Discover Yourself — Make a New Beginning

I remember standing in line outside the aluminum-framed glass doors of Midwestern Christian Academy, waiting to walk through the hallowed halls and into my 7th grade year.

The day was cool and crisp. The leaves were turning shades of gold, orange and brilliant burgundy. There was a freshness in the air that mirrored my own musings. I loved new beginnings.

My meticulously sharpened pencils and just purchased outfit and supplies readied me to begin this new educational chapter in my life. All was right with the world. My world. No mistakes or ugliness to cloud the day. I had the chance to begin again. With schoolwork, friends and attitude.

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Black eyes for 8th grade graduation. Someone thought I had misapplied my makeup. Never wore it back then.

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What choices will you make this year?

Did I make the right choices? I'm not sure. My diary doesn't tell me. I do remember getting a high score (11.2) in Language Arts on my Iowa Basic Skills Test that year.

But, I also remember some not-so-positive things, like a rift in my relationship with a close friend who was caught in the web of popularity cliques.

And the black eyes I received as a result of an encounter with a baseball bat that a friend was, unbeknownst to me, swinging above my head. Yep, I should have looked before standing up from my crouching position. Hopefully, I’ve learned to be more aware!

Looking back, I realize I don't need a season or new school year to begin a fresh start. All it takes is a decision to begin right where I am this minute. No matter the area- friendships, marriage, motherhood, career, finances, habits, attitude or matters of faith- all can be transformed with a decision to begin anew.

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Talking about new beginnings . . .

This Spring, my debut middle grade historical fiction “The Heart Changer” releases with Ambassador International. I have no idea what lies ahead for me . . .or my book, for that matter. But I do know this: I want my story to touch the lives of thousands — to give them hope and encouragement.

​If you want to join me in my journey, I’d love YOU to be a part of my book launch team! You’ll receive my free e-book to read, and then the opportunity to share it with the world— with the kid next door, your Facebook friends, or your local librarian. Be a part of change. Renewal. And something new. Just sign up in the right column to receive my blogpost notifications, and I’ll take it from there.

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Is there something you'd like to reset or remake today? Let me know in the comments below . . .