Writers In The Storm blog shared some info on OneNote and Evernote (for Macs)...
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2014/03/23/do-you-dream-of-being-an-organized-writer/
And improving dialogue tags, something my current editor is teaching me (thanks Shawna K. Williams)...
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/how-to-avoid-the-dreaded-dialog-tag/
The Writer's Refuge offered ways writing can help the writer reconcile their past...
http://thewritersrefuge.wordpress.com/2014/03/23/how-writing-can-help-reconcile-your-past/
God bless.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
God is my refuge...
Following God is not the safe thing to do. Ask Job, Paul, and the Roman Christians, to start.
I've always sought safety in God. Chatting with a few friends about the subject I changed my perspective.
I've been doing it wrong.
The safety in choosing God is the assurance He will never abandon me. Following Jesus not only doesn't promise safety, He, in fact, promises trials and tribulations.
He also promises hope, a lightening (not removal) of my burden, inspiration.
One of my friends shared her journey and offered the perspective of seeking refuge in God.
Refuge and safety are not the same thing, at least not in my head.
I'm reminded of the scripture about man's ways not being God's ways.
I understood this on one level, but completely misunderstood on another.
I thought seeking refuge meant I'd be safe from harm. This is something abuse survivors tend to seek because the sense of being safe is stripped away. Often it's offered as a false reward or the definition is corrupted, depending on the abuser's end game.
Now, refuge has come to mean a place I may rest in a storm, but if I must continue on, I'm not continuing on alone.
Alone, another tool of the abuser, convincing the abused they are alone, no one could love them, they'll never do anything right, they're isolated.
Alone is a lie. God is always there, waiting, a breath away, standing in the storm with the survivor. Never alone.
I've felt lonely often. I've believed myself to be alone. I believed the lies.
Choosing the truth required I accept the nature of God, endless, eternal, all-knowing, present everywhere like the stars. When the sun is out, you can't see them because the sun is so bright. They're still there. When darkness comes, they're revealed. Even if clouds appear, they're still there.
I'm learning to seek God as my refuge and let go of the need for safety. Life will happen. There will be pain and sorrow and tragedy. No matter what. God, in His loving kindness, will not protect me from the storms of life, for it is in the storms I discover my weaknesses and strengths. God is there, always. By embracing all of my life, God showers me with joy and courage and hope, sharing in every moment.
I choose God as my refuge.
I've always sought safety in God. Chatting with a few friends about the subject I changed my perspective.
I've been doing it wrong.
The safety in choosing God is the assurance He will never abandon me. Following Jesus not only doesn't promise safety, He, in fact, promises trials and tribulations.
He also promises hope, a lightening (not removal) of my burden, inspiration.
One of my friends shared her journey and offered the perspective of seeking refuge in God.
Refuge and safety are not the same thing, at least not in my head.
I'm reminded of the scripture about man's ways not being God's ways.
I understood this on one level, but completely misunderstood on another.
I thought seeking refuge meant I'd be safe from harm. This is something abuse survivors tend to seek because the sense of being safe is stripped away. Often it's offered as a false reward or the definition is corrupted, depending on the abuser's end game.
Now, refuge has come to mean a place I may rest in a storm, but if I must continue on, I'm not continuing on alone.
Alone, another tool of the abuser, convincing the abused they are alone, no one could love them, they'll never do anything right, they're isolated.
Alone is a lie. God is always there, waiting, a breath away, standing in the storm with the survivor. Never alone.
I've felt lonely often. I've believed myself to be alone. I believed the lies.
Choosing the truth required I accept the nature of God, endless, eternal, all-knowing, present everywhere like the stars. When the sun is out, you can't see them because the sun is so bright. They're still there. When darkness comes, they're revealed. Even if clouds appear, they're still there.
I'm learning to seek God as my refuge and let go of the need for safety. Life will happen. There will be pain and sorrow and tragedy. No matter what. God, in His loving kindness, will not protect me from the storms of life, for it is in the storms I discover my weaknesses and strengths. God is there, always. By embracing all of my life, God showers me with joy and courage and hope, sharing in every moment.
I choose God as my refuge.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Choose Life...
There are days when everything falls apart.
There are days when health is about feeling, sometimes awful and sometimes really awful.
There are days when taking one more step is all but impossible.
There are days when finding a glimmer of hope is a search in the dark.
There are days when the old negative tape shouts so loudly, no other sound can be heard.
There are days when making it through the next five minutes is a Herculean effort.
Good news:
You've made it through every day like this so far 100% of the time.
I've seen variations on this quote all over the internet lately. For me, it is a comforting thought, though usually after I've made it through another tough day.
Some days, my goal is simply to hang on long enough to face another day.
I confess, I still struggle a great deal. Food is my addiction of choice. It's a constant battle. I know when I choose to eat healthier I'm choosing life.
