Questions

Over the past few months I've been reconnecting with friends from different seasons of my life via Facebook. I've found (and been found by) people from high school, college, the pre-children married years, and even my fourth grade boyfriend. Inevitably people want to know what I "do." How do I sum it up in a few words? Do I talk about our street ministry? Focus on my task of being a Homeschooler? Should I say I'm a SAHM, or a fabulous wife? :) I've only recently begun answering that I'm a writer. Isn't that a little vague? It leads to more questions. How long have I been writing? Have I been published? And my least favorite, what do I write? What if that answer is as varying and difficult to define as what I do? I feel a certain resistance to be labeled according to what I do or what I write. I am more than a street minister, Homeschooler, or SAHM. Maybe I'm going to be a writer whose work crosses genre lines. Maybe I'm going to blog and never write a single book. What do I do? What do I write? I don't have any easy answers. I'm still figuring that out. For now I'm making myself at home in the questions.

"The power to question is the basis of all human progress." ~Indira Ghandi

"He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers." ~African Proverb

"The word question is derived from the Latin word quarrier (to seek) which is the same root as the word for quest. A creative life is a continued quest, and good questions can be very useful guides." ~Unknown

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. " ~Dr. Seuss

Blog: A Four-Letter Word (Part Two)

(blŏg) n. A weblog; intr.v. blogged, blog•ging, blogs To write entries in, add material to, or maintain a weblog.(1)

Another month, another blog. The struggle continues, but light is at the end of the tunnel. And although blogging is still not part of my comfort zone, at least I’m doing it.

Sorta.

Blogging and writing have had interesting treks in my life. Like I mentioned last month, I never wanted to be a writer so when the Lord asked me to do it, and gave me a specific project, I felt paralyzed.

For a good year after that I fought God’s call then, in the winter of 2001, finally gave in. By that point I was tired, empty, and spent. My spiritual wineskins were cracking and had been void of living water for who knows how long. My mouth and throat seemed caked with sand, and parts of me were dying that I didn’t even know existed.

In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Paul said, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

For in my weakness He is made strong.

Yes, I was scared. Yes, I had concluded I was probably the last person on the face of this earth who should have been called write a nine-book, young adult, sci-fan epic, but let’s face it—when the rubber meets the road, when God’s hand sweeps down in desert places and picks us up, it’s no longer about our wants or desires, our strengths or accomplishments. It’s about Jesus.

For in my weakness He is made strong.

In my darkest moment the living God looked down on my pitiful, crumpled form, lifted me up, then gave me a promise. “I will replace your old wineskins will new ones.”

And He did.

Less than one week after that I was unexpectedly swept into the world of ACFW, and being introduced to such wonderful ladies as Sharen Watson of Words for the Journey, and our own Kathy Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer. These ladies became living water to me. They became my oasis in a parched land. They became my wineskins.

* * * * *

Thank you, Lord, for being there even when I wasn’t, when faith was pointless and doubt was Ruler. It was then you picked up me and placed me by still waters. You restored my soul and gave me new wineskins. You filled me up with Living Water and lead me to a land filled with milk and honey. Thank you, Lord, for all you have done. But especially, forgiving me such wonderful friends. May their lives be blessed.


“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.’” Jeremiah 29:11-14




(1) "blog." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 14 Jan. 2009. Dictionary.com. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blog.

2009 Peak Writing Conference

I know that a couple of people have already posted about this recently but I’m excited about our chapter hosting this event and I don’t want anyone to miss it. It’s this Saturday, February 28th, doors open at 9 am to begin check-in. If the weather is bad, we’ll make a determination and let you know if we have to move the conference to our snow date of March 7th.

We have three awesome speakers who will teach and inspire us in our writing, author Donita K. Paul, author Lisa Tawn Bergren, and agent Beth Jusino. We are planning to record the session, but I’m in charge of that and I’m about as untechie as you get. I could give you a list of a dozen people or so who will verify this but I won’t bore you with that. You’ll just have to trust me.

