Running with Roselle, by Michael Hinson with Jeanette Hanscome

Thanks for visiting today. This will be my last blog post here on Blogger. Starting next week, I will begin posting book reviews from my new website! I'm still fine tuning things, but I'd like to leave you with the link: www.joannereese.com.

Here is this week's review:

It's rare to find a story that shares two points of view--that of a blind boy and a dog. I found the combination delightful!

Written for children, this book really got into a youngster's head and answered all of the questions one would ask about what it feels like to be a dog. Roselle, a golden retriever bred and trained to become a guide dog, passed all of the rigorous testing needed in order to ensure she could be trusted to guide her companion safely. The internal dialogue was a lot of fun and masterfully written. 

Mike, a blind boy who was raised by parents that never wanted him to feel different from other kids, did not allow the limitations of blindness to keep him from succeeding in life. He brought inspiration to every page. 

Bring the two of them together on one of the worst days in America's history, September 11, 2001, and you have a real page-turner. Come and see this pair find not only find their own way through the rubble, but also help others to safety. 

I highly recommend this story for adults and children alike. If you are an animal lover, or if you like learning about new things, this book will entertain you the whole way through. 

A Distant Melody, by Sarah Sundin

Allie Miller fails to reach the standards her parents set, starting with her plain appearance and ending with her choice of a church. But when her marriage to Baxter is practically arranged, she feels strangled by the impending doom of a loveless happily-ever-after. Everything changes when she meets the real love of her life, Lt. Walter Novak. Feelings spark as they try and find deeper meaning to life's ups and downs through a series of letter-writing. Friendship escalates to more than that, but society's rules and a few misguided assumptions keeps either one of them from admitting it.

I was swept away by the story immediately. Sundin did an extraordinary job bringing the protagonist and her love interest together with genuine trepidation and the cordiality that would have fit this time period perfeclty. It was clear to me that this novel had been carefully researched, making me feel like I'd been dropped right into the World War II time period.

I found myself pulling for Allie and Walt all the way through. The cat and mouse of their romance was done with a great amount of integrity. This whole perspective was delightfully refreshing. Upon the turn of the last page, I was left with an ending that was well thought-out and satisfying. I would highly recommend this novel for anybody interested in taking a trip back to a time when a person's word still meant something.

The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls

It's an absolute miracle Walls lived to tell her family's story. Growing up with parents who did more things wrong than they did right, Walls found every day to be an adventure, and their unconventional view of life made this story a real page-turner.

And although I felt sickened a time or two, through each of my gasps and chuckles, I couldn't help but fall in love with her father for his unrelenting optimism and passion for life, and with her mother for the determination she had to preserve the artist within. The non-domesticated and carefree ways in which her parents navigated through life molded Walls into the writer she would someday become.

I came away from the story with a new appreciation for the simple conveniences and pleasures in life, like running water and going to bed having satisfied my hunger. Each scene was told with immaculate sensory, allowing me to feel the cold on my skin and the hunger in my own gut. This story provided me with a fresh look at life. I admire Walls and each of her siblings, not only for surviving, but for seeing the beauty in what her parents truly tried to impart. I found charm in her alcoholic father, as well as in her mother who was bent on making sure her needs were met first. There was something refreshingly human about both of them.

I highly recommend this memoir for anybody looking for an entertaining read. But be warned, while you will laugh out loud a time or two, the honesty will change you forever.

An Invisible Thread, by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski

I am so happy to announce that my website will be up and running in the next couple of weeks! As a result, I've decided to have my blog posts consist solely of book reviews. I hope my reading has spurred your own desire to nestle in with a good book. There are so many of them out there. Here is my latest review:

It was a single question that changed two lives forever. 

A successful businesswoman named Laura Schroff strolled the streets of New York City, lost in her own thoughts, doing her best to block out all of the noise. That is, until the plea of a young boy named Maurice stopped her in her tracks. Laura's response to his hunger was remarkable. And with the planting of a new and an unbreakable bond, the friendship ended up feeding many of her own deep and desperate needs.

I found the parallel of their lives to be extraordinary, even though they'd both come from such a different socioeconomic backgrounds. Laura's own childhood struggles created an empathy that prepped her heart for the kind of pain Maurice dealt with every day. She reached out with Monday afternoon lunches, baking dates and shopping sprees. Laura would purchase necessities and a few fun items too. The story was heartfelt and compelling and it stirred my own empathy for people God may end up putting in my own path. I will certainly have my eyes open in a new way.

