“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

B is for...BOOK

Ordinary Lives. From a 2 z 4 u & me


Welcome to week two of my dear, dear friend Patty Wysong's alphabetical weekly meme (rhymes with cream ;)) From A 2 Z 4 U and me will work through the alphabet - one letter each Tuesday. No rules, other than your post has to relate to the letter of the week. Link up at Ordinary Lives and check out everyone else's post. Click on the graphic above for more details, and stop by Patty's blog to link up.
Yup - B is for book.

And not just any book. Not a book I'm writing, or have written. It's a book I won on my friend Wanda's blog. A book I was admittedly quite skeptical about reading. But a book I am very, VERY glad I read, and that made me look at several things -- biblical submission and heaven, among other things --from a different perspective.

The Life Ready Woman, by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis, as its subtitle indicates, helps women to "thrive in a do-it-all world." It is meant to help us prioritize in a God-honoring way - to make the many, many choices today's woman must make in a way that pleases our Lord and helps us grow in Him.

Okay - let's start with the basics. YES, I recommend this book (click on the title in the paragraph above to order it from christianbook.com). Anyone who is a woman should read it (and anyone who is a man should buy it for a woman).

Now for the stuff that wowed me. I'm just going to share a couple quotes that, in a sense, rocked my world. Would love your thoughts on them. And I DO BELIEVE they will be enough to encourage you to pick this book up and give it a read. Knowing what I do now, if I hadn't won it, I definitely would have bought it (and likely will for a friend or two!).

First, from chapter four: A Biblical Definition of Womanhood, Marriage, and Family.
A man's willingness to take a position of servant leadership, and a woman's willingness to allow him to do so, serves to reverse a man's sinful tendency to either passively shut down or to dominate, and serves to reverse a woman's sinful tendency to control. (p. 61)
Before I read this book, I knew the man was to be the head of the household, and I knew the woman was to be the helper. And the only reason I understood was the (completely valid) "because God said so." But now it makes sense. God sure isn't a dummy, is he?

And the second one is from chapter 10: Stewarding Your Gifts From An Eternal Perspective.
We think of heaven as this dreamy perfect place, but that is about as far as our vision goes. But we won't be floating around on clouds; we'll be living. We'll be working, and praying, and worshipping, and spending amazing amounts of time continuing old relationships and building new ones! And what we do here, before the wedding, so to speak, will shape what life looks like after the wedding. (p. 181)
I'd certainly read about, and quoted verses about treasures in heaven, and the crowns we'll be getting, but I had honestly never thought about how having them would enrich my life once I arrived. We will be rewarded in heaven for our works on earth - and our time with Jesus will be enriched by our actions here.

And that's not all that I loved in this book. It also got me thinking seriously about what I should be focusing on - and what I shouldn't. It's one I'll be referring back to many times in the future, I'm sure.

In conclusion, BUY THIS BOOK. Click here to do it.

**

Thanks for reading! Stop by Patty's blog and read more "B" posts, or link up with your own.


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

The Way of Life: Monday Manna


The purpose of Monday Manna to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. Each Thursday, a Bible verse to ponder will be posted, either here or at my dear friend Vonnie's blog, My Back Door. The following Monday, those participating will post their thoughts on the verse at their own blogs and link up at the bottom of the post in the Mr. Linky  gadget. The main purpose is to chew on the same Scripture and learn from one another.

I'm hosting this week.

I had a bit of help picking today's verse.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
Looking forward to your thoughts. Mine are below.

**

Today we're remembering men and women who died defending our country. People who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we in the United States often take for granted: the freedom to assemble, express our minds, worship as we please, to live without fear of governmental reprisals, among other things.

I am sad for the parents, spouses, children, and friends of those who have died. The loss of a loved one is awful. And for some, it is completely without hope.

But for those like Nick Roush, a local boy who died in Afghanistan almost two years ago, the hope still lives - in the lives of his friends and family. For, you see, Nick was a believer. The Lord made known to this man the way of life. And when this 22-year-old left earth, He entered glory. The Lord filled him with joy. Nick is at the Lord's right hand, enjoying eternal pleasures, just as this week's verse reminds us.

