Holly Michael's Writing Straight

~ Connecting and Inspiring Along Life's Crooked Lines by Author Holly Michael

Holly Michael's Writing Straight

Tag Archives: Betsy Byrne

Touchdown Dance!

15 Saturday Aug 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Betsy Byrne, Books, Christianity, Diabetes, Family, First and Goal, Football, Jake Byrne, Nick Byrne, type 1 diabetes

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Badgers, Betsy Byrne, devotional, Faith, First and Goal, football, Football Devotional, Holly Michael, Jake Byrne, Lafayette, never give up, Nick Byrne, ragin Cajuns, San Diego Chargers, touchdown, touchdown dance, type 1 diabetes, University of Louisiana, University of Wisconsin, What Football Taught Me About Never Giving UP

Touchdown Dance

Football Season is here!

One year ago today, after playing for four years as a tight-end for the Wisconsin Badgers, Jake scored his first touchdown in the NFL.

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So proud of my son, a type 1 diabetic, who has overcome incredible odds and has grown up to be an amazing man, now married to the lovely Emma.

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Today, Jake has a book published by Harvest House Publishers: First and Goal – What Football Has Taught Me About Never Giving Up.

Ever want to know what goes on in the mind of a player when they score that first NFL touchdown…especially when they prepped for the touchdown dance? Here’s an excerpt from Jake’s devotional: First and Goal….

Touchdown Dance A player’s celebration of his touchdown catch in the end zone. Spiking the ball and some dance moves are allowed, but not other stuff the NFL deems as excessive celebration.

“Got your end zone show planned for your first touchdown?”

Seated on the couch in my San Diego apartment, I caught the football my brother Nick tossed to me. He’d come for a visit prior to our football camps—his as a Ragin Cajun tight end in college and mine as an NFL Chargers tight end.

“You gotta have swag and set your own style, you know. Like Terrell Owens when he carried a sharpie in his sock, signed the ball, and threw it to the fans.”

“That’s illegal now.” Football in hand, I leaped off the couch. “How about this?” I busted out in a smooth dance move and then spiked the ball.

“Too complicated.” Nick laughed. “Too bad you’re not playing for the Packers. It’d be easy to do the Lambeau Leap into the stands. Just don’t be a copycat and do the dirty bird or pretend to make a cell phone call. Those are done.”

Coached by Nick, I perfected a simple but signature dance move.

A couple of months later, during the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, at the end of the fourth quarter, Coach called a time-out and the play that would send me into the end zone to catch a touchdown pass. The play down, the end zone dance in my head, I geared up for my big moment.

Everything went as planned. I released as if to block and the defense took the fake hook, line, and sinker. I was unaccounted for. In this preseason game, the Seahawks had me marked only as a blocker. I ran my route as Kellen Clemens lobbed the ball toward me.

Perfect catch!

Touchdown!

Stunned and in awe, I froze. Zach Boren, a teammate who was also with me on the Texans, jumped all over me. Everyone was hopping up and down, attacking me. I thanked God and looked at the ball. Still in my hands.

Signature dance move! Gotta do it.

It was too late. I couldn’t remember the moves Nick taught me. I tried a sorry attempt of a power spike and ran off the field. Still flying high and flustered, I forgot to run out for the next play. If not for the two-minute warning, I would have received a penalty.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:1-4).

I had the sequence planned out for my touchdown, but stunned and caught up in the moment like Peter, I forget my end zone dance. Only the glory of the moment mattered.

Standing before the Son of God, Elijah (a great prophet), and Moses (the law-giver), Peter wanted to build a tent and stay, not realizing the moment would be fleeting. I understand that. Entranced in my moment of glory and overpowered by the immensity of the experience, I didn’t want to leave the field.

Peter’s amazing experience was so much greater than my touchdown moment, but definitely both were moments in which God blessed us. During times in your life where God’s grace is evident, revel in the moment and thank Him, but don’t forget that when the moment ends you have to get back to reality to avoid a penalty.

