The suggestion to keep a journal of encouragement that I receive was my final take-away from last spring's writing conference. Writing can shake my confidence, and then I question my message. Is it really worth all this work? Will it help anyone? Gathering encouragement from others and keeping those in a small journal has helped.
Here are a few examples of encouragement I have received and noted in my journal:
* From my husband, "If your book will help one homeschooling family, it's worth writing."
* From a friend after explaining that I sometimes struggle with doubts, "Doubt is not from the Lord."
* From three different friends at different times, "Writing this book is your calling."
Writing can be lonely, but when I open my little journal, I am encouraged by the words of others and so thankful! I leave you with a photo of the Desert Willow, taken in my neighborhood.