(Photo credit: honestlyyum.com)

The day has come. Not by my strength, but by my Father’s strength through prayer, hard work, and a whole lot of patience.

A complete stranger called me an author!

Deirdre Lockhart, editor and writing coach at Brilliant Cut Editing, was one of the entry judges for the First Impressions contest through ACFW.

And she called me an author. As if she’d handed me a million dollars for a lifetime supply of my choice of coffee, dark chocolate, and all the subscriptions of Writer’s Digest and Poets & Writers I wanted.

I’m beyond stoked.

So, encouragement for today, dear friends — never give up. Keep doing what God has called you to do. Always a reward at the end of all the hard work.

I’ve signed up for e-newsletters from The Den, a nifty nook bursting with information for writers. Yesterday, owner Carol Tice offered a contest for a free month’s stay in the Den. Then, last night, I checked my email and found an invitation for a free day in the Den! Woot woot!