Steadfast – Surprised by Story

I’ve been working feverishly for the past four months to write my second novel in the Penned in Time series, The Thorn Keeper. It was a story I never planned to write.

You see, when I started writing my debut novel, The Thorn Bearer, about fourteen years ago, I created the perfect, unredeemable antagonist. As the story grew, changed, evolved over the years, my plan stayed intact….until my antagonist had something amazing happen to her.

During one of my revisions, the nasty, selfish, manipulative antagonist…met Jesus. He swept right into my storyworld and saved her!

Well, what was I supposed to do with that?

From the embers of such a transforming fire, sparked the second book – The Thorn Keeper, a story that has gripped my heart with a renewed awareness of God’s pursuing, changing, and keeping love.

God’s steadfastness.

It became the heart of this story. The steadfast love of the Lord and the daily reminder of His grace.

I find myself forgetful. Many times lost in my storms or struggles, quick to search for my own solutions, and slow to remember the steadfast love of a faithful Father.

Catherine Dougall was a good reminder to me.

Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,

    for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

    according to your steadfast love remember me,

    for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

 Good and upright is the Lord;

    therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right,

    and teaches the humble his way.

 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

    for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 25:6-10 (ESV)