The Significance of Milestones

This week my husband and I celebrate an anniversary.  It wouldn't be considered a milestone by most, but one more anniversary is a marker to us.  We celebrate surviving difficult times, hurt feelings, disappointments, successes, joys, accomplishments and well, the list could go on for an entire page.








Life can be difficult and harsh.  We need markers from successes to endure hard times. When Joshua led the Israelites through the Jordan river to the Promised land, God told him to get a marker for each tribe as a memorial. We need encouragement from successes, not bragging rights, just encouragement.

In my writing nook, my husband hung each of my published articles and stories like a border along the top of the wall. Guests don't see the display, only family members. Someday he'll have to figure out how to hang a book, too.

What have you done to remind yourself of the accomplishments God has given you?

This week Writer's Alley celebrates two VIP's from our group. One came in first place in her category in a writing contest, and the other came in second in a different category. I don't want to steal their thunder by telling you about their recent accomplishments, you can do that by checking all the posts this week. But I can say I am proud to belong to their group, honored to read their uplifting words, strengthened by their example.

Milestone Memory Makers:

1. Use a computer program to log completed manuscripts (that is an accomplishment!), pending manuscripts, and published manuscripts. Update with each success.
2. Build a writer's resume by adding significant published manuscripts. (i.e. to sell a manuscript to a dog magazine, I would want to include any previously published articles about animals) Update resume for each submission tailoring information to match specific publishing houses.
3. Post publication news on your web site, blog, facebook, twitter, etc.  Copy any kudo comments for your records.  You could post those comments near your computer for encouragement.  Perhaps God sent that person to write that specific comment to encourage your current efforts for the article or book you are writing.
4. Show and tell co-workers your writing successes.  Who knows, they may buy the periodical or book, or lead others to a sale. Co-workers excel at being accountability partners.  They may meet you at the water cooler and ask, "So, what are your writing, now?"
5. Journal your successes. Read through it weekly and thank God for His blessings.


Here is an opportunity for you to make a milestone memory. Take a moment to tell us about the successes God has given you in recent writings.  Each publication or completed manuscript was a gift from God. Each publication helped some reader in some way somewhere.  Well, what are you waiting for?...press the comment button!