Keep Praying.... and We'll Keep You Posted!

I've enjoyed getting feedback from a new editor, Katrina Ryder. She has worked through most of the Bible study and given us good feedback. It's encouraging to have someone look at what has become a heart and soul investment, and then hear them say, "I really want to see this published so that anyone can read this! I'm with you to help in whatever way you need."

That's what we want too! So, thank you to those who are praying us through this process. It continues to be a process, and we're anticipating enjoying the journey along with the challenges. We know God is moving us forward, and publishing will happen in His time.

Katrina has been able to give us ideas for improving the organization of the text in ways that will make the Bible study more readable.  She's also given us suggestions and thoughts regarding future planning and marketing. One suggestion was that I attend a writer's conference. Literary agents come to these conferences along with representatives from publishing houses. They teach classes as well as meet with writers to consider new ideas and proposals. We found that one of these conferences is the Write-to-Publish Conference held in Wheaton, IL. Wheaton is not far from where we stay. So, I'll be attending that conference from 8-11 June.

This week I've been working on revamping a proposal I'd written some time ago, to fit the specifications required for this conference. I've also worked through our first chapter, applying certain ideas to improve its readability. Over the next few weeks, I'll be working on creating "elevator speeches" and "One-pages" to use at the conference as I have opportunities to speak with people from the publishing industry.

Writing, publishing, and journalism are all new territories for us. It's rewarding to see God opening doors. We're confident that when He closes doors, there's another plan. Your prayers are valuable.

• Pray that as we address the manuscript with fresh ideas, God would help us to communicate the gospel message clearly, and improve the readability of this Bible study.  
• Please also pray for us as we prepare and attend the Write-to-Publish Conference. We're asking God to direct us to the right people, and show us the next step from here.  

You know, in the midst of all this excitement in the Bible study chapter of our lives, we also became grandparents of another Seghers boy! Dylan Matthew was born on 4 May 2016. We love taking every opportunity to get to know this new little guy and have so enjoyed watching his big brother tenderly getting acquainted. What a blessing it is, that God continues to grow our family. 

Redeeming Sexual Love is all about relationships and reestablishing patterns of connection in the relationships of our lives. Sometimes we haven't been very good at connecting. And keeping right priorities is aways a challenge. But this week God reminded us once again, He created each new little life, every one of us, a human being to connect with others, and grow. And as we learn to listen and be there, for even the least of these, we reflect His image in a way that is fresh, alive and new. So, as excited as I get about seeing our Bible study project develop and move forward, I'm so thankful for this family, our practice field for growing relationships.  They have stuck with us through the learning process, and we're blessed by the privilege we have to be part of their lives.