Great news!!!

There are three great things that have headed my way recently. Well, let's say four...

1. I... get this, finished my children's book today! (applause, applause, applause) I've been feverishly working on it for a couple months now. It's been trying. Deep feelings that are embedded in me came out in this book and I had to clarify what it was I felt, trying to explain it in a clear way with a storyline that was appealing. One you'd like to read over and over again.

After changing a larger detail in the story line yesterday and finishing up the details of it again today, I asked John if I could, yet again, read him my story. I knew it was pretty much complete when, after reading the story, I saw his eyes glisten with tears. I felt like crying too. It was a really neat moment I'll probably never forget. I had felt like I'd never finish it...something was always needing changes.

I also did a test on Tyra by reading it to her...she paid attention the whole time and said, "I loved it!" No, she wasn't trying to humor me...the kids often say, "that was a good one!" after reading them a good book and my own book now falls into that category!

Now I'll take on the challenge of finding a publishing agent and hope a publisher finds my book worth publishing...

2. Those who know me well, know how strongly I feel about pornography and diminishing the seeds that lead to it. I've had an idea about an organization I'd like to get started that will set a standard for participating stores and advertisements, one which, when agreed to, promises they are free of any indecent materials that lie in a persons normal route through their store or such....

Recently I've received two contacts from within two different organizations. One being the Lighted Candle Society and the other being American Mother Inc. A couple mornings ago I finally decided to take the leap and contact these people within these organizations to let them know I had an idea I wanted to share with them.

I was contacted today by a woman who is serving as White Ribbon Chair (anti-pornography/decency) on the Utah state board of AMI and was invited by her to a luncheon that will take place in one week. Those attending this luncheon will be people who are also working against pornography in similar ways as I am, even, a member of the Lighted Candle Society (this is a society filled with doctors, lawyers, and such).

I hesitated contacting these people, I felt worried that I may be getting in over my head but I feel driven to this. I feel passionately about doing something to decrease the amount of people who become addicted to pornography. And I know the Lord is leading me. It was Gordon B. Hinckley's quote that pushed me to make the leap and send my e-mail(s). "The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the season to be strong. It is time to move forward without hesitation."

3. To help John get through school and to help us through the hard winter months I have decided to face paint at fairs and festivals. I have a fair I'm going to 4 out of the 5 weekends in August. I'm excited to do it. It'll be fun painting many designs on all sorts of faces. It'll only be a handful of weekends during the whole year and it will benefit us in great ways. I'm glad this opportunity came along...;)

4. The Homeschooling Book Group I started about 6 months ago is so wonderful. I love having strong, spiritual, mission-driven, thoughtful, women in my life who motivate me, enrich my mind, and are such good examples to me. I feel so blessed to have this be a part of my life.

I'm feeling excited and nervous about some of these things but they are all good things. I'm so grateful to the Lord for placing them in my path. This IS "the season to be strong and the time to move forward without hesitation."

The Lord uses ordinary people to do great things...I hope to be one of those ordinary people. I hope to be an ordinary person, who, after having passed from this earthly life, will stand in front of Heavenly Father, looking confidently into His eyes as I respond to His questions, "How have you loved? and How have you served?"