Looking Forward

This is a time when many re-evaluate their lives and what they've accomplished over the past year. I'm certainly no exception to this.

I'm slowly learning to focus on the Lord instead of problems. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, they're now opportunities for miracles/blessings. Immersing myself in His Word, spending quality time in His Presence, and putting action to the Word that's become alive in my spirit has opened new pathways of joy and peace.

May 2018 be a year of great strides in our walk with the Lord and a new awakening to Him in our country.

Writers and Readers: What are you reflecting on as 2018 approaches?

Photo Credit:  Maurizio Sartore

Blessed Instead of Stressed

For too long, I allowed the pressures of a busy schedule to steal the joy of Christmas. It seemed like the celebration stretched my to-do list to the breaking point.

This year, I decided to focus on the meaningful items rather than trying to cram every activity available into a few short weeks:

1.  The birth of Jesus.

2.  Making the day special for the people I love.

3.  Thinking of those less fortunate through Operation Christmas Child and our church's annual toy/clothing giveaway.

4.  Shopping with an eye not only for bargains, but also for gifts people would truly appreciate.

5.  Baking cookies.

Instead of having to get it done, I get to do things that matter - giving with all my heart.

Writers and Readers: How do you keep Christmas blessed instead of stressed?

Photo Credit:  Jenny Erickson

Pressures/Writing Boo-Boos/Airline Security/Inspiration/Apple Recipe

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy is a fellow Hartline author. In this post she talks about the pressures of deadlines, platform, and life commitments. She also shares her method for staying on top of things.

2.  Lori Hatcher posts at The Write Conversation and reveals 4 Writing Boo-Boos You Don't Want to Make. The whole "pique/peek" thing is a pet peeve for me.

3.  An author friend recently posted about an experience going through security at an airport. I'm giving you a link here, so you know your rights when traveling via airline.

4.  Positive Writer shares 7 Inspirational Quotes That Could Change Your Life.

5. Recipe time! Here are apple pie baked apples. Yes, you can actually bake a pie within an apple instead of a crust. Check out Delish's recipe.

Writers:  Which writing boo-boo have you either struggled with in the past or still makes you confused?

Readers:  Airline security affects so many people. Have you run into any issues when flying? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Gurkan Kurt

New to Me

Even the most exhausting task can become routine. For example: going to the laundromat. I'm thankful the one I used for years is right down the street. Still, the weekly ordeal of loading the car, unloading, getting everything into washers and later dryers, waiting, reloading the car, and then unloading the car at home makes me huff and puff.

I began to think there was no other way to do this chore or that it could never be different because of circumstances. My way of thinking changed gradually.

1.  I broke my wrist last June. Reduced to doing things with one hand (my left - not my dominant right hand) made lugging a laundry basket impossible. Duffle bags provided the solution. They worked so well I continued using them after my wrist healed.

2.  My house is old and the plumbing sometimes presented difficulties. When thinking about getting a washing machine, all kinds of negative thoughts popped up. My neighbor's parents were upgrading to new appliances. He was in charge of finding a new owner for their used washer and dryer.

I showed him the area, presented all my concerns, and he reassured me everything would work out fine. The new-to-me washer and dryer are now in my basement and functioning with no problem. I no longer to drag everything to the laundromat in all kinds of weather.

3.  The laundromat was expensive, but now I'm spending a fraction of what it cost me to do laundry.

There are other areas of my life I've grown to accept as "just the way things have to be." How often does God want to bless me, and I hesitate to obey Him? Is it fear of the unknown or concern I'll fail if I try something new?

It's time to gain a greater perspective. God's perspective - about my writing, about my spiritual walk, about my job, and about the future.

Writers and Readers:  What areas of your life have you come to accept as unchangeable? Please share your thoughts. Agree? Disagree? Why?

Paperwhites and Procrastination

For years, I've been wanting to buy the paperwhites that show up in stores this time of the year. The thought of having flowers in winter has a certain appeal. Maybe that's why I'm a fan of African Violets and Orchids.

