Category: Writing

  • Writers just wanna tell you a story

    Row of Old Books — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

    Writing: a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while telling it. (unknown source)

    I can’t say it’s always true that I don’t want to make eye contact, but it is true I usually want to re-tell my story. After all, how can I know if the story struck a nerve or called someone to action?  The saying goes that truth is stranger than fiction. I believe that’s also a true statement.

    Writing is a lonely profession usually within the confines of an office. You can verbally tell your story after it’s been written, but generally speaking a writer gets it down on paper (or on the monitor screen) first.

    It may be weeks or months or years before anyone reads the print. Writing is a demanding, sometimes thankless, way of life.

    I have learned that EVERYONE has a story to tell. Whether or not they are brave and remain focused to tell their story is another issue.

    How do you feel about this statement? Does it ring true with you?

  • Harmony

    Harmony — what most of us strive for in our everyday life. What many are unable to grasp. The opposite of harmony might be stress or frustration.

    When two or more individuals sit together in a room, a sense of harmony is either felt or not. If harmony is felt, productivity rises. Camaraderie boosts self-esteem and a sense of belonging reigns.

    I look forward to being captivated for an overnight retreat with a group of fellow writer friends. Some I know; others I do not. We’ll be together for 24 hours participating in various activities such as:

    • Goal setting
    • Journaling
    • Writing
    • Self-editing
    • Critiquing

    Will it be hard work? Yes. But, ‘twill be worth it!

    All the people invited and attending will be of the same mind. The same attitude of goal seeking with an attempt to better themselves and learn more of the craft of writing. Do we all write the same type of pieces? No … some write fiction, others non-fiction, screenplays or poetry. We are created different, but similar in many respects.

    Like-mindedness. Unity. Compatibility. Respect. Artistic talents.  These qualities achieved by thinking highly of others and not thinking too highly of self. Most possess sensitive spirits; some harbor bruised lives and egos. Yet, we carry on the mission and passion God instilled in our hearts long ago. Desiring to put down on paper what God has taught us. Eager to share personal knowledge and words of wisdom from having walked dusty, bumpy trails.

    In the book of Galatians, Paul tells believers in Christ about the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are traits God is pleased with and would smile upon.

    This is what I see manifest when I rub shoulders with my fellow harmonious comrades.  It’s almost like being with family; except with friends, I can choose them!

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” — Psalm 139:14.

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  • Where did January go?

    “The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you” — Numbers 6:25.

    Looking at my calendar, I see the first month of January is nearly over. Where did it go? There are 31 days in the month — just like last year and the year before, so why did it seem like it flew by so quickly?

    Maybe it’s because all my resolutions were not completed. I’d hoped to squeeze in a bit more writing and reading, but that didn’t exactly happen. However, I do know God’s face did shine upon me when I took the time to spend with family, rest and renewal.  Those were blessed times. I also know that God’s plans are not always the same as my plans.

    Maybe it’s more quality time with your spouse or children that you crave. Or, it might mean making the effort to spend time on you … relaxing in a bubble bath, reading scripture and meditating on God’s promises. As you look forward to the month of February, my prayer is that God’s face will shine upon you and he will be gracious to you.

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  • Jump on in!

     

    “The fact is, that to do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.”  

    (Sydney Smith, June 3, 1771–February 22, 1845—English writer and Anglican cleric) 

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  • Order Info for “31 days”

     

    Totally thrilled with our  “31 days” collaborative book with hubby, Steve!  

    "31 days"

    Just an FYI – some of you have asked about ordering. If you’d like to order, go to blurb.com.  You can save 25% thru 11/28 by using the word “MIRACLE” code; 15% thru 11/30 with the word “HOLIDAY” code. Must insert code in all CAPS. 

    https://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2675578

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  • Our book is here!

    This project started with Steve suggesting he take a photo every day of the month regardless of rain, snow, sun, no sun, or mood of the photographer. The goal was to take more pictures and write more by writing or photographing something every day for a month.  After capturing the picture in color, black and white, or infrared, Teresa agreed to write text to accompany the chosen daily photo. Some days it proved hard to choose just one picture (especially while on vacation in Mexico). Other days, due to busyness and darkness of the hour, it proved a challenge to come up with even one photo. 
     
    Journey with us through the 31 days of January and discover the beauty and majesty of our Creator who is in all the details of life.
     
     
    (31 Days is available on Blurb.com)

  • Persistent Dandelion

    One lonely dandelion braves the fall frost. Winter encroaches not far behind, yet a burst of yellow flower and green stem still stands tall. Colored leaves from nearby trees gently fall and nestle near the vibrant, persistent soldier. Most would think it’s time to give in and give up by now. After all, the weather will only turn icier and colder.  

    I think of circumstances in a writer’s life — rejections from editors and publishers; worse yet, no response at all. Wouldn’t it be easier just to call it quits? I could tell my family and friends that there must be a mistake … a disconnect and that I’m really not a writer after all. Then maybe the pressure and drive would disappear and I wouldn’t be concerned with more research, edits and critiques from my writers’ group.

    But I’m not convinced my drive and passion would evaporate. More than likely, miserableness might set in. Deep down, I know that character, persistence, and integrity come when I march on in spite of circumstances. I must keep putting words down on paper regardless of how I feel at the time or what someone thinks of me.

    Emulating that persistent dandelion will lead to published work, smiles from my colleagues and a “well done, good and faithful servant” from the God I write for and about.

    So, stand tall and shine bright — others are watching and some even cheer the writer on to a satisfying victory!  Press on toward the goal …

    “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  – Philippians 3:12-14

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  • Let me hold your hand

    It was said of Jesus—“He will not fail nor be discouraged…,” (Isaiah 42:4).

    No one could say that about me—at least part of the time because I do fail and am discouraged. When I fail, it’s generally when I took off head strung on my own before consulting anyone. I become discouraged when the right words don’t magically appear on my paper or computer screen within my presumed exact timing. I become frustrated and agitated at myself and anyone near me. It’s best to keep your distance from me until the dilemma becomes resolved.

    Good to know I know Someone who never fails or becomes discouraged—my heavenly Father. He’s the one who “called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand” (Isaiah 42:6).  God wants me to call on Him in times of trouble and perplexity. He wants to hold my hand, to guide each written or spoken word, and lead me beside still waters. God also leads through the turbulent seas.

    He’s there for me if I ask. Do you sense His presence too? Can you call on His matchless name and put your hand in His?

    Father, thank you for being my perfect role model: no hate, no fear of failure or discouragement. Help me look to You at the first sign of discouragement.

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  • Truth…in the hidden places

    “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place” (Psalm 51:6)  

    Truth is what you’re all about. Truth is what the world needs—what my neighbor, co-worker, friend, and family need. It’s what I need, and I cannot escape this reality. That is why I feel the call and mission to spread the truth for as many days as You deem here for me on earth.

    You have taught me wisdom at Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference through the presenters, faculty, and students. May that wisdom filter down in the inmost place, take up residence, bloom, blossom and flourish into Your chosen avenues. I do not know the outcomes of this mission, but I do know the One who I am entrusting it too and His name is Trustworthy for all eternity!

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  • Bill Myers tidbits from Maranatha Writers’ Conference

    Bill Myers-Author topic: “Just Say Yes!” Promise to always say “yes” to God – no matter what! Key to his success: I’m a crybaby, a coward and a moron. And I’m someone who keeps saying “yes” to God regardless of how stupid it makes me feel. 

    Bill left us with the following question:  Do I want to eat Kibbles & Bits, or would I prefer to live life more abundantly?

    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” Colossians 3:23.

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