Stayed up the other night reading THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti for the umpteenth time. That book and VOICE IN THE WIND by Francine Rivers renew my spiritual hunger in a way that no other fiction does. Although now that I've discovered Ted Dekker, I may have to add to that short list. :) If you've never read THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, I highly recommend that you find a copy. The thing that sticks in my mind long after I turn the last page is the fact that our prayers are powerful and necessary. Fiction? Yes. Imagination? Yes. But Mr. Peretti has a way of making you see spiritual things as if it were for the first time. Kudos to a veteran Christian author who has changed many lives with his stories.

The girls and I went to spend a couple of nights with my folks while Kevin went "bear" hunting. The wife of the friend who took him made me feel much better when she said her husband has been going for years and hasn't ever seen a bear. Still I was on edge until I heard from him both nights. And am SO glad to have him back home tonight. I had a great visit with my parents and sisters. One of my sisters and I watched videos last night. First - SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS. We enjoyed it and since it was a story that would appeal to teens, I was glad that, for the most part, that clout was treated responsibly. Second up - MAN OF THE HOUSE with Tommy Lee Jones. My sister balked at that one, (she thought it would be incredibly stupid.) but parts of the previews were so hilarious that I wanted to see it. (Tommy Lee saying "This IS my happy face.") So we rented it. Parts of the movie were hilarious as well. And even though it was a little shallow, everyone grew. That's important to me when I watch a movie or read a book. I love journeys where you can see the difference in the characters at the end.

I had a great time on my impromptu visit, but I'm thrilled to be HOME! :) And I'm off to see if my bed sleeps as comfortably as I remember. Sweet dreams!

Writing is so subjective. Sometimes it can drive you crazy. How can you have one story and five people love it and five hate it? Or even eight love it and two not be crazy about it? Not a big deal when you're discussing a book in a monthly book club meeting. But when you're writing the book, it's a big deal. A project dear to my heart died on the vine this week. That's never easy. But another deal came through in a major way. So I'm celebrating. I'm back on deadlines again after a brief hiatus and am determined to do these stories justice by getting them done ahead of time. I'm studying characterization right now and it amazes me how some writers make their characters jump off the page and into your heart so easily. Makes me determined to dig deeper. Fly higher.

Speaking of flying higher, my friend Lynette sold two more novellas! I'm so proud of her I can hardly stand it. Go Ette! (There's a blast from the past.)

Something to think about: "People are like teabags. You never know how strong they are until you drop them in hot water."

May your walk with the Lord deepen and your soul rejoice in His presence!