TIME FLIES...

I can't believe 1 1/2 months has gone by since I last blogged. Where does the time go? What have I been up to?

The good news is that I have been working one-on-one with an experienced writer from the writing group I belong to. We are going step-by-step through my novel, which is really helping me. I had been trying to revise it on my own...that did not work. Then, as part of this same group, I was posting it as part of a workshop, but I could not figure out what to keep v. what to revise. It was very overwhelming and I almost gave up. If it had not been for the workshop and the help, I would have walked away from the project. It was just too frustrating...how many times could I bump my head against the wall without seeing any progress?

This reminds me of my daughter and her frustrations with her goals and college. It is tough trying to find our way, is it not? What is important and what isn't?

Sometimes, we need to work hard to obtain important goals, but could we be making it harder because we are not going to God with our questions? Example of questions, we all have asked. (Not in any prioritized order...)

1. What type of work should I be doing?
2. Where should I attend college? What program should I work toward?
3. Should I attend college or trying to find full-time employment straight from high school?
4. What type of person should I marry? What qualities are important to me? Who should I be with for the rest of my life?
5. Should my spouse and I have children? If so, how many?
6. After baby has been born, should both parents work outside the home?
7. Where should I live? House, apartment?
8. Should I attend church?
9. What religion should I be a part of? Where should I attend church? Once a member, should I help? If so, what should I do?
10. Do I need to support my community? If so, how?
11. What other activities/hobbies will fill what little extra time I have?
12. How do I prioritize and balance everything that I want to accomplish?

Just to name a few!

Whew! How do we make the right decisions? That is where the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Jesus really becomes a big factor. Sometimes we bump our heads against imaginery walls on things that maybe we aren't meant to do. How do we know which path to follow? By communicating with our Creator! He is the only one who knows what we should and should not be doing. Easy? No way.

Confused? Yeah I am, too, at times. When I really need guidance, instead of picking up a book, I go to the Lord in prayer, and he has NEVER let me down.

So what are you waiting for?

I am weak

Sometimes, I feel like such a wimp. It's embarrassing. When am I going to learn that God will make sure that I'm taken care of?

I worry. I complain. And more importantly, I don't fully appreciate all of the goodness that God has shown me and my family. Shame on me.

I pray. I cry. And then, I worry some more.

God must be so disappointed. He gives me the tools, which I use on a daily basis, but there are those times. Those times when something goes wrong, or when things don't go my way, I'm wishy-washy.

I pray some more and expect God to miraculous make me feel better. Where's my faith? I know He will take care of me and my family yet...wild thoughts take over, and I am weak. Weak when I could be strong. Why can't I quiet my mind?

Sure, my faith is strong when things go well (my way), but what about in the face of adversity?

Growth. Growing in my faith. That's what I want, but when I want strength the most, sometimes...sometimes, I falter.

My soul whimpers and whithers, and I forget that my personal Lord & Savior is right there with me. When I come to my senses, I lower my head and look down at my feet.

How do I get past insecurities and weakness? By going to the Lord, of course! Our God is a forgiving and loving God! It's never too late to call on the Lord for strength and reassurance! He will not let me down. He never has.

Growing? Yes, I'm growing. But it's a gradual process. I'm working on it, walking hand in hand with my Lord.

GOT SNOW?

Hello there, fellow bloggers (and loved ones :)~

Anyone else out there getting any snow? Michiganders (most of, anyway) are experiencing blizzard conditions, basically getting dumped on. I was just saying yesterday to my fav writing group that things around Grand Rapids don't close for snow...well, me and my big mouth--again. Of course, things around town (including ROADS and HWYS) are closing by the second due to the weather. We have over a foot of snow already with possibly another foot to go! We haven't seen these conditions in many years. YUCK! So glad that I got my chores done yesterday. WHEW!!

Who else out there is stuck in the snow??

Oh yeah, we are also at about 13 degrees with -15 deg windchill. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....
I'm so glad that this happened on the weekend, although my dau had to get out in it today, which made me just a tad bit nervous. Surprisingly enough, I've been pretty good about not getting too nervous with her out and about in bad weather, but today...it made me uncomfortable. Now, she's home safe & sound...DOUBLE WHEW!!