You know something? I never got around to actually purchasing them until a few weeks ago. Planting them was simple - the pot, bulbs, and growing medium were included in the package. They're growing fast even though they haven't bloomed as of this writing. Why on earth did I wait so long? How many other adventures have I missed because of procrastination?

I'm gradually changing my ways. Fourteen years ago, I quit a good job and went to Bible School at the Lord's prompting. This act of obedience was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it led to meeting my late husband. My writing journey began in earnest after we married. His encouragement and support helped me shush all the negative stuff in my head.

Paperwhites may not seem like a big deal, but they represent the person God has called me to be - one willing to try something new. What is He whispering to your heart? Write that book? Volunteer in the church nursery? Visit those in prison? In Mary's words to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

Writers and Readers: Do you procrastinate or do you dive in with both feet?

Making Lemonade

 

 

Yeah, I know summer is galloping into the sunset, but I'm talking about a different kind of beverage. You know - when life hands you lemons kind of lemonade.

 

This is my first post since the end of July. As most of you know, I went on a blog break to recover from a broken wrist and a gash in my scalp. Typing with one paw in a cast isn't easy.

 

Here were some of the lemons:

 

1.         It hurt!

2.         Being right handed, writing was almost impossible.

3.         Common tasks like doing my hair, putting on socks, opening a cereal box, cutting a piece of meat, and many other things didn't happen.

4.         Driving - not allowed. This hit hard since I'm the official Sweetie Mom chaueffeur. 

5.         Dealing with doctors and insurance companies.

6.         Having four staples removed - serious ouch. They finally had to give me a local anesthetic.

7.         Feeling like a zombie for the first two weeks.

 

Ah, but lest you think it was all lemons, I sprinkled in some sugar, water and stirred.

 

1.         Most of my clothes accommodated the purple cast with no problem and color coordinated.

2.         I'm thankful for walking shoes with velcro closures. Only one hand needed!

3.         Catching up on five years worth of sleep.

4.         I'm grateful to Sweetie Mom for jumping into the driver's seat and getting us around town. It gave us both a measure of independence.

5.         I learned that putting my laundry in lightweight duffle bags is easier than lugging it in clunky baskets. I'll probably use this method from now on.

6.         Riding to church and doctor appointments with friends and getting to know them better.

7.         Awesome neighbors - food, doctor appointment ride, moving my car when necessary.

8.         Did I mention sleep?

9.         As I recovered and pain no longer shot up my arm at the slightest effort to use my fingers, I was able to read, do some editing with my left hand, reconcile my checkbook, and other small tasks.

10.       I'm thankful for my wonderful bosses and co-workers who kept everything humming while I was out. Special thanks to my friend in HR, who advised me on finding my way through the insurance maze.

11.       Jessica, in my doctor's office, helped me a great deal with the insurance issues.

12.       Most of all, I had more time to reflect, get into the Word, and discuss situations with the Lord.

 

As you can see, the lemons meant to ruin my summer instead made me appreciate family, friends, and remind me of those lazy school vacations.

 

Writers and Readers:  Did you have times when you chose to make lemonade out of lemons? Please share.


Photo Credit: ilker

Productivity or Adrenaline?

Most of the time, I'm playing Beat the Clock. I run from one task to another, squeezing in the little interruptions that inevitably occur. After weeks, no months, of this activity, a storm brought all of it to a halt.

1.  No shopping.

2.  No errands.

3.  No work.

4.  No waking by the alarm clock.

5.  No deadlines.

Wow! Now, I can get all those things done around the house. My head buzzed with all the possibilities:

1.  Write a ton of blog posts.

2.  Cook - something I rarely do.

3.  Deep clean my house.

4.  Clean out a closet.

5.  Send out a newsletter.

Some of those items got accomplished. The adrenaline pumped as I zipped from one job to another, checking things off my to-do list. Then, a funny thing happened: my get-up-and-go deserted me.

As I got quiet and prayed, the desire to rest and re-charge came to the forefront. I'd exchanged one form of crazy schedule for another. I grabbed my Kindle and lounged on the couch, all the while feeling a bit guilty. Two hours later, I got up. The pleasure of doing something I loved restored my energy.

