If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…well, it’s probably a duck.  So why is it that sometimes, even when we are looking that duck right in its bill, we refuse to believe that we’re dealing with a real quack?  My character, Rona Shively, often second-guesses herself and has been known to mentally smack herself in the head from time to time in true, “I should have had a V-8” fashion.  She, like myself, gets a feeling about someone or something and even though she is pretty sure the feeling is right on target, she ignores it and often finds herself in a world of hurt.  With that said, I’ve decided to make only one, big resolution for this new year.  I WILL NOT IGNORE that little voice inside that tells me something is going on.  All too often, I err on the side of forgiveness and try to give people the benefit of the doubt.  Instead of putting my foot down and demanding to be treated with some respect, I have been content to simply say, “I knew it,” later on.  But those days are gone.  There won’t be any more fifth or tenth chances.  Sure, I’ll stick to forgiving and not holding a grudge because I refuse to be overtaken by hate, but I’ll also be guarding my heart more closely than ever from now on.  I think it will save me a lot of time and energy.  And with the book I’m currently writing, it seems I’m going to need every ounce of strength I have to get my character through the things she’s about to face.

If I’ve learned nothing else this year, I’ve finally figured out that there really are some people out there who must certainly be on the devil’s payroll.  They have no desire to treat people fairly or even with a sliver of respect.  So when it becomes obvious that your only role in their life is to serve their purposes at the expense of your values, beliefs and wishes, well, then it’s time to do as they say in the Bible and shake the dust off your feet and move on.  Maybe if enough people refuse to give them the attention they are seeking with this behavior, they might eventually learn how to treat people.  But this gal right here is done being an emotional crash test dummy.

This year, all of my projects will be working together to help empower women.  In addition to writing, I am also a publisher and a women’s advocate.  Higher Ground Ministries and Books from Higher Ground are working together to create some exciting new resources for women of all ages.  Proceeds from the sale of any of The Rona Shively Stories go to support the ministry and all donations are greatly appreciated as well as tax deductible.  If you haven’t read Rona yet…you can start with In the Wash: The Rona Shively Stories for the Happy New Year price of just $5 per copy!!!  This special is good until January 15, 2015.  To get your copy at this very special price, just go to our bookstore.

I’m through playing around.  Get ready to make some progress in 2015, ladies.  Onward and forward…to Higher Ground!!!