***

My youngest son, Nick, just starts his football season with the Ragin Cajuns at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Proud of both of my sons and my lovely daughter, Betsy, who is studying and teaching at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. All amazing kids who have grown up to be superb adults. #Proudmomof3 

11709758_10204379746803993_808037302279955618_nJake’s book is available through most booksellers. Online at Amazon http://amzn.to/1FAYKo8

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Brotherly Love

10 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Betsy Byrne, Books, Christianity, Diabetes, Family, First and Goal, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Nick Byrne

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Author, Best Devotional for boys, Best Devotional for Teens, Best Sports Devotional, Bestseller, Betsy Byrne, book, Brother, Brotherly Love, Christian, Christianity, devotional, diabetes, First and Goal, First and Goal What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up, football, Holly Michael, Houston Texan, Jake Byrne, Kansas City Cheifs, New Orlean Saint, NFL, Nick Byrne, San Diego Charger, type 1, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes, Type Won, What Football Taught Me About Never Giving UP, Wisconsin Badgers

One of my favorite devotions from my son Jake’s book (an A-Z football devotional) – FIRST AND GOAL – What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up

Position – Eleven players from each team are on the field at a time, and each player has a position, role, and responsibility to complete the offense, defense, or special teams.

I am a firstborn. My little brother, Nick, five years younger than me, was the last addition to the gang. In his baby years, he was happiest in one position–cradled in my lap, watching the screen as I played video games. At first it was a pain, but I got used to playing with him.

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Playing video games with Nick.

My favorite games were Madden sports games. It wasn’t long before Nick’s position changed. He soon sat beside me, holding his own controller. Later, he was a real competitor, learning the football positions and eventually becoming a formidable challenger.

At age 17 I zipped up my suitcase, ready to leave for college.

“Let’s play one more game before you go.” Nick wiped a tear on his sleeve.

I took my position on the floor with Nick beside me. He beat me. I didn’t even let him. Soon the game ended. The hardest thing about leaving for college was watching my little brother tear up when I said my final goodbye.

While I was in college, I got a call from Nick. “Hey, I’m with my friends, playing you on Madden NCAA 2012.”

By that time I was actually in the college football video game, and he was proud to be picking me as a player. “Give me extra strength,” I said. “Pump up my muscles.”

“Right now I’m giving you a really huge butt and little chicken legs.”

Chuckles came through the phone.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another (Romans 12:10 nkjv).

Through the laughter I could hear Nick’s pride and love. When he was a kid, he’d sometimes drive me nuts always wanting to hang out with me and my friends, but I had done my best to bring him into my world. It’s what a big brother should do. Most of my friends were cool with Nick hanging out with us.

Now when we get together, I want to spend all my free time hanging out with Nick and his friends.

Nick and his teammate Daniel Cadona.

Nick and his teammate Daniel Cadona.

He’s also a football player, a tight end. Same position I played through high school, college, and into the NFL.

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Nick, a Ragin’ Cajun @ The University of Louisiana – Lafayette

There’s nothing like having a brother, especially one like Nick. God says to give preference to one another. That means putting that person first, be it a brother or one who is like a brother to you. The paybacks are great.

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Sister Betsy and Nick

With Nick at a college football camp, giving him a few pointers while I was with the New Orleans Saints.

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Nick, sister Betsy

*****

So proud of my kiddos, Jake, Betsy and Nick and so pleased that they are all the best of friends–from childhood to adulthood. First and GoalThe devotional above is an excerpt from Jake’s Book, FIRST AND GOAL – WHAT FOOTBALL TAUGHT ME ABOUT NEVER GIVING UP, now available from most all booksellers. Published by Harvest House Publishers 

Bio for Jake: Jake Byrne grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. A type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, he has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger.

Jake blogs at www.typewon.net.

Facebook Page (Type Won): www.facebook.com/typewon1

Twitter: @sugarfreejb82

Instagram: Jakebyrne81

Email: typewonquestions@gmail.com

First and Goal Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/FirstAndGoalTypeWon

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Looking Back…Looking Forward – Amazing Life

16 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Betsy Byrne, Books, Christianity, Crooked Lines, Diabetes, Family, First and Goal, Football, Jake Byrne, Nick Byrne, tsunami 2004

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Author, Author Jake Byrne, Betsy Byrne, Bishop Leo Michael, Crooked Lines, Dallas, Dreams, Emma Erickson, First and Goal, First and Goal What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up, future, God, God's Plan For You, Harvest House, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Jake Byrne, Kansas City, Leo Michael, NFL, Nick Byrne, Novel, plans, Psalm 16:3, Psalm 31, Psalm 37:4-6, St James Anglican, tsunami 2004, type 1, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes, Type Won, www.typewon.net

Hi Friends,

If you visited my blog about two years ago, you might have read the post about my son Jake, a type one diabetic entering into the NFL draft. At the same time, I was working toward my dream of becoming a novelist. (NFL Aspirations and novelists dreams: Follow the Fairytales as they come true.)