There's a difference between productivity and living off adrenaline. One leaves you with a sense of accomplishment, while the other drives you to exhaustion. Could this be a secret of time management?

In an age of time-saving gadgets, we're deluded into thinking we can do it all. We can't. Our spirit, soul, and body all need quiet times, fun times, and kick-back-and-relax times. Hopefully, I won't forget this revelation and go back to my insane schedule.

Writers and readers: What are your thoughts on productivity versus adrenaline-induced activity?

Photo Credit:  Jonathan Naundrup

For The Love of Reading

I'll never forget the first time I set foot in a library with my mother. Reading didn't come easily to me, so it was somewhat intimidating.

With my first library card in hand, we entered the children's section and found some interesting titles. One of the books was called, "The Doll's House." It was about tiny people who lived in a child's doll house. At night, when everyone was asleep, they'd gather food crumbs and other essentials to daily living. I was totally hooked.

By the time I reached sixth grade, I was reading seven books a week. I turned to bookstores and catalogs as the library ran out of titles to satisfy my voracious reading appetite. Christmas and birthday Wish Lists always included books.

I longed for Christian books about kids like me. They were few and far between in those days, but the ones I found brought me closer to the Lord.

Today, parents and children have so many great Christian novels available. Libraries will often purchase books on request or borrow them from another library. Visiting the library can provide hours of FREE entertainment for youngsters and adults.

Writers and Readers:  Do you recall your early reading experiences? Please share.

Photo Credit:  alko

New Year's Resolutions - Yada, Yada

What compels us to declare we're going to make some dramatic change in the New Year? It's like a new beginning but not taking into account it's still the same us from the previous year.

One of my Bible School teachers said it best: "By the inch, it's a cinch. By the yard, it's hard." I don't know if that saying originated with him or if he borrowed it from someone. One thing I do know: It stuck with me.

It's rare that we make major changes in an instant. Even when we ask Jesus into our hearts, growth happens as we renew our minds with the Word of God.

So, why do we think we can jump right in and fulfill all these resolutions? My personal opinion is that we're expressing our desires without any idea of how to achieve them. I yearn to draw closer to the Lord starting right now in 2014. How am I doing this?

1.  I've picked up my neglected journal. It's time to re-trace my steps and do the simple things. Saving 15 minutes on writing in my journal is not worth giving up that quiet moment sharing my heart with the Lord. Journaling and Bible reading nourish my soul.

2.  As I travel in my car, I'm listening to music that honors my Lord and CD's that feed my spirit. My focus is turned toward Him as I go about my day.

3.  I'm bringing EVERYTHING to Him, asking for wisdom, direction, and mercy when I totally mess up.

Life is made up of small, everyday decisions. Instead of expecting overnight success, why not opt for the baby step approach?

Writers and Readers: What changes would you like to make in your life? What will help you get there?

Photo Credit: clshearin

3 Tips to Purging Your Email and Your Mind

If you're anything like me, you're probably subscribed to a gazillion blogs and accumulate lots of articles. Now is a great time to clear out the old and make way for the new. My email needs serious editing, but how do I decide what to keep and what to delete forever? Here are some tips:

1.  Have I learned the lesson? Keeping 27 blog posts on social media might be overkill. If you've mastered Facebook, know how to navigate Goodreads, and tweet with the best of them, you can safely hit the delete key. Besides, all you need to do is plug the subject into a search engine to bring them back to life.

2.  Does this email require a response? If so, get it out of the way, so you can remove it from your to-do list.

3.  Is this information I'll need down the road? I do a number of guest posts and interviews throughout the year. They're scheduled way in advance, so I need to hang onto the emails with interview questions, guidelines, and contact names/addresses. These are keepers!

Another kind of computer needs some purging - our minds. A challenging year required changes in the way I do things and how I move forward. Funny, when I got those two words as my focus for the year, it never occurred to me they were preparation for a tough time. Some of the issues moved through like a brief rainstorm, while others lingered for months.

