Ode to the NEw YeAr

So it is that time of year again, when we look back and reflect on all that has taken place over the past 12 months. This past year may have actually been the busiest year of my life as I think about all the changes and transitions I have gone through. I can honestly say that I am very satisfied to date.

Now its time to think about what's to come. I am predicting some more changes, as I foresee another move in my future. Yes, for those of you who do not know, I may actually being moving back to Houston this summer. I will continue to pray and see where God wants me, but it realistically makes since to be in the city where my market keeps me going. And of course there are many other perks as well. So, for the next 6 months, my goal is to really live out the city of Austin, incase my time here is shorter lived than I expected.

Its a good thing that God never gets tired of our questions, because I have really been bombarding Him with mine lately. But then again, I have not been spending enough time listening either. I know I know, its a two way street. The answers will come in due time.

Saturday Morning Blogging and Answered Prayers

Wow. I have missed not being able to blog, check in, read, quiet the noise in my head ... I am definitely happy to have a full Saturday to center. Last week was a doosy to say the least. Two to three school visits a day has definitely done me in, but I didn't start loosing my voice until yesterday afternoon. Good thing while I'm reading to the kids in odd accents, I am telling myself, "Use your diaphram!" Some of that cheerleading voice instruction is finally paying off.

This last week has really been a lot of fun for me, besides completely selling out of books, the kids have been so wonderful! One school made a paper mache Iggy, I got a huge baseball Iggy on a stick, banners, huge cards and posters, notebook projects which included a love note to Iggy's crush, "Liz", and wonderful welcomes!


I have gotten to meet such smart little students, full of questions and humor. I couldn't hold back a laugh on a few of the questions. I'll take some time to list some of my faves and most asked questions!

"Miss Melissa ... Is Iggy still alive?" I always get this one! "His memory is alive in the book."

"How old are you?" "26 ... How old do you think I am?" "Seventeen!" "Well, thank you. I get that a lot."

"Did Iggy and Liz break up?" "You'll have to read the sequel to find out."

"Do Iguanas have worms like dogs?" "Um, I was taken back by this one. Anyone know the answer?"

"How old were you when you started writing?" "Eight years old. I have kept a diary all my life!"

"What is your favorite part about writing?" "Watching something in my imagination come to life. It is now real."

"Who was your favorite character/pet?" "Well, Iggy of course! That's why he got the staring role in the book! :O)"

"How many Iggy books will you write?" "For sure, three chapter books ... later I will start the picture book series, 'Iggy and Friends'!"

To end this blog ... I would like to say that I have officially gotten over my 26 year curse of stage fright. My close friends know how big of a deal this used to be for me. I have always wanted to be a public speaker, but my nerves always took over me. It has been so frustrating ... probably because I have A LOT to say! Well, over the past few months I have been in front of hundreds of people (kids and adults) at a time. Sometimes I don't know what to expect. If I do start to get nervous, I just tell myself ... I don't get nervous anymore, and it goes away. Prayer has definitely had everything to do with this. I pray before every speaking engagement, because I want it to be about them and not me.

Now I am told that I am "a great public speaker" and people ask how I do it. Which totally makes me laugh, because I will never ever think of myself in that way, knowing how it used to be. "Practice, speaking about what I love, and doing it every day has made it feel natural." It is an out of body experience, almost as if I am someone else. That is when you know, God has got your back!

I feel completely liberated. This is an answered prayer, but I will never stop praying and asking God to take over for me ... because I know how it is, if I put all the pressure on myself. I'm a wreck! We are all human, right!?!

Happy Saturday Everyone!

True Miracle Baby Coy

I would like to take some time to update all of you on an amazing miracle that I have had the pleasure witnessing over the past year. My dear friends, Ann Marie and Chris are celebrating the 1st birthday of their precious baby Coy today. A year ago today, Coy was born prematurely at 23 weeks. The family had an up and down roller coaster ride to say the least, but literally relied on the power of the Lord and strength of God's grace to get them through those stressful months. Coy is now a happy healthy little angel celebrating his birthday today, December 3rd. I encourage all of you to check out his website to see his birthday post and wish him a Happy Birthday! He deserves it ... as he has witnessed the power of God through his family's journey this past year!
http://www.prayforcoy.blogspot.com/