I've never cared for the sound of resolutions... they sound so... grim. Granted, they also sound determined. However, I'm changing something in my life I need to change. I don't want it to sound grim. Determined? Yes, but more. I want it to be something I look forward to because it's making my life better. So, I'm giving gifts to myself.
This year, instead of making a list for the whole year, I'm starting small.
January 1st
This month, I'm tackling my health. I'm going to cut eggs from my diet as much as possible and I'm making sleep a priority. With only two things on the list, I think I can do this.
It goes without saying (but I need to say it for me anyway) these are not the only two things on my To-Do list. However, these are two things I'm making a conscious effort to be aware of and make an effort to improve.
Here's to a New Year and new adventures.
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
11 years later...
Eleven years ago, yesterday, the world changed...
I promised myself I would change.
I did.
I discovered my emotions and made friends with them.
I discovered the community of Lord of the Rings fans.
I discovered amazing new friends.
I discovered writing.
I discovered how difficult it was to stop lying, especially to myself.
What have I accomplished in 11 years?
God blessed me with guidance and gentle chastisement so I could recognize the lies in my life and stop lying.
God blessed me with amazing friends and a huge support system.
God blessed me with courage to pursue writing.
Peace with myself.
Abundant love.
Dreams realized.
I promised myself I would change.
I did.
I discovered my emotions and made friends with them.
I discovered the community of Lord of the Rings fans.
I discovered amazing new friends.
I discovered writing.
I discovered how difficult it was to stop lying, especially to myself.
What have I accomplished in 11 years?
God blessed me with guidance and gentle chastisement so I could recognize the lies in my life and stop lying.
God blessed me with amazing friends and a huge support system.
God blessed me with courage to pursue writing.
Peace with myself.
Abundant love.
Dreams realized.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
God bless our troops...
Seven years ago, today, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN, a SEAL, was killed in Operation Red Wings.
Last year, I read The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. It changed my life forever.
I bought the book and put it in my to-be-read pile. I knew it wouldn't be an easy read. I knew I needed to be mentally prepared. I waited. I kept glancing at it, thinking I needed to read it soon. But not yet. Then, it was time. I started by reading only one chapter a day. It was all I could handle. I knew what was coming. Then the hard part came. I couldn't put it down. I read clear through to the end in a day. I cried, and prayed.
As I read, I penciled stars in the margin, marking particular passages that spoke to me. I glance through the book, from time to time, re-reading those particular passages. I'm not ready to read the whole thing, again. You see, I start to cry as I read only those short passages.
It's a year later, and I'm reading SEAL of Honor. I read it a bit at a time. I need the breaks because I cry. May God bless all those who serve with honor and courage, and may their families be strengthened. My gratitude is pitiful in the face of such sacrifice, but I offer it all the same.
Last year, I read The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. It changed my life forever.
I bought the book and put it in my to-be-read pile. I knew it wouldn't be an easy read. I knew I needed to be mentally prepared. I waited. I kept glancing at it, thinking I needed to read it soon. But not yet. Then, it was time. I started by reading only one chapter a day. It was all I could handle. I knew what was coming. Then the hard part came. I couldn't put it down. I read clear through to the end in a day. I cried, and prayed.
As I read, I penciled stars in the margin, marking particular passages that spoke to me. I glance through the book, from time to time, re-reading those particular passages. I'm not ready to read the whole thing, again. You see, I start to cry as I read only those short passages.
It's a year later, and I'm reading SEAL of Honor. I read it a bit at a time. I need the breaks because I cry. May God bless all those who serve with honor and courage, and may their families be strengthened. My gratitude is pitiful in the face of such sacrifice, but I offer it all the same.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Exploring the senses...hearing
The wind chattering in poplars is captivating to both the ear and the eye, as the leaves twist back and forth between their light and dark sides.
When I write, my preferred music is Christmas music. I know, it's a bit eccentric, but then again it shouldn't be a surprise. I love Christmas and Easter, if I prepare for them, and music is part of the preparation process for me. I've also discovered that music with a good beat is helpful. Diana Duncan, a paranormal writer, suggested turning on something with a faster beat for a half hour, turning off the internal editor, and writing, ignoring everything else. I chose my Pandora Styx station. It worked. Now, I need to learn to make it a habit.
