“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

Summer Slowdown - a Goals/Progress Update

Tomorrow is July 1. We're officially halfway through the year. As many days ahead in 2013 as behind. Time to really get in gear - right? We should be halfway through our annual goals. If not, we need to get moving.

Photo credit
But it's summertime. I don't want to run about like I do during the school year. My kids are home, and I want to spend time with them. And THEY want to go places:
the zoo, the beach, camp, the pool, the ballgame. Summer days are very different, for me, anyway, than when the kids are in school. And I'm learning to treat them as such. And loosening my expectations a bit.

But that doesn't mean I'm giving up on the accountability - which is why I'm here, sharing my progress from my goals last month.

And here they are - as usual, direct from my last goals/progress post:
  • Post at least ten times on my blog (that includes this post, and doesn't include teaser posts to other places I blog at).
  • Have a good handle, at least, on the organization of Ailing Body Nourished Soul.
  • Have a polished version of the honeybee picture book I started in my picture book practicum at Blue Ridge
  • Research SCWBI and other organizations that might help me with my new children's book focus.
Well, if I count THIS post, I did nine this month, not including teasers. But the only reason I'm posting this one in June is because I do devos on Monday, so I'll say eight. Still, not bad. Not my goal, but not bad.

I think I do have a decent handle on ABNS organization, plus I have two of the chapters written. Started the third, too (barely). The honeybee picture book, however, I don't think I touched (or if I did, I didn't do much). Did a bit of children's writing organization research, but, again, almost not enough to mention.

But enough reminiscing. Time to look ahead :)

Here are my goals for the still-lazy (but hopefully not TOO much so) month of July:
  • Post at least nine times on my blog - not including teaser posts (aiming for twice a week - Mondays and Thursdays. Wanting to go on record with that).
  • Write at least three more chapters of  Ailing Body, Nourished Soul (aka be done with chapter 5)
  • Have a polished version of the honeybee picture book I started in my picture book practicum at Blue Ridge
  • Research SCWBI and other organizations that might help me with my new children's book focus.
So, there they are. And now its time to get busy. Thanks for reading - and for your encouragement!

How is your summer different from the rest of the year? Does it bother you?
 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Introducing Elisha: In His Mentor's Footsteps

It's time for another Bible character biography - and this guy is one who had some serious proverbial shoes to fill. He started out as a student of one of the best-known prophets of the Old Testament - and ended up making a name for himself in his own right.

Elisha son of Shaphat first appears in the nineteenth chapter of the book of First Kings. His story is told there and in the book that follows, ending with his death in 2 Kings 13. (And a miracle related to his corpse - but I'll get to that later) He is also mentioned in Luke 4:27.

When the prophet Elijah went to anoint this man of God as a prophet, Elisha wasn't exactly doing the most "prophety" thing. He was plowing his land using twelve pair of oxen. He even drove one pair of them himself. (1 Kings 19:19) But as soon as Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, he stopped working, got rid of everything related to his former work (1 Kings 19:21) , and began following this great prophet. There was no turning back for him.

For several years (there seems to be a question exactly how many - but I saw everything from four to twently), Elisha served Elijah in the background - his name is not mentioned in God's Word until the last day of his mentor's life. On that day, in a certainly familiar story, Elijah is taken away by God in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:11-12)

Before Elisha's great teacher disappears, he asks him for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah promises to grant it, as long as his mentee watches as Elijah ascends to the Father. Elisha does as he is told, and, as evidenced from his ministry following, the man received his wish.

Between the time of Elijah's ascension and Elisha's own death, he performed many miracles - more recorded than his predecessor. He split the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:14), made bad water drinkable (2 Kings 2:19-22), multiplied a widow's oil (2 Kings 4:1-7), raised a boy from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-35), fed 100 with 12 loaves of bread (2 Kings 4:42-44), healed an Aramean army commander of leprosy (2 Kings 5), and more. His bones even performed a miracle (2 Kings 13:20-21) He also prophesied to Jehosophat, Ahab, Jehu, and Jehoash.

