Sorrow and pain can often be used to create opportunity and joy.

No truer statement can be said when I think about writing. I've been writing for a long time but two years ago I actually stepped out and shared some of my work with family and friends. That was a special time - a time of reflection, sadness, hope and joy as we were celebrating the life of my dad and his journey home to be with our Heavenly Father. I really didn't know how to express my thoughts, memories or feelings for dad as my wife and I prepared to travel. In the end I didn't write the poem; the poem used me to get on the paper. That is a time in my life I will never forget. It felt both strange and appropriate to hear the pastor read what was prepared to those in the Church that day.

A lot has happened since then; I can now say that I am a published poet. My work can be found in both magazines and books. I am currently revising and editing my second novel and I'm happy to say that the first is being read by a senior editor at a publishing house.

My writing has taken me to new areas and arenas - my blog, The New Author, is a joy to operate and has a solid community around it but it is the people I meet that makes it such a wonder. One person I met is now my partner in our promotional business. Premium Promotional Services has been in operation for about 2 years now.

As big as writing is in my life it doesn't replace the top two on my list. Nope, those are reserved for the Lord (who is always #1) and my family. I could write forever about the blessings the Lord has showered upon me and likewise I could write about how much my family means to me. It is amazing how the two go hand in hand because the Lord blessed me with awesome parents and brothers then followed up with a wonderful and loving wife. To top it off He blessed me with children who know Him as well. We are all active members in our church and that is a pure joy for me.

It all goes to show that the Lord is in control and if we let him he will do great things through us.