And those of us who are still here, including his parents Bob and Donna, we have the assurance that, no matter how hard life may be on earth, we'll see our loved ones in heaven - and we'll be in His presence. And we'll see our loved ones again - whether they were killed in action like Nick, or died another way. As long as they knew the way of life, they'll be there.

And that makes it more bearable.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

**

Thanks for reading. Be sure to link up below and read others' thoughts on this verse. You'll be blessed.





Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

My Soul-Mate

Eighteen years ago today, I got my first (and only!) marriage proposal. Though I should have seen it coming, it still took me by surprise.

One year later - to the day - I became Mrs. Marc Sher. And my life changed for the better.

When I look back at my life on May 29, 1994 and compare it to May 29, 2011, I see few similarities. Times have been fun, scary, tough, exciting, and sad--not to mention several other emotions I'm not remembering at the moment. But the one constant has been my wonderful, loving, caring husband by my side.

He's smart, cute, passionate, fun, goofy, and a man of integrity. He loves his kids, and is a fabulous dad. He also takes care of (and puts up with!) me, which in and of itself should earn him HUGE kudos.


So many things have changed in seventeen years. We moved from Sunny California to (ummmm..not so sunny?) West Michigan. We both found Christ. We had two adorable children (don't EVEN tell me they aren't). Marc got sick and we went through that ordeal (one we're still going through).

But all through it, I've had my husband. We've had each other. And now we have the "cord of three strands" with Christ.

I love you, Honey. Happy Anniversary.


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Finds for Fridays: May 27



 

Finds for Fridays is my way of sharing some of the wonderful blogs posts I read each week. I am currently following close to 100 blogs and at least scan them as much as I can.  Each week, I'll note and "set aside" some posts that especially speak to me for whatever reason. And each Friday that I am able, I'll share them with you. I hope you'll stop by and read the posts, and maybe even follow the blogs if you aren't already. A win-win, right?

And here they are!


Elusive Answers: Striving for Online Literacy by Laurie Alice Eakes at Colonial Quills (about finding things with online search engines)

Reversals in Novels and Movies by Nathan Bransford at his blog (about the need for ups and downs in your manuscript)

Spring in my Soul by Donna Emery at Jewels of Encouragement (about God's presence even when it doesn't seem so)

So, there ya go! Enjoy the reads :)


Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

Monday Manna for May 30


The purpose of Monday Manna to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. Each Thursday, a Bible verse to ponder will be posted, either here or at my dear friend Vonnie's blog, My Back Door. The following Monday, those participating will post their thoughts on the verse at their own blogs and link up at the bottom of the post in the Mr. Linky  gadget. The main purpose is to chew on the same Scripture and learn from one another.

I'm hosting this week.

I got a bit of help from Facebook choosing this Monday's verse.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
Thanks for stopping by. Looking forward to your thoughts - and mine - on Monday. See you then!



Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

A is For...(A 2 Z meme)

Ordinary Lives. From a 2 z 4 u & me


 My dear, dear friend Patty Wysong (we share a brain) has started a weekly meme (rhymes with cream ;)) that begins today. From A 2 Z 4 U and me will work through the alphabet - one letter each Tuesday. No rules, other than your post has to relate to the letter of the week. Link up at Ordinary Lives and check out everyone else's post. Click on the graphic above for more details, and stop by Patty's blog to link up.
A - the first letter of the alphabet. The first post of this meme. No idea if every post will be like this, but I actually have had several things that start with A that have been on my mind lately, so I'll share them with you for this week. We'll see about B and the letters that follow, okay?
  • Andrew - my first-born son. He's a smart kid, fun, a bit quirky, and probably one of the sweetest and friendliest kids you'll ever meet. He's just finishing up the fourth grade and is looking forward to summer break - and fifth grade. 
  • Annika - My beautiful daughter. Also a sweetheart, but so VERY different from her brother. She loves to pretend, dance, sing, play, read, and draw. Also a good friend and a smart one. She's seven, just finishing up first grade, and is most looking forward to turning eight - so she can stop sitting in her car seeat/booster. 
  • Ailing Body, Nourished Soul - my first book: about God's work in my family's life during my husband's serious health issues. It's currently being "shopped around" to some agents. This is the first book the Lord put on my heart, and though it was a struggle to write in many ways, I am very pleased with how it's turned out. Now I'm just waiting for God's timing and orchestration to get it in front of the right people at the right time. 
  • After School Gets Out: And why WOULDN'T this be on my mind? My kids' last day of school for the 2010-11 school year is in seventeen days. We have some activities planned for them - including a few day camps a week here and a week there, plus a week at an overnight Christian camp. But otherwise, it should be some fairly unplanned family time. Kinda sounds nice - now. Ask me again in August :P
    So, there's "A" for ya! Be sure to stop by Ordinary Lives for more a2z fun!