Choosing life is the most important decision you make every day.
Life is complicated.
Life is hard.
Life is not easy.
Life is the most amazing adventure you will ever undertake.
As difficult as it may appear, choose life, every day.
How else will you find out what's around the corner?
It may be scary, painful, or wonderful.
No matter what, it will be worth it in the end.
If I give up, then I will never know what God could have done with me.
I choose life.
There are days when health is about feeling, sometimes awful and sometimes really awful.
There are days when taking one more step is all but impossible.
There are days when finding a glimmer of hope is a search in the dark.
There are days when the old negative tape shouts so loudly, no other sound can be heard.
There are days when making it through the next five minutes is a Herculean effort.
Good news:
You've made it through every day like this so far 100% of the time.
I've seen variations on this quote all over the internet lately. For me, it is a comforting thought, though usually after I've made it through another tough day.
Some days, my goal is simply to hang on long enough to face another day.
I confess, I still struggle a great deal. Food is my addiction of choice. It's a constant battle. I know when I choose to eat healthier I'm choosing life.
Choosing life is the most important decision you make every day.
Life is complicated.
Life is hard.
Life is not easy.
Life is the most amazing adventure you will ever undertake.
As difficult as it may appear, choose life, every day.
How else will you find out what's around the corner?
It may be scary, painful, or wonderful.
No matter what, it will be worth it in the end.
If I give up, then I will never know what God could have done with me.
I choose life.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Sharing links...
Stephanie Burkhart shared a couple of fun posts, potato chips and St. Patrick's Day...
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2014/03/happy-national-pototo-chip-day.html
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2014/03/shamrocks-rock-happy-st-pattys-day.html
She also promoted her book A Polish Heart. I love this book. I learned about Blessing Baskets. I create one every Easter now. It's become one of my favorite traditions.
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2014/03/snippet-sunday-99-cent-contemporary.html
Looks like this week's posts were about fun. Thanks Stephanie Burkhart for the inspiration.
God Bless.
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2014/03/happy-national-pototo-chip-day.html
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2014/03/shamrocks-rock-happy-st-pattys-day.html
She also promoted her book A Polish Heart. I love this book. I learned about Blessing Baskets. I create one every Easter now. It's become one of my favorite traditions.
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/2014/03/snippet-sunday-99-cent-contemporary.html
Looks like this week's posts were about fun. Thanks Stephanie Burkhart for the inspiration.
God Bless.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Inspiration...
Finding inspiration is a daily process. Sometimes, I'm looking for inspiration for a story. There are days when I'm struggling with my own life story and need a reminder God is aware of me.
God, do You love me?
My Savior died for me. It's powerful. God also sends little things to remind me.
God, do You love me?
My Savior died for me. It's powerful. God also sends little things to remind me.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
The 2014 hunt has begun...
Brent: Make her stop.
Richard: What troubles you?
Fitzgerald: He's next.
Patrick: I thought everyone wanted their story told.
Ian: It depends.
Kevin: On what?
Benjamin: What secrets you hold.
Joe: You don't mean our lady reveals them, do you?
Jack: In painful detail.
Fitzgerald: You're a bit subdued.
Richard: Jack's in the queue behind Brent.
Dusty: Tough Luck
Brent: Low blow.
Fitzgerald: Clever.
Jack: Your time is coming.
Dusty: I'm ready.
Benjamin: Trust me. You only think you are.
Todd: Cheer up, gentlemen.
Brent: Why?
Todd: She likes us.
Brent: Not a comforting thought.
Kevin: Of course it is.
Brent: Bring out the Crayons.
Richard: Crayons?
Jack: Paints, without the water or oil.
Fitzgerald: How do you know these things?
Jack: She considered making my story a time travel adventure.
Richard: She didn't.
Jack: She changed her mind.
Todd: A woman's prerogative.
Ken: Is there a way to resign?
Brent: At least you've been delayed for a year.
Ken: Anticipation isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Jack: Enough grumbling, gentlemen.
Leo: She does guarantee a happily ever after.
Benjamin: After she pulls you through a knothole backward.
Ian: Any other pleasant thoughts?
Brent: Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Richard: What troubles you?
Fitzgerald: He's next.
Patrick: I thought everyone wanted their story told.
Ian: It depends.
Kevin: On what?
Benjamin: What secrets you hold.
Joe: You don't mean our lady reveals them, do you?
Jack: In painful detail.
Fitzgerald: You're a bit subdued.
Richard: Jack's in the queue behind Brent.
Dusty: Tough Luck
Brent: Low blow.
Fitzgerald: Clever.
Jack: Your time is coming.
Dusty: I'm ready.
Benjamin: Trust me. You only think you are.
Todd: Cheer up, gentlemen.
