A Christmas Gift for YOU

In honor of all my blogging buddies and faithful followers, I bestow this blog award on YOU.

You don't have to do anything to receive it; you've already proven you deserve it by the blessings you've given me over the last year: Wisdom, laughter, inspiration, camaraderie, and love.

I applaud you. I treasure you. I am honored to be on this planet with you.

Post this on your blog with confidence. You have made a positive difference in one person's life. If not for you, I may have given up this arduous race. Because of you, I am still on the track. Thank you. My heart overflows with gratitude to you, and to the Lord, who brought you my way.

May Jesus, the King of the Ages, give you your heart's desires this Christmas. May 2010 be full of favor from His gracious hand and heart.

I love you dearly,
Jen

You Can Do This, part 1

When I attended the Indianapolis Christian Writers’ Conference last year, I returned home saying, “This Is What I Want to Do with My Life, Lord—BE A WRITER.” My tank was full of enthusiasm, my engines were revving, I was ready to jump in the driver’s seat and start the race. I committed to write an hour a day. That was one year ago.

In that year, I’ve sold several humor and devotional articles, finished my first book, written and rewritten two book proposals, signed a contract with my #1 choice for an agent, and finished 70% of my work in progress. I also blogged three times a week, visited others’ blogs one hour a day, increasing my blog following from eleven to over sixty, opened a Face Book account, and attended the famous Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL where I gluttonized on information and inspiration from Those Who Know What They’re Doing.

And then I ran out of gas. Instead of saying, “This Is What I Want to Do with My Life, Lord,” I was asking, “Is this what I want to do with my life, Lord?” I wasn’t ready to drop out of the race yet. But I was running on fumes, my tires were flattened masses, and my enthusiasm was waning. I questioned the wisdom of attending this year’s ICWC, wondering if I’d benefit from it, or slow others down with my less-than-sporting attitude. I prayed a dozen times, “Lord, connect me with people who can give me some direction. Show me if I’m on the wrong track, or if I should even be in the race. Help me, please!” Come back Friday to find out if I left the race or am still driving…