This was a man dedicated to his calling. He spent years learning from one of God's most faithful prophets, then took what he learned and served the Lord diligently in his own right. Definitely a man to admire - and emulate.

How are you like Elijah to someone? Elisha? What parallels do you see between these two prophets and being a follower of Jesus?
 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths
Graphics courtesy of Christians unite 

Worth Mourning Over

I just finished reading the Old Testament book of Jonah in my chronological Bible study reading. This book has so much depth. I just love to read it - it's so much more than the "fish story" I learned as a kid.

Several years back, I did a four-part series of devotionals on this book. I've decided to share one of them again, as I have a lot of new readers since 2008. It's my favorite of the four - and the one I most needed myself! (but you can see the others here, here, and here) I hope it blesses you.


Have you noticed that almost every time you look at a person from the Bible and think "what an idiot he/she is," God reminds you that you aren't so different? Well, it may not happen to you, but it sure does to me--more often than I'd like to admit. And it happened as I was reading the fourth chapter of the book of
Jonah.
Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live."But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?" "I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die." Jonah 4:5-9 NIV
Here's Jonah the prophet, man of God, living proof of the Lord's mercy, ready to die because his "shade plant" is no longer shading him from the sun. He's angry--really angry--over a vine that wasn't there 25 hours ago and isn't again now.

Now, maybe you've never gotten this angry about a plant, but I have certainly blown my top over things just as important. The frustration I've expressed when, say, I get a run in my stocking, when my internet is down, or I'm behind a slow vehicle, can irritate me much more than it should--almost as much, I'm ashamed to say, as Jonah. The things that make me upset are often ridiculous.

Yet there are other things--much more important ones--that cause me little to no grief. Both of my parents, all four of my brothers, and all of their spouses and children are likely unsaved, as is most of my not-as-immediate family. Many on my husband's side of the family do not know Jesus either. And of course, there are millions of citizens of this world who are heading for eternal damnation.

Sure--I'll get anxious or upset about it sometimes. I'll yearn to do something about it. But not always. Sometimes, if you judge my reactions, I mourn more over a lost set of keys than my lost parents. And, on those days, I'm just like Jonah.
But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" Jonah 4:10-11 NIV
Of course He should. And so should I. What's your "vine?" And what is your "Ninevah?"

Heavenly Father, please help me to get my priorities straight. Guide me, Lord, to put Your interests ahead of my own selfish ones. Help me, Lord, to truly mourn over the lost, and to let go of the things of this world that I desire only to bring me pleasure, or to make my life easier. Help me to care less and less about my vine, and more and more about my Ninevah. Help me to see how ridiculous I look--how like Jonah I look--when I am distressed and angry about the things in this life while ignoring the people You so long for me to bring to You. Thank You, Lord, for dying for me, and all the people You long for me to help You reach. In the precious name of your Son I pray. Amen

**
We're discussing this here, and at Living by Grace on Facebook. Won't you join us?

Graphics courtesy of Christians Unite

Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

You're Already Enlisted


I'm at Jewels of Encouragement today, chatting about serving in the army - but maybe not the one you're thinking of. Stop by and check out You're Already Enlisted.


 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Biblical Flash Fiction - The Unbroken Line

I've been looking forward to getting to 2 Kings 11 in my chronological Bible reading  ( I read it Tuesday!) for a while. The story is likely one you don't remember very well, if at all. But it has one of my favorite bits of irony in all of the Old Testament - and it's one I didn't even notice for a while after I first read it.

I believe that I first recognized the irony just before I wrote some flash fiction related to the story. The piece below - that very story - was my very first attempt at biblical fiction. I wrote it over half a dozen years ago for the FaithWriters Writing Challenge. The topic was unsung heroes. I've fixed this piece up a bit (it's clear I've learned a bit about writing since I wrote it LOL). Hope you enjoy it!