I'm just not a snow person. I don't get it. I grew up in Michigan. People have to deal with snow here...it's a given. So why is it that the older I get, the more I hate it? Strange. Although I will say that it is nice to be in the house watching it snow, but how often can one do that? Not often. I'm able to get more writing and housework done, so that's a plus, but man, for those you have to get out in this...I feel bad for them. It's crazy out there.

I think my blog still has a radar...click on it and you'll see what I mean.

ps-My thoughts & prayers go out to those Floridians who have experienced the terrible tornados and storms!

Be safe out there!

THIS IS JUST FOR YOU, PAULIE!

My hubbie checks my blog when he's on the road from his phone, of all things...how is that even possible. I don't get it. Why is it that the older I get, the more dumb I feel?

Anyhoo...Hi, Paulie!!! I love you.


My man & I will celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversay next month! Yippee!

American Idol Again?

Will the craziness ever end?? American Idol is on once again, and I am sitting in front of the television watching it, once again. It just seems to get stranger and stranger. One minute I think it's all staged and the next, I see someone so genuinely surprised that they can't sing that I get emotional. Is that what draws so many people? I don't know.

One minute the controversial judges are rude & obnoxious while at other times, they seem to enjoy and try to help the contestants, but then that Simon opens his mouth and vile spills out. Is that staged or is it real? Is it all an act. You play good judge, I'll play the bad judge? Can't tell for sure. I think I'd be disappointed yet relieved if I knew it was.

We all like to see people reach their goals. I think that's the best part of the show and in order for one to get to his/her dream, another cannot. I think the music industry has a genuine respect for the show and it's appeal as well. Some of the guest singers are well...a little "out there," but for singers like Prince to go on there, I think that says something. (I won't admit that I like that artist to very many people.) He is used to be more wild than he is now. (I think.)

So I prop my feet up and reach for the clicker in anticipation to see those make it one step closer to their dreams and to the others who don't. At least, they are participating in something they love, who can fault a person for that? Oh I'm sure there are quite a few out there that could and do. I just can't believe that some of those people actually believe they can sing...let's face it, there were just too many tears and anger for all of it be fake, right?

My husband said, "Look, honey, I love ya, but if you wanted to try out for American Idol, I'd stop you and say, "you stink, you can do other things, but you can't sing." Which brings me to my latest point, why aren't the genuine people who think they can sing not being told by family members not to go? I just don't understand that. But maybe some family members just find it hard to bring a lifelong dream to a halt. Maybe they don't want to be the ones to tell them...let Simon break it to him/her? I don't know. It just seems like a cruel way to find out.

Thank goodness, I have my husband...you never know, I might've faked my age to try out, but as he says, 'you stink, don't do it.' Another dream crushed. For those of you who don't know me, I'm kidding of course. About trying out that is, not that my singing isn't bad. Oh it is...it is. I don't know if all of the reality shows are worth my time, most aren't, but I make an exception for American Idol, and I'm not alone.

QUESTION: Would you tell someone close that they could not achieve their goal because they set a goal just too far out of reach, and it was VERY obvious that they couldn't?

If you're wondering what I mean, see next week's American Idol from just a few examples.

Enjoy the journey!

ROCKY BALBOA-

Okay, so it's confession time for me again...

ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!

I confessed to being addicted to a few of the reality shows, I'm happy to confess my love for Rocky Balboa. Yeah, I know he's only a character in a fictional movie, somewhere deep down. Way deep. Want a motivational movie to watch, go see, "Rocky Balboa."

I've enjoyed every Rocky movie. Yes, I like Sylvester Stallone as an actor, but it's Rocky whom I love. I heard a couple of years ago that another Rocky was coming, and I've been patiently waiting ever since. I can't express to you how excited I was when I heard the first hint that the movie was coming out this year. I didn't need anyone to tell me that it was going to be a good movie...I just knew it. Okay, so Rocky V wasn't so hot, but I still liked it.