I would highly recommend An Invisible Thread to anybody interested in getting lost in a good memoir. I was pleased to see how much the author is doing to ensure her message gets replicated. There are so many others out there with compelling stories just like hers and Maurice's. Her next project includes a compilation of other people's invisible threads.

You can visit her website at www.aninvisiblethread.com. 

The Mermaid Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd

As Jaime rushes to untangle the confusing behavior of her mother, she's confronted with a setting that stirs a lot of unhealed pain concerning her father's death. An unplanned encounter with a monastery monk has her second-guessing the life she's left behind, and she's tempted to surrender to this new awakening. The safety of over twenty years of marriage become less and less appealing, and lines begin to blur along the intoxicating shoreline. A mermaid chair stirs more questions for Jaime than answers. She searches for reasons, and ends up finding her own heart. 

Sue Monk Kidd creates a delightful playground for a woman who might be dangling on the edge of an empty nest. With vivid detail and sentimentality, Kidd weaves a story of sweetness mixed with tragedy that brings the truest part of love to the surface. Back story is revealed in delicious layers and the whole story comes together in a rushing wave of crescendo.

I would highly recommend this novel for its interesting setting, unmatched prose and deep characterization. The ending left me with a deeper appreciation of middle age, and its potential for growth and new beginnings.

A Dream

I'd like to share a post I wrote years ago when I'd spent some time considering the very breadth and depth of God in every moment of my life. Reading it now, I see a vulnerability and freshness that I fear I may have lost through the years. This was the heart of what I hoped to contribute to the publishing world. And it still is.

I have been given a dream. A very low level of my consciousness knows it. Day and night it calls to me in whispers. Words I can't quite make out that make more sense than the things I can hear and see. Wanting so much to see the end result, to really know where this journey will lead.

But I am instructed to be still, to wait and simply be.

I return to the world of blogging for many reasons. Documenting my encounters with a God who has captured my heart seems like a good use of time. The practice posting affords, keeps ideas fresh and fingers flying. But more than anything I find a need to get what is inside, out. Like a dam about to burst, my heart longs to be seen.

In my last post, I spoke of taking steps toward the writing industry. The last couple of months have proven to be more than getting that next paragraph written. Embracing truth becomes necessary for anybody who aspires to become an artist. 

Facing truth ensures death. Death of self.

If you are still with me, I hope you will stick around. I aspire to inspire, much like the griot in Freedom's Pen, by Wendy Lawton. Every gifted storyteller began with one idea - a seed. Every seed must succumb to terrible conditions and surrender to death before the transformation can begin. 

What kind of seed has God handed you? This is your ministry to the world! God needs your voice, your ambition, your heart.

I am just finishing up a book that has stirred the dreamer inside. I would recommend it to anybody who loves to get lost in a good story. Sweet Janxa, with incredible talent, would not have been able to blossom without the Wheatley's. 

You've heard the old saying, "Timing is everything." I'd like to throw in my two cents this morning. God's timing is everything. It can mean the difference between spinning your wheels and reaching the stars.

My dear readers, I hold a special place in my heart for you. I hope to deliver a story to you, through the posts in this blog that will challenge you to embrace truth.

A mighty oak waits to break past that dirt. Patience dear one . . . God's timing is well worth the wait.

Room, by Emma Donoghue

I just finished a rare treasure that I'd like to share with all of you today. This piece of literature is unique in so many ways. I watched the movie shortly after turning the last pages of the book, and as always, the book was so much better. 

Have you read anything lately worth recommending?

Jack and his Ma have been kidnapped and they are trapped in the backyard of their perpetrator. Jack, being a result of this man's abuse, is oblivious to the torment inflicted on his mother. The entire story it told through the eyes of this 5 year old little boy, and the author educates the reader through somebody who is not yet able to understand what he is seeing. It's absolutely brilliant.

This unique perspecitve provides this story with a fresh curiosity right from the start. She introduces the reader to a very limited POV, then slowly branches out, peeling away the whereabouts in small layers. This style mirrors the book's setting, another amazing literary device, and once the stakes are introduced, any reader will have a hard time putting the book down.

A new empathy sprouted inside of me from reading this piece, and I will never look at abduction the same way again. I thought the story played out realistically, and while the plot line ended up being more about the emotional and psychological ramifications, I still clung to every sensory detail.