Anyway, I’m going to get together with a tech person at my church this week to learn how to do all that. When I have succeeded (I have to have confidence), then we will make a CD of the sessions we get permission to record and offer that CD for sale. So whether you attend the conference or not, we are hoping to have the CD available for purchase.

Besides our authors and the CDs, we will have paid critiques you can sign up for to be completed via e-mail at a later date. You can pay for the critique at the conference and send in the selection to be critiqued later. We will not be doing any critiques at the conference.

We have autographed books to give away and other freebies. Anyone attending the conference who would like to sell books at our book table is welcome to do so. Download the form and bring it with you. Let Tiff know if you will be bringing books so she can have a space for you.

We will also be announcing our speaker line-up for next year.

Then to end the whole event we will have a book signing. This will include the speakers as well as any attendees who want to sign their books for people.

We do have limited space and limited food, so if you are planning to come and plan to pay at the door, let us know so we can hold a spot for you.

I look forward to seeing you there! :-)

Just Do It!

I have recently been struggling with a physical ailment many writers have endured. As a result, I was wearing a wrist brace, and using hot and cold packs on my right hand (I am right handed). For anyone who has ever hurt their hand, even the simplest tasks become monumental. Cooking, cleaning, even getting dressed or going potty become nightmares.

And still I stood on faith in God's healing ability and desire, and instead of naming this infirmity, I called it Healed. When ever someone tried to give it a different name, I refused to accept it, and said, "You call it what you want, I'm calling it Healed."

This went on for several weeks. And then just this past week, the Lord said to me, "If you are calling it Healed, act like it's healed."

Off came the brace, no more packs, and -- why should I have expected anything different? -- it has been getting better. I am using my hand, there is minimal pain, and God took me down a completely different path of faith.

So, what does this have to do with writing?

Last night, the Lord spoke to me again, this time about my writing. He told me to act like I'm a writer.

Maybe that sounds like a no-brainer, but really, admit it, we have all fallen into the trap of calling ourselves something we aren't doing. The thing is, a writer writes.

And I haven't been doing much writing lately.

I have thought about writing.
I have written about writing.
I have critiqued others' work.
I have submitted my work for critique.
I have printed off returned critiques.
I have made some revisions based on those critiques.
I have brainstormed with others on their projects.
I have researched conferences -- oh, I love conferences and I love research!
I have read books on writing -- I love to read.
I even sent out a query to an agent.

But I have not written ten new words on my latest project in about two weeks.

So today I committed to another writing friend to have at least 2000 words written by Monday on my project. And I will report on my progress on Monday to that friend.

I encourage you to think about your calling as a writer. I know God has called me to write. I know He has plans for my books. I know He has put me in a group of like-minded writers for support and encouragement. And that encouragement sometimes includes a kick in the butt to get going again.

Today, let's commit to do what we are, to act out the part of what we are, to respond to God's calling in our lives -- TODAY I WRITE!

How about you????

Peak Writing Conference -- A Treasurer's Perspective

You know, I'm excited about the prospect of being a part of launching our very first writing conference here in Colorado. I am confident it's going to be the first of many for years to come and set a precedent for a late Fall conference as well. We've got a fantastic line-up of speakers, delicious food, a book table and a book signing to boot! You can read all about it on the EVENTS page.

But, as the treasurer for the Colorado Springs chapter, I must say I'm learning a whole new set of rules and regulations, restrictions and requirements, as we move closer and closer toward crossing those T's and dotting those I's. All in the name of making sure we have our bases covered and are operating above board on everything connected to the conference.

First, I learned from a helpful CPA who has advised us in business procedures, that we need to file for a tax license in order to sell books at the conference. One must be filed with the state. The other with the county. Thanks to Norm, I located the forms we needed, but it was all Greek to me! :) So, a phone call was made and the forms were filled out for us. I only had to drop them off, pay for the license and we're all set. Phew! One thing down.

Second, I had to have legal forms for the authors who would be consigning books at our book table. Thanks to the years I spent co-running the national bookstore at the annual conference, I had these forms on hand. They only needed some minor tweaking, and we were good to go! Just have to make sure all authors complete the forms beforehand so we have their consent.