1.  Snowstorms and car issues. Record snowfall in 2014 meant parking difficulties, getting stuck, and greater wear and tear on my 14-year-old vehicle. With the 2015 winter season already making promises for a wild ride, I've made some decisions.

The car died, so when considering replacement I purchased an all-wheel drive model with an excellent reputation for reliability. It's also smaller, which might help with the parking situation. I can't stop the snow from falling, but I'm better prepared for it.

2.  Life messing up my plans. Sweetie Mom's broken hip threw my schedule out the window for a good four months. At times like this, I go into crisis mode and deal with each thing as it comes along. Our families take priority over our neat plans. By God's grace, we get through these times.

3.  Regrets. Did I handle everything right this year? No. I made my share of mistakes, but the Word tells us to repent from - not regret them. Regret wastes time and energy, while repentance wipes the slate clean.

Writers:  Do you have any writing issues that nag at you? What are you doing to resolve them?

Readers: Do you deal with computer clutter? How do you decide what to toss and what to keep?

Photo Credit:  sraburton

Pick Up Sticks

Do you remember an old toy called, "pick-up sticks?" A bunch of them came in many colors, stuffed in a tin can. The whole idea was to throw them onto the floor or a table. Each player would take a turn picking up one stick, trying not to disturb any of the others. Of course, we always looked for the easiest ones.

As we grow, we start out tackling the simple stuff and celebrating the small victories. As more complex tasks come our way, they require more study and concentration. The stakes are higher - a scholarship, the honor roll, a diploma, an award, a publishing contract. The standards grow more precise and demanding.

We have a choice: keep pace and improve or settle for good enough.

Personally, I want to keep moving forward: spirit, soul, and body. I don't want to reach for the stick that poses no challenge and no risk. Maybe I'll fail 50 times, but I'll persevere until God moves me in another direction.

Writers and Readers: What are some of the challenges you've faced and won?

Photo Credit: homer seav

The Blessings of Each Stage

When I was a kid, I couldn't wait to grow up. I could then make my own decisions, no longer have tons of homework, and eat as many cookies as I wanted. By now, I'm sure all of you are rolling on the floor, laughing.

As the truth of adulthood hits us, we look back and wish for the mostly carefree days of childhood. Someone else went out to work, paid the bills, and purchased what we needed. If we had a problem, they were there to kiss the boo-boo and make it all better. Those responsibilities transferred to us along the way.

Too bad we don't appreciate where we are at this point in our lives. Today's events will someday be viewed as "the good ol' days."

Just as childhood is a time of preparation for adult responsibilities, the early stages of a writer's journey is preparation for the publishing world. This time of discovery, learning, and building relationships with those in the industry will impact our future success.

Each stage of life and writing has its own challenges, but also its own blessings. Savor every moment and live it to the fullest.

Writers and Readers:  What were some of the reasons you wanted to grow-up fast, both as a person and as a writer?

Photo Credit:  appelcline

Small Projects - Big Motivators

Both my mom and grandmother crocheted. Some of my earliest memories involved watching them turn thread into doilies, potholders, and other works of art.

I caught the bug when some friends started making scarves out of yarn. The thread and doilies didn't speak to my creative side because it took way too long to make anything. My mother taught me the basic stitches and how to read patterns. From there, I was off and running.

Small projects kept me excited about learning new skills and built up endurance for the larger pieces. When I began writing for publication, it didn't take a genius to figure out the same principles could apply to that area.

Non-fiction was my first love, and devotionals were the perfect way to dip my toe in the publishing waters. I soon ventured into writing for anthologies, as well as short articles for Sunday School take-home papers.

As I honed my craft, I discovered using fiction techniques in non-fiction writing increased my acceptance rate. An experience in Gettysburg, much prayer, and my husband's encouragement set me on the novel-writing journey.

The non-fiction area with its successes fueled me for the long (8 years), and sometimes baffling, world of fiction. Some of the things I learned included:

1.  Basic writing skills.

2.  How to meet deadlines.

3.  How to get through the writer's doubt and press on.

The Lord used so many of my life experiences to prepare and motivate me for a ministry I thought was beyond my ability.

