Happy Spring, everyone! I have lots of fun announcements this month, including the current Selah Awards results, the link to my recent podcast interview, and a challenge for you, my readers. But first, let’s take a fresh hold on some truths for life’s storms—because in life, storm season is perennial.
Truth for the Storm
Many of us hate storms. Perhaps worse than literal hail and lightning are the proverbial storms of life—those unstoppable, uncontrollable events that slam us to the ground and rip apart the world as we knew it, leaving us to salvage the pieces of our lives and hearts.
We know God can calm storms. And sometimes He does. Yet … sometimes He doesn’t.
When that happens—when chaos rage and our pleas for calm seem lost in the noise—we can know and find comfort in this:
- God still speaks in the storm. (Job 38:1) If we seek Him, He’ll respond. His voice can be heard even in the cacophony.
- God rides on the storm. (Psalm 18:9–16) No storm is truly out of control. God is directing it for a good purpose we may or may not see.
- God is a shelter in the storm. (Isaiah 25:4–5) When we approach Him with our fears and uncertainties, He’ll give us peace, whether or not the turmoil around us goes away.
- God joins His people in the storm. (John 6:16–21) We’re never alone, even when we feel isolated amid trouble.
- God enables those who follow Him to walk through the storm. (Matthew 14:22–33) If we seek to obey Him and draw near to Him, we’ll discover that following Him is possible through any circumstance.
So, when thunder rumbles and winds blow, seek God. Read His Word, the Bible, and apply it to your tumultuous life. And as hard as it might seem, pray. Pray silently and in monosyllables if you must, but constantly.
Hang on to the One who will never be swept away by any storm—and who holds you in His hands.
Behind the Screen
With the arrival of consistently milder weather, I’ve been able to enjoy more time outdoors, from donkey visits to riding lessons. (Admittedly, the first riding lesson of “spring” session took place on a morning when temperatures hovered around freezing. But, hey, it’s only March!)
Meanwhile, the proposal for my next book is coming along slowly but surely. Currently I’m filling in what’s called the “competitive analysis” or “comparable titles” section. This is where the author analyzes recent titles similar to the book they’re proposing, to show where their book fits in the market. So I’m doing quite a bit of reading in addition to my writing.
On the cancer front, my mom is hanging in there. She has her next PET scan at the end of April. Please pray for a clear scan and that the cancer be completely gone. Thank you as always for praying for her!
And now for some super-cool announcements!
Selah Awards Update
On March 4, the Selah Award finalists were announced. It’s official: Just Megan is a Selah finalist in the memoir category!
The Selah Awards are given annually to books of various genres in the Christian publishing industry based on excellence. Excellence in my writing (as in other areas) is important to me. So to be recognized as a Selah finalist means a lot to me.
Thank you yet again to my publisher, Redemption Press, for believing in me and my book, and for pursuing excellence with me.
Winners will be announced on May 28 at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. Time for a countdown!
P.S. For the book lovers among you, here’s the full list of finalists from all genres. Check it out—you might find your next favorite read!
Podcast Alert!
Earlier this month, I sat down (virtually) with the wonderful Shelly Brown of Redemption Press for my first ever podcast interview! We enjoyed an engaging conversation about what it means to live abundantly and discover the faithful love of God amid challenges and uncertainties.
Follow the link below to listen or read the transcript!
Just Megan’s 90 Days to 90 Reviews Challenge
March 19 marked 90 days until Just Megan’s official first birthday (yes, you read that right!). To honor the occasion, on my social media pages I proposed what I’ve christened the “90 Days to 90 Reviews Challenge.”
The idea is this: As of March 19, Just Megan had 18 reviews/ratings on Amazon. If one person wrote a review each day from March 19 to June 17, Just Megan would have over 100 reviews for its birthday!
If you’ve already left a review, THANK YOU! If not, but you’ve read and enjoyed the book, consider joining the challenge by leaving Just Megan a review on Amazon. You don’t have to have bought your copy from Amazon in order to do this. And don’t worry about coming up with something long or formal—your honest, heartfelt opinion is what counts.
Let’s help others find grace and resilience in the face of the unknown.
Jesus loves you. Embrace His love and live it out.
BeanSpired Editions 