Jehosheba stared out over the pasture before her. A land flowing with milk and honey. Peaceful and tranquil, with sheep and their shepherd resting by the still waters nearby. She couldn’t ask for a better view from her home. She closed her eyes in prayer.
Photo Credit

Thank you, Lord, for my many blessings. You have given me a wonderful husband in Jehoida the priest – such a man of God! And, most importantly, you are allowing him, and me, to serve You in the temple. I am afraid of what is happening with my family, but I know, Lord, that you are in control of all of it.

Opening her eyes and gazing toward the horizon, she saw a figure in the distance, riding toward her.

Must be a messenger from the front lines.

Jehosheba sighed. Probably bad news. A year ago, a messenger reported that her father, King Jehoram, had died. Her half brother Ahaziah then took the throne.

Oh, how she wished her family would love the Lord like she did. She prayed for them all daily: even her stepmother. Athaliah, daughter of Israel's King Ahab, was as bad as her infamous father. Unfortunately, Ahaziah was growing up more and more like his mother. The last Jehosheba heard, Ahaziah had joined with Joram, king of Israel and Athaliah’s brother, in a war against the Arameans. No good could come from that.

The messenger was getting closer – he would likely be to her door within a minute or two. She threw a quick prayer up to her Lord and walked toward him. It was her cousin Keldar, a general in her brother's army.

Catching his breath, Keldar dismounted, sat on the ground and looked into Jehosheba’s eyes with desperation.

“Your brother, King Ahaziah of Judah, has been killed in battle, along with Joram king of Israel.”

‘Oh, Keldar! May God use this for His good. Can I get you a drink? A bite to eat?”

“Thank you, dear Jehosheba, but I am too grieved to eat, and I have a flask of water.”

She nodded and invited him in for a rest.

“Unfortunately, that is not all the distressing news I have for you. Rumor has it that Athaliah is looking to take over. They are saying she is planning to get rid of the entire royal family so she can take the throne for herself.”

Jehosheba’s eyes narrowed and gleamed with resolve. “I must get to the palace. I can’t let that woman destroy the Davidic line.”

**

The commotion was deafening – fighting, yelling, crashing of furniture. It was a wonder Jehosheba’s baby nephew Joash wasn’t screaming along with them. Thank the Lord, he played quietly on the floor with his nurse Sarai, the nursery door shut tight. Zibiah, the baby’s mother, was cowering in the corner, terrified of the massacre of the princes just outside.

“We have to keep Joash away from her, Zibiah! It’s too late for the others, but him we must save.”

Zibiah nodded, choking back tears.

“I can sneak out the window with the baby and Sarai and hide him from Athaliah. You just pray that the Lord will erase Joash from her mind.”

“Of course,” Zibiah muttered. “But where will you take him? Where can he possibly be kept that she won’t find him?”

Smirking, she replied, “I think I have an idea.”

**

Entering the temple through the rear door with her two guests, Jehosheba found just what she was looking for – a small bedroom without an occupant. Leaving Sarai and baby Joash there, she went to find her husband.

Athaliah wouldn’t come near the temple if her life depended on it. It stands for everything she is against. And what better place to raise a future Godly king than in His house?

**
Image courtesy of Christiansunite
Six years later


Jehosheba stood a few hundred feet from the temple entrance, A large group of men gathered. Though she couldn't hear what they said, she knew their plan. Her step-mother Athaliah would be forced from the throne, and her nephew Joash, who she and Jehoida had raised like he was their own, would rule Judah. King David’s line would continue.

**
Based on 2 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 22-23



Jehosheba was certainly clever. Hiding the future prince in the temple :) Love it!
 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Giving First

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10 

She was in a drought-infested land and had nothing left. This isn't an exaggeration. The only thing that remained to her name was a handful of flour, a bit of oil, and her son. She was out gathering sticks to make a fire. To cook the last meal for her and her precious boy. And then to die together.

