Since it’s been one year since I wrote my first book, Time to Refresh, I thought now would be a good time to reflect.

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Expect the Unexpected

When I started writing, Time to Refresh, I didn’t know what to expect.  All I knew was that God told me to write the book.

I was driving home from the gym one morning thinking about being laid off.  While sitting at the light, a ton of thoughts flooded my mind.  What will I do with my time?  Why do layoffs bring fear and shame? Why is joblessness so hard to talk about?  How can I show people they can find peace in the midst of a job layoff?

There were so many directions I could take the book, but God only wanted me to focus on one thing:  Be transformed by renewing your mind.

I took  God’s command just as serious as Habakkuk did when God said,

Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly.  (Habakkuk 2:2).

My prayer was this: Lord, teach me how to write this book so you will get the glory.

Pressing Forward

Before I started writing, I created an outline, researched Scriptures and information, and reviewed Bible study notes.  I wrote every day for a minimum of two hours while standing at my kitchen island. As I completed each chapter, I stood in awe of what God was doing through my hands.  I couldn’t believe I was actually writing my first book. I pressed forward every day, even on days when I didn’t want to until I finished.  Since writing my book, I created a 10-step guide to help others with their writing journey.

Since releasing Time to Refresh to the world in August 2018, the response has been positive.  I enjoy hearing how the book is helping people deal with their challenges.  But more importantly, readers have told me the book is helping them see life through new eyes.  My response:  To God be the glory! (Galatians 1:5)

A Brand-New Thing

On November 13, 2019, my book was honored as a Finalist in the Religion: Christian Inspirational Category of the 2019 Best Book Awards sponsored by the American Book Fest.  According to Jeffrey Keen, President, and CEO of American Book Fest, this year’s contest yielded over 2,000 entries from mainstream and independent publishers, which were then narrowed down to over 400 winners and finalists.

I am grateful for how far the book has come and how God is using it to speak to so many people. It is clear to me how God can use anyone and any challenge to inspire hope. I appreciate Isaiah 43:19:

For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert!

No matter what you are going through, trust God.  You never know what God has planned in the next chapter of your life.

To God be the glory!

Karen