Welcome to 2017, when my plans have been derailed from almost day one.
I have had technology glitches (thank you to my tech support guy for getting my internet up and going again), a bad cold (the kind where the coughing wakes you up a few times each night), and a trip that was awesome. So when things like this happen, I tend to get a little…stressed.
Okay, let me be honest, I get a lot stressed.
I am looking at my well planned goals that are already off track and we aren’t even done with January. I am looking at my planner that has empty days because I was too sick to use them. Have I already failed this year? Will I be able to catch up?
Perhaps I am asking the wrong question.
Why am I off track? I had a hard time with allergies at the beginning of the month. I caught the cold because I was cuddling a sibling who was sick, the trip was to spend time with friends. Pretty much, either I was derailed because of illness (outside of my control) or because of people. I am guessing that those people are far more important than my schedule. God puts a lot more value on people than accomplishing tasks.
I am learning to put people before projects; to see that God’s plans are not my own, but so much better. I can’t say it is always easy, the goal list still looms above me at times, but I am learning.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
My youngest sister wanted to go to South Carolina to surprise her best friend for her birthday. Mikayla very nicely invited me along to help with the driving and allowed me to squeeze in a visit to meet a dear blogging/writing friend, Rachelle Cobb. On top of that? I was able to visit the city where the next Kate's Case Files book is taking place. Here are a few pictures from my adventure.
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| Rachelle and I hugging for the first time, after years of knowing each other online. |
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| In front of the Old Slave Market. A very cool building that now serves as a place of selling local art. |
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| It was overcast the whole day, it made for some cool photos. |
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| Rachelle and I in front of the pineapple fountain. |
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| At the Battery |
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| Looking out across the waves. |
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| That island in the background? That is Fort Sumter. |
*Sigh*
Now that I am back and ready to get back to work, blogging and all that good stuff.
Oh, and that trip I took? I will be posting some pictures tomorrow.
Visited San Antonio.
Celebrated the holidays with my awesome family
Watched my brother graduate from Nursing School
And watched a lot of Star Trek: Next Generation, rearranged some things in my room, and ate way to much sugar. It was awesome. But now, it is the time to get back to work. What am I up to right now? For those of you who follow me on Instagram (@thedestinyofoneauthor), you already know.
That is right. Kate’s Case Files book three is happening right now. Actually, as I write this post, I am in the middle of a heated argument between Kate and Logan.
This is the time of year we look toward the goals for the New Year. So here is my publishing schedule for this year:
January: Two Tales of Taelis short stories
February: Emmeline
March: Dreams and Devotion
April: Easter short story and There was Always Laughter in our House
May: Tales of Taelis short story and Escape and Endurance
June: Kate #3
July: A Different Kind of Purpose
August: Logan’s Notebook (a short ebook)
September: Kate #4
October: Publish Tales of Taelis F book (yet to be titled)
November: Kate #5
December: Christmas short story.
What do you think? Which project are you most excited about?
I cannot believe that 2016 is already over and 2017 is here. How did I do on last years goals? Mostly, God had different plans for my year than I did. However, I was still able to accomplish a lot.
For this year? Here are is my list!
What are some of your goals for the coming year.
As we approach the end of the year, it is time - time for my annual
top ten books of the year. 2016 has been an odd reading year for me. While I
read many good books, few of the good ones were fiction. I kept reading fiction
books that I either disliked or were only okay. For this reason, very few
fictional works made it onto my list. However, there were three that are worth honorable
mention: House
of Mercy, Sufficient
Grace, and Abaddon's
Eve.
Are you ready for my top ten picks?
10. Flight School by Jason McIntire
This book was one of the first books I read this year, and it is one that stuck with me. There are many characters and situations that
reflected people and happenings in my own life. This story was powerful and
touched my heart.
9. The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
There are few fiction books that really stick with me and I
talk about often months after I read it, and this is one of those. The author developed
deep characters, realistic situations, and came from a creationist/strong biblical
point of view. I don’t ever expect to read a better fictional account of Noah’s
flood.
8. The 40 Most Influential Christians by Daryl Aaron
This ended up being one of two books on church history that
made my list. I really didn’t expect this book to be anything more than
interesting, but it was. I loved seeing how theology was shaped by the times
and the men and women of those times. I felt like I had a better grasp on where
ideas came from.
7. Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot
This year, in my personal study, I have been focusing on biblical
womanhood. This, more than any other book on the subject I read, impacted me.
Elliot has such a poetic style that is a joy to read. Her biblical and practical
wisdom was a huge blessing and encouragement.
6. Garden of Madness by Tracy L. Higley
Higley is always a masterful writer, but this book was one
of her best. I loved the tension between the law and grace. I loved the power
of prayers so clearly shown. This is not a light read, but it is very powerful.
5. Churches, Revolutions And Empires:1789-1914 by Ian J.
Shaw
This book is about the church and it’s role and influence in
history. It is a very long book, but totally worth the time to read. I feel
like it was one of the best, most balanced books I have read on the subject. The
amount of research that went into this books was mind blowing.
4. Finding God's Path Through Your Trials by Elizabeth
George
George’s books are always a blessing, but this one found me
when I needed it. I was going rough a rough patch and this book reminded me of
so many important truths. It made me wish I was able to thank the author in
person for all the words of wisdom she has given me over the years.
3. With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin
I have started picking up Sundin’s books whenever I am
feeling really down. Her deep, thought provoking themes and realistic
characters become my companions as I walk through a hard time. This book could
not have been more timely. I picked it up because I was sad and the theme of friendship
and leadership were exactly what I was struggling with. Sundin has risen to one
of my top ten favorite authors.
2. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot
One amazing saint writing about another. How can you go wrong?
Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael is one of the most powerful I have read.
It deeply encouraged me and also has spurred me on to read more about heroes of
the faith
1. Me, Myself & Bob by Phil Vischer
I am not a fan of Veggie Tales. I have told that to both the
friends that recommended this book to me. I even have some issues with some of
the things in Veggie Tales, but a friend finally convinced me to read this
book. I am so glad I did. I think every Christian in the entertainment industry
(movie-makers, authors, musicians, etc.) need to read this book. It made me
once again remember my reason for writing and why it is important not to stray
from that vision. Vischer’s honesty of his own failures as well as successes was
powerful and humbling.
Forgive me for doubting to you, Grace and Scott. You
were right about this book.
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