The Past...a Trap or a Lesson?

The Past…A Trap or a Lesson?


This year my plan was to write a letter telling those who might not know, what has been going on in our lives. You know what kind of letter I’m talking about. You got one from your brother’s wife’s aunt who lives in Toledo and in it she described in detail her cat’s emergency surgery to get the giant hairball out of its esophagus. Ah…now you remember. And I may still do that. But, I had a thought. An “ah ha” moment if you will.

Why would I send a letter to people who have no idea, and probably don’t care, what happened in our lives this past year? I mean, if they did care they would probably already know…right? And in writing that letter, am I just giving myself bragging rights? My dearest hubby started my brain down this path, so don’t get mad at me if you write a letter every year. It’s not my fault! Ok…I take full responsibility…send all the hate email to ummm…I just cancelled my email account!

No, seriously though, most of the people I would send one to really don’t know anything about us. They may speculate. They may talk behind our backs and wonder what we are doing since moving to the “great north.” They may wait for the day when we move back with our tails between our legs, heads hung in shame so they can say “told you so.” Then again, they might not give us the time of day, never wonder, never speculate and never gossip. Who knows? We don’t. We never hear from them, which is why they know nothing about us and nothing about our previous year. Of course, we know nothing about them either. We never call. Guilty!
Philippians 3:13 &14 reads: 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
This has become one of my favorite Bible verses. This not only gives me permission, but compels me to live in the present while setting goals for my future. I do believe we can learn from our past. There are many lessons to take from previous endeavors, both good and bad. But, we are not to dwell there. The past is gone. The past is a trap that keeps us from reaching our todays and our tomorrows. Today is where it’s at. Tomorrow is where we are going.
So, if I write a letter, I am going to send it to those people who, I believe, are truly interested in where we are today. These are the ones I want to cry with me, laugh with me and dance with me. I want them to be the ones who celebrate life with me and hold me up when trials come. We may not talk as much as we’d like. We may live miles apart. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, they love me.

What Brings You Joy This Christmas Season?

I posted a question on my facebook page. What brings you joy at this time of year. I heard many answers but the majority centered on their faith in Jesus Christ and family and friends. Whether it was watching children opening their gifts, or simply being with loved ones during a special time, most of my readers enjoy the closeness of relationships over gifts, food, treats, shopping or any of the other activities that are common at this time of year.

For me personally, there are so many things that bring me joy this Christmas season. I love to serve others and many times I do that through cooking and baking. It is one of the ways I show love. I realize that is not looked upon positively in this day and age, yet I can’t seem to relinquish this method of loving people. So, at Christmas, I bake. I mean, I really bake. I have made homemade turtles, frosted cut out cookies, gingerbread men, peanut butter cookies, shortbread cookies, probably fifty dozen in all. And I am still feeling the need to bake more. I make up trays and I love giving these treats as gifts.

One tradition my family enjoys is the singing of The Twelve Days of Christmas. We laugh so hard we cry. Trying to remember every day in the correct order has become something of an obsession. We usually get it right…after a try or two and lots of laughter. And, we always sing it while traveling. It’s the rule.

Our Christmas celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. We will attend our churches Christmas Eve service then have steak, chicken and shrimp fondue, smoked bacon and cheese fondue and chocolate fondue (duh!). We will watch a Christmas movie and open gifts at midnight. Christmas day is a day of complete relaxation. We will watch movies all day and eat really easy stuff. After sleeping in that is.

In the midst of all the preparation, plans, hustle and bustle, what I am most thankful for is that God became flesh and walked among us. That Jesus was born in a manger. That he cried at his mother’s knee and pulled the puppy’s ears. That He toddled around his home while his mother sewed and his father read the Word. I am so thankful that He grew into a young man intent on doing the business of His Heavenly Father. That He learned a trade from His earthly father. That He did the bidding of His mother, even though it wasn’t His time. That He grew into a man who experienced temptation and yet overcame. That he had compassion. That He wept. I will always be thankful for Him dying on a cross, taking my every sin with Him when he went. That death could not defeat Him. That He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. That He is coming again for me, His bride, to take me in His arms and call me His own. That I will live eternally with Him in perfect glory and His love for me will never diminish or be replaced by another. That I am forever His.