Music is able to lift me up or pull me down. It has inspired and left me feeling degraded. I've learned to choose carefully. Yes, there are those who would think my choice of Styx a poor one, which is their right, and for them it may be, but for me it's an energizer. I tap my foot and sometimes sing along, or even wiggle in my chair. I come away feeling uplifted.
In fact, it's how I judge most things in my life: If I come away feeling uplifted, then it's a keeper. If I come away feeling uneasy or unworthy or "less," then out it goes... whenever feasible.
Other sounds I love: I miss my dog "talking" to me. You know the sound. It isn't actual barking. I also miss my horse "talking" to me. It isn't a neigh, but a series of vocalizations, and my horse had this gorgeous baritone... I figured if I ever met anyone who talked like my horse I'd marry him. I'm still single. :-D
Birds, streams, a mud pot, rain, ocean lapping at the shore, a friend's voice, a baby laughing...
A little extra: Anne Patrick's newest release is out, today. She's on my must-read list. This is her website:
http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/2012/05/trespasses-wounded-heroes-series-book.html
And this is an interesting interview with her over at A Pen For Your Thoughts.
http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/
Anne asked: What book have you read that you wish you wrote? Or non authors, what book have you read that touched you the most?
My answers:
I haven't wished I'd written another writer's book, but I do wish I'd pull myself together enough to write everything in my head. :-)
The fictional book that has touched me the most would have to be Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. With my BFF, I re-wrote the end for a HEA for Frodo, which landed me on the path of writing my own stories.
When I write, my preferred music is Christmas music. I know, it's a bit eccentric, but then again it shouldn't be a surprise. I love Christmas and Easter, if I prepare for them, and music is part of the preparation process for me. I've also discovered that music with a good beat is helpful. Diana Duncan, a paranormal writer, suggested turning on something with a faster beat for a half hour, turning off the internal editor, and writing, ignoring everything else. I chose my Pandora Styx station. It worked. Now, I need to learn to make it a habit.
Music is able to lift me up or pull me down. It has inspired and left me feeling degraded. I've learned to choose carefully. Yes, there are those who would think my choice of Styx a poor one, which is their right, and for them it may be, but for me it's an energizer. I tap my foot and sometimes sing along, or even wiggle in my chair. I come away feeling uplifted.
In fact, it's how I judge most things in my life: If I come away feeling uplifted, then it's a keeper. If I come away feeling uneasy or unworthy or "less," then out it goes... whenever feasible.
Other sounds I love: I miss my dog "talking" to me. You know the sound. It isn't actual barking. I also miss my horse "talking" to me. It isn't a neigh, but a series of vocalizations, and my horse had this gorgeous baritone... I figured if I ever met anyone who talked like my horse I'd marry him. I'm still single. :-D
Birds, streams, a mud pot, rain, ocean lapping at the shore, a friend's voice, a baby laughing...
A little extra: Anne Patrick's newest release is out, today. She's on my must-read list. This is her website:
http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/2012/05/trespasses-wounded-heroes-series-book.html
And this is an interesting interview with her over at A Pen For Your Thoughts.
http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/
Anne asked: What book have you read that you wish you wrote? Or non authors, what book have you read that touched you the most?
My answers:
I haven't wished I'd written another writer's book, but I do wish I'd pull myself together enough to write everything in my head. :-)
The fictional book that has touched me the most would have to be Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. With my BFF, I re-wrote the end for a HEA for Frodo, which landed me on the path of writing my own stories.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Following up Saturday...
Some of my blogs are planned weeks in advance, especially at my other blogs. Sunday's post caught me by surprise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrAJsWvEIc&feature=related Susan Boyle's addition.
All I want to do is share the stories in my heart in the hopes one person will be touched and lifted, the way various authors have touched and lifted me as they have shared their stories.
Every day I wonder if I have what it takes to truly be an author. I have the stories, and I have the skill, but it's more than stories and skills.
I'm not particularly good a relating to people sometimes. I'm awkward and self-conscious, aware of my shortcomings and failings.