As she bends her weak, ematiated body, picking up the sticks, a foreigner approaches her - a man she has likely never seen before. And he asks her for a glass of water and a piece of bread.

Did she laugh? I probably would have. There they stood, in the middle of a drought. I'm sure she looked weak. She was at the city gate gathering sticks - not conducting business. And he asked for something to eat.

She explained her situation to him: that she and her son were on their way to die. That they had nothing to spare - they didn't even have enough for themselves.
Courtesy of Christiansunite

He retorted that, if she did as he asked, she would have more - much more - than she could even imagine.
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your so.For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 1 Kings 17:13-14
And she obeyed. And God - the God she didn't worship or even acknowledge before this time - kept His promise. She never ran out of flour or oil. Never.

She gave her firstfruits to the prophet of her enemy's God (no - the widow of Zarephath was NOT a Jew - she was a Sidonian, in modern-day Lebanon. The hometown of Jezebel, just FYI). She deprived herself - and her precious only son - of what she knew would be their last meal and gave it to the man who had told of the drought in the first place (1 Kings 17:1). Many I imagine thought he had somehow caused it. But she gave to him first - and she was rewarded with more than one last meal. She received provision, blessing, faith, and even the resurrection of her son. (1 Kings 17:17-24)

She could have said no. Few would have blamed her. She and her son would have had their last meal and died together, she certain she had done all she could for her precious child. But she didn't. She gave to a stranger first - and her blessing was beyond anything she could imagine.

Do you give first, or after you take care of your own needs? What might you have missed?

We're discussing this here, and at Living by Grace on Facebook. Won't you join us?

Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Where I Found Art

 When I'm looking for art, I tend to look in museums and art galleries. But that isn't the only place it can be found - and some of these places are a good object lesson for God's use of us.


I'm at the Internet Cafe today, talking about one place where I found beauty that truly surprised me. Stop by and see where to find art.
 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Seeking Counsel

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 1 Kings 12:8

I don't consider myself an expert in much of anything, so it often gives my ego a boost when someone asks for my advice on something. Writing, perhaps. Bringing a Jew to Christ. Supporting a disabled husband. Keeping a messy house (hey - you never know!! ::wink::: ).

But it's much more often that I am the one seeking advice - on everything from my writing career to supporting my husband, from where to buy the best shoes to where to send my son to high school in a couple years. And sometimes, when I ask for that advice, I'm truly seeking it.
But not always. Sometimes all I'm looking for is a confirmation from someone else of the decision I've already made. And if I don't get it, well, I ask someone else.
I sure hope I'm not the only one out there who does this. At least, I'm pretty sure I have one kindred spirit in this regard - though he hasn't lived for several thousand years.

Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was the newly appointed king of all Israel. Jeroboam, a former officer of his father's and later rebel against the man, went to Rehoboam and asked the king to lighten the burden Solomon had placed upon the people.
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 
Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So the people went away. 1 Kings 12:4-5
So Rehoboam went to his father's former advisors and asked for their opinion. They advised him to lighten the people's load - to become like a servant to them. For then, they said, the people would always serve him.

But Rehoboam didn't like the advice of these men - men who had served his father well the years of his reign. So, like I'm apt to do, he went looking for advice more to his liking. And he found it - in his peers.
The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:10-11
THIS advice he liked - and followed. And it led to the divided kingdom and much strife. What if he had listened to the elders' advice with an open mind? What if he had heeded the voice of the advisors to the wisest man who ever lived - his own father?

And what if I truly listened when I sought counsel, instead of waiting to hear the suggestion that confirmed what I'd already decided?

Heavenly Father, help me to not be wise in my own eyes. I want to follow Your wisdom, not my own. I pray that You would give me a discerning heart and mind to make the decisions YOU wish me to make. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

**
We're discussing this here, and at Living by Grace on Facebook. Won't you join us?

 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

A Trip to Chicago

The Barn Door
Last month, my sixth grade son and the other kids in his grade at school took an all-day (and part of the night) field trip to Chicago.

