Janice Hanna's Blog, page 6

How to Host a Book-Themed Party (with 5 Genre-Inspired Ideas)

If you’re anything like me, you love reading and hosting a good party. So why not combine the two? Whether you’re planning a book club night, birthday celebration, bridal shower, or just a girls’ night in, these genre-themed party ideas will bring your favorite stories to life.

Below are 5 trending book genres—plus creative ideas to throw a party inspired by each one, complete with fun recipe suggestions from Out of the Box Baking!

Bridgerton-Inspired Historical Romance Party

Vibe: Regal. Elegant. Tea-sipping perfection.

Ideas:Host an afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours.Invite guests to wear pastel florals, pearls, or Regency-style attire.Play instrumental covers of pop songs, just like on the show.Print “Lady Whistledown” cards for guests to leave anonymous compliments.Recipes to Try:Lemon High Tea Cookies:Mini Strawberry Shortcakes: French Butter CookiesTea Cup Sugar CookiesSimple Chocolate Chip SconesMore High Tea RecipesHelpful Posts:Hosting a High TeaBoho Baking: Embrace the Art of Cozy, Chic ConfectionsCozy Mystery Garden Gathering

Vibe: Whimsical, quirky, and clue-filled.

Ideas:Serve “Poisoned” Tea (blackberry iced tea with a cheeky label).Play a short “Whodunit” game with clues hidden around the party.Decorate with vintage teacups and magnifying glass cookies.Encourage guests to dress as sleuths.Recipes to try:Dark Chocolate Raspberry TrufflesElegant Ombre CakeBeautifully Decorated CupcakesSparkling Cranberry White Chocolate CupcakesHelpful Posts:Impress Your GuestsEasy High Tea RecipesFantasy World Book Bash

Vibe: Enchanted forests, dragons, and magical mayhem.

Ideas:Set up a DIY crown or wand-making station.Decorate with fairy lights, moss, and mystical décor.Serve “Elven Bread” (shortbread), “Phoenix Feathers” (cheese straws), and potion drinks.Create a book exchange in a treasure chest!Recipes to Try:Old Fashioned DivinityPink Velvet CupcakesFairy Tale Cinnamon RollsStrawberry Lemon Creme SconesHelpful Posts:Crumbl Copycat Pink Sugar CookiesCupcake Tips and TricksEasy Three-Ingredient FudgeRom-Com Pajama Party

Vibe: Cozy, colorful, and full of heart eyes.

Ideas:Invite guests to wear pajamas and bring their favorite swoony read.Watch a clean rom-com or book-to-movie adaptation.Play “Kiss or Miss”—read fake book blurbs and vote if they’d read it.Serve popcorn, heart-shaped cookies, and cotton candy mocktails.Recipes to try:Cookie Decorating with Royal IcingStrawberry FluffiesUltimate Chocolate Chip CookiesEasy Sausage RollsInspirational Fiction & Devotional Brunch

Vibe: Encouraging, joy-filled, and meaningful.

Ideas:Host a morning brunch with muffins, fruit, and coffee.Use uplifting Scripture cards as table décor or party favors.Invite everyone to share a book that’s impacted them spiritually.Give away a devotional or inspirational novel as a door prize.Recipes to try:Easy Sourdough Cinnamon RollsSame Day Sourdough English MuffinsHam and Cheese Grits CasseroleLemon Blueberry Bread PuddingFinal Thoughts

Book-themed parties are more than just fun—they’re a way to celebrate community and imagination. With a little creativity (and maybe a tray of themed cupcakes), you can throw a gathering that feels straight out of a storybook.

Looking for more inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest for more book-themed party ideas, printables, and baking recipes!

Before you go, why not pin some photos?

Thanks for visiting!

The post How to Host a Book-Themed Party (with 5 Genre-Inspired Ideas) appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Fiction Basics

Ah, fiction!  The world of make-believe.  The chance for the author to “create” people, places and things. What power!  

And how we love it. But creating an imaginary world and filling it with people is only a part of the process.  Fiction writing is hard work. Welcome, everyone! This is Janice Thompson, full-time freelance author and speaker – and avid fiction fan. I’ve written over fifty books in my lifetime and most of them have been novels, so I have a soft spot in my heart for well-developed stories. If you’ve signed on to these lessons, you clearly have a spot in your heart for novel-writing, too. 