Then I take my worries to God, sometimes in a simple heartfelt plea, and God sends me a message. First an encouraging comment from Marsha, and then a little more. Les Mis is my all-time favorite musical. I saw it on the London stage during the first year, before it came to America. I identify with Éponine on several levels. Susan Boyle still inspires me.
Thank you, God, for being aware of me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrAJsWvEIc&feature=related Susan Boyle's addition.
All I want to do is share the stories in my heart in the hopes one person will be touched and lifted, the way various authors have touched and lifted me as they have shared their stories.
Every day I wonder if I have what it takes to truly be an author. I have the stories, and I have the skill, but it's more than stories and skills.
I'm not particularly good a relating to people sometimes. I'm awkward and self-conscious, aware of my shortcomings and failings.
Then I take my worries to God, sometimes in a simple heartfelt plea, and God sends me a message. First an encouraging comment from Marsha, and then a little more. Les Mis is my all-time favorite musical. I saw it on the London stage during the first year, before it came to America. I identify with Éponine on several levels. Susan Boyle still inspires me.
Thank you, God, for being aware of me.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tribute to Penny Jordan...
Penny Jordan was a romance writer for Harlequin. She past away recently, from cancer. She was only 65 years old. This is the article at The Washington Post.
Why do I mention her, now?
As I was sorting through papers, I unearthed my magazine "Simply Books," put out by Harlequin. This was the most recent issue, Oct 2011-Jan 2012 issue.
A regular feature, which is always printed at the end, is a one-page question and answer article that spotlights a different author in every issue. It's appropriately called, "The Last Word." Poignantly, this one was "The Last Word with Penny Jordan."
When I saw it, my first thought was that it was incredible timing. Perhaps they knew, and planned accordingly. I don't know. It doesn't really matter. What was important to me was that this interview took place before Oct, in order to be ready for print in the magazine. It was fun to learn her favorite flower was lavender, since I love it, too. I especially like it's healing and calming properties. But that still wasn't what made me catch my breath.
"How many books have you written? I think it's about 185--I can't wait to reach number 200." If you read the article, you saw she reached her goal. Amazing.
I don't think I'll ever write that many. Writing 200 books isn't my goal.
What is my goal?
Once I re-evaluated my life, my goal was to throw myself into my writing. I did.
Then my goal was to submit my completed manuscript for publication. I did.
Now, I want to keep writing, with all it entails.
What do I want for the future? I have several ideas, and writing will be a part of all of them. I have my writing schedule for the next year taped to the wall, where I'm able to see it a glance, reminding me where I'm headed. Right now, I'm learning a routine. Once the routine is established, I'll re-evaluate.
What a priceless gift to inspire another to reach higher. Thank you, Penny Jordan.
Why do I mention her, now?
As I was sorting through papers, I unearthed my magazine "Simply Books," put out by Harlequin. This was the most recent issue, Oct 2011-Jan 2012 issue.
A regular feature, which is always printed at the end, is a one-page question and answer article that spotlights a different author in every issue. It's appropriately called, "The Last Word." Poignantly, this one was "The Last Word with Penny Jordan."
When I saw it, my first thought was that it was incredible timing. Perhaps they knew, and planned accordingly. I don't know. It doesn't really matter. What was important to me was that this interview took place before Oct, in order to be ready for print in the magazine. It was fun to learn her favorite flower was lavender, since I love it, too. I especially like it's healing and calming properties. But that still wasn't what made me catch my breath.
"How many books have you written? I think it's about 185--I can't wait to reach number 200." If you read the article, you saw she reached her goal. Amazing.
I don't think I'll ever write that many. Writing 200 books isn't my goal.
What is my goal?
Once I re-evaluated my life, my goal was to throw myself into my writing. I did.
Then my goal was to submit my completed manuscript for publication. I did.
Now, I want to keep writing, with all it entails.
What do I want for the future? I have several ideas, and writing will be a part of all of them. I have my writing schedule for the next year taped to the wall, where I'm able to see it a glance, reminding me where I'm headed. Right now, I'm learning a routine. Once the routine is established, I'll re-evaluate.
