Sharing a Piece of Life and His Grace

Dearest Friends,

If you're a thorough schedule-keeper (or stalker), you probably noticed that I skipped posting this week.  Or perhaps you're like me, and you accidentally let every blog post in your inbox be a pleasant surprise.  But, either way, I'm sorry for the late posting, and I hope this little message finds you rejoicing in Jesus.

Instead of a very long post (because it will probably end up being long anyway), let's share a bit of life.  How are you?  How has God been working in your life, and what stories of His grace are on your heart?

I have so many updates I could share... things I'm excited about.  Oh, but first, my story of His grace.

This summer has kept me busy writing.  In May, someone shared information about The Two Month Novel Challenge - writing and editing a novel in two months.  Crazy, huh?  I thought about it, prayed about it, and God opened the doors for me to participate!

Two months later, it's done:  The Torch Keepers.

Oh, but there's so much more to share.  I didn't write and edit a book.  I can say without a doubt that God created The Torch Keepers.  I was only the glove on His hands, the fingers He chose to use.

He gave me inspiration.  I woke up one day with an idea for a high-fantasy novel (not my typical genre).  God guided me through every detail.  Every twist was His idea.  The mistakes are mine (and they are there!), but He guided me through the entire process.  I'm just incredibly humbled.

This was a time I knew completely that it wasn't me doing the writing - it was Him.  I let go and let Him write.

One morning, I desperately needed to create backstory for my second main character, but I had absolutely nowhere to go.  As I ate breakfast, I remember begging God, "I need inspiration!  I need You to give me something!"

And He did.  He pushed me to read the first chapters of Genesis where I discovered my character's story.

And there were so many other moments.  When I was finally submitting The Torch Keepers to the contest, all completed, and realized that I had written the wrong synopsis.  They had different guidelines than the synopsis I had written... and so, at 9:00 at night, God allowed an awesome friend to pop online and help me through the "write a synopsis as fast as you can" process.  We stayed up, stressed, and laughed as God worked it out perfectly.

What I'm trying to say is this:  God is good, all the time.  He wants to be a part of your entire life.  Every aspect.  And when you give it to Him, He turns it into a masterpiece you could never imagine.  It's not up to me or you at all, and we don't even deserve it.  I guess it's called surrender.

So, I submitted my novel.  What's next?

A college capstone paper.  Creating a short film next week with some friends.  Oh, and lots more melon eating because our garden is overflowing.

It's busy.  It's stressful at times (not the melon part).  But He is so good, and I'm rejoicing.  If you haven't noticed "rejoice" is one of my new favorite words.

So let's share - what's going on in your life?  How has God been strong in your weaknesses?  How are you rejoicing?  I'd be delighted to share hearts together in the comments!

Let's be joyful together, because that's what Christians do.

(and don't worry - I'm going to have an official announcement for The Torch Keepers soon!  I'm so excited to share all the special details, but that's for another day, a later time.  BUT I can't wait!!!)

Today - right now - let's rejoice in Jesus.

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;

I recite my composition concerning the King;

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

- Psalm 45:1

~♥~