The Ninja coffee brew system really is worth trying, after all. Brad didn’t care for the Keurig, so the Ninja was on his birthday wish list. That was back during the summer, which is also when he got said Ninja. It’s just taken me this long to try making a latte with it. Although I enjoyed the lattes the Keurig cappuccino/espresso machine made at first… there are only three pod options. Light, medium, and dark. I grew tired of the flavor. I know it’s very special coffee from Italy, or something like that. But I’m plain old American, and I longed for something a little less special.

And so this evening, I was sitting here plugging away at “Failure to Engage,” wishing I had a pumpkin spice latte, and remembered the Ninja came with a book of recipes. So I tried making one, and it came out pretty good. I added a bunch of sweetener, and it was a whole lot better. Next time I’ll had half the sweetener, and it’ll be just right.

I am, personally, deliriously happy at this discovery and will be drinking lattes a good deal more frequently.

“Failure to Engage” is on page 352. I had several anxious, prayer-filled days, wondering if I could write an ending that would live up to the inspiration I was given for the rest. Maybe you’ll understand what I mean when you read it, maybe not. I have, however, felt guided throughout the writing of this one, and not just by runaway characters. I felt a LOT of self-imposed pressure, and finally stopped trying to write, and instead read over what I’d already written. Then I came away wondering what I was stressing over. I’m completely satisfied with the way it flows and transitions from one part to the next. Not only that, further inspiration came. I’m still praying just as fervently, but the self-imposed pressure is gone and I’m ready to finish this.

Speaking of fervent prayer and pressure, right now, as we speak, Miles and Anika are in the thick of an incredibly intense battle against darkness. Their last book, “Depart the Darkness,” ended in March of this year. They’ll likely have three or four more books between then and now. Their next is tentatively titled “Ashes of Roses.”

Today is our 24th wedding anniversary. Yes, we’ve made it this far. If asked how, I would say, because we never divorced. You want to stay together? Then do. I love the response given to our pastor though, when he asked for advice from a couple who’d been married a whole lot longer than this. He wanted to know if the husband had any tips for making marriage last. The man’s reply… “don’t die.”

The rest of the church laughed as hard at that as I did.

The child reminded me moments ago that I did not make dinner, and she is hungry. Apparently, in a fit of foolishness, I told her earlier I would make lasagna. She is now expecting me to pay up.

And so, the lasagna is in the oven. That gives me one hour to write, which I’m quite pleased over. Having burned yesterday’s dinner to oblivion, today I will set a timer, which will be certain to please everyone.

Happy reading! For the next hour, I will be happily writing.