I’m reposting the text of the blog below and then giving an update because I’m simply amazed at how you can make life plans…then hope, dream, and pray, and then look back and smile, knowing that even if everything didn’t go exactly as planned, it went the way it was supposed to go. Life is amazing!

Here’s the blog post, then below that, an update and reflection:

I don’t remember the dream, only the worried face that popped into it. Jake. My four-year-old. Why was his face in my dream? Minutes later, a tap on my shoulder woke me.

“Had a bad dream, Mom,” Jake said.

I lifted the covers, pulled Jake close, and kissed the top of his head, amazed at this strange connection that allowed my son’s fears to travel from his dreams into mine.

Mom’s have connections like that with their children. Sometimes a prickle of worry regarding one of my kids will flash in my mind like a sudden rainstorm pocking up a calm lake. I stop, drop, and pray. Most times, I discover those feelings were on the mark, and my child needed prayers in that moment.

photoaJake had dreams of becoming an NFL player. What little boy doesn’t? Then as a sophomore in high school, he was diagnosed with type one diabetes. Jake refused to accept it as an obstacle. He wanted to play football on a college scholarship. He pushed himself hard: extra workouts, more discipline, never missing a practice. Jake gave his diabetes and his football dreams to God.

“Maybe God want’s me to have diabetes for a greater purpose,” Jake often expressed.

For the last last four years I’ve watched Jake start as a tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers. (Jake Byrne #82) Now, Jake has an agent and a good shot at the NFL.

Like my son, I proclaimed lofty dreams when I was a child. I wanted to be a novelist. I held onto that goal, learning and improving my writing skills in spite of rejection letters and self-doubt obstacles along my path toward publication. Now, an agent is reading my novel.

Jake and I aren’t sitting back, biting our nails as we wait for our dreams to happen. I’m working on my second book, blogging, and preparing to become a novelist. Jake’s preparing for the NFL draft.

If a boy with type I diabetes can work hard and become an NFL player, then his mom can be a novelist. Lofty goals? Fairytales? NFL player and Novelist. Sometimes we just know what we want and with God’s blessing, hard work, a little God-given talent, and support from others, it can happen.

Mother and child connections. Funny we’re both, at the same time, standing at the cusp of our dreams becoming reality, ready to wake up and be the people we were meant to be.

AND NOW, two years later, here are the updates:

20130925-153506.jpgJake: Type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. After playing four years for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, he went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger. And he got engaged at Christmas to a lovely, wonderful girl. I welcome Emma Erickson into the family with a great big hug and lots of love!

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Jake is moving forward with new goals and plans: Marriage plans and starting a foundation TYPE WON to help and encourage diabetic youth. He just moved to Dallas and is starting a new job with a PR/Marketing Firm.

hollyHolly: Indie published one novel, Crooked Lines, and have two more to be released this year. Also, after following up from a mission trip after the 2004 Tsunami, indie published a non-fiction book: Tsunami 2004: Still Wading through Waves of Hope.

As a hybrid author-traditional and indie published, I now write write fiction and nonfiction, on a slightly different path than I imagined two years ago. But loving my writing life (fiction and nonfiction) and looking forward to my 2015 book releases and 2016, too!

photo (79)Together: Our “mother-son connections” have brought us a book contract with Harvest House Publishers, due for a release date Early August: First and Goal – What football taught me about never giving up. We are so excited about this devotional and very grateful to Kim Moore, Senior Editor, who had faith in this project and who has been a joy to work with.

The rest of the family is doing great. My husband, Bishop Leo Michael, continues his work as an anglican pastor/bishop. (St. James Anglican Church, Kansas City)

Youngest son, Nick, plays football for the Ragin’ Cajuns at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. (Jake, above, supporting his team and wearing one of his shirts – holding our book contact).

1908477_10203058282048200_7841013063728876238_nAnd daughter Betsy is studying for her Masters and working as a teaching assistant at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette.  All three cuties to the left. Ahh…as a mom, I love that these three are best friends.

