I’m Back!!!! What’s New and Next

My sabbatical is over. I have had a wonderful summer relaxing and visiting with family and friends. I’ve homeschooled my daughter, fallen more in love with my husband, and finally got my dad out of South Carolina to visit our home. This was his first visit since our move back to NC and his longest visit ever (2 whole weeks)!

The days seamed to fly by and I did not get to read nearly as much as I would have liked. I did read several books written by fabulous women. A few of the book reviews were posted over the summer, but I have several more on the way.

I ate a lot of food, and added a couple restaurants to my “favorite places to eat” list. I even indulged in a few desserts (rare), including a homemade apple pie. Thanks, Mrs. Ann! I discovered that Breyers has a lactose free ice cream and it tastes great! I will keep my freezer stocked with it. We also enjoyed the sweet treats of Georgetown Cupcakes. Oh my goodness, the Peanut Nut Fudge cupcakes are simply to die for! I warmed that thing in the microwave for 15 seconds and the icing just slid down the sides and there was a warm chocolate fudge center!

I crushed on my hair. I mean…I really love the low maintenance and funky style of my new look. It was great not having to worry about my hair when at the beach, in the pool, working out (though I didn’t do much of that at all), or getting caught in the rain.

This summer also gave me the opportunity to serve as a crew leader at Vacation Bible School for the first time. I decided that I really needed to stop and experience the simplicity and joy of the hearts of children. The theme for that week was: Jesus loves you. So glad I know it!

At the beginning of the summer, I signed an agreement with the literary agency, Credo Communications. My literary agent is Tim Beals. I am so thankful that God has brought him into my life to partner on this writing journey. So the latest news is….Drum Roll please….

MY AGENT AS FINALIZED MY FIRST BOOK CONTRACT WITH POWERHOUSE HARPERCOLLINS CHRISTIAN PUBLISHERS/ZONDERVAN!

Therefore, I will be returning to the ministry and work of writing this week. I would appreciate your prayers as I work through the book manuscript and editing process. My first book about mentoring women from the prospective of intentional discipleship will hit shelves in February 2016.

I am also returning to blogging and have some exciting things in the works to share. I typically blog three days per week. This is what you have to look forward to on A Sista’s Journey:

MONDAY: MENTORING MOMENTS – written or video blog posts that share mentoring nuggets or answer mentoring questions.

TUESDAY: NATASHA’S STUDY – Book discussions, book recommendations, and book reviews. I will also share highlights from some of the books I am currently reading.

WEDNESDAY: LEADERSHIP – Insightful topics for Christian leaders. Will focus on mentoring, training, character development, team building, and soul care. I will also be sharing leadership resources.

THURSDAY: COFFEE TALK – Stuff we would talk about over coffee, of course. “What’s on your mind?” I hope these conversations will cover relevant topics, help shape your Christian Worldview, and assure practical application for daily faithful living through wisdom found in the “Good Book.”

FRIDAY: HOT TOPICS/SPECIAL TREATS – You will know what’s on my mind right now, the passions of my heart. I may share a roundup of important articles that I have read throughout the week. You may get something funny or inspiring, or I may even feature a guest post with some of my friends and writing buddies.

SATURDAY: WORLDVIEW/BIBLICAL JUSTICE: Increasing awareness of cultural and world issues that particularly impact women, children, and those living in extreme poverty. We will also focus on world missions. The purpose of these posts are to educate and give us opportunities to pray and take action.

Love and Blessings, Natasha