Inspired by a Dinosaur, a Waterfall, and Some Scuffed-Up Little Lawn Gnomes

In the middle of a game of miniature golf (the 7^th hole, to be precise), my story sequel came alive again for me. Scenes began to unfold in my head right when I couldn’t jot them down. I had my cell phone–which is basic, no data plan–so, I recorded notes in textspeak, describing each scene in 130 characters or less. I finished with 11 scenes and the ending hint. (You might remember, I don’t like writing out my story’s ending.) I didn’t do so well on my game score, but I’m not complaining.

My head’s been a little clearer ever since. I don’t have that terrible looming notion of a crater-like nothingness ahead in the story where the continuation of a plot should be. Sometimes it’s fun not having a plan for the story, and I just want to write and let whatever happens happen; but this time the plot points had to come first for some reason.

And my husband has a new job! He thinks he’s going to love it. I think I love him so much more after experiencing this together. He came close to accepting a different job in another state. We were mentally preparing to move. You pre-planning bridge-crosser sorts know I was white-knuckling it at the last. It happened like that Bible verse that talks about finding God’s “grace to help in time of need.” ‘Time of need’ is actually one word, eukairos, that means it happens right when it needs to happen, by design. Some companies have used eukairos in their name to denote strategic planning. And that’s how it felt when he got the call. His eye was on this company well before he was laid off. I guess most people would be rendered speechless by such a serendipitous course of events. In my case, my words are back. I thank God for His plans for us. And thank you for your encouragement!