What is this? Who wrote this?

I'm at the point now that I've written enough short stories, articles and other writing projects that there are things I don't remember writing! I came across this little diddy and still can't figure out why I wrote it. After revising it slightly, I remember writing parts of it, but it's all a blur. I have no idea where this came from...do you know what I mean?

Title? If I posted this early on in my blog days, forgive me...I can't remember ;) I think I wrote that already, right? See what happens when you approach 40? Enough stalling...here goes...


The tall, wet grasses brush against my old cotton sweats as I run, slipping and sliding on the slippery trail. Branches from large old trees bend and twist as I make my way alongside the stream, which is partially frozen with water still flowing. The scene of the stream, the glistening trees and squirrels scattering as I press forward should comfort me. I yearn for peace. I race to find it. Instead, strands of cobwebs fill a deep empty abyss that should be a normal functioning brain. Lead weights attach to my eyelids. I stop running and wipe beads of sweat off of my forehead. I close my eyes and take a deep breath filling my sore lungs with sweet, fresh air, exhaling to the point of a sigh.

Why can’t I escape my body and rise high above the trees to the heavens and leave this pain behind? I wonder. And, I want to continue my run. I want to scream-the kind that hurts your throat and takes your breath away. Instead, with heavy tight shoulders, I fall to the hard, icy ground. I sit in a pile of coldness and look at the whiteness and wonder how it can appear so bright when all I really see is a blackness that won’t go away.

An imaginary mass of misery and darkness swirls above, through me and finally rests on my shoulders. I can’t touch it, but sense its long, sharp teeth ready to devour me like the big bad wolf in an old nursery rhyme, which actually reminds me of another time and place-my youth and happiness, now a thing of the past. The powerful pull of restlessness takes over. A single tear falls down my face. No more will follow. Tears won’t take it away. I know.

This thing of unrest and heaviness consumes my thoughts. I want to grab and shake this endless stream of emptiness and loneliness. I want to place this crazy ball of destruction into a sling, fling it over my head and watch it sail.

I stand and spin round and round, hold my head and yell, “Move on! You can’t have me. I have so much to do.” Only silence follows. This is all too familiar.

Little gray and white sparrows flutter in the trees and bushes next to me and somehow, I know the cloud of gloom will not pass until it has dumped its ugly contents on me. I shudder and feel goose bumps rise and scatter across my skin. I sigh and remember I’ve run into the forest near my home and know much time has past as I see the moonlight peaking through the snowy twigs. I notice puffs of my breath steaming the air around me.

A light crunching sound behind me, my whole body stiffens. I hold my place, too afraid to move. And, suddenly I see them. A wide-eyed doe and her fawn stand motionless about fifty yards and stare at me. The burden once weighing on my shoulders has been lifted. Once again, I remember what peace feels like, if only for a brief moment in time.

###

Craziness!

You know, I was re-reading my old post on time management last night, and I couldn't help but laugh at myself. I know better. Really I do. Trying to manage my time? I must be out of my mind...I thought of this post as I sat on my couch watching American Idol, (yes, I'm a fan-had another embarrassing post on that, too.) and folding two loads of clothes in between clicking my email and critting a few stories on my lovely "wireless" lap-top. Time manage? Yeah right...all this after my son's track meet and mopping the floor, getting supper ready. (that all after working all day :) Heck it will take me longer to figure out my schedule of events than it would just to do what I can. Right? Excuses, excuses, excuses...

Anyhoo, if I ever type up such a stupid post again, someone out there in cyperspace, come over here and give me a little pinch or something...I was going to say smack on the head, but I might just have another stupid post so I have to be careful...

I know what you're thinking...she's lost it...

:)

Books, books, books...

I just wanted to pass along a couple of good books that I've recently read.

The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova

This was a difficult and LONG book for me. I struggled through the historical parts, but the book is well-written and while I also struggled with the different POVs, it was suspenseful and interesting. (Although I must confess skimming over some of the historical parts-shame on me because the novel is beautifully written.) It was good and spooky! Believe it or not, it was a book about the history of Dracula (and variations thereof) mixed with a fictional tale about him.

Me, by Katharine Hepburn

I've been fascinated with Katharine Hepburn for as long as I can remember. I was recommended by a used bookstore clerk this particular book since it was written by Katharine herself. I highly recommend it as well. I read it in two days. Although I wish she would have written more on her relationship with Spence, I found the book to be fascinating and Katharine very witty-quite hilarious at times. Her life was grand. I'm going to rent her older movies-if I can find them ;) I've seen a couple with her and Spence. Loved her with John Wayne, in Rooster Cogburn and also in On Golden Pond.

