A week into the process of pounding out pages for this book, and I’m already feeling exhausted and a bit defeated. How can I possibly find 50,000 more words when I’m struggling to come up with today’s target of 834?

Before I set this audacious goal for work on my book, I had finally established a good sleeping pattern. I was getting between six and a half and seven hours of good sleep each night. What a blessing!

Now, as I’m pushing through the writing process squeezing in time whenever and wherever I can, my sleep average has dropped back down to less than six hours. And I’m struggling with crippling back pain that can’t be traced back to anything physical that might have caused it.

Coincidence? Could I be stressing my body out so entirely that it’s already rebelling? How do I accomplish my goal without destroying the good progress I’ve made in my health?

On the wall in front of my computer is a framed bible verse, a Christmas gift from a friend who I’m certain had no idea what a beacon and blessing these words would be:

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

I am simply trusting that God, who inspired me to write His story of provision, is leading the way. That He will give me the words and stories to share. I am in a position where I must trust His promises, which incidentally is exactly the purpose of my book.

On a positive note, my father-in-law is getting along moderately well. And his doctor has indicated he will die with the cancer but not from it. He is, after all, nearly 94 years old. They’re working on getting him strong enough to leave the hospital for a care facility. It’s 60 miles one way to the hospital where he’s being treated. Rick is driving up there every other day to be with him. It’s taking a toll on our time together, on getting things done around the house, and on finances since Rick’s truck only gets 12 miles to the gallon. But we’re getting through it.

Another bonus I’ve discovered in writing this book is the growth and healing I’ve experienced as I do the work of processing the difficult memories. God is revealing aspects of my personality that I didn’t even realize existed.

Also, sharing news about the book I’m writing with others has provided opportunities to hear their stories of how God has taken care of them.  My chiropractor told of how he lost control of his car on a snowy road not long after he was married many years ago. It was a riveting story that was sure to end in collision and horrific injury. And somehow, unbeknownst to him and his wife, they were spared. He believes an angel lifted that oncoming vehicle over their car before continuing on its way.

He’s very encouraging about my book, which is to detail the ways God has supernaturally provided for my needs immediately after I was born again. As he put it, “God’s miraculous provision. Because it really is miraculous.”

Amen, Dr. Hirschy!