Just the beginning...

It's crazy to think that in less than a month, my book will officially be published. What's even more crazy is to think that this is only the beginning.

My first writing conference with my mom in 2010, when I was 16. =)

It all started in fall 2009--when I signed up for a Christian Writers Guild course and wrote the first version of PURPLE MOON. In 2010, I met my publisher at a writing conference and was later offered a contract by them. After much prayer and consideration, I signed the contract in March 2011. But before I started the round of edits with my editor, I spent the rest of the year trying to make PURPLE MOON the best I could. I'm very thankful to have such a patient publisher who continued pushing back my release date... =) Finally--once the perfectionist in me was finally satisfied with the story--I began the round of edits for PURPLE MOON with my editor.

I've grown tremendously as a writer these past four years. I've attended 6 writing conferences, completed 2 books, accepted a job as en editor for the faith department of Temperance Magazine, accepted a job as the teen columnist for Whole Magazine, wrote several articles for More To Be and other websites, and wrote freelance articles. I am so grateful at how God has opened so many doors for me. However, my career as an author hasn't even begun yet. Because it begins, officially, in a month. When PURPLE MOON releases. And when it does, that will be just the beginning--my first book to be published out of (hopefully) many more. I couldn't ask for a better job, and I honestly don't take any credit. (Continue reading)

School Survival for the Christian Teen

As much as I enjoyed the summertime as a kid, going back to school was very exciting for me. Not necessarily because I was looking forward to learning, but because I was looking forward to a brand new year—making new friends, being a grade older, having the opportunity to start over and try to make better grades, etc.

However, each school year also came with a whole new set of challenges. Especially in high school.

For the next nine months, you’ll be entering the same territory every day, surrounded by people who may or may not be Christian. There will come days when you’re tempted to give up, days when you just don’t feel like doing your homework or even going to school. (Continue reading & receive a free PDF of "Back to School Spiritual Check-List"!)

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Quiet Time: Better Than a Bubble Bath

After a long, hard day, there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a bubble bath to wash all your worries away. Or maybe you’re someone who likes to end the day with a good book to distract you from your worries. Perhaps you’d rather drink chamomile tea to ease your anxiety. Although these things can, in fact, calm you down—they don’t have the ability to relax you spiritually. And they certainly don’t offer peace. There is only one way to receive the peace we need after a stressful day, and the way to receive that is by spending time with our Heavenly Father.

Just as a married couple must spend quality time with each other to keep their relationship alive, we must also have quiet time with God in order to continue growing in Him. I can’t think of any better way to wind down, get ready for bed, and prepare for the next day than spending time with Him.

So instead of doing yoga the next time you feel anxious, spend about a half hour with your Father. And the next time you’re tempted to escape your troubles by reading a book, open your Bible instead. Remind yourself of the verse Philippians 4:6 which states:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Turn on some worship music and bathe in God’s presence, trusting that He is in control. If you’ve messed up that day, keep in mind that His mercies are new every morning. Give all your burdens to Him, knowing that nothing in your life is too big for God to handle. There is no form of yoga that can completely still your fear the way God can. And guess what? You don’t even have to wait until the end of the day to receive His peace. It’s available to you seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.

That’s much better than a bubble bath, don’t you think?

(Originally posted November 2012 at RealTeenFaith.com)

PS: There are still openings if you would like to be part of the "Purple Moon" blog tour this fall. Please email me for details!