Blessings and Confession - Tandy Balson

2014 was a significant year for me.  It was when I started to call myself a writer.   The highlight early in the year was the release of my first book.  Holding that book in my hands didn’t seem like the realization of a dream as much as the beginning of one.

Attending two writers’ conferences and making connection with other Christian writers were important factors in following that dream.  It was a blessing as well as a relief to meet others whose minds also went in strange directions.  I learned that I’m not crazy, I’m a writer!

My problem has been in keeping my motivation when I am back in my own little world.  On that note, it’s time to get honest and admit that I have a big problem.  I know I’m not the only one afflicted with this, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.

The issue I struggle with is procrastination.  I’ve joked about this by saying things like, “Why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?” or “If it wasn’t for the last minute nothing would ever get done.”  All joking aside, this has got to stop.

Case in point: I sat down at my computer to do some writing.  Since I was there anyway, I might as well check my email.  There was one with a link to a blog I follow, so needed to click on that and read today’s post.  That reminds me, I should check on my latest blog post to see how it’s doing.   I wonder why this one doesn’t have as many views on Facebook as the last one.  Maybe I should check and see who “liked” it.  Before I log out I should take a quick look at my news feed.  There are a couple of things I need to comment on.  Oh look, here’s a test to see which Disney Princess I’d be.  That looks like fun.

It’s time to get back to my writing.  I started out strong but am stuck for just the right words now.  Maybe I’ll just play a game (or three) of computer solitaire while I’m waiting for inspiration to strike.  I’d go back to my story but think I need a snack and maybe a hot drink.  While I’m here I should probably throw a load of laundry in.  Oh yes, I was going to bake muffins today.  I can always go back to my writing while they’re in the oven.

This would be funny if it weren’t an accurate picture of how easily my day can get off track.  What I want most is to write.  What I fear is that what I write isn’t good enough that anyone will want to read it.  If I procrastinate long enough, I won’t have to worry what anyone will think because there won’t be anything written.  My self-sabotage will be complete.

This story is getting old and needs a new ending.  I can’t keep doing this to myself.  The only one who can eliminate this problem is me. For 2015 I need to set writing goals, be firm with myself and stick to them.  Even more importantly, I need to make sure my writing is covered in prayer.

God has called me to be a writer.  With his guidance I can do this. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

 blog: http://www.timewithtandy.com

A Legacy of Prayer and Blessing by Terrie Lynne

Ever since my children were babies I have prayed a night time prayer of blessing and protection over them. I must admit my prayer has expanded in length as the years have gone by and their little worlds and situations have expanded beyond their crib, the school ground, and into the real world!
When they were young, they didn't want to go to asleep until we had our special prayer time together. Many conversations about life or life situations would spring out of our time together.
 Even though they are grown adults now, and living their own lives, I still pray my prayer for them. Although, they may not literally hear me they know I still pray, and find comfort in knowing this.
As a believer and a parent this is a legacy that I want to pass on to my children. My hope is they will carry this on to their children and for generations to come! Perhaps when I'm old, my children will pray their own prayer of blessing and protection over me.

 Sharing this story with you reminds me of a book titled, "I'll Love You Forever" that I enjoyed reading to my kids when they were little. The story is of a mother praying for her child and how the circle of love and dedication was carried on by her child onto her grandchild and eventually back to her when she was old.  My eyes still fill with tears when I think about the words in that book. The words that mother would say were, "I'll love you forever, I'll like for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." They are simplistic yet powerful words that we all may appreciate having spoken over us no matter how old we are.

 Although we may not hear them from our parents or children, because of life's circumstances, I believe we can find peace and comfort  in knowing there is a loving Heavenly Father who wants to speak words of love and compassion to us. Perhaps words like " I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always, forever and ever my baby you'll be"! Not just while we are here on earth but for all eternity! Amen!

 Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. (Chronicles 16:34)

Photos by family photo album, photopin.com, flicker.com