Teaser: Prologue of new book

Prologue


There were days when he moved silently, almost as if he were invisible, watching every move she made. This was one of those days.
The children sat at the table, eating their breakfast and she was standing at the kitchen counter, making his lunch. She spread the last bit of mayonnaise on his sandwich when he grabbed a fistful of her hair, weaving her long dark tresses through his fingers, tightening.
Making her listen, he forcefully whispered in her ear “Did I tell you to put mayonnaise on my sandwich?”
The pain tore through her skull and she fought the threatening tears. She shook her head no. Even though he’d had mayonnaise on his sandwiches for the past seven years of marriage, no, he did not tell her to make it that way today. She managed a slight whisper “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again”.
He used her hair to propel her face forward into the open face sandwich. “Let this be a reminder to you. You do nothing without asking me first. Do you understand?”
She nodded, trying to breathe as both her mouth and nose pressed into the bread, the sticky white condiment quickly filling the open spaces.
He yanked her head up, turning her to face the children, who watched with open curiosity, “Look at your mother kids; doesn’t she look ugly with mayonnaise on her face?”
The youngest, being two and finding humor with most anything, pointed and began to giggle. The five year old followed suit. Only the eight year old remained quiet. She stared at her mother for a moment then grabbed her school bag and headed for the door. The five year old ran to catch up.
When everyone had left for the day and the two year old was busy playing with toys, the woman sank to the floor and cried tears that flowed from the depths of her soul.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

If I pay attention, I can always tell if my son is about to say something that isn’t appropriate. For instance, one day while we were sitting in the waiting room at a medical office, he was staring rather hard at a really, and I do mean really, old couple. Maybe if I hadn’t of been so sick, I would have caught him before the inevitable happened. Then again, we wouldn’t have been there if I hadn’t of been so sick, so we were kind of in a catch twenty two.

He looked intently at the gentleman, who was hunched over and walking very slowly. My son took it all in and voiced exactly what he was thinking. “That guy is really old. He is about ready to go see God.” Now, I suppose that is a polite way of stating the obvious. I mean, he was really old. My son was not purposefully being rude. He wasn’t trying to be hurtful. He simply observed and he reacted.

How does a parent explain to a six year old appropriate speech? I mean, we are just getting the basics of appropriate behavior under control, at least some of the time. I know all of us as parents have countless stories of our kids saying the right thing at the wrong time. We get embarrassed over them speaking the truth. Being polite means we only say certain things certain ways. I admit there are times I wish I did not have inhibitions about stating the truth, up front and without apologies. In this politically correct world that is not an acceptable behavior. We might offend someone.

The Bible does tell us in Psalm 40:10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

It seems to me this verse is the opposite of being politically correct. How about you? I will not hide my righteousness in my heart? To me that means, I should be sharing my faith. I should be sharing the gospel and the goodness of God. I should be showing the love of Christ and the salvation that only He can give. I should be speaking truth.

Does this mean I should make an announcement if a really, really old guy walks by me? Ah no, there are still some thoughts that should remain thoughts. But it does mean when important truths need to be spoken, we should pray and seek God’s will. If He is leading us, if our words are used to bring life, then we must speak.

Cleaning House

On Friday of this past week, I subjected my physical body to a good cleansing. I don’t mean my daily shower or my personal grooming habits. I am talking about the inside, the parts I can’t see, those that work behind the scenes. The parts that keep our body operating; the liver, the kidneys, yeah…those parts that you can’t reach with a loofah, need a good cleansing every once in a while too.

There are times that getting positive results come from doing something that isn’t particularly pleasant. For instance, many people do not like exercising, yet, exercising is very good for us. In my experience above, I had to drink a very nasty concoction that left a bad taste in my mouth for the better part of 24 hours. It wasn’t a fun experience, but it was very good for me. I feel better. I feel healthier. It was worth the unpleasantness. Because of it, I want to eat better and treat myself with more respect.

If our physical bodies need cleansing, how much more do our spiritual bodies need soaping? My thoughts are not always Godly. My actions do not always portray the will of God for my life. My tongue does not always speak life. My heart does not always love. My actions often times give me away. I am a sinner, yet, I am saved by grace. I thank God daily that He loves me enough to show me the error of my ways.