So why is it worth an entry in my blog? Well, I mention missing socks etc, so that's not really too impressive, is it? Well, it's worth mentioning because it is an inspiring story of hope of overcoming great odds to win the good fight (and I don't mean just in the ring.) It's about not quitting when things get tough. I'm trying to think of the great speeches from good ole Rocky, but can't remember exact wording, but I gotta tell ya, when Rocky spoke, it was like he was talking to each and every one of us. One of his comments (paraphrasing of course):
"It's not about how many hits you make; it's about how many hits you can take and still make it." Okay it was something like that. Simple. But man, it hit home. Okay so he said better stuff, I just can't remember it all, but bottom line the message is simple. You want something, nobody's going to get it for you, and no one has the right to tell you that you can't go after your dream. You've got to work hard for what you want to achieve. And what I love about this movie is that Rocky doesn't win the actual fight in the ring, but he won so much more...respect for a job well done and self-respect knowing that he didn't give up on his goal, his dream. That's it, that's what I like the most: RESPECT...today's society seems to have lost respect to foundamental principles, walking away from giving and focusing more on taking. Or by thinking that someone owes us something for nothing. I don't know maybe I'm just getting old...I'm starting to sound like someone even older than I am.

Maybe that's not so bad.

Okay, I'm done...for now.

Merry Christmas!

How's everyone doing? Five more days until Christmas!! The countdown begins!!

Do you have your Christmas shopping done? If you think you have it all done, do you really? How about those stocking stuffers? Okay you have the kids done, right? Hope so. How about your parents, grandparents, boss, colleague, sunday school teacher, pastor, oh and don't forget your spouse, dog? Didn't mean to list spouse by dog...just the way it came out of the ole brain. I don't even own a dog. The list could go on and on. Have I depressed you yet? Every time I go to the store, I think of something else that I need to buy and buy something else that I didn't even have on the list. How is that?

Do you have the Christmas tree up and decorated? Is your house all decked out with decorations? How about those Christmas lights on the house, bushes and anywhere else you can think of? Oh yeah, how about one of those new snow globes for the lawn? (now those are cool...get the one with Winnie-The-Pooh! My fav!) I have one pine tree decorated outside, is that enough? How about the Christmas cards? Buy those Christmas stamps? Have the cards all been sent out?

How about groceries for Christmas dinner? Oh, I see, you're waiting until the craziest weekend of the year to go grocery shopping, like myself. For you bakers out there, are the Christmas cookies baked? How about the fudge? Oh I think I can smell them now. I made about four patches of cookies in hopes that one batch wouldn't be under-baked (is that a word?) or burned. I digress. So, what else is there?

Oh my goodness, how can I forget. Do you have all of your presents WRAPPED? You're good if you have that done. I'll give you a tip...wrap gifts when you buy them, and it is a much better experience. Even when I do this, I'm still wrapping a day before Christmas, why is that? I don't even want to talk about getting the house clean for family & friends. That list is wayyyyy too long to list here.

And isn't it interesting that out of all the presents we buy for those we love and respect, we don't even give to the one who Christmas is all about? I know...Jesus doesn't want any gifts from his children, right? Or does he?

Could he want to see a little more patience from his children as they rush thru the stores? Could he want his children to give just a little bit more to those in need? Could he want just ten darn minutes of our time daily to praise his name, pray and/or spend time doing devotions? Hmmm...I wonder, what else could he want?

But it's hard, I say to myself. I know that God speaks to me as I open up The Word and pray to him, yet during the time of the year when deep down I am the most thankful, for some reason, at times, I feel the furthest away from my heavenly Father. I can't even use the excuse that I'm just too busy. This season has been much more laid back than years past. I find time for other things, but when it comes to spending time with God, I am unfocused. It's embarrassing to admit, but that's the truth. There are times when I feel close to my Lord because I pray every day, but is that for Him or for me? What am I doing for Him?

I'm going to try hard to go to The Word, work on devotions and think about ways to help others. I ask myself to focus my overday routine and my writing projects, why not this, which is much more important? During this holiday time, shouldn't we actually celebrate the true reason for the season and give our Lord and Savior the best Christmas present ever? I think so.

I encourage you, as well as myself, to remember to praise his Holy Name and find ways to reach out to Him and His people during this busy holiday season. May God bless you and yours.

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S!!

Big 4-0

Ya know, it was tough enough turning 40 last month, but when books and newspaper and magazine articles magically get smaller, that really pushes me over the edge. My husband had been bugging me to get an eye exam because I couldn't read those darn backs of medicine boxes...why or why are those so darn small???