I recommend this book for anybody who is looking to read a heartwarming story about a young mother who is determined to make everything as normal as possible for her little boy, in a not-so-normal world. 

A Devotion

Today's post is a devotion of mine that was published on CBN.com some years ago. I hope you enjoy it.

The Lunch Encounter

Top 3 Networking Tips

It was about nine years ago when I took my first step onto the grounds of a writers' conference. It was in those early moments of overcoming the butterflies and navigating through the itinerary, when the most valuable tool was given to me. I've tucked it into my writing tool belt and I pull it out as needed. And as a result, God has opened the most amazing doors.

Cheri Williams was my ambassador of networking. She taught me the beauty of blowing a few workshops off for the sake of grabbing some real one-on-one time with the industry professionals. She invited me to join her for the late-night pow-wows in the lounge, where published authors would talk shop and agents would spill some of the best industry secrets. She taught me how to mingle a little. And would you believe that this introvert had fun doing it?

Here are three tips I've learned through the process of trying this whole thing out.

Be Yourself
I realized over time that hanging out in the lounge and pursuing conversations for the duration of the conference fried me. And I learned that it's okay. By conference end, I've always needed a good block of time afterwards where I am not required to engage in any way. Good friends and family members have recognized my signals (all of which include my inability to speak). And they have been so gracious to give me the space I need in order to unwind.

Be Available
It is important for us to to put a plan in place, but if God plops somebody down in front of you, toss the agenda and see what may come of it. Some of my most career-boosting conversations were spontaneous. This has left plenty of room for God to move.

Be Bold
Have your eyes open to every opportunity and don't be afraid to try new things. Creativity is nurtured through discovery. A lot of times I don't know I will enjoy something until I try it.

And as so many of my new writing friends have taught me, make it more about what you can give, rather than what you can take. Ask God how you can add value to the other person, and get ready to see Him respond with a heap of blessing.

How has networking contributed to your success? Do you have any tools you'd like to add to my belt?

The Secret of Independence

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:12-13

This 4th of July, I thought it would be fun to settle on the word independence for a bit. Merriam-Webster defines it this way:

•  freedom from outside control or support
•  not requiring or relying on something else
•  showing a desire for freedom

On July 4, 1776 our country claimed independence from Britain and democracy was born. As a result, people from all over of the world ventured this way for the sake of pursuing the American Dream. From this, we find a vast variety of innovation and ethnicity among us. And every year we celebrate with family gatherings that often times include a barbecue pit and showers of fireworks. 

As our country celebrates this concept of freedom, I ponder what it means for me. The past decade and a half, I've longed for independence concerning my time. With the desire to write, I've wanted to quit my day job and step into the shoes of a full-time novelist. But due to a handful of employment opportunities and a "not yet" from God, I've learned to wait. This time of testing has carved a deep and painful groove in my heart. It is in this secret place that patience has has begun to bud. It gets watered every day by silent tears that only God can see.

Because of this season of waiting, I've discovered the kind of freedom that does not depend on my circumstances, just like Paul talks about in the book of Philippians. When I am able to see my circumstances through the eyes of faith, I can see that I already have everything I need in order to feel happy and fulfilled. 

I've got Jesus. 

Now I know this might sound like a pat answer, or something preachy that you hear in the heat of a televangelist sermon. But please don't miss this. There is so much truth to this statement. Jesus Christ, God's very own Son, has proven to be all my heart will ever need.

While I'd still very much like to give my current job notice, I've learned that my writing career and my happiness is not dependent on such. I am taking steps that will eventually lead me to a place of freedom, where I will spend most of my waking hours writing. But until then, I can rest knowing He will rescue me when the moment is right.

Is there something you long to be free from? And how would a change in perspective help you see things differently?

A Collaborative Effort

One of the amazing things that came out of my time at PENCON, was the inspiration for my next project. There I sat, across the table from a seasoned editor, with pen and paper in hand ready to soak in every last detail, when it hit me. Ghostwriting. It was a familiar term, but not one I had ventured very far into. But as I listened to my new colleague and friend share about a woman who was looking for somebody to help write her book, I knew I was supposed to offer my services.

After getting home, I rushed over to the library to read everything I could find about ghostwriting. Writers Digest also had a great article on the topic. Then I took the leap and introduced myself to this budding author. She sounded very interested in moving forward, and I hit my knees for God's guidance. It's taken us some weeks to iron out the details, but this summer I will begin piecing this woman's book together so she can share it with the world.