What a priceless gift to inspire another to reach higher. Thank you, Penny Jordan.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy New Year!
Back in 2009, I decided to jump off the hamster wheel of resolutions making and breaking them tradition, permanently. I hadn't actually tried to make any resolutions for longer than I care to remember. I felt such a failure in so many ways. I would set goals, and they'd fall apart in no time at all, sometimes by virtue of events beyond my control, but more often due to self-sabotage. I needed to find a different way of looking at them, so I wanted to keep them, and remain within the realm of possibilities. It's easy to say that you want to marry and make a million dollars, but there are a lot of factors that need to be considered in that ambition, including the other people involved in such goals.
Christmas has always been a difficult time of year, for me. Pressure, stress, disappointments. Then it dawned on me that what I wanted was Christmas presents that changed me. So, now I make a short list of gifts I am going to give myself over the next year.
December 2011:
1. I allowed lack of funds to curb my Just Because It's Tuesday gifts (gifts given on any day but Tuesday for fun). I want to learn to do it without spending a lot of money.
2. Lose the fat. A friend posted a picture showing the difference between 5 lb of fat and 5 lb of muscle. It made an impression. Like most people, every day, I plan on losing weight. Some days I'm successful; some days I'm not. I'm going to try to not think of it as losing weight, but losing fat. Who wouldn't want to lose fat?
3. Kindle - I need an ebook reading device.
4. Finish two more novels, in addition to becoming, in every sense of the words, a published author. I have a lot to learn. I would also like to learn how to write articles.
5. Do more about my appearance. I know I'll feel more comfortable in social situations if I feel more comfortable with my appearance. I've allowed a lot to slide because I wanted to pretend like it didn't matter. It does.
6. I enjoy natural beauty products, especially making my own, but I haven't done much of it, ever. This year, I'm going to do more of it. I have incredibly sensitive skin, and can't use a lot of products. Natural products, I make myself, seem to be easier on my skin.
7. Continue to be a blessing.
Christmas has always been a difficult time of year, for me. Pressure, stress, disappointments. Then it dawned on me that what I wanted was Christmas presents that changed me. So, now I make a short list of gifts I am going to give myself over the next year.
December 2011:
1. I allowed lack of funds to curb my Just Because It's Tuesday gifts (gifts given on any day but Tuesday for fun). I want to learn to do it without spending a lot of money.
2. Lose the fat. A friend posted a picture showing the difference between 5 lb of fat and 5 lb of muscle. It made an impression. Like most people, every day, I plan on losing weight. Some days I'm successful; some days I'm not. I'm going to try to not think of it as losing weight, but losing fat. Who wouldn't want to lose fat?
3. Kindle - I need an ebook reading device.
4. Finish two more novels, in addition to becoming, in every sense of the words, a published author. I have a lot to learn. I would also like to learn how to write articles.
5. Do more about my appearance. I know I'll feel more comfortable in social situations if I feel more comfortable with my appearance. I've allowed a lot to slide because I wanted to pretend like it didn't matter. It does.
6. I enjoy natural beauty products, especially making my own, but I haven't done much of it, ever. This year, I'm going to do more of it. I have incredibly sensitive skin, and can't use a lot of products. Natural products, I make myself, seem to be easier on my skin.
7. Continue to be a blessing.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas...
The reason for the season:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Change of pace...
When my brain is feeling overwhelmed or overworked I've found that changing tasks is helpful. So, to that end, today I made cookies and bread. I also took the eggs I bought on sale and froze them. Since I use them mostly for baking, I beat two and add a bit of sugar, then pour them in a freezer container, and into the freezer they go. If I were using them for savory foods, I'd use a bit of salt. I've read that they can be frozen in their shell, but I haven't checked it carefully. I freeze them how I use them. They should last until eggs are on sale again. In truth, it's actually a good deterrent for me. I loved fried eggs, over easy, on toast. I'm also allergic to eggs. A little cheating isn't a problem, and I even have fried eggs on rare occasions, taking allergy medicine beforehand.
Yes, I'm still feeling scattered, but I'm writing again. Learning my own technique is an eye-opening experience. Becoming properly acquainted with my creative process will reveal paths that bring greater satisfaction as I embrace the gift God has given me.