I'm in the middle of Scott Turow's, Reversible Errors.

Any recommendations?? Reviews??

ps-I also picked up Dan Brown's, Angels & Demons...see earlier posts on my review of his book, The DaVinci Code and my issues with it. Okay, I had to get it out of curiousity!

I'm officially addicted to books-please someone, please stop me. I can't stop going to the library, Barnes & Noble, and now Ludington has a used bookstore, which I love...not good. Not good at all. Oh well, guess there are worse things, right? Oh yeah, wouldn't want to forget my writing bookclub...yikes!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

I've been Tagged
Ok. This is the first time I've gotten tagged in bloggyland. I got tagged by http://beneaththeivywreath.blogspot.com/ to tell six random things about myself, and then tag six more people. First you post with your six things, then you go to six other blogs and let them know they are tagged and to find the details on your blog. So here goes:
*My favorite hobby is genealogy (other than writing :)
*I am one of those low carb and low sugar freaks
*I love chocolate-see how I contradict myself :)
*I am inching closer & closer to 40
*I love my RV and vacationing in Ludington MI
*I am addicted to books & writing

I'm tagging Dave, Dana, Joy, Diane, March, (not sure if I can do the same as you Cindy, but don't have a ton of blogger pals...

Time!

Why doesn't there seem to be enough time in the day? If I do find time, I'm too tired to accomplish everything I want. Yikes! One might consider this a sign of unrest, but I sincerely have so many things that I want to do. And although I am quite busy, I am at peace most of the time.

I try to organize and prioritize (as I've mentioned before about my writing projects), but I'm talking in general now. Let's face it, writing is only one small part of my life. I talk about writing quite a bit here, but I have so many other interests. Trying to prioritize and make time for everything just seems harder at this point in my life. I didn't have time to think about my priorities before because I had so many immediate needs that were obvious. Now I can pick & choose a little bit more, but then I'm unfocused.

My children are getting older so it should be easier, right? Not happening yet. Of course they are still living at home. I don't see any changes in the amount of laundry, that's for sure. ;)Remember washing the little ones clothes, maybe you're at that point in your life now, enjoy it. At least the clothes are small. :) Towels, towels, towels...I ought to have nightmares about dirty towels squeezing the life outta me. There is always a load that needs to be done.
But, I digress.

I'm going to try a schedule or goal list of some sort to list everything I want to do and see what happens. I hate to resort to list making because I think we are robbed of some joy if we get too carried away with just checking off the lists in our life. But I'm going to give it a try and see what happens.

Here's what I'm thinking on days I don't have anything scheduled in the Evening during the week:
8-4:30-Work ;)
4:45-5:00pm-Pick up Cody from practice. Ask about his day etc. Any homework?
5:00pm Dinner/misc chores-dishes, sweeping etc.
6:00-Check with Cody to make sure homework is being done or done. Game?
Misc chores-check on laundry, bills/misc paperwork, check schedule for next day to see what Cody is doing in track (practice or meet), CS/church duties (any cards to mail-anyone to check on?)
8:00-Spend time with Cody-ask about homework, play a game, if he will :) Watch television/read newspaper? Relax...Start looking at writing projects or read one of my books.
9:00-Writing/Devotional-will need sep outline writing project needs and devotional time. I'm currently working on a study guide on Luke. I normally spend an hour on that daily.
10:00-Television program/news-misc. writing if not too tired. Check emails. D. Check schedule for the next day.
11:30-Night night time

Weekends...that's a whole different world...that's when I do the most of my chores (too long of a list) and writing projects. With so many other things to do, it's extremely hard to focus. Can't plan ahead too much. I try to plan at least one thing together each weekend with Cody-he's a teenager so it's tough. This Friday, I'm talking the afternoon off and concentrating on just him! I'm taking him shopping for a few things he needs, going out to eat and to a movie. Tough to do at this age, but I feel it's very important! I'm trying to hook up with my daughter this weekend also-we need to connect.

Of course this is on non-track meet days . Then everything shifts by at least two hours... See my problem??

How do you fit it all in? Any suggestions?

AGENT NEEDED!

