Be critical of but not brutal with your writing. If something isn't essential, get rid of it. Remember that good dialogue can serve a whole passel of purposes in your novel, and to overlook one of them is to overlook one of the tools of the craft. Like hitting a nail with a screwdriver, if you know what I mean.

Our actions, habits, character, and future are most definitely affected by our thoughts.

Don't give away to others what you have not first given away at home.

Asking in prayer helps you to see your problem in the light of God's power.

When God is in sharp focus, then life is also undistorted.

It takes a lot of grace and maturity to simply forgive, but a lot of healing takes place when you do.

Oh, yes, I taught 13 and a half years. I taught English, first at a Catholic school and then at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, Calif.