Third, and this doesn't directly affect me, but we are planning to record the 3 sessions and make a CD avaialable. Enter another set of rules and regulations to make certain the production is done correctly and all copyright information is visible on the front of the CD. I know I won't be handling this part, but I will be handling the orders and collecting the funds.

Finally, all of this is happening when I'm just 5 weeks away from delivering a baby. I'll be 3 weeks away when the day of the conference comes. They say that your brain gets sapped when you're pregnant, and this is so true! It's great to have a supportive board who is faithful to remind me when I forget something or write it down and send the notes so that I can reference and remember what it was I was supposed to do. If I had to rely on my memory? Yeah...I'm sure there'd be things not done. :)

I can only imagine what I'll be like after they baby's born. Might have to bone up even more on my vitamins and brain power supplements.

So, to wrap up, if you have been considering the conference and wondering if it's worth it to attend, don't delay. We'd love to have a head count in advance as much as possible to prepare the food. Me personally? I'd love to know about authors attending who will be selling books to make sure we have the space for everyone's products.

Just click on the EVENTS page and download/print the registration form. The 2 book forms are there as well.

Hope to see you there!

---

Tiffany Amber Stockton is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author in beautiful Colorado Springs. They celebrated the birth of their first child in March and have a vivacious puppy named Roxie, a Border Collie/Flat-Haired Retriever mix. She has sold six books so far to Barbour Publishing. Other credits include writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and contributions to the books: 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage and Grit for the Oyster.

Read more about her at her web site: http://www.ambermiller.com/.

Valentine's Day Mushiness

Love is in the air. (Or is that the alluring aroma of the pecan pie I made for my husband?)

Since Saturday is Valentine's Day, I'd like this to be an interactive-let's-write-something-ooey-gooey kind of post.

I think everyone should share something mushy. A mushy story of you and your spouse. Or, it could be an almost-coulda-been-mushy-turned-hilarious kind of story. Or even an I-wish-this-would-happen-to-me kind of story.

Who's game?
---
And just to get everyone started, here's mine:
For Valentine's Day eighteen years ago, the man who is now my husband presented me with a teddy bear holding a little box. In that little box was the yummiest piece of chocolate ever. (And I am a chocolate snob! So my man knew his stuff.)

As the morsel melted in my mouth, I hugged my sweet guy. We were in Bible College, and neither of us had much money, so his gift meant even more.

Taking my hand he walked me down the hill toward my dorm. Suddenly, he stopped and proclaimed, "Hold on! I forgot something!"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out another little box. This time, the box contained an engagement ring. And I've worn it ever since.
---

Now, if you'd like to post a little story, just click on the comments button. And if we don't get very many, I'll know that you are all out there creating new romantic moments to share!

Love is in the air...

_______

Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER which premiered in 2008. Her story, Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases in September 2009 from Focus on the Family. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home.
kimberleywoodhouse.com

Peak Writing Conference: Writing the Gift with Excellence

In case anyone has missed it, on this wonderful website we have a little nifty “events” page up there in the navigation menu. Go ahead check it out, I’ll wait…

Now then, when you’re done reading my ever-so-lovely post, click on that brilliant useful page and check out the Colorado Springs chapter’s one day conference, Peak Writing Conference: Writing the Gift With Excellence.

We will be having three wonderful speakers, Donita K Paul, Lisa Tawn Bergren and Beth Jusino.

The date of the conference is the 28th of February, the cost is $55 for ACFW members and $60 for non-members. And that cost includes food! I don’t know about you… but for me, when it comes to conferences, it’s ALL about the food. =)

I would give you more info… but then you wouldn’t go to that page and find out all the fantabulous stuff to be had there. You can even download the registration form from that page.

For me personally, the best thing about the conference is the fact that my best friend is flying in from California to see me (and Kim… and her agent. Whatever! It’s all about me! LOL) and will get to attend the conference too.

Blessings… and happy writing!

James Patterson's secret to creating a brand

Every writer's conference I've been to has had sessions pushing the idea of brand.

Create a brand for yourself and you will sell.

Brand is what potential consumers recognize in advertising campaigns or marketing blitzes.

