God’s plans…

One of the many things I wanted to be growing up was a writer. For years, I wrote poetry and short stories. But, as I grew older, I pushed writing to the side to pursue other ventures. Looking back, I can see how God lined things up to place me where I am today. At the time, however, I had no clue. I’m just starting to realize that what I’ve heard for so many years is true: God’s plans are truly greater that I envisioned.

The start of something new…

A few years ago, I entered a contest to have some devotions published in a compilation called Just Breathe by Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing. I’d written poems, reviews, and articles. I’d never written a devotion, though I had read many of them as part of my daily devotional time. I felt a nudge, and I knew it was God. I also knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

 

To my surprise and delight, I received an email offering me a contract to write ten devotions. That was the start of a new path for me. Little did I know at that time just what God had in store for me.

I continued to write devotions, but I didn’t really think anything else would come out of it. Mainly, I wrote them for myself, though I did share a few with others. I did some guest blog posts, as well. (You can find some of those posts here.)

In 2017, a friend encouraged me to share about my journey with chronic pain. I had always turned to words in the past to express myself, but this was different. I’ve never been one to share anything too personal, such as my story—or much of my writing, in general—with others. But I felt God calling me to do this, even though this venture would prove to be a huge step outside of my comfort zone.

My story…

I was hit by a car in 1994. That day changed my life and set off a chain of events that snowballed into my new “normal”—a life of chronic pain and chronic illness. At that time, I wasn’t too familiar with what it meant to battle pain and illness on a regular (daily) basis. I’ve learned a lot over the years.

God’s power in my weakness…

 

I’m working on my first solo devotional book, and it’s about a topic near and dear to my heart: chronic pain and illness. Having dealt with it for over twenty-five years, I can honestly say it’s a daily struggle in many ways. In the book, I’ll be sharing more of my story and how I’ve seen God work through the storms.

My hope is that my book can help other women and allow them to see that God still has a plan for them. Chronic pain and illness can’t change that.

 

Stay tuned…

 

I went to a writers conference last year. I stepped out of my comfort zone and spoke to a few editors about my book. I couldn’t believe it when some of them told me they wanted to see the finished manuscript. 🙂 So, I’m currently working on finishing it, and I’m making great progress. I’m excited to see what God has lined up for my “book baby.”

Stay tuned to this blog and my social media sites. I will be posting about the progress of my book, as well as quotes from it. I look forward to sharing my literary journey with you.