One of the coolest things about being an author is meeting other authors!  There is something about talking to someone else who doesn't think it's weird to barricade yourself in your room for a month, who talks about characters as if they are best friends (hey, sometimes they're the only ones who seem to listen!), or fretting over whether we've killed off the wrong victim.  Authors need other authors to remind us that we're not alone in our psychosis! 

Last month, I hung out with five other authors during a four store booksigning in Minneapois and St. Paul.  We brainstormed together and shared woes, and most of all, checked out each other's books.  I came away with a pile of goodies, and among my favorite is a book that's worked its way into my soul. The title intrigued me -  "Balance that works when life doesn't."  Yeah, that sounded like something I needed - because, well, yes, you all know I tend to have too many irons in the fire, to the point of occasional fireworks!  But I dug into this book because the author  -- Susie Larson - was just so genuine in her love for Jesus.  Just listening to her talk made me feel as if I'd inhaled a fresh dose of spring.  (Oh - and yes, she's a gifted speaker).   So I decided to savor the book, reading a chapter every couple days. 

It's an amazing book, talking about physical and spiritual health.  Every chapter contained gems.  But when I got to chapter 12, "A Healthy Thought Life," something clicked.  I didn't even realize how many "negative" thoughts I was putting into my life - by my choices of television shows, or magazines, or radio stations, but suddenly I wondered just how many messages I was allowing into my life that I didn't need to hear.  You know the ones - about achievements, or appearance -- sometimes even watching HG TV made me discouraged (because no, I just can't figure out how to turn my lamp into a piece of art).  Using Philippians 4:8, Susie talks about "fixing our eyes" on Christ and how we can focus on what is pure and honorable and true.  Like listening, for example, to praise music when I'm feeling discouraged (instead of, say, watching the news).  The point is choices - what do I chose to hear, and what do I need to block out?  It seems so simple.  But in the past two weeks since I've made an effort to choose wisely, I can feel even my thoughts being refreshed.  And, well, during March, with its grey sky, and grey snow, I need some refreshing.

I hope, today, that you are hearing something pure, and true, and refreshing in your life from the Lord.  Thank you for your letters this past month, for reading Nick (and enjoying his story!), and for all your support.  I'm blessed by your encouragement!