Reflection: Looking back, I’m amazed at how far we all have come since that post, two years ago. There have been rough moments. Ups and downs. Times when we didn’t know what was next. Jake was cut and picked up, again and again…even brought back to the same team again. I’ve had my own moments of doubt and worry. But, through our moments of uncertainty, we commit our plans to the Lord. Looking back, we can see God’s Hand has been in our lives in amazing ways. He is good. He is faithful. Always.

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During moments of doubt and insecurity, pray. Ask the Creator to show us the way. We are His creation and He knows us best and what is best for us.

Looking back or forward, Psalms 31 says it all:

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Who wouldn’t want to be led by a Greater Power, the Creator and Source of Life and Love. Looking forward, here’s some advice from Psalms 37:4-6:

Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Simple but profound bit of wisdom. We can never go wrong by committing our life and plans to God.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Psalms 16:3

I may not blog too much in the next few months as I’m in the middle of several writing projects, including a few non-fiction book proposals and finishing three novels…committing it all to the LORD. Will see where He leads us all next. I’m not sure of anything, but only that life is an amazing and wonderful ride with Jesus at the wheel.

Would love if you’d click over and “like” Jake’s TYPE WON Facebook page. While there, would you please subscribe to his mailing list by clicking on the “subscribe” link.

Thanks a bunch!

Looking back, how has your life changed in the last two years? Hopefully, even through the rough times, you’ve moved forward on the path toward your plans, hopes, and dreams. Hopefully, you’ve seen the hand of God in your life. Need direction? Got worries? Let me know. I’d be happy to pray for you.

10999505_10155288525850635_6476870574761653437_nOh, and one more bit of news from me. My novel, CROOKED LINES, is on sale for .99 CENTS this week.

 

 

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It’s My Birthday…

08 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Books, Crooked Lines, Family

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

#1 Inspirational Fiction, best-seller, Bestseller, Betsy Byrne, Bishop Leo Michael, Crooked Lines, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, India, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, nagapattinam, Nick Byrne, Novel, Tsunami, tsunami 2004, Tsunami Still Wading through Waves of Hope

…so, I put CROOKED LINES, A Novel for sale  @ .99 cents. http://amzn.to/1r4gTrT AND its #1 in Inspirational, Fiction, Family on AMAZON.COM

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Happy because…had a great time with the kiddos. Congrats to Jake on his engagement to Emma, on his right. (Just love her). Daughter Betsy (WTG 4.0 in Grad School) to the left of Jake. My husband, Bishop Leo Michael, to my right and Nick (WTG Winning the New Orleans Bowl! Go Ragin Cajuns). Nick is the bookend wearing the hat.

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Counting my blessings at the beginning of 2015. There are so many. Started it out with a newly published book after our return from India. Tsunami 2004 Still Wading Through Waves of Hope: http://amzn.to/1AbgKXD

Beautiful beach and seaFeeling grateful to God that my husband survived dengue fever which resulted in a multi-organ failure situation. Truly, only prayers turned that around. We were at the tail end of a ten-year follow-up with the orphan children we helped after the 2004 tsunami. (thanks to those who gave during major fundraising effort back in 2004)

In the end, got the nonfiction book wrote and published. Tsunami 2004 – Wading through Waves of Hope is filled with inspirational then and now stories as we revisited the places and people in Nagapattinam, South India. $2.99 Kindle, $6.99 print.  http://amzn.to/1AbgKXD

Hope to get back to more blogging this year where I focus on connecting with others. Thanks for following my blog.

Holly

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Another Great Day!

26 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by Holly Michael in Betsy Byrne, Books, Crooked Lines, Diabetes, Family, Football, Jake Byrne, Nick Byrne

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Bestseller, Bestseller in Kindle, Betsy Byrne, Bragging, Crooked Lines, football, Holly Michael, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Kids, NFL, Nick Byrne, Novel, type 1 diabetes

Sorry, readers…heading to the finish line on the devotional that Jake and I are writing together (contracted with Harvest House): First and Goal to Go: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up. Deadline: SEPTEMBER 1st!! So, I’ve only had time for quick posts of top priority, like bragging about my kids. Sorry, I’m a mom. It’s something I can’t control sometimes. Especially when they are type one diabetic and score touchdowns in the NFL!!! (post before this one.)

