I am doing another little happy dance this week.  The reason?  Well, there are a few:  My hubby has a new job for starters!  Though he is somewhat nervous about new beginnings, it is an answer to a number of months of prayer.  In these days, it is hard enough to find a job without being 57 and trying to find a job!  Once again, I simply look to our marvelous Source and smile, knowing full well that His desire is to care for His children.  I am sure He is smiling back with an "I told you so" nod that reminds me that though somewhat invisible, He indeed is invincible!  I am also reminded that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things we do not necessarily see!  Why else would it be called faith?  Being a Christian is all about risking what we see for that which we do not!  It requires us to believe in something/someONE bigger than us!!  I like that!  This "round" of unemployment took me to a deeper place of trust in God.  It is rather difficult to describe, but I have to say that the tests of our faith do in fact produce endurance and confidence that He will bring us through and bring us out!  And in the process He causes our character to be more like His.  I also like that!

A second reason for my happy dancing is that today I am witnessing a long time personal desire and prayer become a reality. Over three years ago I began collecting information, clippings, stories, and photos to begin writing a book about my growing up years in Potosi, a quaint little town about an hour south of St. Louis.  It is so interesting how the desire and drive simply "moved in" and led me through the process of doing something I had never done - write a book!!  Once again, I can only attribute the entire process to God as it has been a completely delightful experience!  I have made numerous trips to Potosi, showing up in my old blue Honda with camera, notebook and pen in hand taking photos, interviewing and talking with townspeople, checking out buildings, schools, tombstones, grave sites, churches, browsing through the library and museum there.  I have met and re-met some wonderful folks and learned so much more about my town - and it's people than I ever might have known!  I could even tell you about a few miracles that have occurred as a result, but that will wait for another writing.  

In the meantime, I will be announcing on Facebook and here when this book will actually be for sale!  I have 4 copies from my dear friend and editor, Christie that I am so excited to have in my hands!!  She took my manuscripts, spent hours upon hours editing and working on creating a "prototype!  It is now complete including photos and a beautiful cover!!  I now have only to make the last editing corrections/changes and add a few other additions.  I am so very grateful for her love and service to do this wonderful thing for me!  It literally brought me to tears!!  Who even does such beautiful things for another??  One who is submitted to the same God who I so often mention here!  It is a selfless thing to sacrifice such time and long-suffering, and it demonstrates the kind of love that the Father has for us, His children!  My heart is bubbling and running over with gratitude to my amazing God and to this dear woman who has so graciously made something very special begin to come to life for me.  I remember at the beginning of this project when I again wondered how "little" me could ever accomplish a task so enormous!  How could I have doubted that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is not able to strengthen my "mortal body" and bring about a beautiful end to that humble beginning?!!  Faith = trusting in a God we cannot see to do what might seem impossible in our lives!  

Stay tuned for more soon to come information about "Growing Up in Potosi"!  And....thank you to a very dedicated and loving friend, Christie Checket!!  XOXOXOXOX