Julie Lavender

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.

The article that would feature “an ordinary kid doing extraordinary things,” was well received by Jesse Florea, and he asked me to send it to him following the conference.

That article appeared in the December issue of 2017. I also had the blessing to attend another class taught by Jesse Florea at the 2018 Florida Christian Writers Conference. I queried him later in the year about three story ideas.

Surprisingly, Jesse Florea accepted all three stories. And one of those turned out to be my very first magazine cover story!

A young ten-year-old in my church illustrates Christmas cards and sells them in batches of twelve cards. Then, he donates a huge amount of his profits each year to a charity or entity he selects. Usually something really personal to him! The very first year, he helped support his aunt’s and uncle’s trip across the country to visit a specialist with his little cousin, who has Lissencephaly Pachygyria Lennox-gastout Syndrome.

The story fit perfectly with the theme for their November issue, because that’s the one that the magazine uses to spotlight an art contest for readers.

And November is the perfect time to remind me of God’s blessings throughout my writing journey. I’m thankful year-round, obviously, and I’m mindful to thank God often during my prayer walks. But it’s easy to be reminded to count my blessings this month.

Thank you, God, for conferences and cover stories. But thank you most especially, God, for YOUR stories that you allow me to share with others through my writing. I’m forever grateful.

What about you? What's going on in your writing journey? What special blessings have you encountered recently along the writing path? Share below and let's give thanks together!