Hi, friends. It’s good to be back and say “hey.” But being away on a writing sabbatical was an amazing experience. This was different than writing any other story I’ve done ~ and way more fun than many, too.

That in itself is noteworthy because due to some changes in family plans and publishing plans, I ended up with a firm deadline for an open submission and only a few weeks to plan and write half of the story. Long, painful days but it was FUN! Only God could do that. And Allen Arnold’s unique book, The Story of With, helped.

In it, Allen invites readers to consider a creativity paradigm shift. God is with us. Matt 1:23 says Jesus would be called Emmanuel, God With Us. Allen asks since God is with us, why do we try to do our creative activity on our own.

I’ve always asked God about what to write and where to submit. How to write the story. But spending time with, and inviting God ~ not to join me as I write but ~ to let me join Him in what He aims to do through me and my words led to an entirely different experience.

Someday I’ll pen some posts about the ah-ha moments that made me laugh. Or cry. Or simply stop and praise God.

For now I just wanted to say “hello.” I’m back. And this is the next book I’ll be writing a review of. It looks to be a taut and compelling read. Roseanna White says this: “A complex and riveting tale that you won’t be able to set aside. Bravo!”

Meanwhile, I’d love to know what you’re reading now. Shalom.