What’s New in 2018

Waiting on the “Write” Thing

I believe 2018 is going to be an amazing year, complete with new adventures and plenty of challenges.

This past year has made me more mindful of the fact that each day of life should be lived with intentionality and that God has ordered my days if I will just consult him about how to spend them.

You see, I don’t want to miss out on anything he has planned for me.

One of the things I have been praying for, over the past year, is a writing and publishing mentor. Sometimes, opportunities will present themselves, and when this happens, it’s important to pray and ask God if this is indeed a door that should be walked through. Something may be good, in and of itself, but God may say, “no” or “wait” because he has something else in mind for us. It’s during those moments when we learn to trust him and wait on his timing. 

When I found out in September that we would be going to Las Vegas in early December for Tony’s work, I asked God to meet us there.

I find myself asking God to meet me in many different places and ways these days.

God is so faithful and answered my prayer because during the week leading up to our trip, the Holy Spirit began speaking to me about my next adventure.

I shared my experiences with a friend, and after listening to me, she said, “Kristi, Kary Oberbrunner is opening up his Author Academy Elite program again. I think you should consider applying for it.”

One thing I felt certain was that I was not ready to write a book, even though the dreams the Holy Spirit had given me the days leading up to our conversation suggested otherwise.

God’s timing is often different from ours. Have you ever noticed that?

She said, “I will pray that as you fly to Las Vegas, you are flying into your destiny.”

 I liked the sound of her words, but I was still not convinced that I was ready for what I was hearing.

However, as I awakened that first morning in our hotel room, I knew what God was telling me to do. And as I continued to ask him for confirmation and to explain the dreams he had given me leading up to our trip, my certainty grew, and I knew I had to apply to the program, ready or not.

You see, when God says, “go,” you go because he’s God, and he knows best.

And if he calls you to something new, you can be sure that he has already gone ahead to prepare the way.

As we walked among the crowds of people that day in the Las Vegas Convention Center, I walked a little taller in my new black boots, literally and figuratively. I knew God was up to something. I knew my prayers had been answered and he had met me there.

When we returned to the hotel that afternoon, I filled out the application and submitted it before leaving for another event that evening. My application was accepted, and I was asked for an interview, which would take place over the phone on our trip home. Following my interview, I received an email inviting me to be part of the program, and my next adventure was beginning.

This ordinarily cautious girl, who usually wants to approach things carefully, was given a short window of opportunity to take a huge leap of faith, and I jumped because I knew, without a doubt, that God was behind it all. Did I “feel” ready? Not really, but I know that God finishes anything he begins, and that knowledge gives me the confidence to move forward.

So…I am beginning the process of writing my first book in 2018, and it will be published by Author Academy Elite.

God never ceases to amaze me. Never. He’s full of surprises. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Trip Planning

Another big milestone taking place this year is that Tony and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary in April, so we are trying to decide where to go. I have also begun to pray about this trip and am asking God to meet us there as well.

Let’s All Be Brave

My word for 2018 is “Brave.”

Faith over fear.

Taking risks for him.

And

Living each day with intentionality.

As you begin to plan your new year, remember to ask God what he thinks about the plans you have in mind. Ask him what he would like for you to do and where he would like for you to go. He’s full of surprises. His plans for you are secure.

What new thing do you believe God is asking you to do?

Trust him and take a leap of faith.