A Strong Influence

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28)

Mother’s Day is always a good time to acknowledge the women who have influenced me the most. Throughout my life, I’ve had many examples of what a strong Christian woman looks like. My family tree is filled with women who have helped me learn more about Jesus and grow stronger in my faith, and I also have a lot of friends who have been good examples. Continue reading “A Strong Influence”

Back to School

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Prov 9:9)

When fall approaches, I start thinking about going back to school. I always enjoyed school, from learning new things to seeing my friends to joining clubs.

Even as I got older, I continued my love of learning. I studied English literature and writing as an undergrad and secondary education as a graduate student. Sometimes, I think about going back to get my Master of Fine Arts or maybe even my doctorate. Continue reading “Back to School”

Focusing on Health in 2019

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

As I look back over 2018, I’m repeatedly drawn to my health goals. My goal was simply to be healthier. It was a pretty broad goal, to be sure, and I realize now that I wasn’t specific enough in how I wanted to reach that goal. Many of the health problems I experienced in 2018 could have been prevented. Some were caused by pushing myself too hard. I worked even when I was sick, rarely taking a day off, which leads to more illness and potential burnout. I also struggled with seasonal depression more than usual, so this year, I’m taking steps to combat that issue. You can read all about it here in my recent blog post. Continue reading “Focusing on Health in 2019”

Freelance Writing: A Look Back at My First Year

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—” (Prov 1:5)

This month marks the one-year anniversary of my working full time as a freelance editor and writer. As a way to remember the occasion, I thought it would be appropriate to look back over the year and discover some of the lessons I’ve learned.

  1. Working as a freelancer has its perks. I can set my own schedule. Major perk.
  2. But setting my own schedule is challenging when I take low-paying jobs that require an enormous amount of work in order to build my clientele list and pay the bills. Finding jobs that pay well can be challenging, but I’ve learned that my time is valuable, and I must charge accordingly. If I don’t value the services I offer, why would anyone else?
  3. I’m learning to say “no” and set boundaries, especially when someone takes advantage of me.
  4. I’m learning what I enjoy writing and editing. I like academic editing. And manuscript editing. And nonfiction writing, especially grant writing, the mere thought of which makes some of my friends cringe and say a prayer of thanks that it’s me and not them. The jury is still out on fiction writing, but only because I struggle with it so much more than any other type of writing.
  5. Even though I’m an introvert, I’ve struggled to adjust to working alone. I enjoy spending time by myself, but I also enjoy the company of close friends. By nature, I’m introspective and spend a lot of time in my head. Now that I write full time, I find myself getting lost in my thoughts. I’m learning that I have to make an effort to reach outside of myself and connect with others. Through volunteering at church and networking with a fantastic community of authors and strong Christian women, I have found the support and guidance I need.
  6. My friends and family let me ask them questions or run project ideas by them, but for the most part, all the decisions for the business are up to me. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I don’t want to fail. I’ve learned not to rush my decision-making process and not to be so hard on myself if a decision doesn’t play out the way I hoped it would. Growing the business – and myself – is an ongoing process.
  7. Throughout this past year, I’ve struggled to find balance between my work and personal life. Working at home has been an awesome experience, but there’s very little separation between my work and the rest of my life. I have trouble leaving work “at work” when I never actually leave the office.
  8. It’s normal to have doubts. Write anyway.

In Proverbs 16:16, Solomon writes, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” It is my prayer that when I look back over the past year, I will take note of lessons learned so that I can move forward into year two of running my own business with a clear mind and open heart. When I ask, the Lord will provide wisdom and guidance for each step that I take and help me touch the lives of others through my work.

Dear Jesus, thank you for providing the opportunity to pursue my dream of writing full time. I pray for wisdom to make decisions that will honor you. Amen.