But if you don't understand that story is character and not just idea, you will not be able to breathe life into even the most intriguing flash of inspiration.

It is the job of the novelist to touch the reader.

I want God to be first in my life, so I'm putting Him first in my life today.

Just as stars shine brightest in the darkest night, your joy blazes brilliantly through life's problems when you count them as joy.

Do you want to be safe from the influence, ways, and lusts of the world and the flesh (I John 2:16)? From the sins which so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1)? Then delight in yourself in the Lord, in His provision, in His Word. Faithfully feed on the things that possess true substance and real meaning. When you remember that "all Scripture is given by inspiration by God and is profitable" (2 Timothy 3:16) and partake of such divine substance, then you are fed, you are led and you are safe!

Everything in our lives," she said quietly, "leads to everything else in our lives. So a moment in the present has a reference point, both in the past and in the future. I want you to know that you--as you are right now and as you ever will be--are fully enough for this moment . . .

God's ways and His will come in His own perfect time.