JANUARY NewSLETter

     Happy New Year! I know it's a little late for New Year's greetings, but I am still enjoying the newness of 2019. I hope you are too.
     I wanted to send you an update on how things are going with my book. Although it is difficult to find 

long blocks of time to work on it, I am finding small chunks here and there where I can contribute. Actually, I find this to be somewhat helpful as the subject matter can be difficult to write about. Doing it in shorter segments of time helps me to not be weary of it.
     I have also been listening to audio books of biographies. I learn a lot when I see what others have done. It is helpful to understand how to handle chapters, timing, focus, mood, and other elements. Sometimes I even learn what not to do.
     In my spare time, I have been writing for an online devotional, www.christiandevotions.us. There are times when the Lord puts something on my heart, and He prompts me to share it. Writing devotions can be tricky because I need to convey a clear, engaging message in only 300 words. But, it is a fun challenge. These exercises help me become a better writer.
     I have included below my most recent published devotion, A New Toaster. I hope you enjoy it. 

PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray that:

• The Lord would help me find time to write as well as guide my mind and my heart to tell His story in an excellent manner.
• I will set my mind on things above and trust the Lord for His perfect timing for my book’s completion.
• The Lord would increase the number of people interested in receiving my newsletter so I can promote my book more effectively.

     It is so encouraging to me when you reach out to let me know you are praying for me. I am humbled by the way the Lord uses you to keep me focused. Blessings to you.

A New Toaster
Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
 
   “The toaster is dead,” I told my three small children as I put plates of untoasted bread in front of them. My heart broke to see their disappointed faces staring at their bread. Toast was a food group at our house.
   “Can’t we just buy another one?” my son asked.
   “We don’t have the money for a new toaster. But let’s ask the Lord for one and let’s see what He does.” And we did.
   I discovered over the next few weeks how much I missed our toaster. Not just the food itself, but the convenience of dropping bread in and toast popping up. I even tried making toast in the oven, but we won’t talk about that. I was frustrated and discouraged but trusted the Lord to teach us something.
   I came home one day and found a letter in the mail from a friend I hadn’t heard from in years. Tears filled my eyes as I read the note: We don’t know why, but we really felt the need to send you $20. We hope it meets a need you have.
   That’s exactly what I needed to buy a new toaster. I was even able to buy one with extra wide slots, so we could toast bagels! The Lord came through for us, met our need and showed us love all at the same time. If He had replaced it immediately, we would not have realized how much we missed it. The longing for a new toaster made the gift from Him more precious.  
   The Lord answers our prayers in His timing and His way that brings the most benefit to our hearts. If you are waiting for something from Him, trust Him that He knows the perfect timing to give you the desire of your heart.