United House Publishing

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Look up 

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Written By April Knopp

Praise requires us to look up—look up from our phones, computers, and from our low-hanging heads and moods. I’m currently coming out of a weary season. The Lord told me last fall, “You’re about to go through a crushing!” He was not kidding; it was by far one of the hardest seasons I have walked through. I’m so thankful the Lord warned me ahead of time. It didn’t make my season easier, but it did give me the security of knowing I would get through it and not to question every hard blow as they came day by day.

One Sunday morning, I stood in the balcony of church, singing a new praise song our music director was introducing. The lyrics spoke to my soul, word for word. I sang with both hands raised, looking up at the wood-covered ceiling, with tears running down my face, thanking God for how He was going before me and behind me. I praised Him through the pain and trusted Him in the trial. When He told me I would go through a crushing, I turned to Scripture and started studying the crushing of olives. I read something incredibly painful—the crushing took the bitterness out of the olives. Oh man, I am the olive! I’m being crushed, refined, pruned! We all know these seasons are necessary to make room for future growth, but man, they are hard. Without the crushing, we won’t have the oil. Without the oil, we won’t have the anointing.

Although it’s been a painful process, I can wholeheartedly thank Him for the difficult season. Praise and thankfulness are vital parts of our Christian walks, but they aren’t always easy tasks. One of the things I’ve struggled with over the years is being completely emotionally vulnerable with the Lord. As silly as it sounds, I’ve had a hard time sharing my thoughts, emotions, and especially my tears with Him. I’ve been comforted by Him, but I haven’t been able to look Him in the face. Just yesterday, the day after I was asked to write this blog post, I sat in Bible study, and our leader ended the lesson with, “I want you to close your eyes, open up your hands, and look at Jesus as He looks down at you, smiling at you because He loves you!”

How can I not praise and be thankful to this extremely personal God? Not only does He warn me, He opens doors for me and uses me for His glory. He loves me so. He loves me enough to say, “April, you need to go through a crushing! You have some bitterness that’s not welcome in this next season. I love you, but… we have some things to let go of.” Comforting conviction from such a personal Lord and Savior gives me the confidence to move into this next stage of life. He loves us so!

April lives in Central Arkansas with her husband. They have two grown sons and two precious daughter-in-laws. They own a small electrical business and enjoy working together during their newly empty nesting season. April is new to working with United Publishing and hopes to have her first book published in 2024. Her mission and heart is to teach, share, encourage. and minister to people of all ages in and through God’s word. Her desire is to point people closer to the Lord in real-life situations. She loves to share scripture in day-to-day conversations and posts. https://www.seek-him-first.com/

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Testimonials

  • Taylor Phillips, author of Training Ground

    United House Publishing was 100% an answer to prayer. I knew that God called me to write books, but I wasn't in a good position to publish according to certain industry expectations. I continued to be faithful, knowing God would make a way. AND HE DID. United House is such a champion for the underdog—for the one who doesn't have a huge platform but wants to be obedient to God. I was so blessed by the process from start to finish. From the heart and help of the revision team, to editing, coaching, and everything in between. United House was, and is, an incredible company to be part of!

  • Bridget Singleton, author of Mimo’s Welcome

    United House Publishing is absolutely GREAT to work!  I previously published a book alone... and it was so hard.  But UHP gives support like no other!  When they say they are praying over you and your work, you KNOW it!  The author coaches I have worked with have been awesome.  Not only do they help you set and crush your writing goals, they also help you pursue wellness in all aspects of your life, and you can't put a price tag on that!

  • Wendy Perry, author of The Battle Within

    God gave me the words to write a book and then He sent me to the perfect place to publish it—United House Publishing! The thought of editing and publishing a book was new and overwhelming. However, through God's peace and directing me to UHP the whole process was made easier. I felt "safe" and "at ease" sharing the story God gave me to UHP, because they treated me and my manuscript with respect. I'm thankful I obeyed God and worked with UHP to publish my very first book.

  • Gina Rodriguez, author of Teacher Tired

    As a person who has NEVER considered herself a writer, it is no shock I was in need of help when I felt led to publish my first book.  I am so blessed that I was referred to UHP.  I started my writing journey so afraid of the process, not sure where to start or what to expect. It was such a huge relief to have a team of authentic writers, editors, mentor me along the way as I pushed back fears of intimidation that tried to stop me.  With UHP I found my writing voice. The monthly coaching calls were especially important to keep me going when idleness or doubt crept in (because it will).  Having UHP to pray with me, refine my writing skills and keep me accountable made all the difference between beginning to write a book to actually finishing it!

  • Jessica Bishop, author of Collision

    The reason why I love UNITED HOUSE Publishing is because all you have to do is write, and they take care of the rest. It's simple and I LOVE IT!

  • Dianne Wyper, author of Shattered

    UNITED HOUSE Publishing has been like the roadblock-remover to my dreams and my calling. It's because of them that I have got to become all I have dreamed of: An Author!