Thursday, June 23, 2016

The Inner Views of Mary Zatkalik

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
(KJV)

Oh, how I love this verse!
The unity that is found in the hearts of God's precious children 
is a beautiful and a pleasant and a good thing to behold.
It amazes me how the Holy Spirit is the great Unifier.
Romans 5:5 says,
"...the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
When the love of God is shed abroad by the Holy Ghost in you,
and the love of God is shed abroad by the Holy Ghost in me,
and He orchestrates an intersection of our paths and allows us to meet,
it is a wonderful thing.
The Holy Spirit in you recognizes the Holy Spirit in me,
and there is an instantaneous union of souls.
Even from a great distance...
even when we haven't actually "met" face-to-face.
Such is the case with me (along with many of you) and the dear blogging friend and sister in the Lord who is so graciously sharing her heart with us here today,
I know you will be incredibly blessed by reading the story of her adventurous life and walk with Jesus, and I hope you will go by and visit her wonderful blog, Pile of Smiles.


I am so grateful and blessed to bring to you
the
of
Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Writer of Short Stories,
Mary Zatkalik.

Cheryl:  Please tell us about yourself.

Mary:  I was born in the neat 50’s era; the country was at peace, emphasis was on family and God, and everybody loved Lucy and Ozzie & Harriet. I’m a middle child with an older brother and sister and a younger brother. My mom and dad were hardworking but fun parents.

Cheryl:  We would love to hear about your Christian testimony. How old were you when you became a Christian? Who would you say has been your strongest spiritual mentor?

Mary:  I grew up in a strict religious home. I strived to achieve perfection. I was serious about everything and never smiled. All my early photos portray a terrified little girl. I married the perfect man for me, we found the perfect starter home, we birthed the perfect child who rarely cried and smiled at everyone, yet I felt incomplete. I asked God to help me because I knew something was very wrong with me to have so many blessings and still not be happy. He answered me right away. My neighbor and I attended a women’s Bible study. I learned that religion is not enough. I needed a personal relationship with God.

Cheryl:  How has your walk with Jesus affected the decisions you have made throughout life?

Mary:  The changes in me were flagrant. God exchanged my timidity for His confidence. He took my guilt and filled me with His grace. He took my fear of people and gave me a healthy fear of God. I never felt empty again. I read my Bible like a starving woman filling myself with truth and learning how loved I am. I can love others the right way now. I love God’s Word! It’s a beauty secret; it transforms me every day. I cannot live without it.

Cheryl:  You have travelled to some amazing places and done such interesting things. Of all of the places you have visited, which location was your favorite? Where would you live, if given the choice?

Mary:  My favorite country is Costa Rica. I love the rainforests, the food, and the people there. However, the place I like the best and want to live is where I live now in the Verde Valley of Arizona! I love the openness of country and the climate.

Cheryl:  Can you share with us about your job in sales? What would you consider to be three of the highest points of your career?

Mary:  An opportunity came for me and my husband to work together in sales. The owner of the company hired us to manage one of his businesses because he saw our strength as a couple. This was conducive to our product line, an up-scaled manufactured home, and we attracted customers who, like ourselves, wanted to live in our part of the state in an affordable, well built home. I learned many things: 1) How to be a team player, 2) How big and beautiful the world is through traveling, and most importantly, 3) How to be salt and light in a dark world. Preachers and salesmen share a common gift: persuasion. I am thankful to have met so many people who not only needed housing but eternal life.

Cheryl:  When did you begin blogging? What inspired that decision? How did you come up with its name?

Mary:  In 2008, I designed Pile of Smiles with the intent of communicating with my daughter who traveled in the military. She had a blog and wanted me to have one. I think my best quality is my smile; Jesus gave it to me.

Cheryl:  How has “Pile of Smiles” enriched your life?

Mary:  It broadened my perspective. I am humbled to know wonderful bloggers who freely share themselves through writing. I learn so much from them and cherish each one of them!

Cheryl:  Looking back over the years, will you share with us about one of your darkest times? How did your faith in God see you through and sustain you?

Mary:  A few years ago, my daughter’s husband left her. It’s excruciating to see your child’s life fall apart, but we learned that the God we love and serve is a restorer. He uses everything, and I praise Him for all the hurting ones He brought into both our lives so that we can now encourage them from our dark time.

Cheryl:  If you could go back and live life over, what would you change?

Mary:  I would tell my younger self to lighten up and that it’s okay to fail. Quit worrying about pleasing man and focus on pleasing God.