      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      Perfect: Monday Manna


      This week, Vonnie is hosting Monday Manna, so be sure to pop over to My Back Door and read the other entries, and link up if you want to participate.

      Here's this week's verse:
      Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 NIV
      What a standard for us. Perfect. Not good. Not extremely good. Not fabulous. Perfect.Without fault. Ideal. Without blemish. Exactly as it should be in His eyes.

      And in case you're not sure how high a standard this is, check out the second part of the verse: "as your heavenly Father is perfect." I don't see a BIT of wiggle room. We all know that everything God does is right and just. Perfect. So that's the yard stick we need to measure up to.

      And I don't know about you, but I can't. Just since I started typing up this post, I've done at least one thing that the Lord would likely call "imperfect" (and no, it is NOT confession time!). And if I were a betting woman, I'd gladly wager that another will pop into my life before I'm quite done with it.

      So, if that is God's command (and I have no reason to believe it isn't), I'm out of luck. Can't do it. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
      So, what hope do I have?  In a word, Christ.
      Because God sent His perfect Son to die on the cross for me, and have accepted that death as payment for my own sins, God sees me through the filter of Christ's perfection. I am perfect - not because what I have done, but because of Whose I am.

      **

      Thanks for reading. Be sure to stop by Vonnie's blog for more Monday Manna.

      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      Finds for Fridays: May 20



       

      Finds for Fridays is my way of sharing some of the wonderful blogs posts I read each week. I am currently following close to 100 blogs and at least scan them as much as I can.  Each week, I'll note and "set aside" some posts that especially speak to me for whatever reason. And each Friday that I am able, I'll share them with you. I hope you'll stop by and read the posts, and maybe even follow the blogs if you aren't already. A win-win, right?

      And here they are!

      Brand exceptionalism by Seth Godin at his blog (about being too comfortable)


      Wrap Yourself In It by Lynda Schultz at Grains of Sand (about His comfort)

      You Don't Have To Be Balanced (Hurray!) by Holley Gerth at Heart to Heart with Holley (about being made for movement)


      Getting Published Is All That Matters...Not Always by Scott Eagan at Babbles from Scott Eagan (about getting published - but at what cost? - kinda LOL)

      If Only... by Kristi Huseby at Broken and Redeemed (about letting go of regret)

      I hope you'll check out these blogs, and maybe even follow them. Some great reads for sure! Thanks for stopping by.


      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      A Jewel - and What I've Been Doing Lately

      It's that time again - my monthly post over at JoE. I'm talking a bit about being chosen--and how glad I am that I'm not God. Come see what I have to say about what's been known Since Time Began.

      But...that's not the ONLY reason I'm posting here today. Because TODAY (the third Thursday of the month) is the day of one of my very favorite memes (which, by the way, I just found out rhymes with "creams"): As of Late.
      Photobucket

      This monthly meme (:::note to self - rhymes with "cream":::) is an opportunity to look back on the past month and see what you've been up to lately - and share it with blogdom. Stop by Christy's blog and check out her post, link up at the bottom, and read others' posts as well. Just plain fun!

      So...here I go!

      Lately, I've been wondering when the merry-go-round will stop.