I'd never been sightseeing there, and had the privilege of going along with them.

I'm talking about the trip at the Barn Door, a blog with a Midwest flavor, today. Hope you'll stop by and see what we did - and even catch a few pictures! You'll also learn how they spell Willis Tower in Chicago (and it may not be how you think!).


 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Biblical Flash Fiction - Smile

My first attempt at a novel began as the result of the FaithWriters Writing Challenge - and a relatively minor Bible character by the name of Michal. This is one of the challenge entries I wrote featuring her - and probably one of my favorites.

Hope you enjoy it as well :)

Smile

Graphic source
"His bravery knows no bounds, it seems," Jonathan muttered. "It seems I was right about him."

"He has certainly caught the king's eye." Ahiram helped his master remove his armor and hang it on the proper hooks in the armory. "First a musician, then an armor bearer for the king, and now a giant slayer."

Jonathan nodded. "He has caught my eye as well." He bit his lip. "God is surely with him."

Ahiram nodded. "From what I have seen, his faith in the Lord never falters. He is quite an example to the other armor bearers."

Jonathan nodded, leaning against the armory wall. "David is certainly a courageous and Godly man. He is a man to befriend for certain. I have no doubt he will play a crucial role in the growth of my father's kingdom, and I would like to be beside him in this. It seems he can only do good for Israel."

The two men heard shuffling outside the armory door. Jonathan looked out to see his younger sister walking--no, skipping--away down the hall. He almost called after her, but turned back to Ahiram instead.

"The next time you see him, Ahiram, send him to me."

**

"Oh, Rivka. Did you hear? He did it. It was David, Rivka!" Michal sank into her bed, cheeks flushed and a broad smile overtaking her entire face. "I'd heard the giant was killed and the awful Philistines defeated, but he did it, Rivka." She sighed. "David--my David--killed him."

She snickered. "Your David, child? Have you spoken to him even once since Jonathan introduced you that day?" Rivka winked. "I don't think he's yours, dear, and he may never be."

Michal's face turned a deep crimson. "But Father said whoever killed the giant would get his daughter's hand in marriage. And I am the king's daughter, after all."

Rivka sat on the bed and put her hand on Michal's back. "This is true, dear. However, Merab is yet unmarried, and you know that traditionally she must be married off first."

Michal gasped, and buried her head in her hands. "But Merab couldn't care less about him. Father wouldn't do that, would he?" Michal looked into her servant's eyes and knew exactly what Rivka thought about that proposition. She began to weep softly.

"Now, now, Michal. One never knows." Rivka rubbed Michal's back. "Don't lose hope, dear. God works in surprising ways."

She leaned into Rivka. "Jonathan did say he would put in a good word with father, didn't he? And Merab is already being courted. Perhaps it will happen."

Rivka smiled. "Yes. Perhaps it will. But it will not likely happen on this day. So today, Princess Michal, you must prepare for the women's victory banquet. Your mother will be expecting you and Merab to look your best."

Michal popped out of bed and opened her wardrobe, rifling through the dresses hanging there. She pulled out a ruffled blue gown and placed it against her front side.

"How about this?" Michal's eyes sparkled. "David smiled at me when he saw me in it at Father's throne room a fortnight ago."

Rivka raised her eyebrows. "It's a lovely dress. But you likely won't see David, I'm sure you realize. You know as well as I that the men's banquet and the women's banquet are separate."

"Perhaps not." Michal gazed out her window. "But one never knows, does one?"

"I suppose not, Michal. I suppose not."

**

Michal glided through the palace toward the women's banquet hall, stopping in the garden when she noticed her brother Jonathan standing beside a sycamore tree.

"Congratulations, Brother. God was with us once again."

It was only once she was standing right beside him that she saw he was not alone. Just to the other side of the tree was another of her father's fighting men.

Michal willed her face from reddening as she gazed at the giant slayer, then dropped her eyes quickly.

But not before she saw him smile.

