Illustrator Lois Having Fun Working on “Rajah Finds His Wisdom” .

           One of my favourite verses from the Hebrew Bible, the “Old Testament,” contains the words of the prophet Jeremiah: “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 hope and a future. (Jeremiah 27:11) I’ve always enjoyed believing that God plans goodness for me. Still, I struggle to put my complete trust in these words. I’m never sure if I’m following God’s plan. I have committed myself to doing God’s will in my life. But do I always know WHAT IS GOD’S WILL?. I listen for the small voice of God in my mind. I listen for messages from God spoken by others. I listen as I read, as I walk, as I do my daily tasks. I do my best to discern God’s will, but I never know for sure. Whatever I choose to do, I believe that God has an infinite number of contingency plans. If I set out in the totally wrong direction, God will be able to turn me around. My role is to give up trying to control. Keep my eyes and ears open. God’s will, in the end, will be done. Even with that belief, I still need courage to live every day.

Here I am again with yet another book, almost ready to release. My Rajah story has been in the works for at least three years. At times, I’ve thought it was God’s will to just set him aside. Now, the time feels right. It’s a feeling, not a concrete knowing. I see things falling into place. Above is a picture of Lois Sexsmith, hard at work finishing the illustrations. Sue Reynolds, my graphic artist, can squeeze me into her schedule in two weeks. Marquis printing has incorporated my little job into their printing schedule. The books should be in my hands well before the end of October.

I don’t really want to be in control. Thanks to God’s ignoring my plans, I’ve enjoyed five careers during my lifetime. All have been wonderful adventures. Each prepared me for the next. So here I am with “Rajah Finds His Wisdom,” book number ten. I think it’s God’s will. I trust that God will use this book to teach many children and adults about the power of love and caring.