  Have you embarked on a new adventure lately, Dear Reader? Have you prayed, planned, and worked like your life depended on something, and finally reached a summit of accomplishment, if not completion? Maybe you made the sale or closed the deal. Perhaps you shook hands with a much sought after recruit. No money in the bank or signatures on the line, but still a minute to puff out your chest or give your colleagues high fives. Maybe you even broke into your happy dance. Such moments are blessings to be enjoyed. Last week, I submitted Jubilee and the Stinky Fish to Christian Manuscript Submissions After months of preparation, and several weeks of glitches, it was finally time to push the button. What a rush! Then I started this post: time for reflection. The rush is terrific, and who doesn't enjoy savoring it, at least for a minute? There's nothing wrong with that. But, I've been blessed by a very knowledgeable and gracious consultant, Tawny, through this process. Tawny offered guidance without criticism, and correction with kindness. Her encouragement fortified me to keep going on days when the voice of darkness whispered, "What's the point?" Dear Reader, who's been your inspiration, your "guide on the side"? Who's had your back on the way to success? 9 Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. One of the foundations of my faith is that I don't believe in accidents, coincidences, or luck. I believe God has a plan, a plan specifically designed for each of us. And I believe His plans include the right people to come alongside of us at the right time. It's when I forget that, and embrace pride and vanity instead, that I get into trouble. Dear Reader, I pray God's blessings and direction on your endeavors. I also pray your success will be ensured by a host of mentors, coaches, and cheerleaders who easily discern when you need candor, correction, or kindness.    So, I finished Luke's account of the Nativity, and moved onto Matthew's account. After digging a little deeper into Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, I found myself reading a closer about the wise men.
In a minute, I began asking, "How did they get there from ... where?" Going over lyrics to some of our favorite carols, like "We Three Kings" and "The First Noel" really didn't help. How many kings, or wise men, were there? Where did their journeys begin?  Do you have a dream, Dear Reader? Something tucked silently in your heart, or something that consumes you and your every resource?
Oh, I do hope so! I steadfastly believe the Lord places gifts in our grasp to empower the dream in our hearts.   Dear Readers, I almost didn't share this post. It's such an embarrassing incident! But I must have struck a nerve with some folks. Thanks for the many words of compassion, and blessings as you find acceptance in our Lord. ************************************ When you're a girl who's nearly six feet tall in high school, potential dates are pretty slim pickings. And when you're an introvert, like me, it can become downright painful.
 Have you been on any road trips this summer, Dear Reader? A few weeks ago we took one to see James for a couple of days.
While Grandpa, Allie, and two very excited granddaughters headed off by car, Mary and Mark were flying to a live podcast event in South Carolina. In our various travels, trips seem to always go better when they include rest stops.  Last week, Dear Reader, I told you that transparency is a challenge for me. Okay, not exactly a challenge, more like downright hard. Committing to weekly updates on Jubilee's progress has forced me out of my hermit's cave.
Well, here goes.  There seems to be a lot in the media these days about accountability partners, from business and finance leaders to Christian leaders.
Descriptions range from holding another person responsible for their actions to looking for and encouraging the best in someone. Thank you for your online presence that both holds me responsible and encourages.  I don't like to think of myself as OCD. Organized or efficient sounds so much better. Rachael hit the nail on the head several years ago when she said, "Allie always has a reason or a plan."
One thing about having a plan, or list, is the gratification of crossing things off. It's only halfway through the summer and I can already cross off number one: read at least one fiction and non-fiction book. Woo-Hoo!  Dear Reader, have you ever gotten caught up in a tug-o-war between reality and perfectionism? Feeling restricted by time or skill, and pressured by expectations? I'm embarrassed to admit I find myself in the middle way too often.
I was excited this spring to connect with an agent, Jenn, who is interested in my new manuscript, Jubilee and the Stinky Fish. As a matter of fact, Jenn gave me the title |
Hi, my name is Alice. A Way with Words is about sharing faith,
fun, & encouragement. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you find a little something to take with you. 
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