I am having a hard time finding time to do the things that nourish my heart or "sharpen the saw" in Steven Covey terms. It seems like we just keep getting busier and busier and time slows for no man. :)
Anyway tonight I was working on one of my guild lessons and while I have found most of the lessons really helpful and felt that I learned something from each of them... I must say that screenwriting should be labeled screamwriting for me. :p
I have other things I want/need to write and yet I can't seem to find the motivation when I do actually have the time. And with summer here and two girls at home, there seems to always be someone around. Don't get me wrong, I love having the girls home. I also like time alone since I seem to need that to think and write.
When I tried to explain to my husband about how I need to get lost in the writing world I am creating, he didn't get it at first. I told him that when I am writing fiction (or even some non-fiction), I get immersed in the world and interruptions (yes, even little ones) stop the flow of thoughts and ideas.
Just a day or two later he sent me this quote: “The author in his book must be like God in his universe, everywhere present and nowhere visible.” – Gustave Flaubert (French Novelist). I appreciate his encouragement to me.
I am planning to get a few articles written this weekend for a magazine that I think would be a good fit for my writing and my passion. That's about all on the writing front for now. Besides trying to find time to get into my protagonist's head and talk with her some more. I may just take Saturday as a writing sabbatical and run away somewhere (close) and spend the day writing.
Blessings
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Good book...
I borrowed a book from my boss at work called Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie T. Baucham Jr. (Hardcover - Jun 7, 2007). This is an excellent book outlining the dire need our children have to be trained up in the ways of the Lord, just as we were instructed in Deuteronomy 6.
As the author points out, parents today have the tendency to turn our children over the "experts" be they the local school, private coaches, or youth ministries. Why do we parents think that someone else is supposed to do the hard work in teaching and training our children?
As I look back on the years when my kids were young, there were some things we did right: we read in the Word daily and tried to incorporate it into our lives. But as the kids got older and busier, I see how I dropped the ball and did not pursue time with each of them in the Word or even necessarily discussing what we individually were reading. Not sure when and how we got off course in that, but we did.
I am grateful that all three kids truly love the Lord and yet even now I want to come along side and share with them what the Lord is teaching me and what He is teaching them. I guess the thing is that we let the busyness of life crowd out the important things in life.
Anyway, if you want a good, convicting read to encourage you to invest in building and nurturing godly children and relationships, take a look at this book.
Blessings,
As the author points out, parents today have the tendency to turn our children over the "experts" be they the local school, private coaches, or youth ministries. Why do we parents think that someone else is supposed to do the hard work in teaching and training our children?
As I look back on the years when my kids were young, there were some things we did right: we read in the Word daily and tried to incorporate it into our lives. But as the kids got older and busier, I see how I dropped the ball and did not pursue time with each of them in the Word or even necessarily discussing what we individually were reading. Not sure when and how we got off course in that, but we did.
I am grateful that all three kids truly love the Lord and yet even now I want to come along side and share with them what the Lord is teaching me and what He is teaching them. I guess the thing is that we let the busyness of life crowd out the important things in life.
Anyway, if you want a good, convicting read to encourage you to invest in building and nurturing godly children and relationships, take a look at this book.
Blessings,
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
CCWC
I attended the Colorado Christian Writers Conference this past week and had a fabulous time. It always amazes me what the Lord has in store.
Of course I learned a ton about writing. But part of what I learned as well is how far I've come since my first writing conference in 2006. Back then I was easily intimidated by other writers, especially those famous ones teaching at Glen Eyrie. But I was also easily discouraged by my lack of understanding about writing techniques. I have always learned things fairly quickly when I put something into practice on a regular basis but back then, any word of critique set me to wondering if I was supposed to write.
This time, I still see how very far I have to go and how many basic things I still need to get under my belt. But it didn't discourage me in the least. It only made me more certain. King David once said that he wouldn't offer the Lord something that cost him nothing. Guess I have learned that about writing. It will cost me time and practice, and even more importantly, it will cost me vulnerability. Something I am not overly fond of. :)
Back to this year's conference: I learned so much from instructors like Jeff Gerke who was very knowledgeable as well as a laugh a minute. But I must say my favorite was getting to know Angela Hunt and Nancy Rue. What incredible women! We talked of writing, families, and many other things. These ladies know how to delve into deep and sometimes painful things, and write of them in a way that brings life to others. They also know how to see humor in everyday occurrences. We laughed till tears were rolling down my cheeks.
Another "God" moment was connecting me with an editor of a magazine that wants me to write for her. I couldn't have planned it or orchestrated how naturally this happened.
The next couple of weeks will be spent regrouping, studying, reading, and analyzing before I begin more serious writing using the building blocks I learned this past week.
Blessings,
Of course I learned a ton about writing. But part of what I learned as well is how far I've come since my first writing conference in 2006. Back then I was easily intimidated by other writers, especially those famous ones teaching at Glen Eyrie. But I was also easily discouraged by my lack of understanding about writing techniques. I have always learned things fairly quickly when I put something into practice on a regular basis but back then, any word of critique set me to wondering if I was supposed to write.