Components: Let’s Start at the Beginning…

Let’s start by talking about the various components of a great novel. Think of your story as a puzzle in many pieces.  If any of these pieces are missing when you’ve finished writing, then you don’t have a “whole” story. Understanding the components of a great novel is critical to the book’s success.

So, what are those components? First is a thorough understanding of genre. Maybe you’ve heard this word, but don’t really know what it means.  “Genre” is just a fancy way of saying “category.”  All novels fit into one category or another and you need to know where your book “fits” so that you can effectively pitch it to an editor (and so that it reaches the appropriate audience).

Here are some of the most common fiction categories: historical, contemporary, romance, women’s lit, inspirational, chick-lit, mystery, suspense, thriller, YA (young adult), biblical, sci-fi, paranormal, crime, western, literary and allegory. 

Questions to Answer:What genre does your novel fall into?Do you want to be “branded” as a genre writer?Can you see both positives and negatives to this scenario?

The next component to a great novel is the title. 

Do you realize the importance of your title choice?  A great title is a great hook.  Sometimes a poor title can cause book sales to suffer. Answer the following questions about your title:

What have you titled your novel?Does the title clearly reflect the book’s content?Is it a sellable title? Does it have a great hook?Have you “tried out” the title on friends and family?
Are there other titles that might work?  Think of at least three or four, just in case the publishing house opts not to use your working title.

The next component of fiction writing is the story’s plot

Your story must have an awesome beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down.  But how do we begin to plot our stories?  Is there a magic formula?  

Yes, there is! All great plots will have the following: 

Goals and motivationConflict (internal and external)Pacing (to keep the action going)Highs and lows, ups and downs (so that the story never grows cold or gets boring)Great chapter endings (so important)Continual building towards great climaxBelievable (and satisfactory) resolution

Now let’s switch gears and talking about the next component of the novel, which is the setting. Whether you’ve chosen lush, tropical Hawaii, or an African desert, your setting can greatly affect your overall story.

But there’s more to it than that…

Choosing your setting includes:

Setting a “time” for your story: (as in) a time in history, a time of day, a time of year, a time (season) in a person’s life. Setting a “place” for your story: “Where” in the world, “where” in the country, “where” in the city or country, “where” in the neighborhood, “where” in the house, etc.Setting a “mood” for your story:  This can be accomplished in many ways, but good descriptions help.  

That leads me to one of the more important things you’ll need to know about setting:  Sensory Elements. Your story should tap into all five senses.  Let your reader see it, smell it, hear it, taste it and touch it.  Finally, let them “feel” it – on every level.

The next component to a great novel is well-developed characters

Readers need characters they can connect with. Even if you have great action and place the story in an exciting location, the reader will toss the book if you don’t give her a character she can either fall in love with or in some way relate to.  And that character has to have a believable/workable name.  

Once you’ve named your character, you’ll need a full description (internal and external).  You need to know what makes him/her tick. One way to find out how your character reacts under stress is to put him/her on “the witness stand” and ask a host of questions. You might be surprised at some of the answers!

Just a quick word about good guys and bad guys.  Good guys aren’t all good and bad guys aren’t all bad.  Your “good” characters must have some flaws and your “bad” guys must have some redeeming qualities/traits.  Otherwise, your story comes across as slanted.  Besides, that’s how life is!  Even good people make mistakes.  And bad ones are rarely all bad. 

Once you know who your characters are, you then have to figure out ways to introduce them to your readers. There are four main ways to show character in fiction: 

Show Off Those Characters!

1 .  Tell the reader: This is the easiest way of showing character, but your reader won’t necessarily believe you (who believes everything they are told?). And even if they do believe you, this kind of character description is easy to forget. 

2.  Have the character tell the reader:  This is usually a substitute for #1 in stories told in first person, but can also be done in a third person story through the character’s thoughts. 

3.  Have other characters tell the reader:  This is usually done by having other characters speaking to each other about the character in question. If you are using a shifting viewpoint, you can also have various characters express their opinions (through thoughts or dialogue) while they are the viewpoint character. 

4.  Use the character’s actions:  This is probably the strongest and most believable means of depicting character available to a writer. The reader won’t believe everything they are told, but they will believe it if they “see” it.

