It’s still cold, windy, and muddy outside, not at all the kind of weather for sitting out there and writing a book. But more suitable weather will be coming soon, and I pray I’ll be ready to write when it does.

I’m a little surprised that I haven’t yet made use of that huge critter in the picture, known to prehistoric animal buffs as Arsinoitherium. Imagine a rather large rhino with a pair of stupefyingly big horns–not one behind the other, but branching out together from the top of its face. Big, thick horns, almost like traffic safety cones. I’ve long been fascinated by this beast. It must be lurking somewhere in the background, waiting for its cue to enter the story.

Thing is, I never know what’s going to be the inspiration for the next Bell Mountain book. I depend on the Lord to give me inspiration: I can’t call it up on purpose. Sometimes waiting for it can be hard: raring to go, but the race just hasn’t started yet.

God only knows–I mean that literally: He knows, but I don’t–what shape, what twists and turns, the next book will take. I’ve left a few loose ends in His Mercy Endureth Forever that will have to be gathered up. I’m sure there are new characters waiting to come onstage. Or older characters, so far playing minor roles, that will unexpectedly turn up in the spotlight.

What will it be? What will it look like? How will it surprise me?

Here I am, Lord! Waiting for whatever you mean to give me.

May it be fruitful in your service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.