“SOMEBUNNY” NEEDS YOU By Patti Jo Moore

Easter blessings, my friends! I’m certain we’ll all agree that this Easter season is unlike any Easter season (or spring season) we’ve experienced in the past. Ever. With the horrible Covid-19 virus (I shudder even typing that) pandemic, our lives have been turned upside-down. And shaken. But as Christians, we cling to our faith and the hope we have in Christ—and we persevere. We must! 😊

Recently, I’ve been reading some excellent articles and blog posts encouraging those of us who are writers. Some wonderful, uplifting suggestions to keep us going, even when we feel we’re in a fog. Personally, I’m relieved to know I’m not the only one who’s having difficulty staying focused. Yes, it’s frustrating when you need to complete your current project, but just can’t seem to keep your mind on the story or your fingers on the keyboard. But knowing you’re not alone helps somehow.

Originally, this post was going to be about writing through this trying time, foggy brain and all. I’d planned on offering encouragement and cheering folks on. But then…I decided that for some writers, maybe—just maybe—the Lord has another way for you to use this time at home. Could it be that you’re supposed to put away that manuscript (temporarily, of course) and write something completely different? Maybe you write contemporary romance but for a season you’re supposed to write for children, or young adults. A completely different genre. Or maybe you’re supposed to send cards to people (a personal favorite ministry of mine), including handwritten notes of encouragement and hope. Who couldn’t use some uplifting words right now, delivered by snail-mail in an old-fashioned card?

Or maybe you’re supposed to take a little break from writing altogether, and spend time phoning elderly shut-ins who are lonely, to offer an encouraging word to them. You never know how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire day (or week!). For those of you with children in your home, this is an opportunity to get super creative with activities for them. Or, simply sit and read together.

Are there craft projects you’ve wanted to make and give as gifts at Christmas (yes, I realize it’s only April now) 😉 but when life was “normal” you never had the time? Or it could be that during this season you need to be a prayer warrior for someone. The point is: Somebody needs you! Whether it’s your writing, your listening ear, or your prayers—YOU can be used to help others during this very trying time.

Since I’ve been seeing so many cute pictures of bunnies recently, I couldn’t resist the play on words in my blog title today. 😊 Always the kindergarten teacher, I guess. Despite these uncertain, trying times, I hope each of you will have a very blessed Easter, as we celebrate our Savior’s victory over death.

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6

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Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her sweet grandbaby) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

A Brand New Year!! by Sally Shupe

Who’s excited for a brand new year? Last year is in the past. This year is a brand new slate. What do you want to see you accomplish? Dream big! Everything in the past is gone, setting this year up to be a great launching pad into another year.

Take a few moments (But only a few moments! It’s time to move forward!) and think about last year. What didn’t work so well? Did you have a planner that didn’t keep you on task? Get a new one for this year! Did you want to get more things accomplished around the house, or lose weight, or be more active? Brainstorm ways to see that happen. Did you find if you had highlighted certain tasks that they got done in the timeframe needed? Get more highlighters, in different colors! Did you feel like it was just you swimming in a big pond and you wished you had someone in your corner, someone who would encourage you, ask about your writing (or whatever you’re working on), be interested in reading what you wrote? Take this year to find a critique partner, or a really good friend who you can bounce ideas off of, who will encourage you along the way. Need a running buddy so you’ll get out there and run? Find one! Need to lose weight but lose momentum? Find a group who will motivate and encourage you when you want that midnight snack.

However, for this exercise, keep most of your focus on what worked for you. Do more of that! Did setting an activity goal for each day or week make you more motivated to work out, walk more steps in a day, or get more things done? Did writing out a grocery list enable you to eat healthier and not come home with random junk food in your bags? Did having a critique partner keep you accountable and at the end of the day, week, or month the words were piled up in a great way? Then continue those traits into the new year!

Find what works and keep doing that. If something doesn’t work, change it. It’s your plan for success. There are as many different ways to accomplish something as there are people. What works for one person, or a dozen, may not work for you. Find what works for you. You want to be successful this year. You want to lose weight, get more things done, write more words, have completed novels to publish. Work out a game plan to get it done! This is a great new year for you to be who you wish to be. Work out a plan that works for you and watch this year be the year!

Sally Shupe lives in southwest Virginia with her husband, two grown kids, and a whole bunch of pets: five dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and birds at the birdfeeder (and the mandatory snowman when the snow cooperates). She writes contemporary Christian romance, with two completed manuscripts and others in progress. They are part of a series located in small town Virginia.

When Sally’s not writing or working full-time, she is a freelance editor for several authors who write fiction and nonfiction; students working on dissertation papers; a copy editor for Desert Breeze (now closed); a content editor for Prism (became part of Pelican); performs beta reading for various authors; publishes book reviews on her blog and with Valley Business FRONT’s monthly magazine; is a member of ACFW and ACFW Virginia; and loves genealogy, running, and crocheting.

Sally uses her love of words to write about God’s amazing love.