Book Cover Revealed!

Ta-Da!!! How do you all like it? After much hard work I have created a book cover. My first one from scratch, I might add. (And by hard work, I mean searching through the countless images just to find one that I thought looked close to Reynold.) 

However! (Because that's how Fantasy works) I also created another cover that I like. 

Now the trouble is decided which one is better. So I leave it up to you, dear reader! Between Option 1: With the Face, and Option 2: With the eye, which one would you be more inclined to read if you saw them side by side on a bookshelf? Please vote in the comments!

How to Make 2018 Count

Hooray! It's the start of a new year! It's a new page, a clean slate, a fresh patch of snow! (OK, that last one might have been a bit random. But really, is there anything nicer in the winter than a patch of snow without any footprints in it?) 

As we spend these first few days of January reflecting over the things we accomplished in 2017, we also look to the future. We start building dreams like castles. Maybe you resolve to be more patient with the people around you, to exercise more, learn a new skill, eat healthy, break a bad habit, or go on a crazy adventure. 

These resolutions are good and fine, but let me ask you something:

Why Start Now?

Sure, it's a new year and all the stuff I listed above, but when you take away the grand name, what are you left with? A day, just like yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We just happen to have this psychotic tradition of staying up until unhealthy hours, eating way too many calories, and launching fireworks into the sky so everybody else can be awake as well. (And boy is it fun!)

And in the end, aren't we just setting ourselves up for disappointment? Statistically, only 8% of Americans actually accomplish their new year's resolutions. There can be nothing more painful than the sting of defeat, shame, and guilt. It sticks with you for a while and causes you to neglect, or ignore, the things that really matter because you're so caught up in how you failed that you miss how you can be better. I would like to live without that, wouldn't you? But how?

The key lies in Proverb's 16:3

 

Instead of focusing on what You want to accomplish in 2018, set your mind on what God's plans are. Once you submit to His plan (Which, by the way, is perfect) instead of your own (Because you don't have a bit of control over what is going to happen in 2018) there is nothing you can't do. When your resolutions line up with what God has in store, that 8% could grow.

And the best part: this isn't a one time offer! God is ready for you whether you start of January 1st or September 1st. Each day is a field of fresh snow!(Because that's better than just a patch) But the sooner you start walking in God's footprints, the more you will have to look back upon and be satisfied. Just keep this list in mind:

• Just because you mess up today doesn't mean you can't get it right tomorrow
• God knows what you need to get done in your life. You might not see it now, you might not be able to write a nice list to have on display, but He's got a plan
• It's never too late to start following God

What are some of your New Year's resolutions to 2018? What are some of your favorite memories from 2017? Sometimes it's so easy to always look ahead and never take the time to enjoy the experiences of the past. 

2 Pieces of Valuable Advice

There once was a girl named Jaden, an enthusiastic young High School graduate. Her whole life lay ahead of her like a road in the Great Plains. The possibilities where endless, the sky was the limit to what she could do.

3 Months Later...

There once was a girl named Jaden, who was a wandering young High School graduate. Her whole life seemed empty and confusing like a road through the heart of Chicago. Every time she thought she had something figured out, a new turn came up, another stop light, another dead end, and always in the dark...

For some people, this may sound painfully familiar. It might be your own personal story. It's fun to dream big, but reality can often be cruel to imagination. I've certainly discovered that. That's when I learned the amazing value in two pieces of simple advice.

Just Take Things On Step At A Time

&

Pray

The teenage years can be some of the most complicated, and I believe that is when the most simple advice can be priceless.

Just Take Things One Step At A Time

Maybe for you that's something as simple as learning how to write your first resume. Maybe it's finishing that project that's been sitting in the garage for a couple months. Everything you do is adding to your set of skills. Crafts are art, hosting a party with friends is Organization and Management, Cooking is Yummy! If you feel like nothing is happening, make something happen! Be proactive with your life. And it doesn't have to be huge! It can be just one tiny step. But at least you'll be going somewhere.

Pray

No, don't roll your eyes at me! I know it sounds Christian-ese, but it's so true. In the King James version, prayer is mentioned 300 times. It's probably important if it's mentioned that many times! Even Jesus prayed. Sometimes talking to God can help us put into words what is truly bothering us. Maybe you're not stepping out because you're afraid.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace if give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Maybe you're worried about what the future has in store.

Matthew 6:43 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble if it's own.

God is looking after you in every circumstance. Prayer is an amazing way to connect with the God who can see around the corners that you can't. 

Have you ever had a time when you felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed? What was it that helped pull you through it?