Holy Saturday

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV

More About South Carolina from a Kentucky Native

I spent most of my life in Kentucky. I was comfortable there and familiar with the state. My favorite pie is Derby Pie. Yes, for the Kentucky Derby. This is March Madness, and in Kentucky all we discussed was basketball, brackets, the Wildcats, and more basketball this time of year. Your conversation might start out on one topic, but you'd end up discussing basketball.

But I live in South Carolina. I almost hugged a friend who mentioned her basketball bracket. And in church, I moved pews before the service to sit behind a family because the husband wore a blue UK shirt. I got to talk basketball with them.

These were things I took for granted and never thought about until they weren't a part of my life.

Here are a few facts about South Carolina. We're called the Palmetto State because of the American fort on Sullivan's Island. They made the walls out of Palmetto logs. British cannonballs bounced off the spongy logs which of course protected the Americans.

Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina.

What about the state motto? "While I breathe, I hope." How great is that? Of course Kentucky's United we stand divided we fall is pretty great, too.

I used to live in Jessamine County Kentucky. The state flower of South Carolina is Yellow Jessamine.

One more fun fact. The Latin word for Charles is Carolus. South Carolina was named to honor King Charles I of England. In 1629, he made the original land grant. In 1729, Carolina divided into two states and South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

The people of South Carolina are warm and friendly, and we are glad God called us to serve in this wonderful place.

Exciting News

Many of you have traveled with me on my writing journey. I'm excited to announce I've signed with Agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency.

When I attended ACFW conference in the fall, God opened my eyes to how much I've enjoyed cozy mysteries through the years. During my days in Dallas, I contemplated narrowing my writing focus to romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. Peace filled me as I made the decision.

In January, I discovered Dawn and queried her. A couple of weeks ago she reached out to me and we talked. It felt like a good fit, and she signed me as a client. I'm grateful and look forward to spending more time with Dawn as I work on my writing career.

Thanks for your support and encouragement as I've begun writing. I'll keep you posted on what happens next.