POV

The next component of a great novel is POV (Point of View)

I could spend pages discussing POV (point of view) and its importance in fiction writing.  This is the one area where I see the most need for improvement in young writers.  Who is telling your story?  Through whose eyes will the reader see the action? Think of the POV in much the same way you’d think of a camera angle. Your point of view character is the one behind the camera. When you’re writing from his POV, you are someone limited, in that the only real perceptions you can show. . .are his. His thoughts, his feelings, his responses. He can suppose what others are thinking and feeling, but you have to stay inside his head, not head-hop to other characters in the scene. 

There are three primary POVs used by writers today. Basically, they include: 

Omniscient:  Most of the classics are written this way.  “Omniscient” POV is also known as the “all-seeing God-eye.” In other words, a novel written in this POV will give the reader opportunity to see inside the head and heart of every character.  That’s the polar opposite of what I described earlier, isn’t it. The problem with this point of view is that it is too vague.  There’s no one to connect with.  How can you distinguish your primary character from the others if you’re revealing motives/actions of all?  Publishers today aren’t keen on Omniscient POV. Why? Because the author who writes this way is really telling his reader the story when he could be showing it. The reader is simply an observer, and that’s never a good thing. You want your reader to have a vested interest in your characters. 

The next point of view is Third-Person:  Many (if not most) modern novels are written in third-person POV.  There are two different types of Third-Person POV.  They include: Limited (meaning you only see through the eyes of a handful of characters in the story) or multiple, meaning the scenes skip from one POV character to the next. Both are popular.  Some novels have as many as six or seven third-person POV’s.  However, a new author shouldn’t tackle something this complex.  It can rarely be done well.  Start with two, maybe three at the most.

The final POV is First-Person:  It has become quite trendy to write in first-person.  A first person novel gives the reader a chance to really connect (and connect well) with a particular character.  Using the “I” voice, this character reveals issues of the heart, matters of conscience and motivations.  In fact, readers who enjoy this POV often come away from the book saying, “It was almost like the author WAS the character.”  

Dialogue & Narrative

The next two components of a great novel are Dialogue and Narrative

Basically, the “telling” of the story falls into a couple of categories:  narrative/prose and dialogue.  Dialogue is fairly self-explanatory.  It includes the back and forth conversations of your characters (with or without the he said, she said tags).  Dialogue should always advance the plot or offer insight into a characters motivations/situation.

Narrative is the glue between conversations.  With your narrative, you have an opportunity to share a lot of information.  But, beware! As we’ve already mentioned, you don’t want to resort to “telling” your story when you should be showing. Show your character doing something. Don’t just tell the reader he did it. 

One of the things you can do to make your narrative (and dialogue) more effective is to choose active verbs, as opposed to passive ones.  Look over your WIP (work in progress) and answer the following questions:

Are your verbs active?How can you “punch up” your verbs?Is your story adverb-heavy?Can you re-word sentences, killing off adverbs and strengthening verbs?  Give it a shot!

That’s it for this lesson, writers. We’ve covered a lot, haven’t we! Thanks for joining us for this glimpse into the world of fiction writing. 

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Quotes for Readers

Ah, books! They bring such joy into our lives, don’t they? In this post I’m going to share some of my favorite quotes for readers, to encourage you to read, read, read!

Every Book is a New Adventure

When you open a book, you step into a new world—one filled with characters, conflicts, and possibilities beyond your imagination. Whether it’s a cozy mystery, a sweeping romance, or a thrilling adventure, every story takes you somewhere new. You don’t need a passport, a plane ticket, or even a packed bag. Just a book, your imagination, and the willingness to turn the page.

Readers Bring Stories to Life

Authors may write the words, but readers breathe life into them. A story truly exists when it’s read—when someone laughs at a witty remark, gasps at a twist, or sheds a tear at a heartfelt moment. You, the reader, are the heart of every book. Without you, stories would sit in silence, waiting to be discovered. Keep reading, keep feeling, keep bringing stories to life.

Books Connect Us Across Time and Space

A book is more than just paper and ink—it’s a bridge between people, places, and generations. When you read, you walk in someone else’s shoes, experiencing their world, their struggles, and their joys. You can connect with an author who lived centuries ago or bond with someone across the world over a shared favorite novel. Stories unite us, remind us that we’re not alone, and show us that human emotions are universal.

Your Love of Books Makes You a Dreamer

Readers are dreamers, visionaries, and explorers of the unknown. You don’t settle for just one life—you live a thousand. You step into castles and cabins, deserts and deep-sea voyages, past and future. A book in your hands is an invitation to imagine, to hope, to believe in the impossible. Never stop dreaming. Never stop reading.