Coke has the red can with the white curvy thingy.

Brandilyn Collin's "Seatbelt Suspense" brand has become a promise to readers that they won't be able to sleep at night!

John Grisham's brand is the legal thriller. Sure he's dabbled in other genres, but his legal thrillers are what made him famous.

Brand is a promise to fulfill customer or reader expectations.

James Patterson seemingly breaks The Rules when it comes to writing. Most of us hear, "pick a genre and stick to it." Patterson writes anything from mystery/suspense to romance. And he holds a record number of New York Times best-sellers.

The most recent issue of Writer's Digest features an interview with this guru of sales and fan base.

Patterson firmly believes the best advertising trick is to create a sought-after product. If the product isn't good, no amount of marketing dollars could launch a best selling brand.

"I've always concentrated on the product. There are very few cases where people or enterprises or franchises have succeeded unless the product is really good for that audience. [Writers] always want to hear it's the advertising. It isn't--it's the product."

As writers we need to ask ourselves what Patterson is delivering that readers are clamoring for.

"...I want to create a book that I think people are going to enjoy, that I would enjoy, and I get a kick out of that. Some writers don't. Some serious writers, the last thing in the world they want to do is entertain people..."

Back to the basic foundation: storytelling.

Readers want stories. They buy stories that grab them and hold their attention. If you want to succeed as a writer, put your craft first, tell a killer-story and everything else will fall into place.

This interview by Diane Page Jordan is well worth the price of the magazine.

Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Registration is now open for the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. Marlene is offering a special bonus to the first 50 people who register. So get on over to the Web site to check things out. Don't wait for the brochure if you're already on the mailing list; she's not sending them out this year.

I hope many of you plan to attend. The emphasis on fiction just keeps getting stronger. (Maybe because her closest helpers are ACFW members! *smile*) Here's a note Marlene sent out about this year's conference.

Hi everyone -

Registration is now open for the May 13-16 Colorado Christian Writers Conference and I am praising God! I want you to be among the first to know since the first 50 registrants will receive a fifth 15-minute one-on-one appointment. Lots of new and exciting things are planned so I hope you’ll visit www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado today.

I've never repeated a theme in 12 years of directing CCWC and 25 years of directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, but as I consider the crises facing our nation and world, I cannot think of a more important assignment than to "write His answer" (Hab. 2:2). I'm praying you will accept His assignment and make plans now to join us on the mountain for this year’s CCWC where you will be encouraged and equipped to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.

Whether you are publishing regularly or not-yet-published, and whether you write fiction or nonfiction for children or adults, CCWC is an investment in your writing ministry that can open doors and change your life.

God bless you as you “write His answer.”

In His Service – Marlene

P.S. Please note we have replaced our 8-page brochure with an oversized postcard. Not only are we saving trees, we’re passing the monetary savings on to conferees through no increase in the price of registration. Despite the glum economic warnings, let’s not forget that our God is faithful!

If any of you have questions, leave a comment or e-mail me. Click on the link on the contacts page with my name. As Marlene's assistant I can answer most questions; if not, I can get an answer quickly from Marlene.

Keeper of Dreams

The following article was published on Crosswalk.com. I originally wrote it for homeschooling moms who had put aside their dreams for the sake of their children, but I think it will strike a chord with you writers as well. It was timely for my readers on Crosswalk's homeschool channel because it was published right after I was recognized as having the top article of the year in that venue.

I'm in another "mommy" season, only this time the children are nearly grown. I laid aside my book projects last summer due to a surprise diagnosis of visual dysfunction in all four of my children. My energies had to be refocused to researching their needs, finding help, and then starting therapy.

Funny how God works. After I laid down those books, He brought good paying assignments writing curriculum. The projects were focused, manageable, and included less emotional investment than pursing book publication--and helped pay therapy bills! Writing has looked different for me in recent months--hand picked by my Father for the season--but it still happened.

I feel the stirrings of another novel project, but I'm waiting, letting it percolate, and seeking God's perfect timing to dig back into my dream. Hope you enjoy the article!

