As an author and ghostwriter, I deal primarily in inspirational and historical nonfiction, Bible studies, and curriculum.

I also prefer to read either nonfiction or historical fiction. But I confess that every now and then I enjoy a fun cozy-mystery or a clean story about ordinary people working through ordinary problems.

Most of my favorite authors have a “shoulda, coulda, woulda” style of conversational writing. Their characters tell readers what the character thinks they should have said, and what they wish they could have or would have said if they had the gumption or audacity to do so.

Nine times out of ten these “shoulda, woulda, coulda” conversations they have with themselves are so funny I actually laugh out loud. I’m sure if the author could hear me, she would say, “Mission accomplished.”

When it comes to using our time, talents, money, and other material stuff, i.e., being good stewards of God’s blessings and loans, we need to make sure we aren’t like the characters in these books. God doesn’t intend for us to be “shoulda, coulda, woulda” people.

He wants to see and hear us use His gifts so He can be the one to say, “Mission accomplished.”