We’ve all got our little something–that pet peeve or task that we are very adept at avoiding.  Today, I’m facing mine.

I’m not much of a detail person, but this whole bookwriting venture is grinding away at one particular characteristic.

You see, my sister was always the letter-writer/journal-keeper/historian of the family, therefore I usually got away with being a bit slipshod, probably because I could count on Tawni to take the important pictures, keep up with lists, and remind me of upcoming occasions.  But little sis is having to grow up–not that there won’t be a bit of kicking and screaming involved.  Honestly, I’ve enjoyed the freedom of irresponsibility.  But present circumstances are forcing me out of my comfort zone.

Regardless of the guilt that has piled up over the years with each stack of written, sealed, stamped, and addressed thank you notes that I will, to Miss Manner’s horror, rediscover–unsent–two months later, I am delving into the icy waters of (gasp!) organization. 

Look, I can speak in front of people, I can write like crazy, I’m even willing to make a fool of myself in so many ways, but this is one of those areas that has been a little thorn in my side for years.  Therefore, today is Fear Factor Day for Chana.  This morning I am setting up my little columned document of names and addresses of those who have ordered copies of THE FALL.

I’ve gotta take a deep breath and dive into those icy waters.  Maybe they just look icy.  Maybe, very soon, this can be one more of many ways His strength is perfected in my weakness.  Perhaps, miracle of miracles, I will even begin to enjoy columns, facts and figures. 

Um… talk about a stretch of faith.

But I’ll keep my eye on the goal of this whole thing–bringing joy to God and expressing His love to others.

And that’s going to mean getting my act together. 

(I can do ALL things through Christ. I CAN do all things through Christ. I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST)

Yeah, I know.  I’ve stalled long enough 🙂

Chana Keefer is the sister, daughter, and granddaughter of pastors.          
Her fresh perspective stems from a background in journalism,
missions, acting, and writing for print and live theater. Her favorite
things are God, family, and the written word but she also brakes for
chocolate, old barns, and people who live passionately. She and her family reside in southern California. Watch for her first novel, THE FALL, available October 2011 from Intermedia Publishing