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| photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net // Photokanok |
We’ve all had them. Dreams of what we want to do some day. For one reason or another, many of us set them aside for a season. Or longer. But God has plans for us. Ephesians 2:10 says He has created us for good works. He doesn’t want us to quit.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Today, I want to introduce you to a friend who had a dream and with the help of God, didn’t give up: DJ Mynatt. Here’s a bit of her story…
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I have always wanted to be an author. When my children were young, I began writing a novel, but family and work took all my time, so I put away my writing.
Two years ago, my daughter challenged me to join her in the annual National Novel Writing Month – known as NaNoWriMo – challenge held in November. She assured me it wouldn’t matter if I didn’t write 50,000 words; that I would be a winner as long as I did my best.
NaNoWriMo is an event to encourage and support new writers and although you don’t really learn “how” to write, it is an excellent place to learn “to write”. But my story isn’t really about how I participated in NaNoWriMo… my story is about how I had no joy – no contentment – and reached out to God for help.
With God’s help, I went back to college when I was 50 years old; within a few years I had earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, 2 professional certifications, and became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where I served as an officer. I continued to pray for guidance and soon found myself writing an Amish fiction novel…
After the challenge I was asked to write about my experience with NaNoWriMo. It sounded like a good idea, so I sat down and wrote out how God had helped me write a novel – something I had wanted to do my whole life.
Because the reason I write is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ; to be a witness and tell others of God and how He loves me – and you – with an unending love. Without God, nothing is possible – and with God, nothing is impossible.
Whatever path you are on today, I urge you to seek God’s will in your life. He can help you climb mountains and pass through the darkest of times. And when you can’t take another step, He will never leave you or forsake you. He is your best friend. Thank you for allowing me to share my life – and my love of God – with you today.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ~ John 3:16-17 (KJV)
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DJ Mynatt is a newly-published author, who works full-time for the State of Tennessee, as well as beginning a new career as an author, editor, and speaker. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, The Christian PEN and the Non-Fiction Authors Association.
DJ lives with her daughter and grandchildren in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. When she leaves her “day job”, DJ focuses on her writing, editing, blogging, reviewing books (especially for authors featured on her BookShelf blog) and attending workshops and writers conferences.
In her first published book, DJ shares her experiences while participating in the NaNoWriMo challenge in November, and she encourages others to sign up for this amazing adventure!
“If you’ve always wanted to write, but haven’t been able to get started, NaNoWriMo is a great idea for you. It’s not meant to teach you how to write, but to give you the opportunity to create a habit of writing. It might just be the push you need to begin your writing career!”
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Connect with DJ
You CAN write 50,000 words in 30 Days takes us behind the scenes of one author’s journey through National Novel Writing Month… also known as NaNoWriMo.
Every year, people from all over the world log in to their NaNoWriMo profile, find a local group to hang out with all month, stock up on snacks, sharpen their pencils, get their playlists ready, and write!
50,000 words sounds crazy, right? Well, most writers ARE a little crazy!
Read about one woman’s journey and you will see that you CAN write 50,000 words in 30 days!
Get your copy on Amazon
“I write because I feel I am called, as other Christians
are called, to be a witness…” Click to Tweet
“Fifty thousand words…Thirty days.
Is that even possible?” Click to Tweet
Thank you, Angela, for featuring me on your blog. I hope that something I said will inspire others to pursue their own dreams…
~ DJ Mynatt
WOW! Great post Angela… and DJ! Truly moving, encouraging and touching. God bless both of you amazing ladies!
DJ, Thanks for sharing today! Enjoy having you visit 🙂