On Saturday, my family and I walked in the Garden Spot 5k walk/run race. My hometown’s Chamber of Commerce organized the first race in 1982, and it’s evolved into a fun community tradition.

This year, I challenged myself not to compete, to enjoy the company and the journey. Sadly, I failed. I’d talk and walk for a few minutes; then I’d start speeding up, forgetting my resolve. I walked past my great-niece and her aunt.  If my sister hadn’t called out their names, I would have walked by without a word.

Thankfully, my concentration was back to people when I approached Mr. Bill, a ninety-plus-year-old member of my church family. He came out to encourage the racers, and he offered a drink or a spritz from his water-hose. It was hot and humid, and I enjoyed the race the most when I slowed down and focused on the people around me.

My life is like that too. I can lose sight of what’s significant as I strive to be a successful writer. I’m preparing for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference, and the pressure is building. When I’m at a conference and pitching my manuscripts to a publisher, it’s easy to forget it’s God’s job to determine who will read the words I write. My novels may never be published and this little blog might be the only words I write that will reach someone.

Maybe, God called me to write so that I’ll spend more time with him. Time spent in scripture and in prayer is essential if I am to write words that might lead someone to Jesus. And that’ the only reason I write stories and blog posts. If my efforts can be a conduit to help one person come to know Jesus, it’s enough of a reason to persevere on this marathon writing journey. If this sounds confusing to you, let me explain.

• For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
• For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
• Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross to pay our sin debt. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

 Jesus Chris paid the price for my sins, and for yours. To be REDEEMED, you must first admit that you are a sinner. Second, repent and turn from sin and turn to Jesus. Third, Confess that Jesus is Lord of your life ask Jesus to enter into your heart.

• If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

If you have questions, please message me. I may not have all the answers, but I know where to look. The Holy Bible.

This is the most important decision you can make, to turn from sin, and to turn to Jesus. I hope an pray everyone I meet on my journey has REDEEMED stamped on their souls when they cross the finish line of their race.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1 ESV