As I sit down to write this, I have no clear cut idea of what I intend to write. I know only that it's time to write. This isn't an obligation; I want to write. The problem truly lies in what, of the many topics I've thought I'd like to write about this past month, I will focus on.
Much has happened in my little part of the world. Spring has come to Florida, and with the temps lately I'd say we're well on our way to summer. OBS has come and gone with this year beating out the previous year. A terrible crime was recently committed, made all the worse by how young the suspects are and how henious the crime was. And I've had many enlightening conversations with my friends. I could write about all this and more....
....But I won't....
As I was typing the foregoing I was thinking about this whole writing thing. As everyone knows, I'm a writer. I have been asked about it often. The thing that I get asked the most is: What makes you write?
That's actually a good question. What really does make me write? I'd like to say something like my soul just yearns for a way to express itself, but that's a little too easy. Oh, yeah, and cheesy. It's true there is something within me that wants to express itself with the written word, but it's more than that.
I suppose I could say that I enjoy it, but that would be a lie. Writing is enjoyable for about the first thirty seconds. After that it's work. A lot goes into making a story readable. The only time I can say I enjoy writing beyond the first thirty seconds is in November when I do NaNoWriMo. I love NaNo. I don't have to do anything but crank out 50,000 words in a month. That's only 2000 words a day. (If you do 2000 a day you can skip days and not have to cram at the end.) With NaNo, the only thing that matters is getting the words out. You don't have to plot, your characters don't have to make sense, you don't have to develop your characters....
Hey....wiat....I just had an epiphany!
The Twilight series is simply four years of unedited NaNoWriMo's published for mass consumption!
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.....
So, why do I write? Well, I do have a need to write, I do enjoy it (usually....to a degree....sometimes), but I think the real answer is that it's a challenge. Those of you that know me well know I never back down from a challenge.
I see the skeptical arching of brows! Hear me out here.
A lot of work goes into plotting, character creation, character development, setting -- you know, all of those things that make words on a page into a story you want to read. It's not easy to pull that all together. Beyond that, there's the requirement that this all be done using well developed sentences, good vocabulary and engaging style.
And if all of that wasn't enough to challenge you, there's the whole publishing nightmare. Errrr....I meant process. You might have the best story ever, but do you know how many agents and editors turned away Harry Potter before Bloomsbury picked it up? (I don't know about you, but I think those that said no go home and cry in their port every evening.)
All I can say is: I can't wait for November! Until then I'll keep working on my other projects, some of which are showcased on my writing blog.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Conservative Christians
Recently I left a discussion group that claimed they were a group of conservative Christian woman. The reason I left is that these women were nothing but mean hateful biddies! They were more concerned with raking people over the coals for tiny insignificant things that simply didn't matter instead of being concerned with important things like exploitation of children, the starving people in our own country or witnessing to others. I was simply taken aback that these people wanted to go off on someone saying crap, but never talked about witnessing or reaching the unsaved for Christ.
Within that group I noticed something that I've noticed within our churches. These women, and so many in our churches, want to hold the title conservative Christian when the title they should hold is Legalist. What these people fail to realize is that you don't have to live by this huge set of rules in order to be a good Christian.
I've been away from those hard hearted biddies for about a month now and I can't believe how much happier I am! It's amazing how truly beautiful life can be when you don't have the shadow of legalism blocking your ability to see the wonderful life God has given you!
Within that group I noticed something that I've noticed within our churches. These women, and so many in our churches, want to hold the title conservative Christian when the title they should hold is Legalist. What these people fail to realize is that you don't have to live by this huge set of rules in order to be a good Christian.
I've been away from those hard hearted biddies for about a month now and I can't believe how much happier I am! It's amazing how truly beautiful life can be when you don't have the shadow of legalism blocking your ability to see the wonderful life God has given you!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Just Rambling
I hadn't intended to write anything tonight. It's 1130 PM and I wanted to read before going to sleep. I've enjoyed a quiet evening at home sorting through email and watching wrestling with my son. Yes, I'll admit it... I watch wrestling AND I enjoy it! I guess I tolerate it because it just isn't real. I cannot watch MMA and UFC. That's real. I know people are actually getting hurt.
My cousin Sean fought in his first MMA match a few weeks ago. It didn't end well. He got a broken nose and he loves it. He thought it was the coolest thing. His mother did not agree. As a mother, I get where she is coming from.
While reading my emails one of my friends wrote about inflation. Her question was if inflation had affected others as it had her. That got me to thinking. I realize I am blessed. Yes, I notice inflation. But not so much so that it worries me. I realize, too, that I am wrong. I should be concerned -- deeply concerned.
The Bible says that in the last days it will take a week's wages to buy just a loaf of bread. The Bible foretells the coming economic crisis, yet I sit here unconcerned. That is wrong on many levels.
