There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books. Irving Stone
The author of The Agony and the Ecstasy, born in 1903.
Category: Life is Good (mind)
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Friendships & books
Irving Stone (Goodreads) -
Improve or enjoy the world?
Photo credit: Wikipedia I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. – E. B. White
The author of Charlotte’s Web was born on this day in 1899.
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Why I write
“When I sit down to write a book, I do not say to myself, ‘I am going to produce a work of art.’ I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose, some fact to which I want to draw attention, and my initial concern is to get a hearing.” — George Orwell
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How majestic is God’s name!
Sunset over Lakeshore Yacht Harbor – Muskegon Lake “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens … When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him …” (Psalm 8:1, 3–4).
I marvel at the magnificence and magnitude of God’s creation and the work of his hands. The sight causes me to praise his name. He is too big to comprehend. Too complex to fully appreciate. But I can say, holy, holy, holy — how majestic is your name in all the earth!
God, you are worthy to be praised.
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From tears of sorrow to tears of joy
I began the day in tears thinking about missing my own dear Mom. One word that described my mother would be “Encourager.” My Mom was my biggest cheerleader. If she only knew how far I’ve come along with my dream of writing and publishing … she’d be waving those imaginary pom-poms and saying, “You go, girl. I am so proud of you!”
But she isn’t here to wish a Happy Mother’s Day. On July 23, 1990 (a very sad day indeed) God chose to bring her home to him. How could such a good woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter be taken from us at such a young age? Yet I know that God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).
I wasn’t even sure I could hold it together enough to attend church, but I’m happy to say that the day ended with me feeling thankful and blessed! Our church orchestra and choir played and sang awesome music. God knew just what I needed to hear — He is all we need (Sing to the King). I spent time after the service chatting with some friends.
I felt blessed beyond measure on all counts by the end of the day. God is indeed awesome! God filled in the gaps of missing my own Mom with other’s love and generosity …
- Amanda, our daughter, came to the house bearing cool gifts for me (she has excellent taste!). Steve’s (my husband) mother came over to visit.
- The 4 of us enjoyed a picnic on the deck under beautiful sunny skies
- Andrew, our son, and his wife called from Minnesota and wished me Happy Mother’s Day. I also received a lovingly hand-crafted card and bookmark from the family.
- Steve grilled yummy steaks and asparagus on the grill
- Chat time on our patio swing
- Later, Amanda, Steve and I toured on our motorcycles up north and walked around Long Lake Park. The 2 photography geeks took photos of spring bursting forth.
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Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus,
He is all we need.
Lift up a heart of praise,
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus,
Sing to the King. -
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?
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Give thanks
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” — Psalm 19:1–2.
We’ve been having some crazy weather here in the mid-west. This spring we experienced unprecedented temperatures in the 80s followed by snow, hail, and sleet the next week. Farmers became fearful and went to extreme measures to protect their apple buds from frost and freeze. They built fires around the perimeters of their orchards and hired helicopters to hover above the trees in an attempt to maintain even temperatures.
As I live, breathe, and work in these extreme fluctuations and witness the sky in various forms of flex, I can’t help but stop and marvel at God’s handiwork. Only he could fashion the varying temperatures and atmospheric conditions choosing rain, snow, tornadoes, or pleasant, calm sunny days. No one can argue or match his greatness or majesty.
One thing I can do … I can praise God’s holy name and thank him for watching over us and sustaining this great earth.
Have you thanked God lately for food to eat and water to drink? Have you thanked him for the sun shining down and for lakes and rivers that provide your daily requirements to exist on planet earth?
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
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Rejoice!
Daffodils “The world seems sad mid winter’s gloom.
But all’s well when the jonquils bloom.”
This is so true. Winter (at least in the mid-west) can last forever. My spirits sag dramatically when the sun doesn’t shine for days. As soon as I glimpse the first crocus or yellow daffodil, hope springs forth!
Jonquil stands for the word “desire.” Desire for new beginnings, fresh starts, and warm temperatures reign paramount. Whether it be a do-over with a sour relationship or a jump start to a neglected project such as organizing my office space — nothing is impossible if taken one baby step at a time.
Dear God, thank you for creating seasons, newly budded plants and trees. They remind me that you never give up on your children and continue to love unconditionally. Thank you for the many blessings, both seen and unseen, that you’ve given me, my family and friends.
Are you feeling blue and downcast today? You are not alone. Can you focus on one positive thing that happened in the last 24 hours and thank God for this?
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
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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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Riding on the wings of the wind
Muskegon pier lighthouse – photo by Steve Lasher 
- Lake Michigan – photo by Steve Lasher
Muskegon pier – photo by Steve Lasher “He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes wind his messengers …” (Psalm 104:3-4)