 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

God-Given Is Not the Same as God-Honoring

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8

Courtesy of Christiansunite
In my chronological Bible reading, I'm currently reading through Proverbs - the part written by King Solomon (which IS most of it - but I digress). As you likely know, it is full of wisdom, advice, and general observations about the world. There is much to learn from this gold mine of observations by this man of God-given wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-15).

Yet, it seems that even this wisdom wasn't enough to ensure that he stayed on the path God wished him to stay on. For Solomon, the wisest man ever to live, had 700 wives and 300 concubines, worshipped and built places of worship for foreign gods, raised a power-hungry son, and more - all in direct opposition to God's desires.
So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done....The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. 1 Kings 11:6, 9-10
Just because the Lord gave Solomon a father after His own heart didn't mean that he himself would follow in the great king's footsteps. Just because the Lord gave Solomon wisdom doesn't mean the man would use it in God's, or even his own, best interests.

I don't know about you, but I often ask the Lord for things - some selfish, some not. But it is VERY rare that I ask Him to help me use these things in ways that please Him. Just because He gave it to me (whether it be a spiritual gift, an answer to prayer, an opportunity, or something material), doesn't mean I will automatically use it in a way that pleases Him.
Gifts from God can be used to further Satan's kingdom. Even in believers.
Maybe this is something you've always known, or often pondered. For me, it's brand-spanking new. At least my full realization of it. Our gifts from God are powerful - but it is our choice to use those gifts in ways that help the Kingdom.

Or maybe I'm off base.

What do YOU think?
**
We're discussing this here, and at Living by Grace on Facebook. Won't you join us?
 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

Post Blue-Ridge: A Goals/Progress Post

What a month - not so much in the goals department, but DEFINITELY in the dreams. I've been back from Blue Ridge for just over a week, and I'm still not sure I've processed everything. But, of course, that's okay. Right? :)

And more about that later. But first, let' see how I did on my goals for May. Here they are, as usual - right from last month's goals/progress post.
  • Post, on topic, at least twice a week to my blog (with 2/3 of it fresh content) - this does not count teaser posts to other blogs I post to.
  • Prepare one-sheets for, and present pitches on, Flitter's Foggy Day and A Story of Faith.
  • Work at least some every week on Ailing Body, Nourished Soul
  • Enjoy and learn much from the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina the week before Memorial Day.
Me and my AMAZING Blue Ridge Buds :)
Well, considering I only managed six non-teaser posts last month (all but one fresh content, at least!), that first goal didn't exactly get met. But seriously - what was I thinking? Two posts  a week DURING Blue Ridge? Two the week before while I'm preparing?  I'll claim temporary insanity, I think LOL. I did get my one-sheets and pitches done - and even got a couple requests for Story of Faith and one for Flitter. They've been sent out already (did you know that only 30% of people actually send in the stuff editors and/or agents request at conferences and such? CRAAAAAZY!). And, of course, Blue Ridge was WONDERFUL in so many ways - I enjoyed. I learned much. I got to pretend to be an award-winning novella writer. And MORE :)  And I DID work on ABNS - probably not every week, but I DID work!

One thing I definitely got out of conference (among others!) is that I LOVE writing for children. In general, that is going to be my focus from here on out. It won't be the ONLY thing I write, but that's where I plan to hang my hat, so to speak.

So- how about June goals? With the kids home much of this month (they have ONE MORE WEEK of school), I'm going to be slim on home/kidless time, but I should be able to keep up some kind of pace/groove. So, I'll aim for the following:
  • Post at least ten times on my blog (that includes this post, and doesn't include teaser posts to other places I blog at).
  • Have a good handle, at least, on the organization of Ailing Body Nourished Soul.
  • Have a polished version of the honeybee picture book I started in my picture book practicum at Blue Ridge
  • Research SCWBI and other organizations that might help me with my new children's book focus.
Well, there you go! Thanks for reading - and cheering me on as I walk down this road.
 
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths

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...