Yes, I'm still feeling scattered, but I'm writing again. Learning my own technique is an eye-opening experience. Becoming properly acquainted with my creative process will reveal paths that bring greater satisfaction as I embrace the gift God has given me.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Day Twenty-Three of NaNoWriMo...
2124 total ~ 39785 Not a bad days work. I think I'll turn in a little early, and start in again in the morning. I think I've even managed to clear my head of ideas, for the moment. I know what's coming next, but I'm hoping I'll be able to leave it alone, until tomorrow.
Thank you God, for friends who remind me of what truly matters. For friends who help me sort through my crowded thoughts. For friends who believe in me. For friends who lift me. For friends who have taught me about trusting in Thee.
My treat for finishing earlier than usual tonight: Deck the Halls by Arlene James, one of my Must-Read authors.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Day Seventeen of NaNoWriMo...
1989 total ~ 29629 Each section of writing starts out like pulling teeth, painful, slow, unsure. Then some bit reveals itself, and it's like being shot out of a cannon, at least what I imagine it might be like to be shot out of cannon. Not on my bucket list, by the way. It's so amazing to watch a story unfold. Sometimes you know what's coming next, but a lot of times you don't. You're writing, and all of a sudden thinking, "Wow! I had no idea!" Or "I didn't know that about the hero/heroine!" It's difficult to describe what it's like to watch your characters struggle, and then they catch on for a moment. In time for another aspect of the trouble to unveil itself, and they must take what they've learned to tackle this new difficulty, which will help them continue to grow, until they reach the moment when they're both in the same spot at the perfect time.
God has been leading me along for a very long time. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know God holds it in His capable hands. With all my heart, I believe He set me on the path I'm now traveling, and I have reached that moment when I feel confident enough in Him and myself to expect Him to protect me. Not in the way many people think, expecting Him to smooth the way and make everything better. No, God's way is not the easy way. I expect God to lift me when I fear and tremble, to help my unbelief. I trust that He will give what is needed, not what I demand, but that does not bar me from asking, remembering to add "Thy will not mine." I know His way is the only way to true peace and happiness, no matter it will be paved with tears and pain, but it is only for a little while. And He is there to weep with me. He will not abandon me, ever. I may turn my back from time to time in a childish snit, but He is always right there, waiting for me to turn back and reach for His outstretched hand, a hand that is scarred with His everlasting love for me.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Day Eight of NaNoWriMo...
1716 total ~ 13576 The book is drawing to a close. It's ever so much better than I ever thought it would be or could be. It will be ready to query in a week or two, maybe sooner. If no one wants it, I'll self-publish. I already know that the time frame might be considered a difficult sale, but it's right for the story. It's in God's hands, and I'm learning to trust Him.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day One of NaNoWriMo...
1717 A good start to the month's challenge. Whoohoo! I've also figured out the rest of the story; I simply have to write it. Ha! It sounds so easy... maybe it is when you give into the story, and let it take you where it will instead of trying to control it. I sometimes, frequently, have a difficult time believing God has blessed me with such an amazing gift. And it's fun!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Busy work day...
Though I spent most of the day on PTBW, I couldn't resist pursuing what I knew came next in the WIP. Now, I can call it a day, or at least begin to unwind. Never have I been so content to put in 12-16 hour days. True enough, a lot of that time is spent thinking, working through the plot, backstory, details that will never make it to the page, but fill out the story in my own mind, so I'm able to tell a richer tale. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Another scene...
...completed, in book 3. I worked a little on book 5 as well, and the project. It is such a relief to be able to put the stories in my head on paper. The books I've read over the years have helped me in so many ways, from choosing what I truly like and love and learning how to set boundaries. I'm so grateful for writers who share their stories. I hope my stories help someone, too.
Monday, September 12, 2011
A good day...
I worked on The Project, for a while. Thanks to my reader's help, some excellent editing has been done of book 2. I also added to book 3. I'd worried a bit, because my brain is still only partly engaged... hmmm... I made bread, today. I don't know what it is about baking, but it helps me with my writing. Both are gifts from God. I would not have survived my life without God. The gifts remind me of God's goodness and awareness of me. He thought me good enough to entrust me with abilities that are suited to me. Making bread feeds the body. Writing feeds my soul. Both help me not simply survive but thrive.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11 ~ Remember Always
Never forget.
