God said, “I dare you.”

It happened just a couple months ago. I had already signed up to attend a conference for Christian creatives. I was hoping to get some encouragement about my blogging and notecards ministry. Some direction. Some clarity from believers in the industry. But in March, God put a challenge before me. It interrupted my morning prayers. “Submit your book drafts to the contest.” You see, I had written a children’s book, goodness - years ago. And it sat on a back burner because 1) what if it wasn’t good enough, and 2) I don’t want to invest all that time and effort in illustrating it if it wasn’t good enough. I also started writing a devotional book that included much of my own artwork, along with scriptures and prayer prompts. I put together a sample copy using a self-publishing company. But the draft copy they sent me was a real disappointment. So that, too, went on a back burner. I guess I wasn’t meant to go in that direction after all…

So in March I saw the advertisement on social media for submissions to the Oasis Award Contest held by the Well Publishers and the deadline was fast approaching. And that’s when God stepped in. So I did it. I closed my eyes and just did it.

To make a long story short, here is a picture of the announcement made on the last night of the conference.

And now there is a contract with an editor and the publishing company underway. And I will be a real published author… never saw that coming… Lord, you have taken my breath away!

To God alone be the glory… (but, wow, I can’t wait to work on this with You, Lord!)