Last week I had a good word/number — 40. Johnny and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. This week, I selected another good word/number — one.This week, we are celebrating A Good Word Wednesday’s first birthday! On August 3, 2022, the first edition of A Good Word emerged from years of writing my WordPress blog, Oh The Great Places You’ll Go. (I will provide the link below to read Good Word, edition 1.)
My word for that first Good Word Wednesday was Quench because it was hot in Oklahoma in August that day. The triple-digit temperature will prove it again today. I think 105 degrees is just stupid hot.
Now, one year later, I’m celebrating the birth and growth of this newsletter. (To be accurate, you notice this is #55, not #52 because I added a few extra smaller good words, but I’ve had 52 full-length newsletters. Feel free to search the archive and count for yourself!) Here are some of my other firsts this year:
I…..
… signed my first book contract with Ambassador International Publishers last November.
… launched my author website.
… created new author social media pages. (All of those links are posted below.)
… commissioned a new author brand logo.
… recorded my first podcast.
… grew this newsletter from 4 subscribers to 381, including 3 paid subscribers. (My goal is a minimum of 500 subscribers, so please share and help me get the good word out!)
It’s been a busy year. A good year. My goal has always been for A Good Word Wednesday to be the place where you will find words of encouragement, help and hope each Wednesday.
So, how am I doing? How has A Good Word Wednesday enriched your life this year? I’d love to know. And would also welcome ways I can improve this weekly piece to offer you more help, hope and encouragement.
“…that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:21
NOTE: John 17 is my very favorite chapter in the Bible — The unity chapter. Please take time to read it all this week.
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” Ephesians 4:4
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Share Your Good Words
What was your favorite Good Word this year? Why? (To remind yourself of all the good words, here is the list:A Good Word Wednesday List) I'd love to know which word meant the most to you.
The following excerpt is from a story that will be included in my upcoming book, Unseen People: Sharing Life and Light with Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the link below to see the progress of the book.
We all need to be reminded of this truth from time to time. That we are dearly and deeply loved by our Father. And he wants us to live our one precious life in a way that honors him. In a way that reflects him. In a way that serves others.
For me, that means to treasure my gift of family, of home, and of fulfilling work. And guarding my daily time of solitude with Him.
How are you living your one precious life? Do you understand that you are Precious. Chosen. Loved?
Some of the links above are associate links. That means, when you click and purchase, I receive a small percentage of that sale. Those funds, as well as funds from paid subscribers, support my writing this piece each week. Thank you! I commit to forwarding a minimum of 10% to the amazing nonprofits: She Is Safe and The Red Cord. They help raise awareness of sex trafficking. They help prevent, rescue and restore victims to new life.
A Final Good Word
Years ago, when my children were small and I was mostly a stay-at-home mom, I decided it would be a grand time to write a novel. So I did. It was an inspirational historical book called, “They Shall Be One.” It was the story of a young girl who travels from Maryland to the Indian Territory. And there she met a young soldier, the love of her life.
I submitted the novel to multiple publishers and received as many rejections. At some point, I stopped, and put the pages into a drawer. I still have the printed pages somewhere and it is stored on a floppy disk, I think.
Through the years, I switched primarily to nonfiction writing and have written everything from missions curriculum to nonprofit blogs, to magazine articles, to my soon-to-be-published book.
I’m grateful for every opportunity to use the giftedness God has given me. I ultimately write for Him, but as I’m writing, I keep you in mind and the people like you who take the time to read these words. I treasure you and am humbled and grateful. I truly hope you find inspiration, pleasure, comfort, encouragement and Good Words each Wednesday.
This is your chance to share with me whatever is on your heart today. Please share:
Thank you for taking your time to read my words. And if you would, please share a good word with someone today. Invite others into our Good Word community.
Had me hooked at 'quench.'