I can't think of anything more exciting than to help somebody else tell their story. We've agreed to make this a collaborative deal, which was a new concept for me. It means that my name will still be on the book cover and title page as one who came alongside the author. But as far as the story goes, it will be all hers. Every word placed on the page will be a reflection of the way God showed up in her life. And I get to be a part of the process.

I will be attending a memoir-writing conference in the fall, as I think this format will suit her story best. My hope is to help guide my new client to a place of great success, and at the same time I will be building my own collaborative platform. One simple conversation in the scope of fifteen minutes brought about this amazing opportunity. I can't say enough about networking, and I will be posting about the benefits of it sometime soon.

Do you have a story inside of you that you'd like to share with the world? Perhaps you would benefit from the help of somebody like me who would love to help you tell it.

If so, let's talk.

The Little Succulent Who Could

It is a typical afternoon. A client just came in wanting information about how to book a wedding reception that will be happening a year from now. My boss is working on the schedule, tugging on a strand of her long blond locks, trying to make sure a staff member hasn't been over scheduled. I've just brought the finished touches of a BEO in. Aside from figuring out what we will have for lunch, a single question still lingers. Will the client want to add a bar for the dinner party on Saturday night?

I look over to my left, and there he stands. A succulent that was given as a gift just over a month ago stands a little bit taller than these kind of plants normally stand. D'arci looks over and we giggle at such audacity. His stem basques underneath the light of the desk lamp, bearing a bean-stalk quality. Doesn't this plant not know that succulents aren't supposed to stand so tall? 

Nobody ever told him.

I think this same boldness can be harnessed and duplicated for anybody who has set their mind to something. Whether you've decided to run that marathon, sign up for electoral office, or finally finish writing that book, I hope you will take this little plant's lead. He didn't need permission to grow beyond the invisible barriers our preconceived notions tried to impose on him. He simply gathered the resources he had within that padded patch of dirt, and reached with all his might for the light. 

What would you accomplish if there wasn't anybody telling you that you couldn't do it?

Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes

The New York Times Bestseller list has been operating since October 12, 1931. At the start, the books that were showcased came out of the Big Apple. They were the only ones considered, and they consisted of five fiction and four non-fiction books. As time went on, more cities were included. In the 1950's, a trade news magazine named Publishers Weekly stood as a close second to all of the hype, and the two became the preeminent lists of best-selling books in the United States. 

Writers all over the world strive to be placed on such a coveted list. When one reaches such heights, I can imagine it feels very much like receiving a gold star of recognition, letting the whole world know that you have finally "made it."

I had the privilege of getting lost in one of the beauties recently, and I'd like to share my review with all of you. Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes was breathtaking. There is a reason this piece made it to such a regal list. This story took its place on the New York Times Bestseller list for seven weeks. There has even been a film made about it. I just had to see the movie, and did so about halfway through my reading. Experiencing the ending on the big screen first, I delighted in the crescendo! And finishing the last pages shortly after, I felt fully satisfied. I strongly encourage you to find time to enjoy both.

Here is my review. It has been posted on both Goodreads and Amazon. 

A delightful read right from the first page, Me Before You captured my empathy and my imagination, making me not want to put the book down. Will Trainer, a man with everything going for him, steps into the street one rainy morning, only to lose everything he's ever loved about his life.

Louisa Clark come to his aide by mere default, after losing the only job she's ever had. As the family's breadwinner for this particular season, Louisa finds herself wary of Will's disposition but desperate for the money. Long hours with nothing to do but skirt around Will's paraplegia force the two of them into transparent companionship. The long hours start to fade as Louise realized Will's true intent. She does everything in her power to try and change his mind. Her growing love for the man she's been hired to care for forges a deep and unforgettable connection between the two of them. This life-altering connection stirred deep emotion in me, and it ended up saving them both in every sense of the word.

I decided to see the film as well, and I was so pleased with the way every character brought vulnerability and life to the screen. I found myself very nearly falling in love myself. I would highly recommend this book for anybody brave enough to ask themselves the deer questions about life's meaning. This story will stay with me long after I've turned the last page, and I'm grateful for the perspective it gave me.

Have you read anything recently that made it to the New York Times Bestseller list? If so, was it worth recommending?