Brent: Why?
Todd: She likes us.
Brent: Not a comforting thought.
Kevin: Of course it is.
Brent: Bring out the Crayons.
Richard: Crayons?
Jack: Paints, without the water or oil.
Fitzgerald: How do you know these things?
Jack: She considered making my story a time travel adventure.
Richard: She didn't.
Jack: She changed her mind.
Todd: A woman's prerogative.
Ken: Is there a way to resign?
Brent: At least you've been delayed for a year.
Ken: Anticipation isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Jack: Enough grumbling, gentlemen.
Leo: She does guarantee a happily ever after.
Benjamin: After she pulls you through a knothole backward.
Ian: Any other pleasant thoughts?
Brent: Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sharing links to helpful posts...
Burnblog shared How to awake your creativity:
http://burnblog.net/2014/03/03/how-to-awaken-their-creativity/
Live to Write - Write to Live shared a couple of great posts on the writing process:
http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/how-to-be-creative-5-steps-with-john-cleese/
http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/one-thousand-words-at-a-time/
Beth Trissel shared a bit of fun:
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2014/03/14/how-to-catch-a-leprechaun/
God bless.
http://burnblog.net/2014/03/03/how-to-awaken-their-creativity/
Live to Write - Write to Live shared a couple of great posts on the writing process:
http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/how-to-be-creative-5-steps-with-john-cleese/
http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/one-thousand-words-at-a-time/
Beth Trissel shared a bit of fun:
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2014/03/14/how-to-catch-a-leprechaun/
God bless.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Working on Finding Home...
...the fourth book in The Silver Locket Sisterhood series.
So many memories are flooding back.
The story takes place in 1986, mostly in England.
In many ways, it's been the most difficult to write so far.
So many memories are flooding back.
The story takes place in 1986, mostly in England.
In many ways, it's been the most difficult to write so far.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Links to Share...
Patricia Johns shared an amusing post about what writers do...
http://patriciajohnsromance.com/2014/02/24/percolating/
Live to Write - Write to Live shared links writers might find helpful...
http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/online-library-resources-for-writers/
There are a lot of wonderful blogs out there with more information than I'll ever have time to read.
Beth Trissel over at One Writer's Way has been sharing hopes of spring and her new herb book.
Genesis 5020 shares book reviews. I've added a couple of books to my Wish List.
I've read about the Iditarod, a friend's experience running a marathon, seen amazing pictures of places I've never been, shared some pretty funny stuff, talked about faith and God, and learned to look at a few things differently. There's an amazing world out there, and I'm so grateful so many people are willing to share their little piece of it with others, including me.
God bless.
http://patriciajohnsromance.com/2014/02/24/percolating/
Live to Write - Write to Live shared links writers might find helpful...
http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/online-library-resources-for-writers/
There are a lot of wonderful blogs out there with more information than I'll ever have time to read.
Beth Trissel over at One Writer's Way has been sharing hopes of spring and her new herb book.
Genesis 5020 shares book reviews. I've added a couple of books to my Wish List.
I've read about the Iditarod, a friend's experience running a marathon, seen amazing pictures of places I've never been, shared some pretty funny stuff, talked about faith and God, and learned to look at a few things differently. There's an amazing world out there, and I'm so grateful so many people are willing to share their little piece of it with others, including me.
God bless.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
A bit at a time...
First round of edits for Grace's Possibilities are done. I truly appreciate my editor.
Now it's back into working on Finding Home. It's been the most difficult of my books to write. Life happened, but unexpected memories have been stirred. Becki and Ian hold a special place in my heart, and it's more painful to explore than I anticipated. I'm hopeful for them, but they aren't at all who I thought they were when we started this adventure.
I'm endeavoring to place my hand in God's and allow Him to lead. Not easy for someone who desperately needs to be in control. Blessedly, God is patient.
I confess I'm also a little disappointed in myself. I'd hoped to have the fourth novella out by now. It's taken a back burner to other commitments. Not forgotten, simply on hold.
Now it's back into working on Finding Home. It's been the most difficult of my books to write. Life happened, but unexpected memories have been stirred. Becki and Ian hold a special place in my heart, and it's more painful to explore than I anticipated. I'm hopeful for them, but they aren't at all who I thought they were when we started this adventure.
I'm endeavoring to place my hand in God's and allow Him to lead. Not easy for someone who desperately needs to be in control. Blessedly, God is patient.
I confess I'm also a little disappointed in myself. I'd hoped to have the fourth novella out by now. It's taken a back burner to other commitments. Not forgotten, simply on hold.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Editing and writing...
I'm in the midst of editing and writing, with deadlines. It took me years to finish this. It's large enough to fit a king-sized bed. Am I tenacious? Why, yes, yes, I am...
Saturday, March 1, 2014
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