Blessings Friends!
I was thrilled this morning when the postman delivered my copies of the March 1, 2015 edition of Live magazine, and I found my story, “They’re Watching” on the cover! That really made my day. This is the second story of mine they’ve published, the first being “The Inner Sanctum” in the January 25, edition.
“They’re Watching” was a story I wrote–and filed away–many years ago, when the daily needs of the many (four young children) outweighed the publication needs of the one (Mom). I finally brought it out of the file cabinet and sent it in last year, and here it is! Let that be a lesson to you fellow writers–and procrastinators–out there (you know who you are). The stories God gives us to share have no due date.
It was so much fun to relive this moment in time, when motherhood was so . . . challenging! Yes, challenging is the word. My son, now grown, enjoyed this walk down memory lane, too. And it probably would have been lost forever had I not written it down. Even if you never intend to publish your stories, I encourage you to write them down. Some day your kids will thank you. And your grandkids, and your great-grandkids . . .
I’ve just sold another story to Live called “Daddy,” featuring our youngest daughter, Gracie. “Daddy” is scheduled for the June 16, 2016 edition. I’m looking forward to that, and my story “Freedom in Forgiveness” which will come out in Now What? and The Bible Advocate later this year.
My two Bible stories, “The Second Chance” and “Facing the King” have been published in Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse, Jr., but I haven’t been working on many childrens’ pieces lately. God has blessed and encouraged me greatly with these publications as I continue to work on His larger assignments, Loved So Much it Hurts, and my commentary on Amos.
I can remember a time when I sat in my critique group, listening to everyone’s publishing victories, wondering if I would ever join their ranks. I’ve learned and continue to learn so much from these ladies: to write from my heart, and never give up, among other things.
It’s very exciting to open a magazine and see my name along with the name of one of these mentors or a new friend I’ve made at a conference. It’s also very humbling to know that God is using me to encourage and entertain others while doing what I love. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I could hold a pencil. And all the glory belongs to The Lord.
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Thank you for sharing my writing journey!
Blessings,
Rebecca