Our children can attest to the fact that discipline doesn’t feel good. If we remember back to our childhoods, we know from personal experience that discipline hurts. Yet, we know that it is necessary. Without discipline, our children will not learn right from wrong. If we fail to do our job as parents, the ones that God has entrusted to us will have a harder time becoming the men and women God has called them to be.

Hebrews 12:6 states: “For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” It doesn’t feel good getting disciplined by God, does it? I know. I have been the recipient of a holy “spanking” more than once. God desires for me to “clean” house. With His help I will think Godly thoughts. I will listen to His bidding and act accordingly. I will choose to speak life. I will choose to love. I will choose to live a holy life, submitted and obedient to the Holy Spirit. I know there will be times that things get messy. I also know that God will be with me, enabling me to clean up the cobwebs and dust, making my home fit for a King.

It's That Time of the Month!

Alright, let’s face it. There is a certain time of the month when our husbands wonder who we are and what happened to their wonderful, witty, sweet, beautiful wives. Last week, my husband was asking that very question. The poor guy, I really felt sorry for him. I went from being mad to bawling my eyes out. He had no clue what he had done. I’m not sure I knew either, but I know he did something! Sound familiar?

The fact is, we women go through hormonal changes every month before our cycle that distort our thinking process, our logic, our feelings and emotions, our patience and our ability to simply function the way we normally do. I know you may take exception to these thoughts and differ with me, but if you honestly evaluate yourself, you will agree with me. I’m not saying every one of us experience all of these debilitating characteristics to their fullest extent every month. I am saying to one degree or another we experience one or more of these each month. There are months I simply get a little emotional. Other months I have absolutely no patience. I think you get the idea.

It seems as if God has thrown us a curve ball. Our physical bodies are leading us down one path, a path where our actions and our words are often times the exact opposite of God’s nature. And He’s the one who made us with all these raging hormones and fluctuating moods. That does not give us the right to follow our flesh. It does give us the opportunity to overcome our flesh and win the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 reads like this: Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

I don’t want to be led around by emotions and mood swings like a dog on leash…do you? I want to discipline my body and bring it into subjection. I want the Holy Spirit to lead me, not my flesh. It’s time we stop making excuses for ourselves and learn to be temperate in all things. It’s time we put an end to “it’s that time of the month!”

Being Thankful...

Being thankful, what does it mean?

This has been a hard year for so many of us. Whether you have been laid off, downsized, fired, or simply had your hours cut, you have been one of those dealing with making ends meet. This has been hard, especially since the cost of living has not been compassionate on those of us trying to support our families in tough times.

If someone close to you is sick, perhaps in the hospital or if you have lost someone you love this year, you know what it’s like to have a heart that is hurting and full of grief. Pain and suffering is no stranger to any of us.

Yesterday morning, when I was reading from Proverbs 24:10, these words pierced my heart: If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

Wow. This disqualifies no one. Every person created will face adversity. The question is, how will it grow us? Or, will it grow us? Jesus Christ faced troubles while living on earth. If He, the son of God, is not exempt, where do we come up with the idea that troubles will pass us by?

I don’t know about you, but I want my strength to be huge! I want it to be as tall as a mountain, as large as an ocean and as big as the sky. I want to be thankful for everything that I go through; the good and the bad. With that being said, I am thankful for the following:

I am thankful for friends who have loaned us a car, not only does it help me be mobile, but it teaches me humility.

I am thankful that I have learned that my husband’s belief in himself is more important than how many dollars we have in the bank.

I have learned and am thankful for the knowledge that possessions come and go. They are just things. Things don’t make the woman. Respecting and supporting my husband and loving and caring for my children show my character and integrity more than the finest gold in my jewelry box. I want my life to be measured by how much I loved, not what beautiful things decorated my home.

I am thankful that I have a warm home to live in and that by the grace of God, our rent and our bills are paid.

I am thankful for the feast that I will toil over tomorrow to show my family that I love and appreciate them, regardless of the fact that no guests will grace our table. They are worth it!

I am thankful that tomorrow, when my husband eats the pumpkin pie I baked just for him, he will know it was just for him. He will also know that it is because I honor him as the head of our home that he gets a pie no one else in our family will eat!

I am thankful for Pastor Charles and Pastor Stacy. Not only are they wonderful pastors, but the dearest of friends. I am blessed to be able to call them both.