I'd been avoiding the issue for "a while." My hubbie and I were walking the mall (which we don't do much of) last weekend, and we walked past an eye place (what are these places even called?) Anyhoo, I'm trying to steer him the other way--too late. He spotted it. So...we walked in (after his pleading and pulling), and I got my exam...the first since my exam needed for my drivers license, I think one year. (I can't remember, I'm old remember?) I have very good eyesight other than small print. (so I'm far-sighted, right))

So, the optomotrist (sp?) recommended + 1 reading glasses. Now, those take some getting used to...I can use it for close up, but as most of you know to look further with them is well...a little scary.

I thought I'd look studious and wear them at work...all that did was make me dizzy, so I wear them when I'm using my laptop and going over my novel and other misc writing projects and for that fine print everywhere else. The funny thing is I'll watch tv with them on while I have my laptop. So I have learned to adjust them on my nose just right. I look up to see the show and down to write. Am I talented or what? My family still laughs when I have them on...now that isn't very nice. I feel like a librarian when I have them on...why is that? Do I need to get one of those necklaces to attach them to? Notice how well I know the lingo! ha!

Well, the point of this...who the heck knows...it must have some entertainment value somehow. My blogger friends have such inspirational posts of late and what do I have? A post on reading glasses...I best step it up! But as most of you know (those who even care to stop by) I have more than my share of the serious side...hope you find some humor in your day...life is serious enough, right?

Have a great day!

ANOTHER MONTH HAS GONE BY? SAY IT ISN'T SO!

I can't believe that I did it again! Not blogging for an entire month?

I guess I've been focusing on other things...

Just an update...my family and I are doing just fine. I have been working on my novel yet once again with the fine critters at the Notebored. I have a very complicated novel on my hands that I'm trying to work thru...it's tough! It shows some promise so I'm not giving up--yet. I might have to make some major changes to make it work, but I'm trying to work thru it w/o that at this point anyway. My inexperience is glaring.

Although I love summer and all of the sunny days on the beach, I am starting to appreciate fall and winter more than I ever have before. Summertime, my family and I are very active and spend a great deal of time up north at our trailer. But the winter is a slower time for us, and we're able to catch our breath. This is the best writing time for me, and I really love it. I'm looking forward to those cold, snowy days with my computer on my lap...if you know me at all, you know that I HATE snow...I don't like anything about it, so for me to even state such a thing is crazy...but it is true. Of course, I wouldn't hate snow if I didn't have to get out in it every single day, but reality of it, is that I do. But if I have something to look forward to, it sure helps!
Nope, no skiing for me.

So...with all of that being said, I won't have any excuses for not blogging, right??

Thanks to my friends for waking me up and reminding me that I need to remember my blogger friends!! Forgive me!!

Thanks for stopping by and for your constant support!

Best,
-Lisa

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS...

I thought I'd lighten things up a bit and tell ya'll a quick funny.

Running late for work this morning...imagine that on a cold, dark, rainy Monday morning...and on the way out the door, I remembered the giant size coffee I had purchased over the weekend for the office. I mean this baby must weigh five lbs--hey, I'm dutch...it was a good deal. Anyhoo, I then remembered that this is the type of can that needs to be opened with a can opener. NO problem, right? Yeah, right.

So here I am trying to fit this big can of coffee to my little opener, and I try and try to get it to open the whole way. Nope...after several tries, I still cannot open it completely...I'm now just a little mad and looking at the clock reading 7:55 am...I realize that gives me exactly five minutes to get to work on time, which isn't going to happen. I pull on the top and there is still a 2" gap so I try to twist and turn it, but...no go. Well, I gotta tell ya, I almost threw that thing out the window! After staring at it like it had grown horns and was now laughing at me, I put the plastic cover on and set it on the table (as calmly as I could--really I was calm.) ;)

At lunch time, (after spending $30 for wrinkle cream at Walgreen's--now if that ain't enough to depress a girl, ha ha.) I tried once again to open it all the way and lo & behold, after a few tries it came right off. Now, I ask you...why couldn't it have done that this morning?? hmmm, I wonder.

And...how was your morning??

Who's it All About anyway?

