Busy Seasons

Venturing away from my devotional-style blog posts, this one is a bit more personal. I am writing this mainly to set up "Part II" of this post- a humorous article called ​"How To Be An Aspiring Author While Working a Full-time Day Job and Raising Small Children" (how's that for a title?). But I realized, in order for me to start writing articles about writing, I first need to explain to family and friends what I am doing.

While my blog is 95% my thoughts on scripture, it is also about life in general, and my life has been even crazier than normal lately. Back in July, "out of nowhere" (read, God works in mysterious ways) I had an idea for a story (see my Writing page) pop into my head. I started writing and couldn't stop until the story was complete and I had a novel (although at 42,000 words it is considered a short novel). Now, I am starting the journey of getting it published.

Announcing to the world that I am "trying" to get a book published is a scary thing, since there are so many unknowns. But I do believe I will publish it eventually. The question is, will God allow me to have it published traditionally or go through self-publication? I've stopped and started so many projects over the years, and I've had so many "passions" that fizzled out, it's daunting to broadcast this one. But I have a clearer vision now for my writing, and I have some specific goals in mind to help me not lose the fire on this one.

​But can I just share with you a little bit of my crazy, blessed life right now?

• ​Alex and I both work full-time.
• We have three children, ages 10, 7, and almost 5.
• ​Alex is serving as president of the PTA of our daughters' school and the president of the Board of Directors at our son's preschool. He also serves as interim pastor of a small congregation, and while we minister there, we are trying to still stay involved with our home church as well. Also, I serve as Shepherd (like a chaplain) for our girls' American Heritage Girls troop.
• ​I finished my book, and even as I started working toward publication (which feels like it could be a full-time job by itself), I IMMEDIATELY started writing the second book. (It's like some kind of disease!)
• ​Christmas is coming up. I enjoy making a lot of the gifts I give, so I need to get started soon!
• We plan to start foster parenting classes in January, which will take us away from our children two evenings a week for ten weeks, with the hope of filling the calling God has placed in our hearts to adopt. (This is another scary thing to announce, because timing can change. But pray for us!)

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I know there are plenty of people who are just as busy as we are, if not busier. But whew! Sometimes it feels like my head is spinning! And I am so incredibly happy to be on this journey! I feel like God is shaping and molding our lives, and we want His will to be done in everything! I am so very thankful for His leading, and I am thankful for the busy seasons in life!

Ecclesiastes 3:1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.