Sometimes writing is like sipping from a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The aroma is lovely, the flavor rich, even exciting, if you love coffee as much as I do. This is when the words come easily, filling me with pleasure, awakening my creativity and zest for the story. It's a good time.

But there are those days when putting words on the page is like drinking from the last dregs of the pot. If you've experienced that bitter, burnt flavor that leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you know what I mean. On such days, I lose the joy of writing. When that happens, I find it best to read the manuscript from the beginning to regain the flavor, renew my excitement for the story and before long, I'm drinking from a fresh pot, savoring the process.

I've learned that spending time with God in his word and in prayer, seeking to put him first in my life, helps prepare me to handle whatever the day brings--the hilltops and the valleys. I like to think of my time with God as sipping from his life-giving waters, filling my cup of faith, something that never disappoints.

Blessings,

Janet