This is one of those entries where the writer (that would be me) just plain rambles. I can't promise you a beginning, middle, or an ending summary. My usual spiritual message? We'll see what happens, but, again, no promises.

Now that that's out of the way!

BIG SIGH .................................. ! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Anyone else feeling a bit "busy" right about now? If so, know that without a doubt you are not alone. Okay, okay, I hear you saying, "Duh, Carol."

Anyway ...

My life has been a series of transitions the past several months. If you've been reading this journal, with any frequency, you likely remember me sharing that my son was hit (as a pedestrian) by a car. He's doing much better, but still some lingering physical/mental stuff going on. I've decided to at least consult with an attorney as this thing is more than I can fully understand from a legal standpoint. I'm way out of my area of expertise.

My youngest, my daughter, has been, well, going through "growing pains" the pre-tween kind, yes, tween not teen stage. I've created this new "label" to describe her increasing  mood swings, attitudes, and let's get honest here -- sometimes outright defiance.

Admitting this was an area that I needed help with (talk about becoming humble fast) and determined some mother/daughter counseling was in order proved difficult for me. However, I'm happy to report that we are experiencing positive growth -- both of us. Yes, I'm growing, too. Isn't it funny just how hard it is to admit to our failings around our children, especially, when it's the one thing that no one "gets right" the first time around, or ever for that matter.

Work, ah, yes, work. I'm still working part time for Bethany House, the wonderful ministry that I shared with you a few entries ago. However, I am also working with a local Housing Authorities' Community Center, helping adults (all ages) with life skills, drug and alcohol issues, education, vocational and career counseling, and so much more. This is an all-around career development program that targets the whole person and the many areas that have caused them to be unsuccessful in the past.

I am so blessed to have two highly rewarding career positions where God has allowed me to use my own former weakneses and current strengths and abilities to help others find freedom, hope, and a new direction. Thank you, Lord!

Ministry work: Speaking and Writing. I am finishing up a proposal for a book that I'm cowriting with a pastor from my church. My agent is very excited about this project. I'm also still waiting for news from the "big publisher" that flew out to meet with me. The book is remains in the the long process of committee reviews etc. I've learned a lot about patience during this past year in regards to the publishing process. My work will be featured in another Regal devotional book during Christmas Season 2008; I'll provide more details down the road. Let's get through this year first. I'm also doing some article work and recently wrote the cover story for East Hill's Connection Magazine.

For me. this Christmas Season, speaking engagements have been few. I have to believe after examining everything I've written above that God knows just how much this gal can handle. I'm okay with what I'm doing right now. My speaking schedule always picks up after the first of the year and in the spring. I'll be working on some outreach and promotional "stuff" over the next few weeks to remind people I'm available and ready to share with their groups.

Phew...getting tired yet? Have you ever just needed to do a mini-outline of your life? Maybe I'm odd for doing mine so the whole world can read it. Maybe not.

Other exciting news: My dear friend, Mike Dellosso, just got his first major book contract with Realms fiction. Yay, Mike! He is an awesome writer and you'll want to watch for his first book, The Hunted, coming June 2008. If you like Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, you'll enjoy his work. Check out his website at: http://www.mikedellosso.com/

I also had the amazing opportunity to meet one of my all-time- favorite Christian authors, Karen Kingsbury. What a great lady. Please, read this woman's work. You will be glued to the pages. You might want to start with one of her stand-alone titles like Divine, or one of her incredible inspirational series. My favorite was the Baxter Family Series. Incredible stories! You'll want to read them all. You can visit her site at: http://karenkingsbury.com/

I'll post a picture of me and Karen in the near future. I need to download it from her site.

Okay, I'm getting tired. I'm gonna wind this up.

Lastly, please watch for a link to my new jounal/blog coming soon. It will be completely dedicated to my Princess Warrior for Christ theme. I'm not going to give away too many details, but rest assured, ladies (sorry, guys) your going to love it!

ON THAT FINAL FINAL NOTE I'D LIKE TO MAKE A SUMMARIZING STATMENT. SEE, I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF.

The picture and scripture that is at the top of this now overly-long entry, is how I manage to live the life I do. Seeking God's strength and His face is the only Source that gets me through my life and gives me peace in the midst of my sometimes self-induced chaos. He is my shelter, my rest, and my strength. I spend at least an hour a day in His Word and His presense. By doing this somehow I seem to have enough time for those things that are ahead of me to complete. Rarely, do I miss out on my meeting with my One True Power Source. For without Jesus, I am nothing.

Goodnight, dear readers. May God bless you and keep you until next time. Please drop me a comment, or prayer request. I'd love to hear from you.

I'm going now, really. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!