Cheryl:  When did you meet Tom? How long have you been married? What quality first drew you to him? What are some of the things the two of you enjoy doing together?

Mary:  I met Tom at a family dinner party. He was on leave from the Navy. We corresponded while he served our country, and when his duty ended, he asked me to marry him. I have always been attracted to his powerful drive, risk taking with ability to make quick decisions. Today, we enjoy growing old together and sharing the simple country life. We’ll be married 45 years this summer.

Cheryl:  What causes are you most passionate about? Is there a particular ministry you would like to draw our attention to?

Mary:  I am most passionate about communication. In my earlier years, I joined Women’s Aglow International. My mentors taught me, trained me,and sent me. I taught women’s Bible studies, planned retreats, and spoke at women’s events. I also completed a course in Biblical counseling and earned a certificate from Extraordinary Women, American Association of Christian Counselors. I am as passionate about communication today. The Lord is full of surprises. He is the one that orchestrates my days and if I can help a hurting woman with these Biblical principles, I’m eager to be part of His plan.

Cheryl:  What spiritually fulfills you the most?

Mary:  I’m contemplative. I love to pray, to be with God and worship Him.

Cheryl:  Concerning your life’s bucket list, what are three feats you have already accomplished, and what are three desires still remaining?

Mary:  I’ve been blessed to be a mother, relocate from Chicago to the southwest, and visit Israel. I would like to take a cruise to Alaska, write a book someday, and experience a hot air balloon ride as long as they don’t fly too high. ☺

Cheryl:  For those who are discouraged, what are your favorite go-to Scriptures and spiritual resources? What words of encouragement would you like to share with us?

Mary:  Isaiah 41:10 is my go-to Scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I always say that when Jesus is in the equation, we can’t fail! Great resources are The Bait of Satan, by John Bevere to overcome offenses. No Limits, by Tiz Huch empowers me to walk by God’s Spirit, and any Stormie Omartian book on prayer is excellent.

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you?

Mary:  I ask for prayer for my husband, Tom, who needs healing in his body. Thank you so much!

And, a HUGE thank you to YOU, dear Mary, for taking the time and being willing to share your beautiful heart with us here!
Your friendship and presence in my life has been and continues to be such a cherished gift from God.
May the dear Lord abundantly reward you for the blessing you are to me and to so many others!

Please add Tom to your prayer lists, dear friends.
God bless him and send the healing he needs and grant him and Mary many more happy, adventurous years together!
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us..."
Ephesians 3:20

Mary Zatkalik writes short stories about everyday life on her Christian blog, Pile of Smiles
She is married to Tom and has two grown daughters and two granddaughters. 
She goes by the handle “Saleslady 371” from her working days as a saleswoman in the marketplace. She and Tom enjoy their simple retired lifestyle in the high desert country of Arizona.

To read previous

38 comments:

  1. love that God's Spirit identifies so beautifully with another's. next to you at lyli's this morning.

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    1. Oh, how I love that, too!!! God bless you, Sue!

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  2. Thank you for sharing Mary's testimony and other parts of her story with us. I especially needed to read her go-to verse right now.

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    1. Oh, I am so thankful it ministered to your dear heart, Ruth! Isaiah 41:10 has been my favorite verse since God gave it to me when I was 14 while going through a very difficult time. I was so blessed when I saw that it is one of Mary's favorite verses, too!

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  3. Praying for Tom and Mary. Also for you and your family, Cheryl.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you, dear Victor. You are such a blessing to us!

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  4. I loved learning more about Mary. She always has good things to say in her blog, and she is a blessing. So are you, sweet Cheryl! Thanks for all you do. Praying for you and your family.

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    1. Thank you, dear, sweet friend! I was so touched by your kind words. Sending you much love and gratitude and trusting all is well with you. I am praying for you, too!

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  5. Two amazing and wonderful people in one place!!!

    I'm always fascinated by hearing the power and heart of God in others, especially when in written form. It proves how powerful our Father is, and I read that in the words of transformation in Mary's life. We both call Arizona home and I hope to meet up with Mary and Tom one of these days. They're special people. What a blessing this is!

    Thanks, Cheryl. You have a way of bringing out the best in all of us!

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    1. Oh, my, wouldn't that be amazing if you all could meet up one day? Oh, I would LOVE to see that happen, and if it does, PLEASE let me know, okay? That would be so wonderful. God bless you, dear brother. You are a continual blessing to us all!