Okay, I’ll stop. Well, I can’t! Sorry, I just have to brag one more time. Well, maybe two more times. But, look at how cute adorable Betsy is! It’s her 23rd Birthday today!!!

Image (1)And she’s in grad school and teaching through a graduate assistantship job! Not only cute, but smart! Happy birthday, Betsy!!

meandbooOk, one more tiny brag. Totally can’t forget Nick, that cutie-pie!. He’s just starting the football season at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. So, I’ll hold off on posting a picture, because it’s Betsy’s day, but I’m sure he’ll feature here soon, probably running into the end zone for a touchdown. Congrats to all the cuties! Love you all and so proud!

Ok, back to that devotional!

Oh, wait! I forgot to brag about myself! Crooked Lines made #1 in the Inspirational Fiction category on Amazon yesterday!!!

Crooked3 (1)Woohoo! The Kindle version price is lowered to $1.99 just for today, so if you haven’t got it yet, now is the time!!

So…now, I really got to get back to edits! I’m done bragging, I swear!

 

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Who’s graduating from college???

13 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne

Can’t be my little girl. You’ve grown up too fast!  Congratulations Betsy Boo! Love you lots!

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So proud of you Betsy! Go out and tackle the world! God Bless you! You’ll do fantastic!

meandboo

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Trust

29 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Christianity, Diabetes, Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Prayers Needed

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

#89, Betsy Byrne, big dreams, Bishop Leo Michael, diabetes, Dreams, Faith, football, God, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Hope, Houston Texans, Isaiah 40:12, Isaiah 40:27, Jake Byrne, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Nick Byrne, Prayer, Proverbs 3:5-6, Rajun Cajuns, Saint James Anglican Church, St. James Anglican Church, T1, trust, trust God, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes, www.writingstraight.com

Proverb1Big dreamers must be equipped with bucket loads of trust; trust they will see their dreams to fruition. They need to mix that trust with hard work, confidence, and a little brain power, too. BUT the most important ingredient needed to bind all of this together to really whip that big dream into a reality you can sink your teeth into: God!

We must trust in God. Have confidence in God. And use the brain power He gifted us with to know that ultimately, we can do nothing without Him.

I never understand how people disregard the power and strength of God while struggling to make their dreams become reality. Last night, during a Bible study at our church, St. James Anglican, our facilitator, Dan Hartshorn, drew our attention to Isaiah 40:12 which describes God: Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span.

Now, if you can measure the waters of the earth in the hollow of your hand and measure the heavens with the span of your hands, you have some really big hands! And these big hands are not only big, but loving hands. Why would we ever want to do anything without those big hands helping us? Seems pointless, really.

I’ve been working hard to finish a third novel and prepare for a very important writer’s conference. I’ve got really big dreams that I want to become reality.

My son Jake, a rookie in the NFL with the Houston Texans has big dreams too. He’s playing a very important pre-season game tonight (Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys) where he will be put in to play the entire game to really prove himself. Both of us realize that we need to rely on God’s power and strength so much now. Jake is a type one diabetic. He will surely need God’s strength tonight and always. Please pray for him. #89

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Funny, but reading the above verse, verse 12 in Isaiah 40, I read a little lower to verse 27 and had to text it to Jake. It begins with God addressing Jacob, so appropriate for my Jacob, too: 27 Why do you say, O Jacob and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Jake’s text response: “Love it! Thank you. I should be good to go for this one!!”

Yeah, I think we’ll all be good to go, trusting in our God.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will direct your path!

And thanking God for daughter Betsy getting an internship this week. (below, left of big brother Jake)

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…and getting ready for the next football game. younger son Nick (University of Louisiana-Lafayette-Ragin Cajuns), also a tight-end, will play against the Arkansas Razorbacks this Saturday! We’re pretty excited about that, too! Go Nick!!!

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God bless you all and I really appreciate your prayers and support!

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Are You a “Real” Writer? Is This Even the Correct Question?

20 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football, Jake Byrne, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne, Blog, career, family, goals, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, Kristen Lamb, NFL, Nick Byrne, Real Writer, success, www.writingstraight.com

Thanks for this article below, Kristen Lamb.

Are You a “Real” Writer? Is This Even the Correct Question?.