This time, I still see how very far I have to go and how many basic things I still need to get under my belt. But it didn't discourage me in the least. It only made me more certain. King David once said that he wouldn't offer the Lord something that cost him nothing. Guess I have learned that about writing. It will cost me time and practice, and even more importantly, it will cost me vulnerability. Something I am not overly fond of. :)
Back to this year's conference: I learned so much from instructors like Jeff Gerke who was very knowledgeable as well as a laugh a minute. But I must say my favorite was getting to know Angela Hunt and Nancy Rue. What incredible women! We talked of writing, families, and many other things. These ladies know how to delve into deep and sometimes painful things, and write of them in a way that brings life to others. They also know how to see humor in everyday occurrences. We laughed till tears were rolling down my cheeks.
Another "God" moment was connecting me with an editor of a magazine that wants me to write for her. I couldn't have planned it or orchestrated how naturally this happened.
The next couple of weeks will be spent regrouping, studying, reading, and analyzing before I begin more serious writing using the building blocks I learned this past week.
Blessings,
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Don't fall off your chair...I'm back
Well, it's been way too long since I posted on the blog. Life has been hectic, confusing, and just generally bogged down in many areas.
Right now I am racing to finish getting ready for the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference up in Estes Park next week. Today I am trying to hone my one-page pitch sheet to show to editors and agents. I know I am not ready for a full proposal since the book is only about 2 chapters long with several other scenes written for later in the book.
As I have spent time contemplating the book, I have had to go back and rework several areas including the first chapter since the book is now going a different direction. And I have struggled to make my characters real instead of flat. Part of what I hope to learn up at Estes Park.
I truly look forward to the time away (not just to escape the busyness!) because I have seen how the Lord has used each one I have gone to previously to encourage me not only as a writer, but as His follower. About three years ago, I went to a small conference at Glen Eyrie not really sure what I was going for or what it would accomplish...just knew I was to go. That's where I met my writing buddy, Jackie.
At first we met regularly and then that fell away as we both got pulled in different directions. We lost touch with each other for almost a year, but began meeting again this past fall. What an incredible blessing she is to me. She encourages me and gets me as a writer. That is the gift I came away with from Glen Eyrie.
Last year's conference with the writing guild was huge and pretty intimidating. However I learned a lot and came away better equipped.
Now I am going to Estes with Jackie. I know I will learn and be challenged and convicted as a writer and a woman. I am eager to go, though I don't know if Jackie and I will sleep since we get along so well and never seem to run out of things to talk about. Course we'll also be exhausted from the days that start at 7:00 a.m. and run until after 10:00 p.m.
Well, gotta run!
Blessings!
Right now I am racing to finish getting ready for the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference up in Estes Park next week. Today I am trying to hone my one-page pitch sheet to show to editors and agents. I know I am not ready for a full proposal since the book is only about 2 chapters long with several other scenes written for later in the book.
As I have spent time contemplating the book, I have had to go back and rework several areas including the first chapter since the book is now going a different direction. And I have struggled to make my characters real instead of flat. Part of what I hope to learn up at Estes Park.
I truly look forward to the time away (not just to escape the busyness!) because I have seen how the Lord has used each one I have gone to previously to encourage me not only as a writer, but as His follower. About three years ago, I went to a small conference at Glen Eyrie not really sure what I was going for or what it would accomplish...just knew I was to go. That's where I met my writing buddy, Jackie.
At first we met regularly and then that fell away as we both got pulled in different directions. We lost touch with each other for almost a year, but began meeting again this past fall. What an incredible blessing she is to me. She encourages me and gets me as a writer. That is the gift I came away with from Glen Eyrie.
Last year's conference with the writing guild was huge and pretty intimidating. However I learned a lot and came away better equipped.
Now I am going to Estes with Jackie. I know I will learn and be challenged and convicted as a writer and a woman. I am eager to go, though I don't know if Jackie and I will sleep since we get along so well and never seem to run out of things to talk about. Course we'll also be exhausted from the days that start at 7:00 a.m. and run until after 10:00 p.m.
Well, gotta run!
Blessings!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Pilates
Well, I had to post again before my dear hubby harassed me again about posting more than me this month.
On a happy note I have been doing Pilates on the Reformer machine through a physical therapy place for the last couple of weeks. Here's the funny part—last Friday morning I was scheduled to go and was so excited it was like Christmas or something. You know, when you are so excited to get going that you keep waking up in the middle of the night, rolling over and looking at the clock, then with a sigh try to get back to sleep for a little while longer because it just isn't time yet. Can't believe I was that excited about this. But I was and I am.
I feel like the reformer machine is a gift from God for my back. I lay on this contraption, exercises all my muscles without breaking a sweat and feel relaxed afterward. Amazing. All in a safe manner for my back. Yippee. :) And I am definitely getting stronger. After over a year of being stalled, I am pleased as punch!
