Year in Review

I started the year with the word, FORWARD. After much prayer, I felt like that was the word God gave me and I embraced it anxious to see how God would use it.  For years, I had worked on a story by re-writing it several times. It was the story of my heart. I was having a hard time letting go of it. It seemed like FORWARD applied to my writing and that perhaps it was time to let go of this story. I wasn’t sure what would happen so I began the year with a lot of prayers.

Instead, my year began with a painful loss. My dear Grandma Smith passed into Heaven in April. That was a difficult start to the year, especially since my other Grandma passed away in November. Within a six month period, I said goodbye to my last two living grandparents. I loved them both very much but knew they were finally at peace living without pain and in Heaven with their husbands. Beyond, the loss of my last grandmother I experienced a shift in my family that has been difficult to come to terms with but as life changes so do we and so I moved forward.

In the midst of these personal changes, I completed an amazing bible study that helped me to see how I’ve responded to challenges in life by pulling away from God. Entrust Ministries is a wonderful organization and if you have the opportunity to participate in one of their studies, then I encourage it. It was a life-changing experience, one that drew me closer to God and helped me understand myself in a whole new way. I’d love to share this with others by leading my own study, but I’m waiting for the right moment to pursue that passion.

My first passion is writing. God showed me that I need to be faithful to this gift He has given me. After years of quietly working on my craft, I finally understood God was requiring me to devote myself more fully to His calling.  God in His amazing way opened a few doors that have pushed me out of my comfort zone. First, I signed with Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency. I’m excited to work with her. She is a details person so she’s been amazing at guiding me through the last few months. I’m working on my new novel while editing my last one and pitching it to publishing houses. For the first time, I feel like a real writer.

He also opened an opportunity through my sister-in-law, Laura. While at a conference in September in Dallas, Laura arranged a dinner with some friends, where I met a man who produces radio programs. He and I are starting a new podcast together. I’m excited to see how God uses this venture. I can’t share too much right now since it’s still in the planning stages, but stay tuned. I’ll be back here soon with a new post sharing the details. Just know, dear friends, that God is at work.

Thank you for walking with me on this journey.  I can look back over my year and see that the word FORWARD applied both personally and professionally. I’m in awe of the way God works in our lives. One day soon I hope I can share publishing news with all of you. I’m hopeful that 2018 is going to be a great year!

I’d love to pray for you as this new year begins. Please share your request or share your word for 2018. I’m still prayerfully considering my word for 2018 but hope to share it soon.

Until next time, walk confidently in our Lord knowing He has a plan for you!