Now, because I am a “real writer” and have a real writer’s conference I’m preparing to attend, I’m retreating into Novel Land where I’m going to attempt to finish my third novel (only on chapter 7) in a little more than three weeks.

See you some time in September, unless I have some really big news to announce before then.

In the meantime, please keep my son Jake, #89 Houston Texans Rookie in your prayers during the upcoming pre-season games. He’s a “real NFL player.” Go Jake! In these crucial days to come, hoping both of continue toward successful careers. SO to daughter Betsy too, to the left of Jake. She’s having a birthday next week! She’s a “real cutie!” And proud of son, Nick too…in camp with the Ragin Cajuns down at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Go fam!

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Success: Are We There Yet?

07 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Writing

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, football, goals, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, Kristin Lamb, Nick Byrne, success, University of Louisiana-Lafeyette, Writing, www.writingstraight.com

With two books with an agent and plugging along on the third novel, I feel like I’ve been climbing a mountain and have reached an outcrop that overlooks a crystal clear pond. (Thanks for the photo, Betsy–stole from daughter’s Facebook)

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I’ve done a lot of climbing and am so ready to splash around in the refreshing waters of success. 24269_10200148677109895_694869205_n

Daughter Betsy, above, is enjoying a little down time this summer after work and before getting ready for her last semester of college.

Son Nick is at the University of Louisiana, beginning football camp.

untitled (9)Hubby, Bishop Leo Michael, as usual, is working hard for the Kingdom of God.

We’re all pushing toward our goals…some big, some small.

But, I think son Jake, a rookie in NFL camp with the Houston Texans #89 (on the left with the black cap), must feel a lot like I feel right now…

temp_BB18867--nfl_mezz_1280_1024…we’ve worked hard and have reached some wonderful heights, but we’re ready to bathe in the waters of success. He’s hoping to make the final cut on the team. I’m hoping for a publishing contract.

So for now, we keep working and pushing ahead toward our goals.

untitled (6)

So, what does it take to successfully reach goals? Maybe, never giving up. There’s lots of good advice out there. Each morning, I look for inspiring quotes to text to my kids, especially the boys who are really challenged in football camp.

Here’s a few success quotes:

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And considering success and pruning….check out Kristen Lamb’s blog today. She inspired me to write this post…Have a wonderful time on your path to success, whatever your goals may be.

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Christmas, New Year, Birthday, and exciting life changes…

10 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football, Jake Byrne, Writing

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, Christmas, family, football, Holly Michael, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, NFL, Nick Byrne, Novel Writing, Rajun Cajuns, St. James Anglican Church, University of Louisiana-Lafeyette, www.writingstraight.com

The world didn’t end, Christmas is over, New Years is past, turned another year older yesterday, and big changes in 2013!

On Sunday, Nick leaves for college on a full football scholarship to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Go Rajun Cajuns!!! Go Nick!

blog2

Betsy returned from her semester in London and left this morning to return to college. She’s such a sweetie-pie!

betsyblog3And Jake was supposed to be going back to college to finish his last semester, but got a call from the Houston Texans. He’s been signed! Root for the Texans on Sunday!

jakeblog

We had a lot of fun over the holidays.

blog3And enjoyed a lovely Christmas at St. James Anglican Church.

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But now, it’s back to work and on to exciting changes in our lives. For me: second novel will be sent to the agent before the weekend is over, and I’ll make a few edits to the first, then delve into the third. With the kids busy with their lives, I’m settling down to some serious writing. My goal is to write a lot of books in 2013! The next few weeks will be busy with novel work and probably won’t blog much!

Wishing everyone a blessed 2013!

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Done this: Regular freelance ghostwriter and online editor for Guideposts for Teens/Sweet 16 Magazine, creator/editor of a magazine for Wal-Mart Corp., journalist, newspaper features writer, published in a variety of national magazines and local newspapers, script writing/editing for corporations. Doing this now: author of fiction and nonfiction, blogger, and editor of Koinonia Magazine. I’m the wife of Rt. Rev. Leo Michael, an Anglican Bishop in the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican Rite. Mom to three great kids: Nick (#81 Rajin Cajuns), Betsy (Super cute professor) and Jake (T1D & NFL player) Also, enjoy my travels extensively across the United States and internationally.

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