Have you ever believed in something so strong, you would do whatever it takes to make it come to life, into reality? For years now, I’ve been writing down many children’s picture book story ideas. Back in 2010, I believed in a story, the words God had spoken to me and through me while my family and were somewhere in the middle of Canada, making our summer trip from Alaska to Minnesota to visit family. I remember the words coming on fast and furious. I had to let the words flow, even allow myself to make mistakes with spellings, not get caught up in the technicalities otherwise the storyline would have been gone.
Bessie the Amazing Cow, was my life and my world. I thought I was going to go global, sell millions of copies and Bessie in real life would become known worldwide just like in the story. People would come to know and appreciate her just as I did. Everything took a turn for the worse. After submitting two more next manuscripts to the same publishing company I thought, this is it, Bessie is going to have her own series. I received disheartening news about the publishing company. A scam. The royalties from the sales didn’t come rolling in. Just a few very small checks, then checks written out for a penny. They weren’t a Christian based publishing company, rather the devil working in disguise. I was devastated, heartbroken, a dream of mine crushed.
Thirteen years since Bessie was given life, I still think about her and the potential she has for a children’s book series. Someday, maybe someday.
For the last three years I have been submitted other children’s stories in a local children’s literature contest. Two of the stories are the same ones I’ve submitted all three times. I’ve spent countless hours reading, revising, editing, thinking, overthinking, letting it go, revisiting and letting God work through and make each story an accurate reflection of Him, words that need to be heard, said, and read.
I’ve come a long way in my writing. Fortunately, I’ve had the support of family and friends, those who have encouraged and inspired in their own special ways, as well as make time to read, edit and offer up helpful suggestions and insights.
On September 26, 2023, I received my scoresheets and judges’ comments from the contest. This is an email I have been eagerly awaiting and anticipating. To myself I have been thinking, this is the year I nailed it! I gave it my all, more than my all-my heart and soul! I believe in these stories so much and I know others who have had the opportunity to read, believe in them too.
Pause, breathe…
Okay, moment of truth…
“Unfortunately, your submission did not place among this year’s winners.”
This was one of the sentences written in my response after thanking me for taking the time to enter, and afterwards encouraged me to enter once again.
Darn it!
God, I really thought I got it right this time. The old phrase that goes, “Three times is a charm” didn’t exactly work out in my favor. I love the number three and had my mind set on achieving my goal of producing the best quality work and be selected as one of the winners this year.
We don’t always get what we want, do we?
God, He gives us exactly what we need!
He knows I have plenty of room for improvement. He knows I have much more to learn.
God has equipped me with all the tools needed to accomplish the goals and dreams He has for my life. I am on a journey, a mission, an understanding of who I am and who He is in my life. I want people to come to know Him, have a deeper more intimate relationship with Him. To do that, I need to deepen and strengthen my relationship with Him and share the ways in which He works in my life.
Giving up and giving in can be such an easy thing to do. All you need to do is wave the white flag and the enemy as won. The devil is good at deception and finding all the reasons why it’s not a good idea. I’ve been down that path many times before. As for me, I will keep pushing forward and pursue what God has put before me. I will be led by His light and love, trust in His ways rather than life a life of fearing knowing there is so much good that exists when I push myself beyond that which I think I can achieve. It’s not easy getting out of my comfort zone. It’s not easy taking criticism, but I am learning it’s nothing personal, it’s all about improving the quality of the stories. With that mindset and perspective, I’ve become more at peace.
What I’ve noticed in the six critiques I’ve had over the last three years of entering each one in the contest, is everyone has their own perspective, knowledge, wisdom, insight. We all view life through a different lens. This time around was much different. I’ve worked hard on strengthening the story line and taking into consideration all the suggestions each one had offered up. Those who reviewed, scored, and provided comments really focused on what needed to go, what needed to stay, more clarity in the path I needed to take each of these stories to the next level.
Wow! What great insight! Where was this when I needed it before? Then I needed to take a step back and think about what I had said. Who am I to say what I needed back then and now? God provides precisely what I need, not what I want or think I need. Immediately my heart settled, putting my focus back on God. This is done in His timing and His ways, who am I to judge or say?
I am looking forward with faith and confidence. I need not rush or fear for what is meant to be will find a way and happen in its own timing.
As I close, I will leave you with the following for the words, “Pray without ceasing.” These words entered my mind as I began writing and reflecting this evening. I do believe this is fitting for this moment in time, for I give Him all glory and praise for all things He has done in my life and the things I have yet to do! Thank you, Jesus, for your light and love. May your sprit continue to shine brightly through me for others to come to know you and believe!
“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Magnificent Meraki 