I am thankful for our entire church body. I have learned and grown through the love of my brothers and sisters. I appreciate each and every one of them!

I am thankful that God, using extreme measures of mercy, chose to use me to Glorify Him. What an honor to write the words burning in my heart. I will never understand how He can love me, and the extent to which He loves me.

I could go on and on. There is so much to be thankful for. I think you get the idea. I am choosing to be thankful in the face of adversity. I am choosing to trust God in all things and believe that He knows what is best for me and my family. I pray that you ponder your life and find the huge, big, great strength it takes to be strong in your trials.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Becoming Women of God Called to a Higher Purpose

For the past couple of months I have had quite the conundrum. There haven’t been any new posts to my blog for a while now. I wouldn’t quite call it writer’s block, as I could have written pretty much anything about any subject. Perhaps, being a writer who is first and foremost a Christian played a bigger part in the lack of writing on my part.
Up until this point, I have written about various topics, all completely random, no purpose or end in mind. I was like a small child learning to take her first steps. Seeing a random shiny object at the other side of the room, she decides to go for it and gets distracted along the way when something more attractive comes into view. That was me. My writings had no clear purpose. I have read that one should post to their blog at least once a week with two to three times per week being optimum. I was averaging once a month.
In both areas of my writing life, both my blog and the novel I am currently working on, I have been seeking the direction that God wants me to write in. Up until late last night, I was at a loss. What do I write? What should my subject matter be and what specific message(s) should I send.
Have you ever been in the dark about something, been praying about it, when suddenly God takes the blinders off your eyes and instantly, you see clearly? That is what happened to me last night. All of a sudden, God opened my eyes and showed me with clarity where I am to go. I love that about God. When He reveals something to me, maybe it’s the same for you, it is so obvious, makes so much sense, that I think I should have thought of that. God’s plan is perfect. He knows the big picture, the end result and everything in between. Each tiny detail is important to Him.
My first novel, Until Forever, is part of The Women of Prayer Series. The next few books I write will be part of this series as well. While each novel is a stand alone story, praying for and mentoring young Christian women is a common theme in each of them. What my blog is now going to focus on is the practical real life applications that the women in my books learn and work through. In essence, the blog is going to focus on becoming women of God that are called to a higher purpose. Some posts may be humorous and poignant, others may be blunt and to the point. You will not find anything politically correct here. Each post will be written to an audience of one, me. I realize that there is much God needs to do in my life to ready me for His purpose and plan. I pray you find yourself being challenged to change and grow as well. We are women of the most high God and He has great plans for us; plans that require us to be ready to go forth when called to do so. We must have oil in our lamps and our wicks trimmed. I am looking forward to traveling this journey with you. Together, we shall go forth.

The Glory of Creation

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Devotion:
I counted thirteen pieces of original artwork hanging on our refrigerator. A finger painting and several Sunday school pieces by my seven year old son, original photography by my 18 year old daughter, a rainbow made out of magnets by my daughter’s boyfriend and several handmade magnets crafted by my own hand were all proudly displayed and screaming, look at me, am I not beautiful? My husband’s creative contributions include funny songs made up on the spot. The kids join in and laughter fills every corner of our home. The original writings that flow from my husband, daughter and me are yet another form of creativity we find joy in. Each creative work seeks an audience and accolades.

The finger painting looks nothing like the evening sunset that God painted in our western sky. Or does it? The songs created and sung in our home do not sound like choirs of angels around the throne of God. Or do they? The words written, flowing from the vivid use of imaginations are of no comparison to the inspired Word of God. Or are they? Did God not create us in His very image? When Jesus walked the earth, did He not say we would do even greater things than He did? When God created the seas and the mountains, did He not seek an audience and accolades?

As I writer, I often find myself seeking the approval of man yet there are times I find myself wallowing in a pit of false humility. Did God really say, “Oh, it’s not much; just a little something I threw together”, when speaking of His creation? No, He did not. When God points to the mountain top and clears the fog so we can view the mountain in all of its splendor and majesty is He making excuses for it? No, He is not. Why then do I? When I write, I write with the will of God at the forefront of my thoughts. He has called me to do what I do. He considers me worthy of the calling and has lined up my talents so they are in alignment with His direction for my life. I write for the pleasure of God. I write so that He may receive all the glory, honour and power due Him. I take pride, yes I said pride, in what He has called me to do. Not a puffed up pride, but a pride that is birthed from humbleness and humility in the awesome privilege it is to serve such a creative God.

