Novel Update 07
I sat here for a few minutes considering if I should honestly call this a novel update. I finally decided it is. The update is . . . no work has been done on my next novel. (Yes, I hear the deadline ticking nearer!)
I do have good news though. The edits for A Valley of Betrayal are finished! Yeah. The book is on to the next stage–copyediting, but for the most part my job on this novel is done. Double yeah!
Also, this weekend, I had my friend, Gayle, visiting Thursday-Sunday. It was great to get away and explore Montana in the fall. We went to Glacier National Park and the autumn colors were amazing! 
In fact, I had so much fun that all anxiety about approaching deadlines disappeared. Of course, I trust that taking time to unwind is good for this writer’s soul and it will benefit my novel in the long run.
Also, I had one more thing I’ve been thinking about lately. In my morning Bible Study I’m reading The Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore. This morning’s reading was about the disciple John taking care of Jesus’ mother. Beth Moore shared that only after the job of caregiving finished was John able to travel to many places, including Rome, to share the good news of Jesus. Her words reminded me that caregiving was something Jesus asked of John, and only after he completed this task was John ready for a great revelation–literally the book of Revelation.
As a novelist, I also have a lot of caregiving going on. With three kids at home, a dear husband and a grandmother living with us (and not to mention the teen moms I mentor), I’m in a season of giving and caring. Yet as I am faithful to these things, God also gives me moments of revelation in my writing. (I know they are moments of “revelation” because there are many times I have NO IDEA what is to come next.)
God has given me many tasks, and somehow in His grand scheme of things when I care for others He prepares my heart in ways I cannot imagine. Isn’t that just like Him?
Okay, but that doesn’t mean I can just play around and not do my work. My next update will have an update about my novel-in-progress. I promise!
Tricia, everyone does a break once in a while and being as busy as you are, I truly believe you deserved it.
Now back to work young lady! j/k!
I loved that study by Beth Moore. I have always loved the disciple John; I think I relate to him the best of all the disciples. Well, except maybe the way Peter always stuck his foot in his mouth. :o)
Yes, Leticia, you’re right. Back to work for me!
Ane, it’s one of my favorite studies of all time. It’s like a flashlight on the page, bringing the Word to light, making it a little brighter.