Fellow bloggers,

I need your help! Do you have any recommendations for an agency for a children's book that I'm working on-possibly illustrated, not sure on that yet. I'm in foreign territory here. I have the Writer's Market book that I'm searching thru right now, but it would help to have a recommendation! I also have publisher listings but most do not accept unsolicited works.

Any suggestions?? Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in Advance!!

-Lisa

A writer's journey to becoming published: Critique & Hope

Crit, crit, crit...it only seems appropriate I bring this up since I am receiving critique on my story, "Big Girl" with mixed reviews today. What a rush! This comes after my posts on "triggers" and the need for writing practice. Big Girl came from the trigger, "Dancing in the moonlight" for one of the challences at the Notebored. I received critique there right away and with their encouragement, I revised for what I thought would be a final draft. Stop there?

The Process-
You could start sending your story out to as many places you can find. But is that the best way? Not to get sidetracked but it's important to target your submissions to the proper genre and markets. This is assuming you know what your work is already: short story, flash, non-fiction, anecdote, novel etc.) No need to send your short-story to a magazine that doesn't print them. Sounds simple right? Nothing in the writing industry is simple-that's for darn sure. But after you've pin-pointed down your genre and market(s), this is the perfect time to post your final draft with writing groups. Stop at just one? You could. But I don't.

Background-
I had submitted Big Girl to two magazines previously but one rejection came back about a month ago, stating it was too long for their needs. After that, I figured I'd better d.check it with the Notebored again. I'm still waiting on the other magazine, but it too will probably reject the story. After receiving more feedback, I revised- yes, again. I decided to give this draft a shot with the critters at SS_Main (yahoo) writing group. I am still receiving crits today as I type this. Awesome.

Why take the abuse?
I just can't express to you how important it is to get your final draft in front of at least one writing group that you respect. As I've stated in another entry, it's a tough process especially on your first writing group submission, but the rewards are longlasting. Although my previous published works hadn't been critted, I am a firm believer that for fiction, it is a necessity.

Let's face it, we can get too attached to a story even when it's fiction. Maybe the grammar needs a second look. Wouldn't it be nice to know if your readers care about your MC? Does that analogy work or is it cliche? There are so many areas that need to be assessed for overall balance. And remember, "The flaws are in the writing, not the writer." p14-Getting Published, Paul R. Martin

What story?
Yeah you know that story. The one you want to see in print with your name in big bold letters-you can admit to me. The one you just can't let go. On certain days, you want burn it, hit the delete button sending it to another world, but you can't. You want to submit it somewhere, but you're just not sure it's good enough. Well, it probably isn't-YET. Get that story in front of a group and see what happens. Even if the crits are tough, which to be honest, they usually are. It is always helpful. You may not agree with all of the feedback (I guarantee you won't.) but when you really think about what people have to say, you'll notice that you're learning about what readers want and not what you want. Sometimes we're in tune with what our readers want and sometimes not.

Hope-
There is hope! The story that won't leave you alone is the one that needs to be published! I'm still working on it, but I am hopeful that my short stories will be published. Pick your genre/markets, making sure word count is accepted and story is appropriate for the markets you've chosen, get your final draft in front of critters and polish with an unbiased POV. And then submit to appropriate places. The Writer's Market book is a must for this point in the process.

So what's stopping you?

WWW.NOTEBORED.COM Check it out!

Enjoy the Journey!

Lisa goes wireless!

Well, something good came out of my computer crashing! I finally got motivated to go wireless. I now get on the internet from my laptop! Awesome! My laptop didn't have a modem so I couldn't even hook up to our phone line for dial-up. So this is so much better!

I highly recommend this if you're using a laptop that isn't currently hooked to DSL already or doesn't have a modem for dial up. Even if you do have a modem, this way is so much faster. Do I know how to do this? Heck no. I know you need certain equipment, software and of course DSL from a main computer already. Just get yourself a nice little techie, and he'll fix you up-well, for a small fee anyway.

I love it!

Practice, practice, practice...revised

Hi Fellow Writers/Bloggers~

We know, as writers, that we need to practice writing to improve our writing skills. We know this. But sometimes trying to find something to write about can be challenging. Because I've learned how to use various triggers to help start a story, finding a subject to write about isn't a problem. I might have a problem once I've been writing for ten years, but since I'm such a newbie, my problem is lack of time and talent more so than from lack of ideas.