Creator of the universe, thank you for allowing me the great privilege to be creative. Remind me in everything I do; I do it for You. Humble me when necessary. Lift me up when You see fit. Search my heart and know me. Amen.

My Bubble

Recently God has revealed to me the invisible bubble that surrounds me. My own little world. My family. My home. The center of my own little universe, right here where I live. I have become too comfortable in my own skin. I have forgotten, not with a “wow, I didn’t realize people out there were hurting and dying, slaves to sin” kind for forgetting, but more of a “Yeah, I know people are out there hurting and I am writing my books, and the words God has given me are going to make a difference in someone’s life” kind of forgetting. The difference is in my compassion and my over all acceptance of ‘this is how things are’, what could I do anyway? I have become a sheltered Christian. This is so far away from my roots, how could I have let this happen? I used to cry many tears knowing that children are going to bed hungry, unloved and alone. What has happened to me? I used to be ‘a hands on’ type of gal…now I’m more an ‘I’ll pray for you’ kind of gal.

I believe the one thing that keeps us compassionate, concerned and committed to making change is our travels though valleys of our own. It is not on the mountain that we learn to make a difference; it is in the valleys. On our climb, our assent, we take what we learned while in the pit and help those around us. The memories are fresh, vivid and alive. We can take the experiences and turn them into life for others. We can feed the hungry and clothe the poor. We can give hope to the hopeless and bless those who curse us. Not because we are better or wiser. But because we have been there. We have been hungry, poor, hopeless and bitter. We can relate and encourage. Let us determine today, right now, to be difference makers. I challenge you to make a difference in someone’s life today. You may have the opportunity to travel to a third world country to help feed the poor and outcast. You may know someone who is sick and is need of a good pot of chicken soup. No matter where you are or what your financial status is, find a way to help someone else. In doing so, the person you will be helping the most is yourself.

"Today"

Today I woke up thinking about tomorrow and I had to ask myself what is wrong with today? Why am I so obsessed with all things tomorrow? Why are we, as humans, so obsessed with what is going to happen rather than with what is happening? Good things are coming, this is true. I think about my manuscript that is being published. I sometimes dwell on what it will be like to hold a finished book in my hands. Something that I wrote, spent many hours, tears, and emotions pouring over, is actually taking on form and becoming. Yet, if I think about it logically, I have 17,984,000 seconds before my book becomes a reality. What about the now? I have so much to be grateful for and think about right now, how I can possibly be dwelling over a moment in time that is lined up in the longest roller coaster ride line you have ever seen just waiting for its turn to be now? Yes, this is true. The present is one nanosecond at a time. Right now. Blink your eyes and it is too long. We can’t even process one nanosecond. It passes too quickly. It becomes the past in less than a blink of an eye. Wow! Now that is something to wrap my brain around. Today is what is happening at this very second. God says in Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” In Matthew 6:34 we read “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. So, no longer am I going to dwell upon tomorrow. I am going to think about today. This very moment. I have so much to be grateful for. I have my God, Who loved me so very much that He sent his only Son to die for me that I might have eternal life. I have my husband, Danny, who believes in me, supports me, encourages me, loves me and continues to be my best friend. I have my children, Jonna and Jeremiah, who I love with everything that I am and for now am blessed with these. My health and mind are in tact and in working order (that is sometimes debatable!). I have a home, which is comfortable and warm and good food to eat. I have a puppy that loves every moment she is with me, always forgiving and accepting. I have business cards that I can pass out to everyone and in doing so encouraging them to get involved and pass the word on about the story to come. I have a new story pouring through my head that is finding its way to paper, preparing itself to be the messenger in yet another story of God’s love and forgiveness. I have so much right now, this very moment to be thankful for! I am also grateful that I have a warm, comfortable bed that I am going to crawl into and take a nap!

