Well, here we go with this new venture! In case you are wondering why my "address" says Belle it is because that is from my middle name. For your information, I plan on updating my blog at least once a week or as often as I possibly can.

God has showered His blessings on my life in such a multitude of ways but never more than how He called and has sustained me as I write for Him. This blog seems a perfect way to share these blessings with others, provided they read my posts! So feel free to share this blog with others and I encourage you to comment on the posts as well. Each one counts as a contact with publishers and agents as I build a platform from which to market my books once a manuscript is completed.

My latest blessing has been having a Prayer Team in place to pray for my writing. These are friends who are dear to my heart but also have believed in my ability and calling to write, some for years. They have encouraged me, held me accountable, and loved me through some difficult times. Now they are organized to pray for me on a regular basis. The Lord placed this concept on my heart some time ago but it took me several months to get things going by first bathing it in prayer, recruiting those who were willing to serve, and sending out a prayer list for this month of specific needs. I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough to these precious ladies! It is my sincere hope this group of women will lift me up to the Lord even as I struggle to get each word down on paper (or the computer screen, actually!), pray about decisions such as an agent or publisher, and compile all the vast research I've done on each book. Thus, I will have in place a hedge of protection to protect me from distractions and discouragement. My enemy is cunning and powerful, but I serve a God who is mightier than he!

And this God has used Ephesians 3:16-21 in my life in countless ways so it will be my guide in this blog as well. I desire only to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ with my writing, never myself, and pray that lives will be changed for eternity because of the words He has put into my heart and which I have been obedient to record in my writings.

Thank You, Lord, for going down deep into the soil of my heart so that my roots will go down deep into Your love, guarding my heart and life as I rest in You! We'll talk soon. Meanwhile, I pray many showers of blessings will fall on you, my most important readers!!

Laura