having lunch at Sandy’s Restaurant when we texted him one of the photos. Just a few minutes later, who walked through the door?
Lyle.
Phil showed him the picture, and Lyle looked a bit puzzled, I’m sure, wondering how Phil had a photo taken only minutes earlier. After a friendly conversation, Lyle surprised Phil by offering him tickets to that night’s concert. Then he added two more for John and me. Oh…and backstage passes.
The concert at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was fantastic. If you’ve never been to a show there. Go! Amazing semi-outdoor venue.
Between songs, Lyle shared a little about his German Lutheran heritage and even mentioned that he’d worshiped that morning at Zion Lutheran in Ashland and met “some very nice people.” (photo from Quartzmountain.org)
I have to return the compliment. He was gracious, humble, funny, and every bit as genuine as he seemed.
One final surprise…I shared the story in a Facebook group for Missouri Synod Lutherans. Normally one of my posts gets around a hundred likes if it’s having a really good day. This one had nearly fifty in the first ten minutes. By the time I showed John, it was approaching seventy.
A week later? More than 3,500 likes and comments. Apparently, celebrity sightings are good for Facebook likes.
Now, if Lyle ever comes back to Zion, I’ll know exactly what to do. I’ll nod politely, introduce myself…and ask for his autograph.
Watch a snippet of the show ▶ This is a song he co-wrote with his 5-year-old-twins-after he caught them dancing around in their birthday suits. So cute!!!
AUTHOR HIGHLIGHT
Meet CrossRiver Media author
Debra L. Butterfield. Debra is the author of eleven books, which include Her Inheritance series, Unshakable Faith, and Carried by Grace: a Guide for Mothers of Victims of Sexual Abuse. She began her writing career as a junior copywriter for Focus on the Family, is a freelance editor, book designer, writing coach, former editorial director for CrossRiver Media Group, and a Marine Corps veteran. She blogs about writing at TheMotivationalEditor.com and about faith at DebraLButterfield.com.
BIBLE VERSE
Our response to Christ John 7:40-52
Belief …many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.”
Confusion…but some said, “Will the Messiah come out of Galilee? For scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem.”
Hostility… Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.
Feel threatened… “Are you also deceived? Has any of the rulers or the Pharisees (us) believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”
BLOG POST HIGHLIGHT
The Most Powerful and Notorious Address on Earth – Domus Augustana Part 1
