Long time no chat

I don't have much to blog about today. Haven't really had much to blog about period. I guess that's why several months have passed without an entry. However, I think it would be a good idea to get back in the habit of it.

One thing I've learned recently is how precious life is. Of course, I've always realized that, but haven't had it really hit home how truly blessed most of us are in one way or another. Because Hannah Sobeski and her family belonged to First Baptist Church, our family kept up with them through their caring bridge website.

On November 9th, Lauryn's 8th birthday, Hannah was escorted home into the Lord's presence. Because we had prayed so much for her and her family, and read about her everyday, we really felt a spiritual connection with her and those who were praying for her. Hannah's life counted. Hannah made sure that before she left this earth, she touched as many people for her Savior as possible. We were discussing the amazing way God used this 18 year old girl and the impact she had on those around her when my daughter looked up and said, "I want to be like Hannah." WOW! What an incredible legacy. My daughter wants to be like Hannah because she was faithful servant of God; a willing vessel. And my daughter wants to be like that.

I'm also thanking God for the reminder to hold my children a little closer, give extra hugs and kisses and heap praise upon their heads. To teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord and to pray for them without ceasing. One day I want someone to say, "I want to be like Lynette. She really loves the Lord and gives him her all!" When I approach the throne of Christ, more than anything, I want Him to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

The Perfect Manuscript

Is there really such a thing? Probably not, but as writers, we strive to come as close as possible to the thing. A few months ago, I entered a partial manuscript in the Genesis Contest and was really bummed when I didn't even final. Now, after reading the comments from the judges, I realize they were right. I have taken their critiques and revised and edited and learned much. And guess what? I have a MUCH better story in the works. Contests can be really great if you get a good judge...and extremely disheartening if you don't have thick skin.

The fact that I finaled in the Touched By Love Contest was amazing and uplifting and cause for celebration. And pretty weird since I entered exactly the same thing as the Genesis. Atlanta is coming up this month and I'm going. I don't expect to win--would love to, but don't expect to--and I know it's going to be a great experience. I just wish they had their hands on the manuscript that's been edited and reworked several times over. But that's the world of contests and writing. Usually by the time the contest is over, your current manuscript in no way even resembles your original entry...ah, the joys of revision.

Blessings,
Lynette

Touched By Love Contest Finalist

Hey all, I finaled in the Touched By Love Contest. How cool is that? One judge, the published one gave me high marks...a 149 out of 155! Whoo hoo! So, now I've headed off into the final round where three other judges will decided if they like it or not. Then in July, it's off to Atlanta, Ga where I will be sitting at the luncheon where they announce the top winner.

Blessings to all!