It is obviously foolish simply because inflation is not going away. The way our government has run things has ensured inflation -- crippling inflation -- will be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. I would be wise to be saving more than I currently am.
But there's more to it than just that. The Bible has plainly stated that the economic crisis of the end times will be but one indicator that the Lord's return is near. Taking that into consideration, Christians need to WAKE UP! If we are living in the end times, and I believe we are, we should be on fire for the Lord. We should be talking to those around us all the time about the Lord and salvation. I don't mean you have to preach at those around you, though if you are moved of the Holy Spirit to do so, that's fine. I mean that our testimony should be strong and instead of hesitating to mention God in every day conversations, we should boldly mention God.
As Christians we've often heard it said that our lives may be the only "Bible" some people ever read. What does your "Bible" say? I'm afraid all too often my "Bible" reads of selfishness and apathy. It's easy to say you're a Christian, but sometimes it's a lot harder to *be* a Christian.
Don't get me wrong. I know sometimes it's uncomfortable to bring God into a conversation. I was faced with this about a month ago. The chiropractor I see is a Christian and the women I usually see when I got in are Christians. But I am having to see the massage therapist now. I don't know if she is a Christian or not. As she was doing my massage I was thinking to myself that it's amazing how God made our bodies to respond to touch. It's truly amazing what a simple massage will do for you. I caught myself hesitating to voice my thoughts because I wasn't sure if the massage therapist was a Christian.
It can't be that way. As Christians we have to voice our thoughts. Maybe the conversation won't go any further than the comment you made, but maybe that comment will get the person to thinking. If you plant the seed, then another Christian that God put into that person's path may water that seed. And when the seed germinates, God, who controls everything, will see to it that a Christian is available to nurture that seed as it grows.
I find often that people think they are failures as Christians because they didn't lead someone to Christ. It's like people have taken their professional lives and applied the "closing the deal" principle to soul winning. I don't agree with this outlook. I believe that God sometimes puts you in someone's path simply to plant the seed of the gospel. He will send others to water the seed and nurture the seed.
Of course, we can't use that as an excuse to back off either. It's all too easy to just mention something and quickly move on because you're unsure of your ability to communicate the gospel message. But really, do you think God would put you in such a position? Of course not! If you're in a position to witness, then you can rest assured God has given you the words with which to witness.
My cousin Sean fought in his first MMA match a few weeks ago. It didn't end well. He got a broken nose and he loves it. He thought it was the coolest thing. His mother did not agree. As a mother, I get where she is coming from.
While reading my emails one of my friends wrote about inflation. Her question was if inflation had affected others as it had her. That got me to thinking. I realize I am blessed. Yes, I notice inflation. But not so much so that it worries me. I realize, too, that I am wrong. I should be concerned -- deeply concerned.
The Bible says that in the last days it will take a week's wages to buy just a loaf of bread. The Bible foretells the coming economic crisis, yet I sit here unconcerned. That is wrong on many levels.
It is obviously foolish simply because inflation is not going away. The way our government has run things has ensured inflation -- crippling inflation -- will be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. I would be wise to be saving more than I currently am.
But there's more to it than just that. The Bible has plainly stated that the economic crisis of the end times will be but one indicator that the Lord's return is near. Taking that into consideration, Christians need to WAKE UP! If we are living in the end times, and I believe we are, we should be on fire for the Lord. We should be talking to those around us all the time about the Lord and salvation. I don't mean you have to preach at those around you, though if you are moved of the Holy Spirit to do so, that's fine. I mean that our testimony should be strong and instead of hesitating to mention God in every day conversations, we should boldly mention God.
As Christians we've often heard it said that our lives may be the only "Bible" some people ever read. What does your "Bible" say? I'm afraid all too often my "Bible" reads of selfishness and apathy. It's easy to say you're a Christian, but sometimes it's a lot harder to *be* a Christian.
Don't get me wrong. I know sometimes it's uncomfortable to bring God into a conversation. I was faced with this about a month ago. The chiropractor I see is a Christian and the women I usually see when I got in are Christians. But I am having to see the massage therapist now. I don't know if she is a Christian or not. As she was doing my massage I was thinking to myself that it's amazing how God made our bodies to respond to touch. It's truly amazing what a simple massage will do for you. I caught myself hesitating to voice my thoughts because I wasn't sure if the massage therapist was a Christian.
It can't be that way. As Christians we have to voice our thoughts. Maybe the conversation won't go any further than the comment you made, but maybe that comment will get the person to thinking. If you plant the seed, then another Christian that God put into that person's path may water that seed. And when the seed germinates, God, who controls everything, will see to it that a Christian is available to nurture that seed as it grows.
I find often that people think they are failures as Christians because they didn't lead someone to Christ. It's like people have taken their professional lives and applied the "closing the deal" principle to soul winning. I don't agree with this outlook. I believe that God sometimes puts you in someone's path simply to plant the seed of the gospel. He will send others to water the seed and nurture the seed.