Hello dear friends~

I was going through my son's old books to help clear out his room--no easy task :) I came across a book for teens by Max Lucado, and it deals with the subject that the focus of our lives should be on God and not ourselves. Good message, right? Pretty simple to understand, right? Why is it then that when life gets rough, that we focus on our problems and the negative rather than putting more focus on God for a more positive outlook? Is it the devil's work--our own human weakness that prevents us from looking up to the Lord? I think a little of both probably.

Society also helps dictate this, "it's all about me" syndrome. I fall into it; most, at some point, fall into it. But we need to rise above and recognize it for what it is--a trap. We must place our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ for peace and fulfillment for a joy that will last no matter what our circumstances.

God knows what he's doing! He knows when we focus on ourselves, we get down and depressed. He wants our focus on him, so that we realize His BEST plan for our lives. We are sinners--we cannot achieve God's will for our lives w/o the focus on Him. This world will NOT give us what we need, although we surely do try to find it there. We must have the attitude that it's all about God rather than about us--then, only then will we be on the right road. Easy? NO way.

We get down, depressed. I'm there--daily. But we don't have to struggle alone. There are medications and therapy--yes...good in their rightful place. But we must allow God to help us as the number one authority. When we look to God, we are on the right path to finding true happiness.

I pray that you will remember to look to the Lord and know that this message is my own reminder as well. God bless!

WHAT THE HECK?

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in over a month! This fall has been flying by...but still...what the heck?

What have I been up to? Well, for one thing, I haven't felt well. Most of you know that I'm usually more quiet when something's up. I found out that I have two ovarian cysts that are bleeding, so they are painful. Good news is that they should go away on their own...I've had one before. They usually aren't this painful, but these babies are...so I'm anxious for them to go away ;)

I have been writing as much as I can but with my laptap still dead and with my kids hogging the home computer, it has been difficult to get much done. That's my excuse anyway. I had all four submissions rejected for my "Big Girl" short story. I'm going to work on getting it out to a few others to try and find a home. I am still revising my novel from hell and getting support from the Notebored writing group. There just isn't enough time in the day to fix the glaring errors with it, so I take it step-by-step and find the experience very rewarding (even though at times it is extremely frustrating)--makes perfect sense, right?

I've also been fighting a little thing called depression. Any of you know about that? I've fought it off and on over the years, so I know the symptoms--it usually takes a while before I do something because...well, we all think we should just snap out of it like a bad mood--not like that, unfortunately. I went to my doctor for help, and I'm going to take just a low dose of an antidepressant that I was on years back.

I've also been busy with Cody's cross country practices and meets. I so enjoy them! My hubbie & I were CC runners in HS, so we have a lot of fun supporting him. Thankfully, my hubbie has been home on the weekends and that has been wonderful, but this summer/fall was tougher than I thought it would be without him during the week.

Well, I will try to be more faithful to my blogger buddies. Please be patient with me!

Take care and God Bless!!

Real Life Stuff

So are ya ready for a philosophical chat? Hope not. How about listening to me ramble about silly stuff?

Like why/how I always have extra socks AND missing socks ...now I know this must happen to other people, right? But now, it's underwear for my boys...okay, my hubbie and son, to be exact. They both scratch their head and wonder where all of their underwear go. And I honestly don't know. I search, oh yeah, I look under beds, near the washing machine, the hamper? Why would I check in the hamper? I've checked laundry baskets and other misc places. Where do they all go?

And why is it my responsibility to know where these items are at all times and a better question is why it's my responsibility to find them? Yuck. Dirty socks and underwear. Dang. Did I sign up for this duty somewhere along the way? When I ask the question to "my boys," they only shrug and say, "cuz, you're the mom." Hmmm, now where have I heard that before?

Or what about, the slamming of cupboard doors one-by-one by family members and of course the refrigerator door slams next. "Mom, where's all the food?" It's Wednesday. I went shopping on Friday night and spent $160 on food. Where did that all go, I ask. They want me to get more food. I say no. Why, they ask, with hungry eyes of a child who has had something to eat ten minutes ago. Friday, that's shopping day, that's why. They moan and groan and then find something that they'd passed over earlier in the week. It's hard not to stop to the store during the week and of course there are times when I must, but I could quite possibly be there every day if I didn't draw the line. I ask my 21 yr old to stop by for her own needs and you'd think I'd just slapped her. But that's another story.

