Today’s the day!

Today’s the day for the big American Christian Fiction Writer’s Gala where the winners of the Carol Award will be announced. My book, Puzzle House, is a finalist in the novella category sooo…. what’s my thoughts as I wait to hear the announcement tonight?

I’m sure the other two finalists in my category are just as deserving. I’m sure their books are just as good. I’m sure they’ve worked just as hard to get to this point. Of course, I’d love to win but… winning isn’t everything.

Win or lose, God has blessed me by giving me the dream of being a writer and then the dream becoming a reality.

Win or lose, when Monday comes around I’ll be back at my computer working on my next story.

Win or lose, God will still love me as will my husband, family and friends.

Win or lose, I’m blessed in more ways than I have time or space to talk about.

In 2012, I heard the words, “you have bilateral brain tumors.” Those are not words you want to hear! Those words were quickly followed up by explaining that these type of tumors are rarely cancerous. Good news but that doesn’t mean they haven’t wreaked havoc on my life and my health.

As I went ( and still go) through my struggles, Romans 8: 28 has become one of my go-to Bible verses to give me peace and strength. God promises to work out ALL things for good for those who love him. That’s me! But the truth is I couldn’t see how God could work out BRAIN TUMORS for my good.

And yet He did!

Here it is 6 years later and I still struggle with the effects of the brain tumors but… I have peace and joy. I can still write the stories God gives me. And one of the stories He gave me is PUZZLE HOUSE. Puzzle House would never have been written if I hadn’t developed the brain tumors because the main character has what I have. Yes, the same Puzzle House that’s up for the Carol Award.

So as you can see, God really does work all things out for the good of those who love him.

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!