      Lately, I've been bonked over the head about the same thing several times

      Lately, His still, small voice has been blocked out by the world's thunder

      Lately, I've been striving more and more to hear His still, small voice

      Lately, I've gotten better at juggling writing projects

      Lately, time has been speeding by

      Lately, I've wondered if I will ever have a day I don't have to drive anywhere

      Lately,  I've been almost as anxious for summer break as the kids

      Lately, a book I'm reading is challenging my thinking about so many things

      So tell me - what have YOU been up to as of late?

      (stop by Critty Joy and join in the fun!)

      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      "Just Praying" for Katalina - Monday Manna


      The purpose of Monday Manna to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. Each Thursday, a Bible verse to ponder will be posted, either here or at my dear friend Vonnie's blog, My Back Door. The following Monday, those participating will post their thoughts on the verse at their own blogs and link up at the bottom of the post in the Mr. Linky  gadget. The main purpose is to chew on the same Scripture and learn from one another.

      I'm hosting this week.

      This verse jumped out at me as I was reading last week.
      "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And  they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God  boldly." Acts 4:31
      Looking forward to your thoughts. Mine are below.

      **

      It's frustrating to be far away from a friend or family member in trouble. There's so much you wish you could do to help, but you can't. You can't bring a meal, watch the kids, drive to a doctor's appointment, or help look for what (or who) is missing. All you can really do is pray - and perhaps spread the word to those who CAN do more.

      For more info click here
      Yet, "all you can do is pray" is A LOT--and something of a misnomer, isn't it? Prayer should be our FIRST line of defense - not something to fall back on when nothing else works - or there's nothing else we can do. Prayer can move mountains--it can shake the room you're in, and fill people with His Spirit.

      I have a dear online friend who is in the midst of a crisis. Her beautiful 21-year-old daughter is missing, and has been since May 9. I want to search for her - to join Lisa and her family, friends, and community in canvassing the neighborhood looking for Katalina. I want to stop by her house and clean the bathrooms, or wash the sheets and towels. I want to bring her and her family a meal, or fill her car with gas. But I can't. You see, there's 700+ miles between my house and Charlottesville, Virginia, where Katalina is suspected to be.

      So, I pray - and spread the word. And I trust God to use my prayer to shake some rooms--and perhaps memories--and take care of every need Katalina and her dear family have.

      Because that's what God does.

      UPDATE - She's been found!! Praise God! More details at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Katalina/201072876596472


      **

      Thanks for reading. Be sure to link up with your own thoughts, and read the other contributors here. I'm sure you'll be blessed!





      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      Monday Manna for May 16


      The purpose of Monday Manna to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. Each Thursday, a Bible verse to ponder will be posted, either here or at my dear friend Vonnie's blog, My Back Door. The following Monday, those participating will post their thoughts on the verse at their own blogs and link up at the bottom of the post in the Mr. Linky  gadget. The main purpose is to chew on the same Scripture and learn from one another.

      I'm hosting this week.

      This verse really grabbed me as I was reading in Acts.
      "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." Acts 4:31
      Thanks for stopping by. Looking forward to your thoughts - and mine - on Monday. See you then!


      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      A Cafe Stop - and Finds for Fridays for May 13

      Would love if you'd stop by the Internet Cafe today. I'm there talking about one of my favorite places to be - but a location I REALLY need to get out of more often. Read along as you learn how important it is to Exit The Zone.

      And now - to the other business of the day :)



       

      Finds for Fridays is my way of sharing some of the wonderful blogs posts I read each week. I am currently following close to 100 blogs and at least scan them as much as I can.  Each week, I'll note and "set aside" some posts that especially speak to me for whatever reason. And each Friday that I am able, I'll share them with you. I hope you'll stop by and read the posts, and maybe even follow the blogs if you aren't already. A win-win, right?

      And now...here they are!

