Like Breathing

The end of the month is drawing to a close, but it’s going out with a bang in all areas of my life. May 2009 will be remembered.

First, my writing adventure. I have to share how God is at work. Whenever I hit a low time and begin to question where I’m supposed to go with my writing, God throws something in my lap. This month was no exception. I asked, and I received.

Last night, I was honored to be the guest speaker at the Southwest Iowa Writers Guild which met in Atlantic. It was a different and new experience, but one that I enjoyed and have learned from.

Tonight, I had the privilege of speaking to the ladies circle from the Lewis Church of Christ. It really was a lot of fun. I was able to share my passion with enthusiasm that was returned, and my statements of faith were understood.

Two events right in a row has spurred me on once again. I continue to be encouraged to write.

Recently I was venting my frustrations to a friend, and she asked me why I wrote. I said it was because I have to. She went on to say that I should write because I want to, not because I felt I had to. She was right, however, I had to explain that that’s not what I meant. What I was truly saying, was that writing is like breathing, to me. I cannot live without it. This has been my most recent discovery and lesson.

I am still entering FaithWriters challenges. One article a couple weeks ago received second place. I was pleased with this outcome. My drive to write a masterpiece has been heightened.

Beyond Yesterday is in its final, final editing stage. Next will come formatting, which has me excited. Perhaps I will see it in print by the end of the summer.

Apart from my writing, my home life has changed just slightly. For the first time, we have fewer than three horses of our own. We are down to two. Four and even three were simply too much for us any more. One horse ended up just down the road from us. I can’t decide if I like that or not. It is a change that I’m not sure I was ready for, but it’s here no matter what. While horses have brought me a long way in life, it is an area in which there are parts I must let go.

My work at Deaf Missions continues as we approach a very busy time with many new projects. A passion has become a job, but it is my belief that it is God’s plan.

July is nearing and I am more than ready for my planned vacation. In the meantime though, I am moving forward. Whether it’s my writing, my home life or at work. No matter how slow the progress, an inch forward is greater than a step back.

Time for Rest

May. April somehow slipped by into the volumes of the past. It was a difficult month, and my hope is that May will be smoother. God is in control for sure, but a few less wrinkles would be nice.

In my world of writing, I’m finishing up the edits on my book, thinking about my next one, and continuing to enter the FaithWriters challenges. Last week’s “The Composition” won first place. It was my first top placement, and it also puts me in the running for the “Best of the Best” which they will announce come July.

My life at home has been quiet, thankfully. Spring is here, and the garden is in. All I’ve done so far is simply observe, though I’m sure I’ll wind up with dirt under my fingernails soon enough.

And now, life moves on. While I have little to report on, that is good. For without chaos, there is time for rest.