Time for Family

So, now that we're nearing the end of January,  

how are you doing on your resolutions or one-word theme?

I don't make resolutions. Nor do I focus on one words. But, for me, 2016 seems to be all about family so far.

My parents spend the winters in TN, four hours away from us. The rest of the time, they hang out in AK. As in A L A S K A. So, we try to squeeze in as much time as we can with them while they're in the lower 48.

This month they both scheduled cataract surgeries for the same day. One eye at a time, two weeks apart.

It's been fun watching them see things in a new light. Everything's brighter, more colorful, and now, after 50+ years of wearing glasses, all they'll need are readers.

Both pictures were taken after the first eye surgery.

I'd allotted time in my calendar to be there to drive them around and help while they recuperated. They didn't really need any help, though. After surgery and a nap, they were good to go. :)

What I didn't schedule were snow days. Note to self: must remedy that for next year.

Let me ask you. Would you be able to write with all this cuteness in the house? 

Nope. Not me. :)

My word count definitely tanked in January. I'm working on Kissing Santa Nic, a Christmas story that I'll publish independently as Tori Kayson. No contract, no deadlines, so it's all good. But even so...

"There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens..." ~Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Little Man won't be five forever. Before I can blink (practically), he'll be driving age. And my parents will head back to AK soon. 

Apparently, God has designated 2016 as the time for family for me. So, I will adjust my calendar and not fret over my poor word count. Because when I release my schedule to God, He blesses my time beyond measure. 

What season are you in right now?

New Year, New Direction?

Happy New Year! (picture compliments of Bing)

I'm a little late with my New Year's post, but you all know my philosophy on New Year's resolutions. I shared it a couple years ago, but here's the skinny...If there's something in my life that I recognize needs to change, why wait until January 1st?

But that doesn't stop me from reflecting over the last year, totally in awe over the blessings God poured out in my personal life and in my writing.

2013 was spectacular! Two more of my books released, Journey's Embrace and When Truth Whispers, making a total of five published romances, all with Pelican Book Group. Several more books are contracted and in various stages of publication, and who knows what 2014 will bring.

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately, especially in regards to my writing. God's prompting me to dig deep and try new things, to release my dreams and fears to Him, to spread my wings and soar over unfamiliar waters, to reach out and love more. 

What does that mean? I don't know, but I trust God. If He points to a road and says, "Go that way. I want you to meet somebody," just like when He directed Philip towards the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40), who am I to argue?

Who does God want me to connect with this year?

Where He leads, I will follow.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake." Ps 23:1-3 NIV

And I'll try not to allow fear to squelch that giant swell of anticipation that's building and rising for the journey ahead, that awesome wondrous feeling that God loves me and wants the absolute best for me...just like He loves you!

Wishing you a joyous, Son-kissed 2014, my friends!