Everything is happening so fast…
Two months ago, I published my first book. Two weeks ago, I graduated from higher education and became a “real” independent adult. Two days ago, I got engaged.
So…yeah, that’s a lot of change in a short amount of time. I also sold a short story to a magazine in England and started a new job (more about those things later in the post).
I’m amazed at how quickly God has steered my life into new, deeper waters!
It’s not like there weren’t years of praying and hoping and waiting behind every big piece of news that I’m sharing now, but for them to all come to fruition at the same time is shocking.
Now for the updates!
The proposal…
It happened on Monday. It was Labor Day, so he had the day off from work, but I didn’t. (Because I just started a new job! More about that in a second.)
He drove down the night before, stayed at a good friend’s house (shoutout to Mark for hosting him!) and we hung out in the morning.
Then we went for a picnic lunch. I was in a rush, actually, because I expected a time crunch if I was going to eat and drive home in time to clock in for my new job.
When we arrived at the picnic place, he took me to a spot I might not have ventured to on my own. We just ate and hung out cuz we like hanging out. 🙂
Then he asked me to marry him. And I said yes.
By the time we packed everything up and drove back to my house, I was very late to clock in for my new job (I still feel embarrassed about that).
Wedding FAQs
No, we don’t have a timeline yet. 🙂
Honestly, I haven’t really been asked any questions other than this one a shocking number of times, but if you drop a question in the comments, I’ll happily answer it. XD
My new job at the publishing house!
I’m an Associate Editor for Abundance Books now.
I work remote (it’s my first time doing that) and I’m excited to see what God has planned for my time at this job. 🙂
One of my stories is under contract for publication in England!
Honestly, I thought the start of my career would be slow and quiet.
And I didn’t publish my first novel with a big splash at sixteen or seventeen years old like I planned to at fourteen, but it’s been much more exciting than I expected at eighteen!
I had a short story published in Fantastical Summer, a family-friendly collection of whimsical stories published by The Pearl.
(Also “A Bibliophile’s Notebook” reviewed Fantastical Summer and interviewed me.)
Now another of my stories has found a home!
Last week I signed a contract with a print literary magazine for them to publish one of my short stories in England! It’s called The Wanderer’s Post, and they share beautiful, family-friendly art in multiple forms (stories and full-page collectable artwork).
They deliver to doorsteps internationally for a wonder-filled offline experience. You can learn more and grab a subscription on their website: https://www.wandererspost.com
Last thoughts…
That’s all for now, but I just want to take a second to praise the Lord. He’s full of light, with no darkness in him, and I’m so excited to step father and father into the light, even if it takes me far from my comfort zone.
I’m done living comfortably in darkness. It’s time to focus on the LIGHT of my life, Jesus.
And he’s reorienting my life in big ways right now. Yes, I’ve spent time crying because the change is overwhelming, but that’s not the important part of the story! Jesus is working! I trust him completely.
So I’m excited about what’s to come.
P.S. The Wanderer’s Post ships internationally and I’m scheduled to be in the December issue. Give yourself (or someone you love) an early Christmas gift and buy a year-long subscription now: https://www.wandererspost.com/product-page/subscribe
God is so so good Vella! Steward your new positions with integrity, love and His guidance, this is only the beginning!
Amen! Thanks, Kimber.
Please include a picture of your fiance. I read in another post that his name is Jack and I would like to see what he looks like.
I’ve shared some pictures of us on my Instagram! Here’s the link to one: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOMWXoiDziC/
Wow, so much I could say! Yay and congratulations I’m so excited to see where this journey leads you! I love your emphasis on God working, I especially love the ending on how He’s been there. Yes, there are pain and tears and much more, but that is not the focus, God is. And in the midst of the pain and tears, He’s moving in ways we could never imagine!
Amen! That’s actually the direction I’m thinking and praying about taking my blog: it’s less about fighting the darkness than ushering in the LIGHT.
Praise God for everything He is doing in your life. You are doing an inspiring amount of looking to Him and trusting in where He is leading.
Very happy for you, Vella. God loves us for just being His children but these kind of blessings are poured out on those who are listening and seeking Him alone.
Amen, praise Jesus!
Congratulations Vella! So excited for you and all you’re doing this year.
Thaaaaanks. <3
So exciting, Vella! You’re really going for it–in all areas of life! That inspires me. 🙂 Humongous congrats and blessings to you and Jack!
Thanks! God is teaching me to be excited about the future and I’m so grateful.
Congratulations x3 Vella. I’m so proud of you and excited for your work and education paying off. And engaged. Yay. Though as a writer, I expect a much more detailed exciting engagement story! LOL.
Thanks Susan!! Yeah, I thought about it, but I decided that I didn’t need to write it in an engaging way. <3
Congratulations!
Thanks!