I'm A Free Agent!

Well, I've just gone through my first month of not having to put together a newsletter issue. After 14 years it feels a little odd - I don't think it's quite set in yet that I no longer have that responsibility. 

But I'm very excited and happy at the 'wiggle room' this now gives me to consider any new freelance writing opportunities God should choose to bring my way.

Yes, I'm a free agent! It feels good. :)

My heart's desire is to focus on writing about my faith and/or family - but I'm open to fun new ideas as well. The window is open and it's very refreshing.

Releasing My Grip

Sometimes we hold on tightly to things in our life. We do it because we value and hold those things (or people) so dearly to us. But there comes a time when God might ask us to let go of those things. He will either ask us to trust Him with them, or maybe to give them up altogether. That time has come for me.

It is with a very tender heart that I want to let you know that I am stepping down from my Emphasis On Moms Ministry. It has been such a blessing in my life. I have loved it dearly. I have loved my subscribers dearly. But as greatly as I have loved Emphasis On Moms, I love my Lord more. And with my whole heart, I feel that He is asking me to release my grip on that ministry.

Life is about change. Nothing stays the same. There is a time and a season for everything. I’m actually very excited about this season of change in my writing. I will be focusing more on my blog here at Beauty in the Storm and on my freelance writing. I hope to be given a platform at some point to reach many, many more moms and women with the hope and love of God.

I also am excited personally – because I can relax a little bit more as I throw myself into my two girls’ increasing social calendar. After all, I’ve always said that family comes first! And as I see my children growing up, I want to soak in every moment I can with them.

I remember the first day I mailed out my Emphasis On Moms Newsletter. I sent it through the mail at that time before it went online. And I remember as I put those newsletters in the mailbox, I prayed. I asked God to bless this ministry and to be in charge of it. Ultimately, it was HIS ministry – not mine. I tried so hard not to forget that along the way. What a thrill for me to be allowed to have it for as long as I did. Do you know that I started Emphasis On Moms in October of 1997?? That’s 14 years! What a blessing. What a part of my life it has become.

Now. Now I guess God is calling me to move on a little bit. To shift gears slightly.And I’m positive, hopeful, and excited. Mostly – just excited.

I will still be around. I will still be writing my blog and like I said - hopefully expand to more freelance opportunities. The Emphasis On Moms website and ministry will always be a part of my heart. And hopefully it will still live on – just a little differently.

To those of you who have been with me on this journey, thank you. I have treasured every moment of it.

Please continue to pray for me as I open myself up to new opportunities and make myself available for new ways God might see fit to use me in ministry for Him.

A Great Start to 2011

Dionna has been blessed to be added to the blogging team for Everyday Christian and Devotional Christian. She is also still blogging for Hope Magazine.

If you are interested in purchasing reprints from Dionna - they are now available for $10 a piece. All kinds of articles are available on parenting, family traditions, faith, self esteem, media and the family, etc.

Contact Dionna at madetomom@yahoo.com for more information.

Hope Magazine

Dionna is now a "faith" blogger for Hope For Women Magazine.

She is no longer writing for Extant Magazine as they have folded.

January 10 Writing Status

I am happy to be contributing for Contempo Magazine and Extant Magazine monthly right now. I've also been added to the writing team for EverythingMom.com.

For my own ministry I've added on some wonderful writers in several areas that I had needs. I'm so thankful for God bringing these women my way!

Freelancing

Some of my freelancing jobs have fallen through recently - such is the life of a writer! :) I am looking for 1 or 2 (depending on frequency and deadlines) columns or blogs to take on right now. If you need any family, parenting, faith, self esteem & beauty, devotional, family traditions, or lifestyle articles - send me an email - madetomom@yahoo.com.

MWLM Magazine - no more

I am no longer writing for MWLM magazine. I felt it was time to part ways but am so thankful for the opportunity to write for them.

I have a few opportunities that may be in the works and am continuing to look for a steady (monthly?) freelance gig with a Christian ministry.