Independence Day by Susan Tuttle

Image Courtesy of Nixx Photography
FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

So tomorrow is the Fourth of July, Independence Day. Our little town throws a giant picnic with so many fun things for the kids: rock climbing, bungie trampolines, petting zoos, and tons of hotdogs…then at night we do fireworks in the park. And there’s old cars and bike parades, dunk tanks and pie eating contests. I LOVE my town and it’s small feel.

And I love that, here in America, we have the freedom to walk down our street as a Christian. I love that my family can pray in public and worship openly. We don’t have to hide our church attendance, and we have an abundance of Christian radio stations that stream worship music at all times of the day and night. These are huge things to be thankful for, because while this is Independence Day, as a Christian we live our lives dependent on God. I never want to take for granted that we can do so without having to look over our shoulder.

So today I’m praying as you eat your hotdogs and watch the colors explode in the sky this weekend that you take a moment to be thankful for all the amazing freedoms we still have in this country. They are truly worth celebrating.

Happy Fourth of July!

Dora here. We used to live in a small town that celebrated Independence Day in a big way, from early morning parades to afternoon festivals and fireworks at nightfall. Like Susan, I loved all the happenings around town and how the entire community came together to celebrate. Unfortunately, not everybody is able to take the day off. So here's a warm cyberhug of thanks to our fire, police and military personnel who keep us safe and protect our liberties. We appreciate you!!

This year, we're vacationing with both our sons and their families/friends over the Fourth. This may shock some of you, but I'm leaving my laptop and flash drive behind and allowing myself the simple freedom to not write. Actually, to not even think about writing. I plan to savor this rare occasion when my two grown sons will be in the same place, to build sandcastles and ride the waves with my grandchildren, to create precious memories, and to refill and nourish my creative well. Wishing you all a Son-kissed Independence Day! 

How do you celebrate Independence Day? 

Will you squeeze in any writing?

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Susan Tuttle

Susan Tuttle is a homeschooling mom of three who is crazy about coffee, dark chocolate, and words—both reading and writing them. Combine that love of words with her passion for leading women to a life-changing encounter with Christ, and you’ll find her crafting Inspirational Contemporary Romance stories laced with humor, love, and healing transformations. When not cheering on her Ironman hubby, chasing the family dog, or tackling complex math problems to teach her kids (yes, even the third grader), you can catch Susan at her blog, Steps.

Cause for Celebration by Darlene Franklin

Dear writer, are you longing for the day you reach a specific goal? Annette here. I can relate. But are we wishing our lives away with that end in sight? We can be, if we miss the journey. Here's Darlene Franklin's wise advice. Enjoy!

Darlene Franklin

Cause for Celebration
by Darlene Franklin

Lately celebration has floated to the top of my mind. Years ago, a piece of advice helped me as a fledgling writer. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal. Celebrate the steps.

In other words—celebrate the journey.

On July 1st, my twenty-fifth book was published, It Is Well with My Soul. The joy doesn’t get old. Almost every book represents a significant step forward. In this case, it’s my first nonfiction book. It’s also my fifth book this year, in spite of the physical problems I’ve battled for the past twelve months. So I announce it and quietly rejoice.

Lest you think, That’s easy for her. She has so many books out there, I point to the facts. I wrote for fourteen years before I had that first book contract. Success didn’t come easily or quickly.

What steps can we celebrate? Writing the first word. Joining a critique group or a writing organization. Participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Completing a manuscript. Editing it. Sending it to a publisher (magazine or book or electronic). Receiving a rejection.

Celebrate all of that and more.

CONTRACT! Definitely calls for a celebration. But how about submitting the final manuscript, approving art work for the cover, doing the edits, proofing galleys—all of that before you receive the book in your hand (or it appears on line).

How do we celebrate? You get to decide! I’ve done everything from buying a Bible cover to getting a much-needed laptop.

Hand me that candy bar, please. 

~~~~~

Golden Dreams

Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin lives in cowboy country—Oklahoma. Oklahoma has the benefit of being the home to her son, his wife, and their four beautiful children. Darlene loves music, needlework, reading and reality TV. She currently resides in a nursing home, which has become a place of blessing. Darlene is the author of twenty-five novels and novellas. She has also written around 250 devotionals and personal experience pieces for various publications, including her soon-to-release book, It Is Well with my Soul. For links to her books and other writing, check out the second page of the blog. Her latest book, Golden Dreams, releases this month. Learn more about Darlene by visiting her website/blog.