      For all those who mother by Lynn Diener at The Blog of D.L. Diener (about different kinds of moms)

      Talking Guy: Best of Seekerville from the Archives by Tina Radcliffe at Seekerville (about capturing the "guy voice" in your writing)

      The Case for Slow Miracles by Michael Hyatt at his blog (about God's workings over time)

      SOTP Writing: Characters by Linda Yezak at 777 Peppermint Place (about "meeting" your novel characters)

      5 hurdles to leap if you want to be published by Mary DeMuth at her blog (about exactly what the title says ;) )

      Know What You Know by Debbie Dillon at Jewels of Encouragement (about what we share)

      The Case for Putting a Manuscript in the Drawer by Nathan Bransford at his blog (about moving on if necessary)

      Be sure to stop by these posts - and even follow the blogs. A great afternoon of reading - trust me :)


      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      "The G-Word" - plus Monday Manna: High With the Lowly

      This past weekend was a busy one in my neighborhood. People from miles around gathered to...well...if you REALLY wanna know, stop over to my post today at The Barn Door, where I'm talking about this once-a-year event in my part of town, and other experiences I've had with "The G-Word." See you there!


      This week, Vonnie is hosting Monday Manna, so be sure to pop over to My Back Door and read the other entries, and link up if you want to participate.

      Here's this week's verse:
      For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15
      Looking forward to your thoughts. Mine are below.

      **

      Lowly. Small. Meek. Contrite. These aren't the kind of attributes the world wants us to strive for. No - those would be Big. Important. Superior. Defying Authority. Be your own person. Don't depend on anyone. Look out for #1. Get to the top, with no concern about how many people you step on as you climb.

      But that's not what His Word says.

      According to Isaiah, the Lord lives "in a high and holy place." This doesn't surprise me - or likely any of you. God IS high and holy, above all. Why wouldn't he live above us, in a place deserving of His Name.
      But look who lives there with Him.
      "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit."

      We try to earn our way to heaven. To do things that make us important and "worthy" of being exalted - of deserving our favor in God's eyes. But we can't. If we want to live in the high and holy place with our Savior, we must be contrite and lowly in spirit.


      You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. 2 Samuel 22:28

      For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Psalm 149:4


      For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12


      Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

      If you're already standing, He won't help you up. Kneel before Him, and He will lift you all the way up to His high and holy place.


      **


      Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Vonnie's blog for more Monday Manna.

      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      Finds for Fridays: May 6



       

      Finds for Fridays is my way of sharing some of the wonderful blogs posts I read each week. I am currently following close to 100 blogs and at least scan them as much as I can.  Each week, I'll note and "set aside" some posts that especially speak to me for whatever reason. And each Friday that I am able, I'll share them with you. I hope you'll stop by and read the posts, and maybe even follow the blogs if you aren't already. A win-win, right?

      And now...here they are!


      Oh What A Day by Joy Bach at Life Moments (about ups and downs and God's timing)

      Are You a P-51 Woman? by Marsha Harwood at Internet Cafe Devotions (about the discouraging vs encouraging wife)

      When Our Book is Finished by Terry Burns at Cowboy Musing (about "the blurbs" you need for your completed manuscript)

      Ding-Dong, Bin Laden's Dead by Ben Erlichman at Reflections in Hindsight (about reaction to his death)

      Be sure to check out these posts - and blogs. Some great reads!!


      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      Please Leave a Message After the Tone...


      Yep. It's that time again!

      I'm taking my once-a-month break from computers and texting today. Plan to work on my Peculiar People Orphan Plane story (longhand :D), and get some cleaning done (my house actually doesn't look bad, but it can always be better). A Bible study breakfast is also on the agenda, along with a bit of reading. It will be good for me. Always is!

      See ya Wednesday!

      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      Do You Promise? - Monday Manna


      The purpose of Monday Manna to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. Each Thursday, a Bible verse to ponder will be posted, either here or at my dear friend Vonnie's blog, My Back Door. The following Monday, those participating will post their thoughts on the verse at their own blogs and link up at the bottom of the post in the Mr. Linky  gadget. The main purpose is to chew on the same Scripture and learn from one another.

      I'm hosting this week.

      This week's verse is a well-known one that just has a way of making me ponder.
      “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
      Looking forward to your thoughts. Mine are below.