Writers and Readers: Has a hobby or life experience prepared you for your destiny? Please share. 

 Photo Credit: Simac

A Grateful Heart

We recently said goodbye to the first quarter of 2014. I'm not sorry to see it become history. Yet, as I traveled a difficult path, God provided every need down to the smallest detail.

So, instead of bemoaning negative events, this post is about a heart of gratitude.

-  I'm grateful that my Mom's recovery from a broken hip has exceeded the doctors' expectations. She didn't need a hip replacement and eventually won't need a walker.

-  I'm grateful for the prayers of family and friends that carried us through the ordeal.

-  I'm grateful for the answers to prayer:

   The major snowstorm taking a detour.

   The rides from a friend and my stepson to the hospital, so I wouldn't have to move my car and lose my parking space. I live on a snow emergency route, and parking is a nightmare when a storm is expected.

   The timing and smooth transitions from hospital to home.

-  I'm grateful for the strength to be there for my Mom.

-  I'm grateful for the financial provision to pay for pricey heating oil.

-  I'm grateful for a publisher that stood by me and encouraged me to "put family first."

-  Most of all, I'm grateful for the peace of God that brought rest and comfort to my heart.

Writers and Readers:  What are you thankful for today?

Photo Credit:  Everywhere

I Need Mental Health Days

I like routine. And lists. Most of all, I like mental health days. What are mental health days, you ask? Permit me to elaborate:

1.  A day where you do something for fun - NO RESEARCH ALLOWED! I like to wander around antique stores and malls, check out flowers at garden centers, go to craft shows, hunt for grocery bargains (or any kind of bargains for that matter), and hang out with friends.

2.  A day where you read to your heart's content - NO RESEARCH ALLOWED! My favorite authors' books have sat on a staggering TBR pile for so long that they're turning a pale shade of yellow. Here I come Julie Klassen, Jody Hedlund, Kathi Macias, Sarah Sundin, Cathy Gohlke, and many others.

3.  A day when I sleep until I naturally wake up and then spend a leisurely hour in the Word of God - NO RESEARCH ALLOWED! The spirit and the body enjoy rejuvenation.

Why do I keep stressing "NO RESEARCH ALLOWED," you ask? I need to give myself permission to live life without tacking on something writing or work related.

Writers and Readers:  What does a mental health day look like for you?

Photo Credit: Susan J. Reinhardt 

Birthday Reflections

Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday. It's natural to reflect on years gone by, as well as wonder where they all went!

Here are a few thoughts that occupied me during my birthday month:

1) My appreciation for the gift of time grows daily. It's a non-renewable resource. My desire is to live for the Lord and produce what has eternal value.

2)  When thinking about how I'm treated, my attitudes are filtered through the Word of God. Bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment, and holding grudges will:

A)  Sap my joy

B)  Hurt my spirit, soul, and body

C)  Keep me from moving forward in God's plan for my life.

3)  God is love, and I want that to be the most important part of my character.

Writers and Readers: What thoughts go through your heads on birthdays? For those of you who write, how have the passing years affected your work? 

Photo Credit: yokim01

Breaking the Worry Cycle

One of my tasks involves answering the phone and directing callers to the appropriate person. In order to connect them to someone else, I must dial an extension and disconnect them from me. Sometimes the caller keeps dialing my extension for one reason or another. Until I find someone to take responsibility for helping them, I must either take a message or come up with a solution.

At times, worry forms a connection with me. It resists my efforts to break the cycle. It keeps coming back, whispering what-if's in my ear. Now, as a writer, part of my equipment is asking what-if questions, but that can get twisted and turned against me. No one can stop this endless circle but me. It's my responsibility. Here's how I deal with worry:

1.  I've memorized scriptures that deal with fear and worry. Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, and others are part of my arsenal.

2.  How do I apply these verses? In prayer, I thank God that He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. I thank Him that He is with me and will help and strengthen me.

3.  It's all about replacing thinking contrary to the truth of God's Word.

This short circuits the connection with a non-productive emotion. It may try to come back, but as I apply these principles, it finally gives up. I'd much rather be connected with the peace and joy that comes from trusting the One, who holds my life in His hands.