Keeper of A Mother's Dream

My belly swollen with child number 3, I sat amidst dirty laundry piles and wondered what happened to my dreams. While being a stay-at-home mom had always been on the list of plans for my life, I’d thought I could do it all. As a college student, dreaming of my future, I’d worked it out. I’d teach elementary school for a few years (which I did), get married and have children (check), and then, while staying at home with my kids, I’d craft great the American novel during naptime.

Staring at all those laundry piles, tired from the demands of pregnancy, I realized nobody ever told me that naptime meant the sleep-deprived mom would either force herself through a list of undone chores, or fall exhausted into bed herself! My idealistic goals for my life seemed to dance in front of my eyes, laughing at my naiveté. To become a writer while staying at home with my children seemed an unrealistic daydream.

And now on top of that, my husband wanted me to homeschool our children. Though we’d planned to homeschool since the early days of our engagement, at that moment the sacrifice seemed too great. Our oldest was ready to start kindergarten and the reality of sixteen years of hard work loomed before me.

I’d told my husband we needed to rethink our plan, that I could barely keep up with the children’s needs and didn’t know how I could homeschool on top of a new baby. I suggested we check other options. These concerns were all real, but in my heart of hearts, much of my struggle to begin homeschooling was an unwillingness to continue to sacrifice my dreams. I had now lived the reality of motherhood and wondered if I could really take another step into my childrens' world. Six hours of alone time each weekday while my children attended school away from home enticed me. I imagined quiet days—hours when I could release my creative muse and embrace my dreams.

I’d been playing with writing. Poetry and articles for women’s magazines sat untouched on my computer. I believed owning a printer might give me the tool I needed to start submitting my work. Knowing we couldn’t afford to buy one, I’d asked God to supply it.

But now, it felt like a choice. Send my daughter to school, and when her brothers were old enough to join her, I could write. Or, keep her home and put my life off for another sixteen years.

For a while, my husband was unbending. He was convinced homeschooling was the best choice for our children and that I could handle it. Finally, after listening to my woes, he suggested we begin to examine other options. In that moment, I knew the issue was really about obedience. Could I let go of my dreams and obey what I’d always known God had called me to do with my children? Or would I push away the Father’s prompting and chase after my own agenda?

I quietly admitted to my husband what I’d known all along. The Lord wanted us to homeschool our children and I needed to follow His direction.

About this time, the washing machine broke down. The dirty laundry piles multiplied and shoving aside any writing dreams I prayed fervently for a washer. I’ll never forget where I was when the call came. I sat on the bottom step of our stairs, looking at all the laundry that needed to be washed. A friend had something she felt the Lord had told her to give me. I was sure it was a washing machine.

It was a printer.

I hung up the phone and fiddle with another laundry pile, processing what had just happened. I felt the Lord whisper, “I know your dreams don’t end in laundry piles. I gave you those dreams.” It was as if the Lord was showing me that as I followed Him in obedience and homeschooled my children, He was going to take care of the rest.

For the next several years I wrote very little, other than in my journal and annual holiday letter. Another little boy came quickly on the heels of the baby I’d been carrying when I decided to homeschool. I was thrust again into a world of diapers, sleepless nights, and bath time. Somehow, the older two children learned to read, write, add and subtract, while I nursed little ones. It all seems rather miraculous looking back—that school happened in our house as babies were nurtured and toddlers chased. Eventually, everyone was potty-trained, dressing himself, and tying his shoes.

And then one day, seven years or so after the day the Lord gave me a printer, I sat down at my computer and started writing. I kept writing in stolen moments—when my husband took all four children to baseball practice, or after the children were asleep. And before I knew it, I had written my first book. I began attending writing conferences and a critique group. Opportunities to share my writing came.

And through it all, we homeschooled.

The oldest entered highschool. The little ones, too, learned to read and write—and today, we continue. I shuttle the kids to hockey, debate competition, and Boy Scouts. We read books and crunch numbers.

I write when the Lord gives me the time and I walk through whatever writing doors He opens before me. Today, I write from the wealth of experiences and spiritual growth He gives me while I homeschool. And I trust Him with the future.