My heart whispers that God sent angels. The God who is aware of a single fallen sparrow did not abandon His children in their hour, their moment of need. Jesus, who endured Gethsemane, the betrayal of his friends, the mock trial, the lashing, the crown of thorns, and the Cross on Calvary, suffering and dieing for the sins of the World, understands injustice, cruelty, being alone, to a depth we will never comprehend. He loved us so much He was willing to go through it all, even if it had only been required for one soul. He endured for all. No matter how alone we feel, God weeps with us, as only a Loving Father could. He understands perfectly. The purpose of life isn't to avoid pain, but to grow through the pain, closer to God, closer to the light He intends us to be to the world, living light, shining with His Love for the World.
So many souls went Home to God, and so many more have been required to continue on in this life without those precious ones. And despite the horrible evil that occurred, so many people chose good, chose courage, chose strength, chose compassion, chose love. So many people chose to be a light of hope in the darkness. Darkness does not extinguish light; light pushes away the darkness. In a darkened room, with a single candle, the only way to extinguish the light is to blow out the candle. The dark cannot overcome the light, unless we allow the light to be put out.
I choose the Light.
I choose to remember the brave men and women and children of 9/11.
I choose to honor the memory of all those who have lived and those who died endeavoring to do what's right and good.
I choose to be a better person because I know the stories of brave souls I have never met.
I will never forget.
My heart whispers that God sent angels. The God who is aware of a single fallen sparrow did not abandon His children in their hour, their moment of need. Jesus, who endured Gethsemane, the betrayal of his friends, the mock trial, the lashing, the crown of thorns, and the Cross on Calvary, suffering and dieing for the sins of the World, understands injustice, cruelty, being alone, to a depth we will never comprehend. He loved us so much He was willing to go through it all, even if it had only been required for one soul. He endured for all. No matter how alone we feel, God weeps with us, as only a Loving Father could. He understands perfectly. The purpose of life isn't to avoid pain, but to grow through the pain, closer to God, closer to the light He intends us to be to the world, living light, shining with His Love for the World.
So many souls went Home to God, and so many more have been required to continue on in this life without those precious ones. And despite the horrible evil that occurred, so many people chose good, chose courage, chose strength, chose compassion, chose love. So many people chose to be a light of hope in the darkness. Darkness does not extinguish light; light pushes away the darkness. In a darkened room, with a single candle, the only way to extinguish the light is to blow out the candle. The dark cannot overcome the light, unless we allow the light to be put out.
I choose the Light.
I choose to remember the brave men and women and children of 9/11.
I choose to honor the memory of all those who have lived and those who died endeavoring to do what's right and good.
I choose to be a better person because I know the stories of brave souls I have never met.
I will never forget.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Characters... can't live with 'em....
As I struggle to work on book 3, with James, Jamie in book 5 keeps needling me. I'll be doing research on James, and Jamie will ask, "Well, what about..." Is it to help James? Oh, no! Jamie wants to know more about his back story. No matter how many times I tell him to wait his turn, he nudges me with another question. I've tried putting him off, and stalling with other things, but as soon as I turn my attention to writing again, there's Jamie. "What about me?" No matter how often I promise I'll not forget him, he is wholly unwilling to wait quietly in the wings. Maybe I need to bargain with him... I'll give him equal time... Ah, the insanity of being a writer... :-) It's fun. Really, except when the characters are being pesky... like Jamie... LOL!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A little bit of everything...
I've started mapping book 3 and book 5, which will follow the short story that I also spent a little time expanding. Book 5 isn't part of the first three, but does have a character that was introduced, only briefly in book 2. It's stand alone. I love series that have characters from other books. It's like an inside joke. My dear friend also edited the first two chapters of book 2. I love working with her. She notices little things that add so much to the story. She'll request something that I think can't work, and I'll explain why. Somehow, in the process I figure out how to make it work. Thanks God.
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