The Five Benefits of Hiring an Editor

Everybody has a story. And while not everybody feels compelled to share it with the rest of the world, there is a good percentage of us out there who do. Whether you aspire to become a multi-published author, or you are simply somebody with an idea, there is hope for you. The journey from an imaginative idea to a polished piece of literature doesn't have to feel so daunting.

This is where an editor comes in. I had no idea how helpful a partnership like this could be. After attending PENCON a couple of weeks ago, I came away with a new understanding of the various services a freelance editor provides. Here are five reasons why anybody who is serious about writing should hire one.

An editor can ...

     ... help you put an outline together. (Developmental Edit)
     ... make sure the story arch is present. (Substantive Edit)
     ... re-write sentences to improve style and flow. (Line Edit)
     ... correct spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. (Copy Edit)
     ... polish the piece after the manuscript is typeset. (Proofread)

Aside from all of this, a freelance editor can provide coaching or mentoring services. She can even ghostwrite the entire manuscript for you, giving you all rights to the piece.

I am so excited to announce that I've begun training to become one of these sought-after professionals. I am working on putting a website together that will hopefully launch in early July. It is a deep desire of mine to pour into other writers as I build my own writing career. Freelance editing seems like a great avenue with which to do so.

What about you? Where are you in the process? Do you have the seed of an idea that feels too fragile to share? Or perhaps you've been writing the same book for years. Regardless of where you find yourself, I highly recommend hiring a freelance editor to help you get up and over that hump. I will be in business before too long. But if your project can't wait for my debut, I hope you will consider hiring one of the qualified professionals at the The Christian PEN or the Christian Editor Connection.

Have you had any experience with a freelance editor? And if so, what were the benefits?

PENCON Highlights

Writers need other writers. I'm convinced of it. We spend a ton of time alone, typing away at the keyboard, massaging words much like we would a piece of clay until our project finds just the right shape. Then, once the words have been formed, and some sense can be made of author's concepts, the firing process can begin. Another word for this polishing and refining stage is editing.

And editors, much like writers, need to belong to a tribe. As I step into the world of professional editing, I have been so pleased to discover that such a tribe not only exists, but it has welcomed me with open arms. I had the privilege of connecting with top editors at PENCON last week. Colorado Springs provided a beautiful backdrop for intensive workshops such as:

Setting the Creative Foundation, The Spiritual Life of the Editor and Surviving Different Author Personalities by Allen Arnold

How to Be More Productive on Social Media and WOWful (not WOEful) Websites by Laura Christianson

Marketing a Book on Amazon: 7 Tips for More Exposure and Sales by Shelley Hitz

Challenging Clients by Jeanne Marie Leach

Work Smarter: Leveraging the Best Technologies to Improve Your Business and You're the Expert: Attending Writers' Conferences as an Editor by Catherine Jones Payne

Preventing Burnout by Susan Mathis

Business for Editors and Nonfiction Editing 101 by Christi McGuire

Navigating Taxes and Accounting in a Freelance World by Chris Morris

Editing YA Fiction by Donna Stanley

Editing Internet Content by Susan K. Stewart

Bookmapping and Storybreaking: Developmental Tools for Editors by Kristen Stieffel

How to Keep Your Focus When Life Gets Busy by Tiffany Amber Stockton

Get More Clients: Surefire Selling Techniques for Editor and Creativity for Christ: A Biblical Mandate to Have a Blast by Ben Wolf

Who knew there would be so much to this editing thing? Next week I will talk about the different kind of editing that contributes to a polished piece. In the meantime, I hope you will consider one of the professionals above if you are in need of an edit. They come highly recommended. The recordings of these workshops will be available on The Christian Pen website in June. They are well worth checking out.

What about you? Have you used a professional editor before? And if so, what was one thing you appreciated about the experience?

How to Make Time for Writing

Creativity adds color to an otherwise dreary day. It nurtures the soul and it is well worth pursuing. But so many distractions pull us away from this peaceful place with things like deadlines, driving errands and dinner choices. All the while, creative energy buzzes just below the surface, longing to brush some color onto the canvas or to place just the right phrase onto the page. This day and age does not lend itself well to the time and attention that’s needed in order to find expression. Creativity happens at a much slower pace than our world allows.