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Quotes for Writers

Enjoy these fun quote, sure to inspire! Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, there’s something here to uplift, encourage, and propel you to be the best writer you can be!

Keep Writing, Keep Growing

Writing is a journey, not a destination. Every word you put on the page is a step forward, a lesson learned, a story taking shape. Some days the words will flow like a river; other days, they’ll trickle like a leaky faucet—but keep writing anyway. The only way to grow as a writer is to keep showing up for the story.

Your Characters Deserve to Be Heard

Somewhere inside you, a character is waiting to be brought to life. They have a voice, a dream, a struggle—and only you can tell their story. Don’t let doubt silence them. Keep writing, keep refining, and let them breathe on the page.

Imagination is a Muscle—Use It!

Creativity isn’t something you have or don’t have—it’s something you train, like a muscle. The more you write, the stronger your imagination becomes. Let your mind wander, chase wild ideas, and explore impossible “what-ifs.” That’s where the magic happens.

Every Story Matters—Including Yours

The world is full of stories, but none of them are yours. Your voice, your perspective, your experiences—they are unique, and they deserve to be shared. Don’t compare your writing to someone else’s journey. Your words have the power to inspire, move, and change people. Keep writing.

Progress Over Perfection

Perfection is a myth, but progress is real. That messy first draft? It’s proof that you’re creating. The clunky sentences? They’re stepping stones to something beautiful. Writing isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about shaping raw words into something that sings.

Writing is a Gift—To Yourself and Others

When you write, you’re giving a gift—not just to readers, but to yourself. Writing lets you explore new worlds, heal old wounds, and bring dreams to life. It’s a way to process, to imagine, to escape. Cherish that gift. Use it. Never stop writing.

Someone Needs Your Story

Right now, there’s someone who needs the story only you can tell. Maybe they haven’t met your characters yet, but someday, they will. Maybe they don’t know they need your words, but when they read them, something will click. Don’t stop. Keep going. Your story matters.

Writing is the Bridge Between Dreaming and Doing

Every story starts as a spark—an idea, a fleeting thought, a “what if” moment. But writing turns that spark into something real. When you put words on the page, you’re building a bridge between imagination and reality, turning dreams into something tangible. Keep writing. Keep building. The world needs more dreamers who dare to do.

The Blank Page is Full of Possibilities

A blank page isn’t empty—it’s waiting. It holds the possibility of an adventure, a mystery, a love story, or a journey of self-discovery. It’s a fresh start, a new world ready to be explored. So, don’t be afraid of the blinking cursor or the empty notebook. Dive in. Write the story only you can tell.

Your Voice is the Magic Ingredient

There may be a thousand stories about love, loss, and triumph, but none have been told in your voice. That’s what makes your writing special. Your perspective, your words, your way of seeing the world—that’s the magic ingredient that makes your story worth reading. Don’t hold back. The world needs your voice.

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Angels in the Bush

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14 ESV

A missionary by the name of Brother Greenaway told of a time when he and an associate were out in the bush, far from civilization. They lost a tire on their jeep. It came off at the axle, breaking the lug nuts as it went. This incident occurred just as they were coming into a clearing in the jungle, literally in the middle of nowhere. Talk about a catastrophe, and at the worst possible time and place! There aren’t any car repair shops in the jungle, after all! 

The jeep coasted to a stop, and the men sat dumbfounded. Where could they go?  What could they possible do?  

When You Don't Know What to Do...

Maybe you’ve been there, at a point of crisis you could not control. Perhaps you froze up, unable to figure out what to do. Short of having a panic attack, it’s hard to know what to do in situations like this, right? But God always has a solution for His kids!

Suddenly, from out of the blue, ten scantily clad natives appeared, surrounding the jeep. The missionaries were terrified, to say the least. However, instead of injuring the missionaries, the natives lifted the jeep up off the ground and placed the wheel back on, making the vehicle drivable once again. Then they disappeared back into the bush.

Now, answer this question:

How could ten vicious natives, (who had never met these men), know to do that?  Brother Greenaway insists they were ten African angels sent in to rescue them! God supernaturally delivered these men. He freed them from danger, and made it possible for them to get back to the work that He had called them to.

Why do we think that God will do any less for us? He loves us just as much as he loved those men in that broken-down vehicle. 