Writers and Readers:  How do you fight worry?

Move Forward

At the beginning of each year, Christians like to seek the Lord for direction. In 2013, my words were, "hold steady." How I've needed those words! Many wonderful experiences awaited me: an agent, a book contract, release of The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear, a full-time position, and an introduction to new social media sites.

I've been asking the Lord what words would be appropriate for 2014. In November 2013, I read a blog post by my friend, Maria I. Morgan, an excellent devotional writer. Two words jumped out at me:  Move forward.

The first year as a published author is a lot like the first year of marriage. There are many adjustments and "firsts" along the way. Now that I've had two novels published and gone through the craziness of book launches, I'm ready to press on to new challenges.

Some of my writing goals for 2014:

1.  Finish the third book in the trilogy and see it published.

2.  Sharpen my writing skills.

3.  Expand my platform.

Personal goals for 2014:

1.  Develop a listening ear for God's direction.

2.  Nurture others in their relationship with the Lord.

3.  Get a handle on time management and achieve a better balance between family, work, and ministry.

Writers and Readers:  What are some of your goals for 2014? Do you have a word or words that define your direction? If so, please share.

Photo Credit: cobrasoft

A New Perspective

Not long ago, my best friend passed away. It seems that grief takes on a different meaning with each loved one I lose, as well as my age when it occurs.

As a pre-teen, my grandfather died of a heart attack. Pain struck, swift and sure. Yet, I was able to bounce back in a fairly short time. Years later, my father went to be with the Lord. His death was sudden, and his absence was hard to accept. For a long time, I kept looking at his favorite chair expecting to see him.

My husband's death broke all previous records for hurt. Although he was sick for 14 months, the intensity stunned me. The vision of a paperdoll ripped in two embedded in my mind. For a time, all I wanted was for the Lord to take me as well. As more people I loved departed this life, my homesickness for heaven grew.

This recent loss was so unexpected that it took on a surreal quality. I'd talked to her a few days before. How could she be gone? The messages she left on my answering machine were full of life. Yet, I could no longer email her with a funny story or make plans for a visit. A gaping hole was left where she prayed for me, gave advice, and shared life events.

As the Lord began healing my broken heart, I thought about how I could incorporate the different stages of mourning into my writing. It's one thing to look at the panorama of loss with the naked eye and quite another to see things under the magnification of personal experience. Here are a few things I learned:

1.  The variety of emotions and thoughts that went through my head defied all logic. Although I knew each of them were with the Lord and the separation was temporary, it changed my way of life.

2.  We'd built relationships, lived life together, created memories. After they departed, those things brought pain because that chapter closed. Only as the Lord brought new connections and new memories did those times once again bring joy and laughter.

3.  I understood how someone losing a mate ran the risk of dying within a few years. Grief left unchecked can sap the will to live. Indeed, I almost joined him within the first year.

I came to terms with these losses, each so individual and affecting me on various levels. God had me here for a purpose. My life belonged to Him, and I would move forward until my earthly sojourn completed its course.

Writers and Readers: How have fictional stories affected your view of death and dying? Have you found comfort in the midst of pain? Please share.

Photo credit: Vincitrice

Second Chances

Photo Credit: chchiseOO

Recently, my mother received a gift card to a restaurant chain. Our previous visit left us disappointed, so we were not excited at the prospect of going again.

We were pleasantly surprised by the excellent meal and great service. It changed our attitude toward the restaurant, and we'll be going back again in the near future.

Books are like a good meal to a reader. Even when a novel disappoints me, I take into account several things:

1) Is this one of the author's early works? Perhaps they've improved in their craft since then.

2) If the writing is less than adequate, does the story make up for the deficit?

3) Perhaps the story doesn't resonate with me. I'll check the author's other titles to see if they're more to my liking.

If restaurants deserve a second chance, why not give an author another opportunity to grab your interest?

Writers: Do you find yourself editing other author's books as you read? Please tell us how you turn off the internal editor and just enjoy the story.

Readers: Does a dynamite storyline make up for less than stellar writing? Please share.