If life really is this busy (and experience has taught me that it is), then how does an artist ever get any work done? Whether I am hoping to try my hand at watercolor for the first time or I long to finish writing that novel I’ve kept tucked away in a bedside drawer, the entire process can feel insurmountable. But it doesn’t have to. I’d like to suggest a few simple steps that could help us quiet things.

The first step toward creative conquest is to make a decision. What is it you’d like to accomplish and why? Are you looking to prove yourself in some way or is this project more about personal growth and fulfillment? Perhaps you want to use your masterpiece to bring healing to another person. Or you might be surprised to find that the whole process healed the person you least expected—you.

After you’ve made the decision about what you’d like to create and why, you are going to have to clear a space for it. Where do you plan to work on things? And which part of the day or week have you designated? If this is important enough to you, then I suggest making yourself an appointment and treating it as such. Let others know that you will not be available during the designated time, but that you will be happy to help them when the egg timer goes off.

Now here’s the tricky part. After you’ve worked to create a space for your creativity to flourish with your colored pencils, cool-looking post-it notes and every dictionary and concordance known to man, and once your calendar is blocked off, you are going to need to guard it with your life. And the moment you’ve made your mind up about making a creative contribution to the world, the entire universe will work to keep you from fulfilling it. Why? Because it just does. Ask anybody who has created anything and they will tell you that it took a truckload of determination and hard work to get there. There are no shortcuts.

What about you? Is there something you aspire to create? And how have you been successful with quieting the noise?

Fallen Treasure

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Romans 11:29

            “Daddy do you think it will still be there?” the little girl said while tugging on the end of her silver bracelet. She held tight to a small brown paper bag when she spoke.

            Her father looked down on golden strands that were pulled back into a ponytail. “I sure hope so,” he said. He stood on the curb of the parking lot with the strength of one brave enough to cart three of his little girls to the grocery store all by himself. The father looked both ways and carefully took his first step. Two of the girls followed while the third perched onto his left hip. She gripped the arm of his T-shirt with joyful vigor. The father nuzzled his nose into her soft locks and continued across the busy parking lot.

            I had just finished loading my own groceries into the back of our vehicle. The metal wheels of the cart rattled along the pavement as I traveled the exaggerated distance to find its designated spot. Thoughts of dinner plans and other evening items pulled on me after a long day. Just as I pondered the feel of a bubble bath, I heard it. One tiny coin hit the pavement, piercing through the dull roar of the parking lot. I turned back toward the little family. And then another fell, and another, until a flood of coins rained down around the father’s ankles, making a splashing sound with every bounce.

            I made no sudden movement, no noise really, and headed straight for the disaster. By now the young father was working to collect each coin, coaching his daughters to stay on the sidewalk while he worked with careful concentration. The job seemed insurmountable as drivers pulled their cars right up to the scene, clearly wanting to pass.

            The money wasn’t the reason I rushed over to help. Nor did it have to do with the disappointment of a little girl so much. It was the ache of a father that I connected with. As a parent myself, I understood how it felt to want to shield your child from that kind of disappointment. This was his daughter’s treasure and she was getting ready to cash in on her dream. He was determined to try and scoop up every coin he could.

            I worked as quickly as I could, but with a great amount of calmness. Each quarter, dime and nickel felt smooth and warm in my hand. The father chuckled a little with embarrassment and mumbled something about doubling the bag next time. And as I worked along side of another complete stranger, I felt something shift. We dropped the coins into the father’s cupped hands and his awkwardness was replaced with what looked to be deep gratitude. The man seemed amazed that somebody would care enough to stop and help.

            I don’t know what that little girl was set to buy with her savings that day. Perhaps there was a goldfish waiting for her at the pet store. Or maybe she’d finally saved up enough to buy a special necklace for her mom. Or perhaps she had her sights set on a month’s worth of bubble gum. But what I do know is that her father cared very much about making sure his little girl’s treasure would be collected and cashed in—at all costs.

            The Bible says that we have a Heavenly Father too. He cares very much about the things we treasure. Do you have a dream you’ve wanted to cash in but circumstances have made it feel impossible? Do you find pieces of it scattered at your feet with no way of gathering it all back up? If it’s something your Father has always intended to give you, rest assured. He will move the hearts of ordinary people and grant favor to help you when you least expect it.

            My dream is to become a best-selling novelist and to teach at writers' conferences all over the country. There, I said it. And it felt good to let a little of it spill out. 

            What about you? Do you have a dream you’ve been saving up for?