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  6. I love this sweet lady so very much. she is a precious blessing.

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    1. And, she...and I....love you dearly, too, sweet Shorty Bear! Oh, I have been so worried about you when I didn't hear from you and couldn't get through. God bless you and heal you and put all of this nightmare behind you. Love you so much!

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  7. Beautiful Inner View, Cheryl. I enjoyed learning more about Mary. She truly is a blessing.

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    1. She surely is a dear blessing. We are all so blessed to have her in our lives. Thank you for stopping by, my friend!

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  8. Thanks Cheryl for sharing Mary's story. With such a lovely smile, it's hard to believe there was a time she didn't readily display it. Prayers for the both of them. Have a wonderful weekend Cheryl.

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    1. I know what you mean...Mary's smile just lights up the whole screen...I imagine when she walks into a room, she just brightens everything around her. Thank you so much for stopping and reading, sweet friend. God bless you abundantly!

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  9. Mary is one of my favorite bloggers. Her words always are relevant, and her smile contagious. Thank you for sharing her testimony. She is the real deal! :)

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    1. She surely is! SO very thankful to have her presence here in blogland. Thank you so much for stopping by, Sonja. Your visit and words were a special blessing!

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  10. I'm so blessed to know Mary. Thank you for profiling her here today!

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    1. And, thank YOU for stopping by and reading! You are so welcome here! God bless you!

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  11. Thank you for this beautiful article on Mary. Very inspiring. Bless you both!

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    1. And, God bless you, too, sweet Nancy! Thank you so much for your dear visit today!

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  12. Hi Chery and Mary, I loved this interview!
    Praying for Tom too. Thank you for featuring Mary. Cheryl.
    God Bless you both

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    1. God bless you, too, dear Ifeoma! I am so grateful to you for your visit and kind words of encouragement. Sending you love and gratitude!

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  13. Mary is a blogging friend, and I always enjoy reading what she has to say. Her sense of humor is such enjoyment, and her strong faith always gives me something to contemplate. Thank you for this precious interview with such a precious sister in the Lord!

    Mary, carry on!!

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. So thankful for your sweet visit and love and support, dear friend! It always brightens my day to see that you have stopped by! I am sorry I have been so lax in visiting you lately...so much has been going on. Love and appreciate you!

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  14. Cheryl, You are the great unifier in our blogging community, adding so much depth to blogs we visit when we learn about the person behind the words through your insightful interview questions.

    Reading about Mary was such a delight. It's funny, when I first saw her picture I thought what a great smile and then I read her comment about her own smile and it made me smile even more! :-D

    It's always such a blessing to come by and visit you sweet friend. I hope your move is going well.

    Blessings.

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    1. Oh, dear Karen! You are so sweet, and your words just lift me up so much! God bless you abundantly, my friend. I know what you mean...Mary has the most beautiful smile, and the love of Jesus just shines through her so sweetly! Sending you much love and gratitude for your visit and friendship.

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  15. Surely enjoyed reading this about my sweet blogging friend Mary! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Oh, how wonderful, Cindy! So thankful for your visit and that you were blessed here! Come back anytime!

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  16. Great interview, Cheryl. I enjoyed getting to know Mary better. Have a blessed week!

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    1. Thank you ever so much, June! I am so grateful you stopped by! God bless you abundantly!

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  17. So happy to learn more here about Mary! I've been reading her words for several years now, and she does indeed bring smiles. :) She's such a blessing always. Praying for Tom's healing...

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    1. That is so wonderful, Lisa! Mary surely is indeed a precious blessing to us all! Thank you so much for stopping by...your visits always brighten my day! God bless you, sweet friend. :)

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  18. You had featured an awesome daughter of Christ. If she is, then,it takes one to recognize that. It's always a blessing to hear the powerful transformation God gives to those who surrenders. What a blessing sister Mary is to my faith. She always increases it through her honest heart's posts. Indeed, it was her smile that had drawn me to visit her back in 2008. Not knowing at that time Who drew it on her face! Blessings to you both. I love the truth you had written how because of the Spirit, we are truly one no matter where we are.

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    1. Amen, and amen! I so appreciated your visit and kind words! God bless you always!

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  19. Thank you Cheryl for this inspiring innerview of Mary the Sales Lady. I always enjoy her blogs and writing and she is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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    1. That is so wonderful, Hazel! Mary blesses so many with her sweet smile, kind visits and words, and Christlike spirit. I'm so thankful for your visit! God bless you, my friend. :)

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