Nineteen days and counting :)

Nineteen days until the actual editing process begins. It seems as if the past month and a half has passed in slow motion for me. Not necessarily meaning that time has passed slowly, just that I have been operating in slow motion. Once the manuscript was submitted, accepted and a date for the process to begin was issued, it was as if I went on strike. I'm not sure why that happened. Perhaps because it has been a long wait and I was ready, mentally, for some rest. Three years, while not very long in the scheme of things, can be a long time to attempt to patiently wait on God while His purpose is fulfilled. Those who know me, know that patience is not one of my strong suits. Long ago I stopped praying for more because I know He takes me seriously and puts me in situations that require more patience! Of course He still knows exactly what I need and is not fooled by my meager attempts at fooling Him. So, life continues to come at me, raising me up into God's perfect plan for my life. I humbly submit all that I am and all that I hope to be to His will.

What is your purpose?

This past Sunday, March 21, our pastor delivered an awesome message on knowing what our place is in the body of Christ. Today, the Monday afterwards, I find myself still thinking about his message. The question posed was, "am I a priest or a king"? Will I find myself primarily ministering to people or will I find myself in a business setting, making money to support those in our body who are ministering? I found it interesting that my husband and I both felt very strongly about our callings. I, between my writing, singing, hospitality and cooking find myself strongly on the priestly side of things. My husband feels his calling is in business. Isn't it amazing how God brings things, or people together to compliment one another? I will have copies of my novel in hand sometime this fall. My husband is excited about the marketing aspect and discovering all the possibilities and avenues to make this novel and subsequent novels a success.

Isn't it just like God to give us all the tools we need to do what He has called us to do? What has God called you to do? What are your natural talents? What do you enjoy doing? How can you further the Kingdom of God by using your gifts and talents to glorify Him? Take a moment today to think about your purpose.

Time stands still for no one!

When you are sick it is hard to accomplish much, especially anything that requires your full attention and a quick mind. My daughter, Jonna, has been working hard on the pre-editing...editing, so we can submit the manuscript for the official editing process. The problem is...she's sick too! We are working on it together. She reads it and presents her suggestions to me. Most of it is grammatical usage errors and word usage errors, the results of typing quickly before the thought is gone. There are a couple of suggestions she has made though that I have disagreed with. It is going to be fun to compare our opinions once the editing department puts in their opinion. She insists she is going to be right. I am guessing she will be too. I just like the line she is wanting to do away with! It is fun to be working with her. I have known my whole life just how smart she is, but I get to work with her on something that she is truly gifted at. She is finding enjoyment in it as well. So much so that she is back to thinking college might not be a bad idea. Will we have an author and a book editor in our family? Who knows. She will probably be a better writer than I am. So, make that two authors and a book editor. I know she has many stories in her that want to come out.

I have written the dedication and the acknowledgements, so that job is done. Things are coming together nicely!

Linda Johnson, surviving wife of Rod Johnson, pastor to me for many years, has agreed to write the forward for Until Forever. Our pastor, Charles Butler of Covenant Church Fox Valley, along with Marilyn Jackson, wife of Michael Jackson, Pastor New Life Assembly of God, Janesville, Wi, Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey and Elk's Resolve, and Cliff Graham, author of Day of War, soon to be a major motion picture, have all agreed to write endorsements for the novel. Am I blessed or what? What a great group of people!

Until Forever

Well, I have officially entered into a contract with Tate Publishing to publish my manuscript "Until Forever". I am excited, nervous, anxious...did I already say excited? The emotional gamut reaches far and wide taking up much of my daily thoughts. Friday night Danny and I sat outside the UPS box and prayed over the contract one last time before putting it in the box.

God has had His hand on this manuscript from day one. He would wake me during a restful sleep with entire portions of the story running through my head. I would type frantically until spent then fall back in bed until rising for the day to type some more. It took me four months to write this story. I have been blessed with a wonderful family who supported me during this whole process. My husband, Danny, has been and continues to be my support and partner in this endeavor. Without his genuine encouragement, I doubt this would have been possible. With the exception of the occasional complaint regarding the quality of meals prepared, my children too have been most supportive. I will be updating this blog regularly, keeping you posted on publication process. Our website is in the process of being created. A new facebook account has been created. A group for the book itself will be created. So much to do and so much to share! Check back often for all the updates!

I also plan on interviewing and featuring some great authors and their awesome books. I will read them personally before posting their work, so you won't want to miss this either.