I’m learning an important truth: God is the keeper of a mother’s dreams. He is the only one who knows how to weave her unique talents and gifts into the landscape of her mothering. He knows the seasons she can reach beyond her family, and the seasons she can’t. And He will bring into fullness the dreams He has placed within her in His time and His way. All the Lord brings her through as she is obedient to the call to her children will provide training and a deepening of character that will translate into her other gifts and callings.

Our God can be trusted to take good care of the dreams He has given us. When we lay down our personal goals and sacrifice our time choosing to pour into the lives of our children, we aren’t leaving our dreams in the dust. We are simply placing them in the Father’s hand and giving Him permission to shape them as He sees fit.


A home schooling mother of four, Paula Moldenhauer is passionate about God's grace and intimacy with Jesus. Her website offers home schooling hints, book reviews, and a free weekly devotional, Soul Scents. Subscribe to Soul Scents at www.soulscents.us. You can contact Paula at Paula@soulscents.us.

Groundhog Day

You know the movie, Groundhog Day, with Bill Murray? It seems some people either hate it or love it. I’m one of those that loves it. I’ll tell you why in a minute.

Here’s a quick recap: Weatherman Phil Connors is sent to Pennsylvania to report on the infamous Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who can predict how much more winter is in store for those who believe. While there, he becomes stuck in this fantastic vortex where he keeps living the same day over and over again. Every morning he wakes to the same song on the clock radio, he meets the same people in the Bed & Breakfast he’s staying at, the same activities continue to happen around him day after day after day after day. . .

So what’s so great about this movie, you ask? Connors’s character arc. He starts out as a self-important jerk and ends up a hero in the town. He goes from disbelief, becoming, if possible, even more of a jerk to those he encounters, to developing into an upstart citizen, being sure to show up wherever he knows there will be trouble. He changes a flat tire for a car-full of old women, daily. He saves a kid from falling out of a tree, daily. (My favorite line, btw, is “You never thank me” as the kid runs off safe on terra firma.) And best of all, he prevents a senseless death of the town homeless guy.

We’re never told how long this goes on, but long enough for him to learn how to play the piano proficiently and chisel an awesome ice structure. So long that he goes from denying it’s happening, to trying to do something about it, to giving up by trying to kill himself, to resignation. Once he finally figures out that he has no control over this crazy clock twirling back and forth between midnight and 11:59 PM, he actually begins to better himself. It seems toward the end that even though he’s ready for tomorrow, the real tomorrow, to come, he will make the best of today.

Publishing is like that. (Ah, so you do have a point? Yes, I do.) Some writers feel they are caught in that whirlpool, living the same day over and over. Send out the manuscript. It comes back. Send it again. It comes back. Fix it. Send it out. It comes back. Every day, they wake to the same song on the clock radio. Some are optimistic, always thinking that tomorrow will be the day, only to be disappointed. Eventually, they become despondent, trying to end it all (figuratively speaking, as in, quit writing.) It’s not until they become resigned to their position that doors start to open for them. Why is that?

Just like Punxsutawney Phil, his predictions are only dependent on a Higher Power. Cloudy day? Who made those clouds? Sunny? God created the sun. Sunrise, sunset? Guess what? Only the Lord controls these things.

Your publishing career? Yep. God, and only God, is in charge of that. You can whine, take matters in your own hands, threaten to quit, but no matter what, it will all happen in His time.

My take-away from the movie, Groundhog Day, is this. It’s not up to me. I have no control. All I’m required to do is better myself and then if it happens, I move on to the next phase of waiting.

Watch the movie and see how relaxed Bill Murray becomes toward the last act. He’s proficient in everything now that he’s taken the time to learn and grow, his relationships are no longer acerbic, and -- he gets the girl.

Learn, grow, trust. That’s what God wants from us. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Kathleen E. Kovach is the ACFW Rocky Mountain Zone Director. Published through Barbour's Heartsong Presents, she writes spiritual truth with a giggle, believing herself to be truly one of God's peculiar people. For more fresh insights into movies as they relate to the craft of writing, visit her Craft Cinema blog.