My Biggest Fan

Prepare yourselves, I need to gush on my husband for a second—and this isn’t even a Marriage Monday post.

We went to Colorado Springs a couple weekends ago for me to attend the ACFW “Write in the Springs” event with Margie Lawson. (Side note—the event was INCREDIBLE, and I learned a ton, and I’m back at chapter one to continue revising my first manuscript. But it’s okay. Every encounter I’ve had stretches and grows me as a writer, and I love getting to push my craft to be the best it can be.)

Colorado Springs is normally a little over six hours from our house, and we couldn’t leave until after work on Friday evening. And, as luck would have it, we ended up driving through a snow storm on our way up, so our travel time increased, which put us there after midnight.

So I have to gush about two things Howell did over the weekend that blessed my soul.

For one—he came! My rock star hubs got us there safely, and when I arrived at the event on Saturday morning, I was greeted by a table of friendly ladies who first couldn’t believe I’d come from Texas and then couldn’t believe my husband had brought me.

Howell has traveled with me to all of the writer’s conferences I’ve attended over the last four years—not because we’re inseparable (though we do love to travel together) but because he values what I’m trying to do, the vision I have for my writing.

It’s a no-brainer to us, and I forget it’s unusual until I’m confronted with perplexed faces and surprised reactions.

The second “aww-thanks-babe” moment happened while we were at lunch on Sunday. One of my writing mentors lives in Colorado Springs, and I’m grateful she and her hubs are willing to spend time with us when we come. She’s taught me so much about my writing and the industry.

So, we’re sitting at Mimi’s Cafe, and I’m giving an update about semi-finaling in Genesis for Restless Heart, which is a book she knows about, and finaling in First Impressions for Harvesting Love and preparing that second book for a publisher, which she doesn’t know about.

And she asks the question I’m never prepared for—though, I KNOW, I should be: what’s this new book about?

I stumble over words. It’s been so long since my pitch in September. What did I say again?

As I’m mumbling something incoherent, she turns to Howell and says, “You tell me.”

And he did. He gave a great set up of the story and praised it as his favorite one I’ve written.

We’re in the presence of an award-winning, bestselling, multi-published author, and he’s praising me.

Y’all, I can’t tell you what it means to have his support for my dreams.

He pushes me to be better, and he encourages me when I need what I have to be good enough for today.

I don’t know about you, but I’d say that’s priceless.

Friends, if God’s put a dream in your heart, surround yourself with people who will believe in you. And then don’t forget to thank your cheerleaders every now and then.

Thanks, babe. :)

When the Word Tests You

"Until the word of the Lord came to pass, the word tested [Joseph]." Psalm 105:19

I've been meditating on this verse all week. It's a favorite of mine, and in the past I've always used it to encourage us to have faith in the gap.

You know, the gap of confrontation, that hole between when God gives you a word or a dream or a promise and when He accomplishes it.

In that place, you learn to stand on God's word, to declare His truth and His promises over your circumstances, over your feelings, over your enemy.

I know that gap because I've been in it for five years.

We've heard God that we'll be parents, and we know He's going to give us children.

So we continue to wait and trust His plan., and when I feel discouraged, Psalm 105:19 is my go-to verse.

But this week, I've meditated on it for a different gap. Maybe I'll call it the writer's gap.

I know He's put this dream in my heart. In fact, I believe He's called me to write, which is why I named this blog "Obeying the Call."

I'd spent many years hiding from my calling, and I started this blog--six years ago--as an act of obedience.

Do you know what happens when we step out in faith and do something?

Well, sometimes we get tested.

I have so much that is calling for my attention now that it's a test to even write.

I'm not saying that I'm in disobedience if I don't write. I'm not out of God's will if I'm
not popping out book chapters or blog posts.

That's not God's heart.

The truth is, I feel free when I write. It relaxes my mind and brings joy to my heart and refreshes my soul.

Even if I'm not writing to share the words, the act itself blesses me and draws me closer to God.

It seems natural, then, that I might face opposition before getting to that place of serenity, of chosen time, of consecrated words, pushing pen across paper or clicking keys to a screen.

Wiring in this season might look differently than it did this summer, when I could devote entire days to working on and editing my book.

That's okay. In fact, I have to be okay with that.

But I believe writing--finding time to write, regardless if it's to be shared or to be cherished--is a battle I'll have to fight and overcome.

It's a conscious decision I'll have to make, and it's not about the words, where they'll go or what they'll say. It's about me and my heart and my joy.

What about you, friend?

Do you have a dream God has put in your heart? Do you find yourself in the gap of confrontation?

I pray you'll dwell on His word, His truth for your life.

Keep dreaming. Keep fighting for your dreams. He is faithful.

Creating a Vision for Your Family

January is a time when we like to make a lot of new beginnings. The old year has passed, and it’s time to revolutionize our lives and become the new us. Does it ever work? Well, I can’t think of a single New Year’s diet or workout plan that has lasted far into February (or January most years), but there are simple things we can do to change the relationships in our lives that are easier to stick with than the next fad diet. They are probably more beneficial, too.

Today, I’d like to talk to the husbands out there. Ask yourself this question:

What is my vision for my family this year?

If you can’t answer that in ten seconds or less, you probably don’t have one. Well, that’s why we’re here. Let’s discuss it.

First, what is a vision? Webster’s defines it as “a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation.” A vision, more literally, is something you see, imagine, or dream, but when we use the term from a biblical perspective, it's more related to your purpose and mission. Setting a vision gives you a picture or goal of what change you want to see in your family this year.

Why is this important? Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people are discouraged.” As spiritual leaders of our homes, one of our greatest duties is to encourage our households. Giving a vision, or goal, for this year is a great way to encourage your wife and let her know what direction you’re taking your marriage.

So what should your vision for your marriage and/or family be? You’ll have to pray about that. It may be something as simple as living a healthier lifestyle or something as big as pursuing a relationship with Christ together on a whole new level.

My vision for my family, this year, is to be more intentional and directional about prayer. We need to spend time focused on His promises for us over the coming year.

Let’s pray. Lord, give me the vision that you have for us. I know that you have in mind what goal you want us to pursue this year and how you want us to go about that. I have an open mind and an open heart, and I’m asking you what I need to do to obey you with my family. I trust in your perfect plan, and we, as a family, seek to glorify you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is the second post in our series for The Habits of Marriage. To see the other posts, click here. 
 
Click to Tweet: Have you set a vision for your family this year? @G2WHubs shares why it's important for your marriage. #MarriageMonday

Howell