This all ties in with a word the Lord brought me this past week as I have spent some serious time asking Him for direction. He has given me very specific words on how to proceed in getting the best health possible. This all came after I read in Psalm 32:8 that He would counsel me and instruct me in the way of life.
This week He also brought me a gentle rebuke. Psalm 32:9—I should not be stubborn like the horse or mule. I had to repent because I have been very willful at times. I know that discipline in any area of life bears good fruit and yet I still resist it at times even though I know better. I have not wanted to rein (no pun intended!) in my eating back to what I need to be healthy. I have indulged giving myself whatever excuse was available at the time.
But He has graciously called me back to hearing instruction from Him. And it will bring life. It always does. And the fruit He brings will not only be good for my body, but my heart as well. Because my Father loves me and has plans only of good for me, no matter what I am going through—good or bad.
That is all for tonight.
Blessings.
On a happy note I have been doing Pilates on the Reformer machine through a physical therapy place for the last couple of weeks. Here's the funny part—last Friday morning I was scheduled to go and was so excited it was like Christmas or something. You know, when you are so excited to get going that you keep waking up in the middle of the night, rolling over and looking at the clock, then with a sigh try to get back to sleep for a little while longer because it just isn't time yet. Can't believe I was that excited about this. But I was and I am.
I feel like the reformer machine is a gift from God for my back. I lay on this contraption, exercises all my muscles without breaking a sweat and feel relaxed afterward. Amazing. All in a safe manner for my back. Yippee. :) And I am definitely getting stronger. After over a year of being stalled, I am pleased as punch!
This all ties in with a word the Lord brought me this past week as I have spent some serious time asking Him for direction. He has given me very specific words on how to proceed in getting the best health possible. This all came after I read in Psalm 32:8 that He would counsel me and instruct me in the way of life.
This week He also brought me a gentle rebuke. Psalm 32:9—I should not be stubborn like the horse or mule. I had to repent because I have been very willful at times. I know that discipline in any area of life bears good fruit and yet I still resist it at times even though I know better. I have not wanted to rein (no pun intended!) in my eating back to what I need to be healthy. I have indulged giving myself whatever excuse was available at the time.
But He has graciously called me back to hearing instruction from Him. And it will bring life. It always does. And the fruit He brings will not only be good for my body, but my heart as well. Because my Father loves me and has plans only of good for me, no matter what I am going through—good or bad.
That is all for tonight.
Blessings.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Quirky senses of humor
I am not sure why some things tickle our funny bones and not someone else's. For some time I have found certain commercials highly amusing while not finding much on the rest of TV amusing in the least. I have always adored the Mac/PC commercials, probably because I was a Mac aficionado before it was cool and I have been surrounded by PC users/programmers. You can view some of them here.
My youngest gets the biggest giggles from the happy cows come from California commercials as seen here.
The latest commercial that has really gotten to me is the new Jeep commercial. Don't know why this cracks me up but I laugh out loud every time I see it.
Now why youngest loves the happy cows and I love the jeep one—who knows? Just something different for everyone. But whatever the cause, it is refreshing to have those belly chuckles regardless of where they come from.
So what tickles your funny bone?
My youngest gets the biggest giggles from the happy cows come from California commercials as seen here.
The latest commercial that has really gotten to me is the new Jeep commercial. Don't know why this cracks me up but I laugh out loud every time I see it.
Now why youngest loves the happy cows and I love the jeep one—who knows? Just something different for everyone. But whatever the cause, it is refreshing to have those belly chuckles regardless of where they come from.
So what tickles your funny bone?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Today's musings
Just a few musings today to try to stay (get back) into blogging mode. :)
My youngest daughter finished her Mock Trial season last week, much to her dismay and my relief. :) Of course now she is trying out for the spring play tomorrow. :P
Dear son has a young lady in his life which is very fun to watch and pray over, even if it is long distance.
Oldest daughter moved dorm rooms to a place much more peaceful since she had a suite mate who made life REALLY uncomfortable.
I am busy with work, writing, life.
Dear husband blessed me wonderfully on Valentine's day. Flowers delivered at work was a great surprise and gave me the opportunity to reemphasize to some young ladies there that men can still be romantic even after almost 23 years of marriage. I am grateful that my husband has been relearning his romantic side—one of the things that made me fall for him in the first place. :)
I'll post more wonderful thoughts when I have more time to think! :P
Blessings,
My youngest daughter finished her Mock Trial season last week, much to her dismay and my relief. :) Of course now she is trying out for the spring play tomorrow. :P
Dear son has a young lady in his life which is very fun to watch and pray over, even if it is long distance.
Oldest daughter moved dorm rooms to a place much more peaceful since she had a suite mate who made life REALLY uncomfortable.
I am busy with work, writing, life.
Dear husband blessed me wonderfully on Valentine's day. Flowers delivered at work was a great surprise and gave me the opportunity to reemphasize to some young ladies there that men can still be romantic even after almost 23 years of marriage. I am grateful that my husband has been relearning his romantic side—one of the things that made me fall for him in the first place. :)
I'll post more wonderful thoughts when I have more time to think! :P
Blessings,
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