I wanted to pass along some of my ideas to come up with triggers to start my stories. Keep in mind that some stories are just for practice. I post stories for critters to critique knowing that it isn't good enough to be published. Why? The learning experience. I learn from others who will take an unbiased look at my work and head me in the right direction. Not to get off subject, these writing groups, as I've written before, have flash challenges that help to get you writing in no time. There are also many books that explore various trigger starts-I have two for reference if I want a challenge.

I've found something else very useful though. My own memories/experiences. I highly recommend making a list of all of your favorite/impressionable memories/experiences whether from childhood or adulthood. From these memories, you can list keywords/sentences to describe/summarize your emotions. All of these will give you enough raw emotions for many stories to come.

Examples:
Cross Country camp: The accident (tears, heart racing, fear, friends, sirens/bright lights), pain, running on muddy trails, fun times-eating pizza, loyalty/teammates...
Grandma & Grandpa's House in Hopkins: Smells of the kitchen from Grandma's baking/cooking, Bible School learning about God, fun on Grandma's bike, spooky attic door, books and more books to look through, dollhouse, love, first kiss...
Campground-Campfires, square dances-fluffy colored skirts, wheelbarrow races on fun-day, campstore (candy galore)...
Apple orchard-scraps (squishy apples), burning leaves, ladders, bins, crates, mice, hot sun, sweat...

You get the idea. All of these can be used as story triggers/starts!! And this is with only four events/memories!

Happy Writing!! Enjoy the journey!!

ps-after reading Diane's comments I realized that I'd neglected to fine-tune this!

When tapping into your memories/experiences, the nice thing is that it doesn't need to be non-fiction! A great work of fiction can be started by one of our own experiences and an inspiring theme can easily be established!

I first started writing all non-fiction based on my experiences, but failed at first to see how these could be used as triggers for works of fiction whether short stories, flash-fiction and yes, even novels!
This makes for a more power-packed, emotional piece!

Baby Boy-

I need to decide whether to have my baby boy take drivers training this summer. It was hard signing my daughter up about six years ago, but my last baby?? This is tough stuff!!

I asked my son if he wanted to take drivers training this year, and he seemed hesitant. I must confess I was happy. Maybe he won't want to drive this year, I thought. Maybe not ever. My lips turned into a grin. Oh wouldn't that be sweet.

My baby turns "15" this June. It's just so hard to believe!

But as I pick him up "yet again" from track practice, I think to myself, "oh yeah, he's taking drivers training this year all right!"

How fickle mothers are! Or at least this one anyway.

Getting Focused!

Happy Monday fellow bloggers-

I consider myself a fairly organized person, kinda, sorta...I'm detail oriented and set goals. I love to research and keep good notes. The writing business should be right up my alley, right? Well, it would be if I had all day & night to spend on my writing. But, I don't. Who does?

I mention this because I spent part of my weekend trying to get my writing projects organized- "again." I can't seem to keep my head above water with all of my projects. My New Year's resolutions are already coming unraveled as time escapes from me. I'm trying to write new stories from trigger challenges as part of one of my writing groups, keep organized with drafts and crits I've been receiving from critters as I re-write my current stories, and of course help crit other stories as part of writing groups I belong to. This is on top of trying to keep my blog updated and keep my logs for submissions updated. Oh, and I can't forget to fit in working full-time, raising a family and staying active with church activities and praising God! (Oh yeah, I always have to fit some sort of daily reading: The Holy Bible, Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis and I'm trying to start another fiction book-key word, trying.) How does one do it all? I often wonder. Yes, I do prioritize-there are so many other things I want to do that aren't even mentined here.

Over the weekend, I had just enough time to get my work organized before I got too tired to do housework and other responsibilities (notice the order of things :) I did revise a couple of stories only to read more crits and decide to change/revise "again." It's enough to drive me to hitting the delete button on these stories, for sure.

But, something keeps me pressing on. I don't know what it is. There is a burning in the belly desire to keep up the madness, to push it to the limit. To be heard, to be known? Or is it all about self expression? Or have I just finally lost my mind. I just don't know.

But, I'm already thinking about a new story to write. Now, to find the time... :)

I'm hoping ya'll can relate to this in some way-please share your day/weekend with me.

Take care and God bless!

Computer - Up & Running

Just to give anyone who cares :) an update on my computer. My techie was able to save all of my files-I have some slight browser issues with some things now but that's minor compared to the previous week.

Contest Updates:

February Winner-Diane! Pls check out her site: http://prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com/
Diane, just email me privately at lbraendle@aol.com

March Winner-March St. Ives when she links to the site! http://tea-tyme.blogspot.com/

Thanks to those of you who support this blog!!