How about the towel dilemma--those sometimes, too become MIA. And since when were two towels needed for a shower? This is a necessity according to my daughter. Heck I'm all for using the same one two days in a row, now that is a sin.

And how is your day? Can anyone relate to any of this craziness?

Is it my birthday?

Okay folks, I'm feeling older today, much older. Is it her birthday, you ask? Nope. Might as well be though--feeling the wrinkles pop out as I type this. The grays aren't hidden any longer. Why more so today?

Well, my daughter turns 21 today and my 15 yr old son started drivers training this week. (thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw my son behind the wheel of the car with the instructor--where was my peace then?) Whew, all good news, but dang, I'm feeling my age today. And all before my 40th birthday in October. Gee, I wonder how I'll feel then? Don't go there.

Age is all a state of mind. Then I'm 200 today, yeah for me :) Try blowing out those candles. I'm going now to get my cane ;)

Ya'll have a good day and I hope you're feeling younger than I am.

POV

So, okay, here's the scene.

It's a bright, sunny Sunday afternoon. And it's hot. After spending over four hours at the beach and swimming in Lake Michigan and nearby river, my son, his friend and my hubbie are inside our trailer, which I think is close to a sin on such a beautiful, breezy day as this.

Now, here's the thing. I like it quiet on Sunday afternoons esp if I have some time alone. Or should I say, I'd expect that in the park, it would be quiet on a Sunday afternoon. It's one thing when I'm enjoying the outdoors, say fishing, reading a book on my deck or even when sitting by a roaring campfire. I expect noise then, right? Of course. But today there is an unusually loud, annoying man-made noise in the park from one of the nearby campers. It's some sort of power generator, which I have come to find out is from someone power-spraying his/her trailer. Yeah so my soothing, relaxing time is not so soothing because of this over-bearing, constant noise.

I'm pretty darn good at drowning out noises (whether they are internal or external) in order to accomplish a quiet Sunday when necessary. But I confess having to work hard to tune out that generator. It's humming and buzzing and not stopping. It's been a few hours. Nope, still there.

Well it got me to thinking. Life is like this, isn't it? In order to accomplish any goal, hear God's voice, we must learn to quiet the other voices and noises around us. At times, peace doesn't come easily--we need to work hard to achieve it. Let the problems go, let the internal monologue go, and let God give you peace. And if you want peace on any noisy day, you might just need to block out the noise, even if only for an hour. Yes, even blocking machinery.

How to block these stubborn noises? Focus. It takes a great deal of focus/concentration to block out equipment, believe me--but I've been doing it as I concentrate on writing exercises and reading a book. I've trained myself to focus on the task while taking out the background. I still know the noise is there, no doubt about that. We can't just work away from life's problems or issues, but we can put them in the proper prospective so they don't run havoc to destroy our peace and joy.

It's about staying at the task at hand until something stops you that can't be stopped and yes, there are those things. I'm interrupted many times at work, but when focusing on the top priority task, I go back when I've taken care of the other issue. But when the focus is on the project rather than the noise, we're actually working harder and longer on our goal. Could you imagine if we stopped everything in our day when we hear an annoying noise or couldn't block our annoying self-talk? We wouldn't ever get anything accomplished.

So when the noises of life take over, just remember to stay on task until the job is complete--even if it takes many interruptions. Ahh, the post is written and the external noise has stopped. The generator humming has stopped. Now isn't that perfect timing? Ha! But isn't that the story of our lives?

Enjoy the Journey

ANOTHER POST ON FOCUSING??

Why is it harder to focus when I'm not as busy? Does that make any sense?

Yes, of course I'm busy--who isn't? The month of July is normally a relaxing month for me, more so than any other month. But I've noticed that I'm not accomplishing any more, even though sports and misc. church activities aren't in the schedule. Of course then I'm running around like a madwoman, but I still feel like I should be getting more done around the house, more writing projects out the door, making more time to write new stories/revise older ones and other activities. I am taking care of normal business, but how to focus when the sun and chair on my deck call my name?

Or is it the Lord who calls me? Part of me knows that rest & relaxation is needed to find time to listen to the Lord. When the track and cross country meets overwhelm my schedule and let's face it, even my spiritual responsiblities, at times, deflate my spirit, the Lord often reminds me to cool my jets. (Is that an expression that is even used any more?) Sometimes we want to concentrate on the achievement of goals too much when I think sometimes God wants us to sit. Listen. Then there will be a time to march forward to work out his plan. But are we listening?

