By Lucinda Secrest McDowell, @LucindaSMcDowel

What am I Thankful for?

1. The Word

“In the beginning was the Word…” I would have nothing to write if God hadn’t loved me so much and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to give life and love, purpose and power. So first and foremost I am thankful for God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit – the Trinity.

2. Tools of the Trade

My most important and essential “tool” is the Bible – God’s Word and the basis for all the words I put together in my story. But I am grateful also for computers that work , fresh pages of new journals, pens that write thick and firm, cameras that are easy to use and edit and color printers in my own home.

3. Books to Read

Those writers who have gone before me – and those who walk alongside me now – change my own life and words with their words. I absolutely love immersing myself in their stories. I am so grateful for wisdom gained from reading of brave and vulnerable pioneers who paved the way and helped to grow me into a better communicator. I just wish I knew where to put all these books in my cluttered home…

4. My Calling

I have loved words and reading and speaking and listening my entire life. God placed such desires and gifts into my heart and soul and mind. And every single time I have said “Yes” to a call (even though it seemed impossible) He has used me and thrust me into a place in His kingdom story. So I shall continue moving forward. By faith.

5. Creative Colleagues

What would I do without other creatives who “get” me and know how to pray for me or come alongside with encouragement or challenge? I am so grateful for true friends I have met in this industry – for the privilege of dreaming together, collaborating and sharpening one another. For prayer partners. Thank you to those-who-know-what-my-life-is-like.

6. Publishing Personnel

Those who sit at desks and catch our vision, who wield red pens and utilize track changes online. The ones who advocate our projects at pub board meetings or set up interviews and blog tours, making sure to get out the word of a new book. I am grateful for all in the publishing industry, especially the booksellers. And I love meeting them at conferences.

7. Readers

I’m so grateful that the world is still hungry for words that quench a deep thirst, that fill an empty soul, that challenge and inspire and teach and beckon to new places. Thank you to all the readers who still run to the library or the corner bookstore, who order online (even the second-hand stores) or wait in line at the back of the banquet hall for a signed copy from the author/speaker. And a special thanks to those who take time to share why the book touched their lives.

8. Family

I’m grateful for those people who live with us and go for months at a time without our full attention or a homemade meal or spontaneous outing. The ones who try to understand deadlines and rejections and disappointing titles or covers, but can’t quite. The ones who pledged to stay and support and do so in numerous ways. The ones who rejoice with us even if they never actually read our words…

9. Answered Prayer

Yes, I’m actually thankful for that publishing house that turned down my manuscript because it forced me to start over and make the whole thing much better. That was a “no” answer to prayer. I’m also utterly grateful for those who offered contracts and said “yes” we want to send forth your words into the world! And even when I’m in a “wait” answer mode with my writing (as I am this Thanksgiving Day) I am so heartened to know that God knows. He will show me the way. In His time.

10. Opportunities for Growth

Thank you, Lord that as 2017 draws to a close I have learned so much from so many new people whom I didn’t even know existed this time last year! I have done things I never would have imagined. I received my very first book award (for my 12^th book). I have attempted seemingly impossible new endeavors and witnessed success. Even as I’m grateful for growth, I look forward to going deeper with God in 2018 and honing my own craft of writing and speaking in the days ahead. Who knows what we will be thankful for this time next year?

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is passionate about embracing life — both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she delights in weaving grace and mercy into ordinary life situations. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning, Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing Best Award for Devotional) , Ordinary Graces, Live These Words, Refresh! and Role of a Lifetime. A member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), Lucinda received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for The Write Conversation. Whether co-directing “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,” pouring into young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.encouragingwords.net/