by Alena Tauriainen, writing as Alena Wendall, @alenawendall

I attended a celebration of life service for a true matriarch. She was the mother of seven and a stepmom to my dad. She lived life and lived it well for ninety-two years.

Did I mention she was a single mother to seven children? Can you imagine raising seven kids (six boys and one girl) in Harlem, New York?

During the celebration, her sons took the time share a little bit about her. The good times. The hard times, times with no heat and no water. They said regardless of the circumstances, she kept going. Day after day. If things were bad she never made a big deal of it. At the end of it all? She had seven children who made it. They live well and laugh often.

As they celebrated her life, they talked about the many sayings she had. I’d like to share one.

“The street in front of you is paved with gold.” 

That is to say, your circumstances or your troubles are really opportunities, golden opportunities. Talk about perspective!

As we wrap up 2018. I want to encourage those of you who have had a tough year. A year during which time you may have wanted to throw up your hands and quit.

I encourage you to keep going.

If you’ve had a tough year writing, tomorrow is a new day. Take the time to reflect, pray, and then find time to work on the craft of writing. Then write. One word at a time. Don’t quit.

The failures and frustrations of yesterday? Leave them behind you.

Look up to God, the author and finisher of your faith. Look straight ahead. Face that blank screen and write. Be intentional. It will happen. One word at a time.  Praying for an amazing 2019!

Writing as Alena Wendall, Alena Tauriainen pens contemporary Christian romance novels that always end with a happily ever after. By day, she partners with her lifelong mate Clyde, to run the family HVAC business. She manages both business and family life with four lovable but crazy kids. She is the Retreats Coordinator for My Book Therapy. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Books & Such Literary Management. Visit her at alenawendall.com.