My thoughts for today...It's okay to enjoy the sun and let go of all of the madness, but it's important to remember to praise God and listen for his guidance in our daily lives, no matter the season.

May God bless you and keep you. Look to the heavens for focus and God will show you the way.

Enjoy the Journey, my blogger friends!

Vacation~

I'm baaaaaccccckkkkk!!!!!

I've been on vacation for the past week, and it was fantastic. I went kayaking for the first time--we kayaked for three hours on Hamlin Lake. We went down trails that few choose to go down. Shallow trails with high weeds and plenty of bugs, snakes and of course a beautiful blue sky and water. We had to get out five times, and port (portages seasoned kayak'ers call them,) drag the boat and then get back in another side. Those who kayak might be able to appreciate the challenge of this. It aint easy. Challenging. Will I fall in this time, I wondered. I spent time with close family and cousins...sitting around campfires, watching thunderstorms roll by...sprawling out in the sun on the beach and of course, reading my books purchased at the local used bookstore, and so much more.

But people are surprised when I tell them that I'm usually ready to get back to the routine--to my life, my work, my writing. I like my job (most times) when I have the right frame of mind, thus the importance of rest & relaxation. Sometimes I forget to take that daily break--to focus on the important things in life--devotions, praising God, spending time with family. Once priorities are in proper order, life is much more enjoyable, with or without a get away from it all vacation. A vacation for me can simply be time with God on my deck, listening to the birds as I complete a devotion, or even spending time with family--playing cribbage with my son.

But let's face it...there's nothing like that time away from everything...when our minds are renewed...refreshed...almost erased of worry. If we don't take time to wipe the slate clean, how can we get down to what's really important? Just like God wipes are slate clean, we too must forgive ourselves and let the past go, let the worries go, and just enjoy the journey that we must follow.

Isn't it interesting how it all ties together? Peace, rest, relaxation, forgiveness and yes, work. We can work and have all of these things. Vacations away remind us of what that peace feels like, but if the only time that I felt peace was one week a year, I would go insane. My joy is in the Lord and peace comes from Him--not the lake or a cottage or RV.

I thank God that he allows us our vacations to remind us what his peace can feel like year round even when we know that we have hard work ahead of us as we do God's will.

Make the Bed!

Hello Fellow Blogger friends,

Okay, I admit it...I haven't ever really been concerned about beds being made in our house. My kids make their own decision on that. I showed them how when they were younger, and then left it up to them. And I confess that I don't make my own bed every day...did I just hear gasps out there in cyber-world? Not make her bed? Well that's just terrible, you think. But again, it's just never been a big thing with me. Okay what's the point, you ask.

Well on those days that I decide I want my bed made, I quickly throw the top covers--my quilt and comfortor over my queen size bed, not paying any mind to the sheets underneath. As I was tossing them over my bed one day, I wondered if this was a lot like disguising real thoughts of inadequacy and guilt from sin when we buy our fancy cars, our expensive homes and materialistic things like the name brand suit and shoes in hopes to feel better. Is it all a disguise, a cover for the real feelings inside? Oh we all like nice things...but at what cost? I wonder if some like to shop for escape from dealing with problems and bad feelings, instead of going to the source, our God through our Lord, Jesus Christ for peace, fulfillment and forgiveness. But instead are we pulling the comfortor over our beds in hopes of hiding what's lying underneath? Will those materialistic items be enough?

I pray that we'll be able to deal with pain, disappointments, anger, feelings of guilt from sin and other issues by praying and confessing sins to Jesus Christ, instead of running out for the latest car or outfit. He is the only source for long-term peace and joy.

And no, I won't make my bed any different after this post ;)

From one blogger just trying to find the joy in the journey...

WHERE DO STORIES COME FROM?

It's interesting to stop and think about where writers come up with their stories. Where do these stories come from? I hadn't put too much thought into the subject until my mom mentioned that she was depressed by my stories and didn't want other people to read them, thinking they were about me. I reassured my mom that no, in fact, they were not based on my life or me at all...but in thinking about that, I wondered if that was entirely true. The story itself is fiction, but what about my character's thoughts/feelings?