You will face many crises. There will be frightening moments, for sure. But God will never leave you or forsake you. He supernaturally freed you through the person of Jesus Christ, who died the cross at Calvary to rescue you from peril. And He’s still in the intervention business today!

Challenging Thought: Has the Lord ever sent someone to rescue you when you least expected it?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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Mind Chatter

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

“Pack your bags. Your best days are behind you.” 

Have you ever struggled with negative mind-chatter like the phrase above? I have. As I’ve tip-toed over the threshold into my golden years, I’ve questioned my usefulness—to my family, my church, and society at large. (Hello out there! Does anyone have use for an old gal like me, or is there an expiration date stamped on my forehead?) 

At times, self-doubts related to my age and health cause me to freeze up. I don’t make myself available to others as easily as I used to. I wonder if the younger ones will roll their eyes and whisper, “It’s that old lady again, trying to weasel her way in. Would someone please tell her that she’s no longer needed or wanted?”  

No doubt Elizabeth felt the same way. 

Though she had enjoyed many wonderful years of marriage to the priest Zechariah, Elizabeth was now well past her childbearing years. Oh, she was a woman of faith, a dedicated and godly woman who came from a priestly line, herself. But with no child to show from the union with Zechariah, she no doubt felt useless and ostracized by society. 

Elizabeth heard the whispers.

She saw the stares from the young mothers as they nursed their babes and tended to their little ones at play. 

I can’t even imagine the shock (Delight? Disbelief? Confusion?) the elderly Elizabeth must have felt when she received the news that she would deliver a son. Finally, after all of those years!

And what a son he was!

John the Baptist would prepare the way for the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Through his birth, Elizabeth received the promise of 1 Peter 5:6-7, even before the words were penned: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

If you struggle with negative mind chatter, take heart! God has so many wonderful days ahead for you. Study the Bible and see what He has to say about you. Then take His word over your own. Your best days are in front of you, friend!

Challenging Thought: You can take your thoughts captive. Make a list of steps you can take to rein them in next time they lead you down a dark path. 

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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Sharper than a Sword

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

As a youngster, my daughter Megan struggled with learning disabilities. In 1st grade she was diagnosed with dyslexia, which made reading very difficult. In fact, nearly everything academic created a struggle, both internal and external. 

During her 5th grade year a missionary spoke at our church. He shared the story of his son, who, in the 11th grade, read on a mere 4th grade level. This was a source of frustration and embarrassment for his son. 

The family was leaving for the mission field for a year and this gentleman felt the Lord prompting him to use the Word of God to educate his son during that time. After all, he reminded us, the Word does promise that those who study it will obtain wisdom and knowledge. 

There’s Power in the Word!

The family went off to the mission field and the young man saturated himself in the Word. At the end of that year the family returned to the states. The son was placed back in public school for his senior year, where he miraculously tested on a 12th grade level in reading! Wow! 

When I heard this story, I got very excited. I decided to use the Word of God to teach my daughter. So, for that next year, that’s exactly what we did. We dove right in, studying one Bible story after another. 

That year was a terrific turning point in Megan’s life—both emotionally and from an academic standpoint. Not only did she learn to read, she obtained the spiritual strength and confidence to face the Goliaths in her life. 

The Word of God is powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. It can change your life, your situation, your mind, and even your heart. So, stay deeply rooted in the Word. Read it, study it, memorize it. . .even set it to music if you like. But get it in you and you will surely succeed. 

Challenging Thought: What steps can you take to spend more time in the Word of God?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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Extraordinary Faith

One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o’clock, the time set each day for the afternoon prayer service. There, at the Temple gate called Beautiful Gate, was a man who had been crippled all his life. Every day he was carried to this gate to beg for money from the people going into the Temple.

Acts 3:1-2 NCV

For years, a man who had been crippled from birth lay at the feet of many who walked by him and through the gates which led into the worship place called the temple. This man, name unknown, spent his entire life dependent upon those around him who would carry him daily upon his pallet and strategically set him at the same gate. There he would lie, begging for money to assist with mere survival. 

Tenacity

Many walked by with disregard, but he never gave up. This tenacious man had faith that someone would care enough to toss a few coins his way. Their donations made his lonely effort to survive a bit more tolerable. In his own way, he was faithful to his own cause.

Then, on a day like many others, the crippled man was met by two men of God—Christians named Peter and John. They, being filled with the Holy Spirit, gave to the man what he really needed, an encounter with the one true God. As they prayed, supernatural faith kicked in and the man was instantly healed. No longer crippled, he began walking, leaping, and praising God. 