      **

      God has a lot of promises in His Word. And I hold onto them desperately...a lot. He has plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11).  If I trust in Him he will straighten my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).  His compassions never fail (Lamentations 3:22). He will strengthen and uphold me (Isaiah 41:10). He will give His faithful servants peace (Psalm 85:8). He will provide his believers with His Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18).  He will always be with us. (Matthew 28:20) When things are tough, or seem to be falling apart in front of and around me, these are wonderful promises to remember.

      But not all of his promises bring thoughts of glee and relief to my heart. There are promises in God's word I'd just as soon forget, to be honest. Promises that can bring me distress rather than joy - if I look at them from the wrong perspective.
      In this world you will have trouble.
      I may be the only one who feels this way - but this promise, straight from Jesus' mouth, does NOT give me warm fuzzies all over or make me dance the jig. In fact, it makes me want to crawl under the covers and stay there. But even if I do (and in some cases, especially because I do!), the troubles will still come. After all, He promised.

      But, praise Him, He doesn't leave it with that. He gives us this promise, but follows is by a command and a statement that make at least a LITTLE more likely to crawl out of that hose.
      But take heart! I have overcome the world.
      Take heart. Fear not. Don't worry. Anyone can say that, but when your Heavenly Father uses those words, there's no reason not to heed his advice. Because He is in control. And, as it says right afterward, He has OVERCOME the world. He's the winner. He has already triumphed. And because we are His children--and He is WITHIIN us, we have too. And THAT'S a promise I'm delighted to hold onto.

      **

      Thanks for reading! Be sure to link up below in the gadget with your thoughts, and read others' reflections on this verse. Thanks!




      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      One Step Closer...A Goals/Progress Update (and a pondering or two)

      It's easy to look at rejection - any rejection - as a huge downer. But it doesn't have to be that way. And, to be honest, the rejection letter I got a few days ago was likely one of the most encouraging emails I have received in a long time.

      He liked my manuscript. He thought it was "very strong." He said he was sure I wouldn't have any trouble making the right connection with it. The problem: he didn't have that "right connection"--none of the editors he was working with were looking for a book like mine. So, I move on and look expectantly for the agent/publisher who DOES. It's all in God's timing: right? And if you're wondering, I'm fine. Really.
      Well, April was QUITE the busy month, both on and off the computer. But as I look at my list of goals for the month, I realize God placed my focus elsewhere. And that's okay.

      ANYhow - my goals for April, direct from my last goals/progress post:
      1. Add 10,000 words to Handmaiden To A Princess
      2. Write at least four biblical fiction devos for the book
      3. At least four blog posts average a week
      4. Start putting together info for submitting Ailing Body, Nourished Soul to another agent if necessary
      As far as words? hahahaha!! I spent maybe the first week or two of the month going through my ms (yeah, again!) and adding/deleting/rearranging. Got about halfway done with that - but I actually have a net LOSS of words (not much, but still!). But it's better. And that's what matters.

      I got three Biblical fiction devos done (one short of the goal, but still good progress!), and with 17 posts in April, that's about as close to four posts a week as I can get. And I DID start agent research (but only after I got my rejection two days ago. If he'd sent it on the first day of May, there would have been a huge goose egg for this one as well), but am nowhere near done.

      So, time to move forward - one step closer to the end of each of the projects God has put on my heart!
      1. Finish adding/deleting/tightening Handmaiden to a Princess
      2. Go through the Pike's Peak and Genesis scoring sheets for Handmaiden to a Princess, making fixes as needed
      3. Write at least four Biblical fiction devos for the book
      4. Four blog posts average a week
      5. Do extensive research on agents for Ailing Body, Nourished Soul - either have it sent out by June 1, or be super close to ready to do so.
      So, there it is! Ambitious, for sure. But that's the way I am. Thanks for reading, and for your encouragement!

      Paving Rough Roads With God's Presence

      My One Word: 2016 and 2017

      Most who know me know I am a very goal-oriented person (in fact, I already shared my goal wrap-up for 2016 and my new ones for 2017 on this...