CONSIDER THE SWEETGUM TREE
by Julie Lavender

I’ve watched for weeks as many of my Facebook friends have bragged and boasted, gloated and crowed. Words and pictures piqued my jealousy. It’s just not fair. Everybody else has them …. why can’t I enjoy the splendor, too?

Thank you, God, for words to share.....

by Julie Lavender

Tonight, I’m especially thankful for a unique accomplishment in my writing journey: a cover story for a children’s magazine.

And, I’m grateful for this writing credit, because I recognize that the path to get here wouldn’t have been possible without my attendance at writing conferences.   

The opportunity to chat with magazine editor Jesse Florea during a one-on-one appointment at the 2017 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference enabled me to present a story idea for Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Magazine.

CONSIDER THE ZEBRA LONGWING BUTTERLY

by Julie Lavender

I always forget they’re still here this time of year. 

Strikingly beautiful with their black bodies and black wings and impressive, light-yellow zebra-like stripes stretching across each wing, Zebra longwing butterflies glide about the lantana flowers in the front yard.

Thankful for Writing Friends and the Writing Journey
by Julie Lavender


I love writing about my walk with God in the great outdoors and the lessons I learn from His creative masterpieces that creep, crawl, fly, slither, or put down roots and send up sprouts and stems.



But, as most of you know, a huge part of my walk with God includes my writing journey. 


I'm blessed to be part of Edie Melson's writing website, The Write Conversation, and I contribute monthly. I hope you'll take a look at my Thanksgiving post on her site. You'll find it here.


I'll share part of the post below, and I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving! 

With newspaper writing, I’ve learned to:

Tackle “writing tight.”

Hone valuable editing skills.

Accumulate bylines quickly.

Network with fascinating members of the community.

Kickstart platform and name recognition.

Share “little” stories that might otherwise go untold.

Gain experience writing on deadline.

Inspire readers with positive, encouraging, faith-based stories.

Value local stories of God’s work in the community.

Incorporate original articles in other outlets.

Notice and acknowledge community members of faith.

Generate income, albeit minimal, at times.

God bless you, my friends. 
I thank God for you often!