Rough Start

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

The caterpillar hangs on the wall. He's a colorful caterpillar, and he's all smiles even though he is well used. The clips with names begin on his blue. It's with hopes that they'll remain on blue, and not begin their descent down to yellow, green, orange, red, purple, brown or black.

Every day is another chance to try again. Before I open my door and take the clips which made their way down the day before and move them back up to blue. Every day is a do over; a fresh start.

It seems to me January has been a rough month for some. I'm not sure why that is, but it's been a little rougher for us as well. There are some who have had it a lot worse than me, and others not nearly as bad.

"I can't believe we're two hours into the new year and it's already going to be a horrible year." One post on Facebook read.

"This is the worst year ever." Another person shared.

I was quite shocked since the new year just begun. How can one judge the entire year in a matter of moments after the new year had begun? For me I go day-by-day, moment-by moment. Sure things happened that can send us in a whirlwind. Life can seem out of control at times, but that doesn't mean the entire year will be a disaster.

"I'm ready for January to be done," a lady shared last night.

I imagine for her ,she is. A lot of things have happened to her since the start of this year. Does that mean she'll give up if life continues to throw her hard kicks? I certainly hope not. My hope is that she'll cling to the promise that God's compassion never fails and it's new every morning.

If you have a chance get up early and catch a sunrise. There is just something about seeing it appear peeking up out of the ground ascending higher and higher in the sky.

God will not fail, you are not alone. His compassions are new every morning.

My Work is for ...

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV

Last week I shared how frustrated and disappointed I was, then just when I needed it God sent me a message. Messages from God can come in different ways, either from reading scripture, sometimes from a friend, and then sometimes from a speaker.

I had been looking forward to our January writer's group meeting. This past month was special as we had a guest author, Suzanne Woods Fisher, sharing her insights of what she's learned on her journey. Her message was simple, but packed a lot of punch.

"You are writing for God and not for men."

Right then I knew God was speaking to me. It's not about book sales or how many people are reading what I share. It's about doing what God's called me to do. One of the callings He has given me is to write.

My first short story I wrote was in high school. I took creative writing my senior year, and one of our assignments was to write a short story. My teacher really liked it and submitted it to be included in the Gavillion, a creative writing book that was distributed around the high school. Not only was it included, but I won second place along with $10.

Then the disappointment came in college. I was in the English class with a big head, after all I won a prize surely I must know how to write. This teacher brought me back down to earth, and helped me realize that I have a lot to learn. It took me awhile to accept that, but eventually I did.

I didn't write anything for years. Then God called me back at a women's retreat. The message to me was to write, write so people understand that God's word is true. At first it was poems and then a story. Now two and a half stories later and several devotions, I am reminded I write for Him. My work is in His hands.

Sometimes I Wonder

Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10 NIV

Last week was a big week for me or so I thought. I'm trying not to be down, but I really thought something big would happen. Instead it's been slow going.

"It's alright you broke the ice," someone shared with me last night which actually helped me get a better perspective.

One book sold, I should be thankful for that, and I am. If that's all my book sells then, OK. God has it all in His hands, and maybe He's waiting until I get some of the bugs worked out of it.

I mean I went over and over this book and still as I read it on my e-reader I am seeing simple mistakes that I thought were taking care of. Also I had a little error message from smashwords, which took me a few days to figure out.

Now that's fixed, so now I get some new error messages. So I will learn how to fix those and keep trying.

Another thing that keeps happening has me in a real bind. Maybe I've let it go on to long, but where people are involved whom I love than I tend to grant grace. But I wonder-am I being taken advantage of?

My resources are running thin, very thin. This month tends to have quite a few extra expenses which can be difficult to do right after Christmas. Dog needs vaccinated, child care license due, fire marshall visit, fire extinguisher updated... one gets the idea. Plus throw in a few birthdays right after Christmas and well money is gone.

I know God will provide for us. He will come through like He usually does. It just not really fair on me when I try to follow His plans and I get punished when someone else doesn't.

Tomorrow is a new day and His promises are new every morning. Even when things are tough, I will hold onto to the light.

It Arrived

Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song his praise in the assembly of the saints. Psalm 149:1 NIV

The beginning of the year, a time when we reevaluate and set goals or resolutions for ourselves. Common ones are to lose weight, stop smoking, eat healthier...

Last year I set a goal for myself. A goal that I didn't get to accomplish in 2013. As the end of the year approached and the certificate didn't arrive I was a little down. I mean I set this goal, wouldn't God want the same goal for me? Apparently not.

I did discover that I could have actually accomplished my goal from the day I filed, but after praying about it decided I would rather wait for the certificate.

With much excitement I saw the envelope marked Library of Congress, could it be what I've been waiting for. Yes! It was my Copyright certificate! My book, "After the Storm" is all mine.

It's been a long journey. I began writing it in 2005 after a rough hurricane season. The story just kind of popped in my head. It only took me four years to complete it. A page written here and there doesn't make for quick writing.

I shared it with family after my editing, sure there were mistakes, but they enjoyed reading it. Then I reedited, joined a writer's group, and edited some more. I've learned a lot during this journey. Finally, I had enough money to send it to be professionally edited.

This was hard, it's like sending your child off on the first day of school. Wondering if you've done a good job raising him or not.

My editor came back with lots of things I needed to fix. I took it all with a grain of salt and decided to learn from my mistakes. She also had good things to say.

After much prayer I decided the e-book was the way to go, so now real soon my child will be available for all those to see even if it's 2014. I'm sure they'll be critics. I'm sure some will enjoy it. I'm sure others will care less. It'll be OK because the Lord gave me this story and that's the reason I'll share. So look for it soon.

 

Chelsea Johnson must begin again after Hurricane Charley completely destroyed her home. A new job and a FEMA trailer give Chelsea the chance to stay in Florida while she rebuilds. Her new boss Ed Palmer is a single, devoted Christian man who doesn't date his employees, but there's a spark between them. Is there a chance for romance? Can Ed ever forgive Chelsea's past mistake?