How’s it going? I’ve been a bit absent. I’ve had a difficult and eventful week. I’ll tell you what happened, and if you’d like, you can share something you went through this week too. I read every comment. so... I got kicked out of my house. Yep. My fiancée and I rented a large apartment because we both work from home and need space, privacy, and time to focus. A friend of a friend offered to rent us a house he was selling. The property had belonged to his relatives, who had passed away. At the beginning, we agreed on a few simple things. We knew there would be viewings from the estate agency because the house was on the market. We only asked for one thing: at least two days' notice before any viewing, for privacy and work reasons. When we moved in, there were a few things we weren't told. But we trusted them. For example, the house next door is a residential care home for people with serious mental health issues, some of whom may also have a criminal background. The morning after we moved in, we woke up to loud music blasting through the walls. There are often screams. There is often chaos. People regularly have to intervene to defuse situations. Not ideal, but at that point we were already living there. The first couple of weeks passed without major issues. Then something unexpected happened. The viewings started increasing, and we were often informed at very short notice. A few days ago, I read a message only that morning saying that someone would be coming to view the property in an hour. We contacted the estate agent and explained that we couldn't manage viewings this way. She told us she understood and that, moving forward, she would personally make sure we had proper notice before any sales appointments. That wasn't true. The owner — the friend of my friend — called me, angry. He said the arrangement wasn't going to work and that I had to leave. Immediately. Because there was no formal tenancy agreement, I had no real choice. I was given four days. For us, moving isn't easy. Our work schedules are demanding, and the news created stress and tension in my relationship. We argued. Then my girlfriend and I made peace because, at that point, we had a much bigger problem: finding somewhere to live within two or three days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that one day You will dwell among Your people and wipe away every tear from our eyes. In a world filled with pain, loss, fear, and uncertainty, remind us that these former things will not last forever. Through Christ Jesus, we hold onto the hope of eternal peace, healing, and joy in Your presence. Just as the birds of the air rest securely beneath Your care and the butterflies move gracefully through seasons of transformation, help us trust completely in Your love and guidance. When our hearts feel weary, remind us You are near, watching over us with compassion, mercy, and everlasting grace. To God be the glory yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In the mighty name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, AMEN. You.Are.Loved. Stacey

I have reached the point where I feel like I have stared at my manuscript for so long that I can no longer objectively evaluate it and get it ready to upload. My book, When You Don't Know What to Say: How to Turn Overwhelming Situations Into Clear, Professional Documents That Get Results, is completed in draft form, but I need help getting it across the finish line. If you have experience with editing, proofreading, formatting, KDP publishing, or if you know someone who does, I would love to connect with you. To be completely honest, I've reached the point where I am feeling overwhelmed trying to do every part of the process by myself. Rather than putting the book on the back burner, I'm asking for help from people who may have strengths in areas where I am struggling. If you're willing to take a look or know someone who might be interested, please send me a message. Thank you all for reading. Stacey

Working at Walmart during tourist season is basically a customer service version of Survivor… except instead of winning a million dollars, you win a headache, a prayer request, and stories nobody would believe. Tourist season: Where people drive 8 hours to forget how aisles, manners, and common sense work. I’m convinced some tourists treat Walmart like an escape room. They wander around confused, ask where things are while standing directly in front of them, and somehow still get mad at the employees. Dear tourists: The Walmart employees did not personally hide the bread, move the bathrooms, or ruin your vacation. Working retail in a tourist town builds patience, character, and a very close relationship with prayer. 😂 From your friendly smiling cashier, Stacey

Kathryn Stockett's journey to publishing her debut novel, The Help, is a testament to perseverance in the face of overwhelming rejection. Stockett dedicated five years to writing the novel, a poignant story set in 1960s Mississippi that explores the lives of African American maids working for white families. Despite the compelling narrative, the manuscript faced an arduous path to publication. Over a period of three and a half years, The Help was rejected by an astonishing 60 literary agents. Stockett herself recounted the emotional toll of these rejections, admitting she felt embarrassed and even lied to friends about her continued work on a manuscript that seemed destined for obscurity. The turning point arrived with the 61st agent, Susan Ramer, who saw the potential in Stockett's work and agreed to represent her. Shortly after, the book was sold to Amy Einhorn Books. The Help went on to become a phenomenal international bestseller, selling over 10 million copies worldwide and being adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Stockett's story is a powerful illustration of how unwavering belief in one's work, coupled with relentless determination, can transform initial disappointment into extraordinary success. It underscores that rejection is often part of the creative process and not necessarily a reflection of a work's ultimate value. That’s why I always encourage you to publish your work, even just a piece or a line, because you never know when things will get better, or simply for the sake of being read. My first novel in English was rejected over 100 times during the years 2020-2021. I published it on my own soon after, sold some copies and promised myself I would try again next time. Better. If you have a similar story to share, please don't hesitate.