Now, keep this fact in mind.

The man had never ever walked before in his entire life. Yet, he was able to effortlessly walk and jump after his healing, praising God like it was second nature for him to do so. He had probably never participated in a worship service, either. Perhaps he had never given much thought to having a personal relationship with God, let alone the Son of God. 

Yet, the once lame man shouted for joy and praised his Healer. Not knowing exactly who he was dealing with, God obviously gave him the faith to receive his healing. After receiving his miracle, the once lame man went joyfully with Peter and John into the temple to worship. It was a dream come true.

Perhaps you have experienced times in your life when God instilled a supernatural faith. Not just ordinary faith, but completely extraordinary faith. Sometimes we need that little bit of extra, don’t we?  How good of the Lord to offer extraordinary faith when we need it! 

Challenging Thought: Is your faith large or small? Remember, Jesus said it wouldn’t take much! With faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, miracles can happen! 

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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All Sufficiency

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV

I homeschooled my four daughters for many of their growing-up years. But, I’ll confess, I really didn’t know what I was doing that first year. Oh, I gave it my best shot, but I was mostly winging it, and it showed. 

One particular day, I reached a breaking point. Nothing seemed to be working out and emotions were at the boiling point. I went into the guest bathroom and locked the door to escape. 

Ever Been There?

Outside, my 3rd grader pounded on the door and hollered, “Mom! I don’t know how to do this multiplication problem! I need help with my times tables!” On and on she went, carrying on with great passion about math, my least-favorite subject. 

I wanted to respond, but couldn’t seem to. Instead, I just froze up. Maybe I didn’t have what it took to be a homeschool mom. Perhaps the whole idea had been far-fetched. 

She eventually stopped pounding and hollering and I came out. And I’m here to testify that we made it through that year. And the next. And the next. Even though I didn’t have all I needed in the moment, God picked up the slack. Eventually, all four of my girls graduated and went on to live amazing lives as productive, bright adults. 

There will be plenty of opportunity to think you’re insufficient. And, honestly? You will be. We’re all in a never-ending learning curve, after all. But God always takes up the slack. 

He is our all-sufficient Father, ready to give us what we need when we need it. So, instead of worrying about your lack, begin to brag on His amazing sufficiency! 

Challenging Thought: What does the phrase “all sufficiency” mean to you?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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God, my Foundation

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 

Matthew 7:24-25 ESV

I have four daughters who got married within a four-year period. It was a blissful season, but talk about a hit to the pocketbook! This was especially true when it came to wedding cakes. They’re incredibly pricey, after all! 

After spending a fortune on my oldest daughter’s wedding cake, daughter #2 asked if I would make hers. I reluctantly said yes, though I knew little about the process. With the help of some friends I managed to pull it off. And by the time daughter #3 got married, she assumed I would make her cake. Same with daughter #4. 

Enter Janice, the Baker!

After all of those weddings, the community at large seemed to adopt me as their resident cake-baker. I found myself on many an occasion, making cakes for friends. Such was the case when my eldest daughter’s best friend got married. She asked if I would make her cake—a simple four-tiered one with black ribbon around the bottom of each tier. I agreed. It would be my gift to her. 

I struggled from the get-go. Nothing seemed to come together as planned. My mixer broke. The cakes didn’t turn out right. But I overcame, and eventually had four tiers of cake to deliver to the venue. I drove to the country club and pieced together the four tiers, adding the ribbon. Then I headed off to the wedding—in a different location. 

Imagine my shock, an hour later, when I arrived back at the country club to find the cake table empty.

Wait. . .What?

To my horror, I learned from one of the employees that the cake had fallen. I found it, in pieces, in the kitchen. Through my tears, I did my best to piece together the two remaining tiers, but they were a complete mess. The bride was understanding, but even now, all these years later, I feel a little nauseous every time I re-live the experience. 

My cake didn’t have a firm foundation. It wasn’t structured properly. I didn’t realize it at the time because I was still so new to the cake-making biz. But now I realize that it was an accident waiting to happen. 

Perhaps you can relate. If you build your life on a weak foundation, things will surely crumble. But if you build on the Rock, it will stand firm, no matter how many storms pass over. 

Challenging Thought: Have you built your house on the rock or the sand? Would you consider your spiritual foundation solid?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!

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