I think about some of the stories that I've written, and I have felt the way that my characters have at one time or another, but these feelings are ones that most have had, so I think readers will be able to relate to my characters better. That's the goal, right?

I have thought about where Stephen King gets his stories from. I mean, that's just plain scary. I did read his book, On Writing, but honestly couldn't tell you if he mentioned where his stories come from or not. The stories aren't real of course, but the feelings behind some of the characters must be real. I'd say all characters, but his stories can get wayyyy out there so not all are human ;)

So back to the question: Where do stories come from? I have a book on Freud and dream interpretation, maybe I should read it to see what he has to say on the subject. Obviously our imaginations, right? What does that mean? Do we have a magical fairy godmother/muse up there directing our thoughts? I know the holy spirit directs our lives down the path that God wants us to follow--is there something us going up there?

Well, now my head hurts, but I'll just say that for now, my stories are fiction and not based on anyone I know or myself, even if some of the thoughts and feelings are based on real human emotion. There...that sounds good. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it!

End of Story...

What do you think?

FOCUS...FOCUS...FOCUS...

Hello Fellow Blogger Buddies~

Sorry that I've been neglectful to my blog! Blame it on the weather--the birds singing, the soft warm breezes blowing through my hair as I lounge on my deck at the RV (home away from home), those many writing projects--whatever the reason, I've been a tad bit unfocused. But lately it's most likely because I've been tired, esp after a nightmarish week of work. Hell week. It was good to go thru it, I tell my boss...to show yourself you can get thru anything...like childbirth. Ha Ha. No, it wasn't anything like that...don't worry :) This on top of an already busy few months of constant stress.

I've been trying to focus on my writing projects as I've stated before. Many writers have a hard time focusing when they have so many projects in the works. I love Kevin Alexander's monthly article in Writer's Digest magazine on the subject. He is hilarious. Here's the thing. I'm having my novel critiqued weekly at the Notebored (Writing group that I've mentioned before.) Every week as part of a workshop, I post 2,000 words and have approx 4-6 people give feedback on it. It doesn't sound like a lot, but when trying to revise the terrible stuff I wrote three years ago and then revising that after receiving feedback only to find out it's still terrible, it is tough. The cycle continues weekly. It's been five weeks now. On top of this, I really want to market a children's story as well as work on other pieces. I have my goals, but just can't seem to get all of this done! What is more important--work on the novel? Get out the children's story? How about those other two short stories that I've had critiqued and re-written 20 times that are calling my name? I also have many other flash/short shorts that I've written on the Notebored from triggers--what about them? I could re-write and post on the Notebored as part of another challenge. I also try to participate in the weekly trigger flash to keep my writing skills up to par as I revise my novel. But...what's more important? How do I prioritize? What story is more important?

Okay, you'll know by now that I'm very much a gut instinct kinda girl. I listen to the Holy Spirit for direction in my life. Does the Spirit guide me on such simple projects? If so, I'm not listening. Or am I? I could be doing many other things with my time. Why write? What does my instinct say about that? It certainly isn't an enjoyable experience all of the time, especially after another "critter" slaughtered my flash or thinks my novel is something out of a scary movie. Okay I might be exaggerating, but honestly, it does get overwhelming. Does anyone else feel this way?? Am I all alone? Am I normal?

Remember the post for lists and goals? Well, I still make them and actually do accomplish quite a bit, but every day lists? No way. Just can't do it. And after reading my earlier post on this subject, it sounds insane. I think I'm trying to control my life better, not wanting to miss out on everything. But life isn't that controllable is it? And do I need to be reminded of this daily?

So back to the main question, am I alone in my frustration of being a writer who struggles with her goals because of lack of time and focus? You tell me. Is there magical dust that I can buy? Will my muse help me? Will the Spirit show me the way? Or do I just write and write and write and do the best I can?

The good news is God is there for me. He listens to my insanity and frustrations and the Spirit does show me the way. I just need to remember to be still and listen to His voice. While I might go about my writing in an unfocused way...God reminds me to put the focus back on him. Hmmm...that is much more important. Yes, there is still craziness, and I still want everything organized, but my peace returns about my writing. I know this is the direction I should follow. I know that everything is fine. Just fine.

Thanks for reading and listening. I feel better already.

Enjoy the Journey!!