Of course, we can't use that as an excuse to back off either. It's all too easy to just mention something and quickly move on because you're unsure of your ability to communicate the gospel message. But really, do you think God would put you in such a position? Of course not! If you're in a position to witness, then you can rest assured God has given you the words with which to witness.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving 2010
I can't believe we're already celebrating Thanksgiving! Where has the year gone?
Every Thanksgiving I take a few moments in the morning to reflect on the past year and look forward to what little is left of this year. Despite what is going on in our country, we have much to be thankful for. I read an interesting article that really brought it all into focus for me. You can find it at: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45520.html
Personally I am thankful I have a job when I live in a county where the jobless rate is double the national average! I'm thankful my son is with me and happy.
On a lighter note, I received some questions from Manic Monday and thought they would be fun to answer. They aren't really Thanksgiving themed, but still fun.
1. What do you cook when home alone?
If I'm home alone I usually don't even bother to cook. What's the point in cooking for one?
2. What is something you'd like a chance to eat or cook?
Hmmmm....That's a tough one. I don't ever hesitate to try new stuff when I come across it. So I can't really say that there is something I haven't tried that I want to. As everyone knows, traditional Japanese cuisine is my thing. I cook it fairly regularly. Hmmm....I think I'd like to branch out and try to make some good Indian food at home. That would be fun. :)
3. What is your favorite cookbook?
When I make Japanese food I love to use Washoku. It makes Japanese food idiot poof, which I need!
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Every Thanksgiving I take a few moments in the morning to reflect on the past year and look forward to what little is left of this year. Despite what is going on in our country, we have much to be thankful for. I read an interesting article that really brought it all into focus for me. You can find it at: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45520.html
Personally I am thankful I have a job when I live in a county where the jobless rate is double the national average! I'm thankful my son is with me and happy.
On a lighter note, I received some questions from Manic Monday and thought they would be fun to answer. They aren't really Thanksgiving themed, but still fun.
1. What do you cook when home alone?
If I'm home alone I usually don't even bother to cook. What's the point in cooking for one?
2. What is something you'd like a chance to eat or cook?
Hmmmm....That's a tough one. I don't ever hesitate to try new stuff when I come across it. So I can't really say that there is something I haven't tried that I want to. As everyone knows, traditional Japanese cuisine is my thing. I cook it fairly regularly. Hmmm....I think I'd like to branch out and try to make some good Indian food at home. That would be fun. :)
3. What is your favorite cookbook?
When I make Japanese food I love to use Washoku. It makes Japanese food idiot poof, which I need!
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Random Thoughts
I haven't written in awhile because I was in a bad car accident. I'll write more about that later....maybe. Instead I thought I'd consider these random questions. What are your answers? Feel free to leave your answers in the comments section.
1. Imagine you can only keep 5 things that you have (people not included). What 5 things would you keep?
Honestly, I'm not sure! I guess since my son is with me, I would have to say I'd keep my house and car. We have to have a place to live and I have to have a way to get us to and from school and work. Now being practical, I'd have to say that I'd also want to keep my money since I have to support us. Of course we'd have to keep our pets because we love them. And a Bible. That's important. Everything else could be regained.
Now, if the question already takes into account that I still have a house, car, money and my pets, it's considerably easier to answer. I'd want to keep my Bible, my cell phone, my books, computer and Xbox. Honestly, as long as I had the basics I first said I would want I'd be OK. All this other stuff I have doesn't seem so important when you take a cold hard look at it.
2. What's the hardest thing you've ever had to learn?
That no matter how much I may love or care about someone, sometimes a person simply isn't able to love or care about me.
3. Today is the first day of the rest of my life and I'm going to...
Take some time to sit back and evaluate what's really important and then make a plan to either keep those things in my life if they are already present or make a plan to get those things into my life.
1. Imagine you can only keep 5 things that you have (people not included). What 5 things would you keep?
Honestly, I'm not sure! I guess since my son is with me, I would have to say I'd keep my house and car. We have to have a place to live and I have to have a way to get us to and from school and work. Now being practical, I'd have to say that I'd also want to keep my money since I have to support us. Of course we'd have to keep our pets because we love them. And a Bible. That's important. Everything else could be regained.
Now, if the question already takes into account that I still have a house, car, money and my pets, it's considerably easier to answer. I'd want to keep my Bible, my cell phone, my books, computer and Xbox. Honestly, as long as I had the basics I first said I would want I'd be OK. All this other stuff I have doesn't seem so important when you take a cold hard look at it.
2. What's the hardest thing you've ever had to learn?
That no matter how much I may love or care about someone, sometimes a person simply isn't able to love or care about me.
3. Today is the first day of the rest of my life and I'm going to...
Take some time to sit back and evaluate what's really important and then make a plan to either keep those things in my life if they are already present or make a plan to get those things into my life.
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