There are so many of these milestones in life.  My next door neighbor was sad this week because her youngest moved up to a “big boy” carseat.  Some of us have kids graduating from kindergarten or high school or (gulp) graduate school.  Some of us are looking at life with a brand new degree in hand and thinking, what now?  Some are becoming grandparents.  Some, like my parents, are retired and finding themselves way busier than when they worked full-time.

We have milestones in our spiritual lives too.  Maybe it’s a new commitment to short-term mission work, a new in-depth Bible study, sacrificial giving, or prayer and fasting.  Sometimes we accept a challenge and are amazed at what happens when we partner with God.  Sometimes we’re not ready yet and before we know it, we’ve mangled the garage door because it wasn’t open when we put the car in gear.  Then we have to call the insurance company, make repairs and try again.

One thing’s for sure.  Life moves fast.  I wouldn’t want it any other way.  I love new challenges and learning new things.  I love knowing that God has plans for me.  Sometimes I wish He’d clue me in–a text message at the appropriate moment of decision would be fine.  But there’s that Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 that always gives me a feeling of peace, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

(For those of you with new drivers:  Zephaniah 3:17:  “The Lord your God is with you.  He is mighty to save.” 

It’s Monday.  It’s raining.

At least it’s not snowing outside–or 12 degrees in my house for today.  (Okay it hasn’t really been 12 degrees, but it’s been cold.  I keep thinking if I lived in Nebraska or Canada, at least I would have a furnace, or long johns.  Or walls instead of glass

For now, there’s a soft rain falling outside.  I’ve got Lady Antebellum on the music player and hot coffee in my cup.   Life is good.

Because every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while…I’d like to introduce you to my current hero, Ben Storm.  (Yeah, he looks a little like Matt Bomer who plays Neal Caffrey on White Collar, but that’s just coincidence ;o))  Ben Storm is the hero who takes on Maria Fuentes, Sea Breeze’s favorite CSI.  Their story will be out in November in Holiday Havoc, a two-in one with LIS author Terri Reed!

I love this statement I’ve been seeing around different forums. I’ve decided to incorporate it into my daily life. Imagine how this simple philosophy can help me out. For example, I love (really seriously love) this new Kona coffee I bought recently but my husband prefers another brew. Instead of telling him he has no taste, I just shrug and say YMMV.

Because it does. In everything all the time. My way, contrary to common thinking, is not the only way. The world would be boring if we were all going the same direction all the time. And all those little things we get fired up about won’t be so bad if we make room for other people to disagree. Diversity is good in most things.

People are quirky, too. I wonder sometimes what my quirks are. Coffee is definitely my beverage of choice, but that’s not really unique. The way I drink it or brew it might be more of one. Is the fact that I like to stay in my pajamas until 3 o’clock in the afternoon a quirk?

I’m working on a new proposal and getting to know new characters. I probably won’t figure out all their little habits and quirks until I write the book, but it’s fun thinking about the unique things that make them who they are, partially their personality, partially the things that have happened to them that have shaped them.

Then I have these characters and all is great and fine (or not, as the case may be) and in comes the suspense element to throw things off and make it even more interesting. I really love writing!

I’ve seen the pictures on the news. It’s heartbreaking. But when I pray for Haiti, I see the face of a beautiful fourteen year old girl who can’t wait for her fifteenth birthday next month. She likes to play volleyball and, like my own teenage daughter, loves music. Her name is Keren.

My family met Keren through Compassion International. Compassion serves more than 65,000 children in Haiti, a third of whom live in the areas most affected by the earthquake. (See photo below) If you’re wondering how you can help, please consider Compassion.

To read Compassion’s blog entry on the situation in Haiti with current updates.

Just for fun, here are a few of the songs from my playlist for Smoke Screen:

First, his fiancée was murdered. Next, a dear friend. Is an arsonist targeting firehouse chaplain Jake Rollins through his loved ones? FBI agent Chloe Davis is on the case—even though it brings her far too close to the handsome pastor. Chloe has always worked undercover, trusting only herself. How can she believe a man who says he knows her—and loves her—for who she is? Only when the smoke begins to clear will Chloe learn to see past her doubts and fears…and find the vengeful killer closer than anyone realizes.

Starting today, look for Smoke Screen at retail stores near you!