Have a Blessed Day!

-Lisa

COMPUTER CRASH!

Howdy fellow bloggers!

Well after all of these years, I FINALLY did it. I pushed my computer over the edge. I made it crash & burn...I wanted to add further insult and throw it outside, but I restrained myself.

What happened? I am too fearful of those stupid automatic updates etc. My hubbie normally handles this silly stuff at home but he's on the road. So...to make a long, disastrous story short, I stopped the update mid-way thru and according to my husband, created a world of hurt. I said, "nah, it's fine." Well, the next day, it kept crashing, and I couldn't even use the go-back feature. Help me, dear Lord. Keep in mind that I'm an office manager and deal with computer issues there. Why is it when I get home, my brain shuts off for the computer stuff? I just don't get it.

Okay, so now I'm trying Nerds 2 Go, and praying that the tech does a good job...he's "trying" to save all of my files. It's amazing how much we rely on this silly thing. I mean, I have so many files, it's hilarious. I have family trees that represent many years of research etc., too many stories I've written and many family pics. Yeah, I know, we're supposed to back this stuff up and my hubbie does this but he's been busy so it hasn't been done in 6 months, which creates some havoc. Even when I get my computer back, it might be awhile before I have internet access so my blogs will be limited as I will only have access at work. So...don't forget about me.

This started out to be a short blog, really... :)

Enjoy the Journey
(I'm trying, really I am :)

February Contest Winner Announced!!

Hello fellow bloggers-The winner for February Contest is Diane from http://prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com/ Check out her site! Diane, just email me your address and pick from the following: Lists to live By-For Everything that really matters Or Craft & Technique, which includes 300 tips etc.

Congrats to Diane! I'm really glad that we found each other & don't forget to check out her blog-it's a good one!

Yes there will be a March contest!! So you newbies out there, leave a comment on one of my posts and link to my site-first one, wins the contest!

Thx for stopping by!! Pls don't forget to comment before you leave!

-Lisa

One Simple Sentence Asks it All-

Prayer of Jabez-1 Chronicles 4:10

O that you would bless me indeed,
And, enlarge my territory,
That your hand would be with me,
And, that you would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain,
And God granted his request!

Such a tiny little prayer packed with the perfect request to God. Raw emotion.

I remember when there was a big hoopla over Bruce Wilkensen's book of "Prayer of Jabez, Breaking through to Blessed Life." Honestly, I didn't really think too much about it-a small book, a small prayer. But when I read the prayer when preparing for a new small group, the message hit me. It hit me hard. I was not praying for blessings for me and my family, not like I should. Sure, I pray(ed) for the normal things. For strength, guidance and protection for family, friends and the church etc, but I was not asking God for real blessings!

Bruce defines as follows, (p23): "To bless in a biblical sense means to ask for or to impact supernatural favor."

Okay, I pray for blessings for people when they are ill and dying but every day? Pray for extraordinary things to happen every day? Amazing, miraculous blessings for me? My family? Friends? No, I wasn't; but I am now!

I am praying with more expectation and faith that God will answer my prayer for blessings, expanded territory, for his hand to be with me, to keep me from evil, to prevent me from causing pain and believe that he WILL grant these things according to his will. I can ask for the miraculous things that only GOD can deliver for me and my loved ones and for the world I live in-I can expect great things from God!

Maybe this all sounds trivial. I mean it's not that I didn't believe in miracles or ever pray for them before. I do believe in angels, miracles and God's desire to grant our prayer requests, but not to the degree that Jabez prays for in his simple request before God.

This prayer and group study has really helped me improve my overall attitude about my daily life whether it's dealing with loss of a loved one, dealing with illness or with missing my spouse and dealing with the day-t-day struggles and frustrations of wearing many different hats from one of mother, daughter, friend, colleague, child of God and the list continues.

So what is this simple request all about? It's about asking God for supernatural goodness and protection that only God can bless us with. Things that we just cannot accomplish on our own. I now pray this prayer and my own version of it every day.

I hope you will too!

REJECTION!

First Draft-as not to forget my thoughts...I will be revising this post...

When you see that word, what do you visualize? Anything in particular come to mind? Maybe a past relationship? As we enter Lent Season, I just can't help but think about the rejection that Jesus must have felt from some of his friends on that fateful day, all those years ago near the time we now call Easter.

