Hi friends,
I’m excited to be back with you this week! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I had a very busy one. We spent most of it outside. Brrr.
We celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday staring out with a breakfast at my daughters with chocolate chip pancakes, fresh fruit, some lovely maple bacon, and, of course, copious amounts coffee, at least for the adults. The kiddos enjoyed some fresh-from-the-farm apple cider.
On Friday, we decorated our tree.
The revisions of The Killing Tide—book one in my upcoming Coastal Guardian series—were due Monday. I’m so happy to have the book in and really excited how the story turned out.
Now, I’m turning my attention to preparing my house and, more importantly, my heart for Christmas, as I’m sure you all do.
I’m also preparing to write the second book in my series. The best way I know to prepare for both Christmas and writing a new book is through prayer. Praying for God to guide me, for His Word to be a light onto my path, and to prepare my heart for Him first and foremost.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18: 20
I’m so thankful to have an awesome prayer partner, Inspired by Life and Fiction’s very own Becky Wade. Becky and I signed contracts with Bethany House at the same time and had the pleasure of visiting BHP not long after. We’ve been prayer partners since the release of my debut novel, Submerged six years ago. She’s been so faithful to pray me through the ups and downs of life and publishing.
As you prepare for this Christmas season, I hope you’ll remember to stop and pray. To thank God for His Son Jesus and to ask Him to fully prepare your hearts to receive Him and to worship Him this time of year and always.
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer.”
-Job 11:13
Question for you:
How do you spend December and prepare for Christmas?
Have a blessed day!
Dani
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I’m so thankful to have YOU as a friend and prayer partner, Dani! Your kindness, support, and prayers have brightened my writing path. Thank you, friend. 🙂
Aww. You’re so sweet. Thankful for you.
I love to use a daily Advent devotional.
Oh. That sounds wonderful. Would love to try one myself. Any recommendations for one you really like?
Our church usually has one for us to use. One year, we made one in-house, and I had two days I authored. I might just use that one again.
Thanks for the reminder: “I hope you’ll remember to stop and pray. To thank God for His Son Jesus and to ask Him to fully prepare your hearts to receive Him and to worship Him this time of year and always.” Sometimes it’s the basics that we lose sight of, especially with the holiday craziness!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for stopping by. You’re absolutely right. It’s so easy to get distracted with this busy world and all we have going on. It’s so hard to be ‘still’ sometimes. So glad you enjoyed the post. Have a great rest of your week.