Yesterday, I received my second rejection (in two weeks) for a story submitted, and I can't help but feel just a little down about it. Yeah, yeah, I know...it's just a part of the publishing world-part of the game. I'm not even submitting as much as I could be so shame on me, but I still have expectations that have not been met. I feel just a little rejected by a world I so much want to be a part of. Was this what Jesus experienced but on a much greater degree? I think he must have.

I think I can put my rejection into perspective as I can only imagine Jesus being led up that hill to that cross for my sins and my ultimate redemption. I like to focus on the good of Easter, but let's face it, there was a lot of bad along with it. So much sweat, blood and tears-none which even compares to the rejection I've felt in my short writing career. But it does make me think about Jesus, the man, who felt tremendous pain and rejection, and all for man...for me.

Writing Group to check out! Revised

On the subject of Writing groups (see previous post and comments), please check out the following web site for more info on a cool writing group I belong to:

http://www.notebored.com/

http://www.notebored.com/board/index.php Updated: Try this link for more info:

It has something for everyone so check it out! There will be new instructions how to register (join) this group hopefully over the next week or so. This front page DOES NOT show all of the sections! There will be an email listed so that you can ask for your invitation code that is needed for registration. Once your registration has been approved, you'll be able to log in and see all of the sections. This is for tighter security to protect our privacy. For more info, please see me!

There is also a blog starting up to explain some of the features/benefits of this group (still starting), so keep an eye on this over the next few months:

http://www.notebored.com/noteblog/

Free Newsletter-

Hello fellow writers-

To subscribe to The Writers Gazette, a free (ezine) newsletter, and to check out a good site for writing info., please check out:

http://www.writergazette.com/subscribe.shtml

I normally don't like signing up for free newsletters, but this one is jam packed with contests, submissions info, tips, and misc. tidbits! I look forward to receiving it!

Happy Writing!
-Lisa

January Contest Winner! February Contest!

Fellow bloggers-
Contest updates:

Dave has graciously accepted the Nora Roberts book so I will be sending that out to him shortly!! Congrats Dave!

February contest is still up for grabs! I'll find a couple of books for the winner to choose from and post real soon.

Diane, do you have a blog yet?? You'd be the winner for February if you get a blog and link to mine! Just let me know!! You'd be an awesome "blogger!" :)

Have a great day!!

What keeps you going?

What keeps you going? This morning, the pastor asked me (& the congregation of the church I belong to) this very question. The question and his sermon couldn't have come at a perfect time for me. (not unusual)

You see, for several months, my life has been in an upheavel of sorts. I've handled unforeseen problems fairly well, but recently I've found myself fighting symptoms of depression.

In the face of adversity, I tend to be reserved and become closer to God. I lean on him for constant support, which is a good thing of course. But lately, I've noticed a slight reservation even in my personal relationship with Jesus. I know he's with me, but as I'm confronted with daily battles, I find myself withdrawing even more. Sure, I'm still fulfilling my resonsibilities, but at times, my joy has faded into mere existance. Maybe for self preservation like keeping my hands over my head to keep from being bombarded by life's worries and disappointments.

I've been through this before. I know the signs of depression, but it has taken me a couple of months to acknowledge it. So, back to the above question. What keeps you going?

Wow! What great timing. Why you ask? Well, the answer to the question is quite simple actually. My life isn't about me and the things of this world. It's about what my paster calls, "hidden treasure." It's about what is unseen instead of what is seen. The pastor reminded me that the power of God is in us, and we will have a great peace even amongst great struggles. Apostle Paul understood this all too well. Paul writes in
II Corinthians 4-7:11:
"But we have treasures in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."

This is a power-pacted message! This life isn't about me. It is all about the glory of God. I have life to help spread the good news and have great power from God to overcome my hardships.

II Corinthians 16-18
"Therefore we do not lose heart though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is seen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

This is my answer to the above question, "What keeps you going." Why not let Paul answer it for me? He certainly had seen more troubles in his life than I'll probably ever see, and if he could write these words while living with his own pressures of spreading God's word and dealing with imprisonment and beatings, I know I need to do what Apostle Paul did all those years ago.

I pray to overcome adversity with my eyes fixed on Jesus and the new world to come, instead of concentrating on the ways of this world.

God is good.

Hidden treasure include:
Great Peace, Great Presence, Great Proclamation and Great Potential.
Look to the Lord for yours today! Better than all the riches in the world.

Thank you Lord for my life and help me to appreciate all of your wonderful blessings.
In Your Name I pray,
Amen