Stages of Writing by Lorrie Orr

 

This month's prompt has to do with editing our writing. The phrase “the rewrite rut” was coined by Caroline Sharp in A Writer’s Workbook. How much do you rewrite? Do you enjoy it? How many drafts do you write before letting your work go off into the ether? Is it difficult to let it go? 

You’ve worked long hours writing, writing, writing. That’s what makes you a writer. But what are the next steps? If you or I want our writing to be read, to be published, there is much work ahead.

I’m currently working on the third draft of a major writing project, a memoir of twenty-one years spent in Ecuador. When people ask about the writing, they are aghast that I am on my third draft. What I want to tell them is that I foresee at least two more run-throughs before I’m done.

I recently read Cathy Rentzenbrink’s book Write It All Down, in which she gives excellent advice for how to write, rewrite, and edit. I highly recommend her book and am using some of her advice as a guideline for my own writing.

My first task was to get my words down without that pesky critic in my head interfering. Before any editing can take place, there must be material to work with. What has resulted is a rough and shapeless mass of words. Too many words.   

Shaping the structure begins with lots of cutting. Oh, how it hurts to let go of those lovely paragraphs, the scenes that don’t really move my story forward, and lyrical descriptions. Truman Capote said, “I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil.” For each edit I create a new copy of my document, allowing those cuttings to stay on my computer for future use.

I had thought I was ready for a line edit, my favourite part of writing, but as it turns out, more structural work is needed - a scene edit – where I list each scene in each chapter to see where it fits best, or if it needs to be cut.

Sebastian Faulks writes, “You need to think about every word in every sentence at least ten times.” That takes time and concentration. I like to read my work out loud to see how the words flow. Awkward phrasing is re-worked. Adjectives and adverbs are ruthlessly cut unless they show something that will otherwise be unknowable.

It’s too easy for me to write and rewrite, cut, and edit, and never gather enough courage to release an article or a story to a possible audience. Sending my words out is like a child leaving home. Will my effort be loved and accepted by someone? Each time I push that send button, or mail a manuscript, I send a little piece of myself. And each time I do, I pray that God will use those words as He sees fit. I breathe a sigh of release (and relief) knowing that the One who gave me my words can be trusted with them.

 

 

Lorrie Orr writes and rewrites from her home on Vancouver Island. 

Run with the Bison by Joylene M Bailey

 

Between stimulus and response is our greatest power - the freedom to choose.

- Stephen Covey -

At the time of this posting it will be exactly two weeks since our 10-year-old grandson was rushed into emergency brain surgery. A CT scan showed that what they had been treating as a migraine was actually a 3 X 5 cm abscess in his brain caused by severe sinusitis.

Needless to say, it's been a shocking and traumatic time for our family, not to mention the courage it has required from our grandson.

During his recovery, he and his mom have been talking about the difference between cows and bison. When a storm is coming, cows will turn away from the storm and run. The storm will eventually overtake them, and they'll be in the storm for longer because they're running with it. Bison, however, will turn towards an oncoming storm and run into it. They still go through the storm, but their time within it is much shorter.

This is such a great picture of courage, and I've been thinking about it a lot as I go through these days. It's a good anecdote to remember for all aspects of life, whenever we are facing difficult circumstances.

I wonder if you might be facing a writing challenge, or even something God has been nudging you to write that you'd prefer to run away from. It's too hard, possibly it's a controversial or unpopular topic, or something else that requires a lot of courage.

Take a moment to consider your response. Do you want to be a cow or a bison? I encourage you to turn towards this challenge, and even to run into it. If God brought it to you, He'll give you the courage of a bison.

******

Feature photo by Unsplash

  In this photo our grandson, Deklan, is holding a stuffed bison his mom found in the hospital gift shop. He named it Courage. If you think of it, please pray for his recovery. Through many prayers and the grace of God, he's come a long way, but he still has a long way to go. 

Courageously Cultivating Connection by Joylene M Bailey

 

Image by Anthony Scanlon from Pixabay 

One early morning last week, I stepped out onto our deck into the quiet country air. As I walked around the corner of the house, the quiet was eclipsed by a chorus of coyotes from across the lake. Just before I turned back to go inside, a cock began crowing, joining forces with the coyote community. Maybe he thought he was a crowd-pleasing crooner, but my imagination, which is seven years old at the best of times, concluded he might be seeking connection... aww he needs a chum.

Maybe it's lonely being a rooster.

Sometimes it's lonely being a writer, even for this highly introverted one. We need connection with other writers (as well as publishers, editors, and agents), not only to make our work better, but to confirm again and again that this craft that calls to us is indeed worth our time and pursuit. That our readers are out there, awaiting our content.

Connection for writers takes cultivation, and courageous cultivation at that, especially for introverts. It's hard to put oneself out there. All kinds of thoughts go through one's head - What makes me think I even deserve to be here? Can I even call myself a writer? - to name only a couple.

The first time I ever met with a writers' group, I abashedly told them, yes I've written some children's stories. My friends and family like them, but they are very kind. I expected, I suppose, to have these seasoned writers blast me with a cutting and condemning critique. Only, they didn't. And I blossomed from my cocoon.

Since then, I've been involved in writing conferences and contests. I started a writing cohort, inviting other writers into my home. Each of these acts required continuing courage on my part in order to cultivate the crucial connections to further my work. In the end, it was enjoyable and gratifying. So worth it. Like-minded individuals encourage us and spur us on.

Which brings me to a cautionary caveat: be sure to find like-minded people to encourage you on your way. I would calculate that a cock consorting with coyote choirs could be considerably calamitous for the chicken.

There's a fine line between constructive critique and condemning criticism. So, find a congenial community (like InScribe!), or at least a compatible writing buddy. The connection will make all the difference.

Image by svklimkin from Pixabay 

*****

P.S. If you concluded that I challenged myself to use as many c-words as possible, you'd be correct. Extra credit for you! (And a lot of chuckles for me.)

*****

Joy is currently carousing with kids of her kids, but normally resides in beautiful lake country with the Cowboy and Chara, and a cat named Rhubarb. Find more of her Joy-infused writing at Scraps of Joy.

What Do You Stand For? – Denise M. Ford

 

If someone took a photograph of me and then applied an enhancing filter, I believe an outline would appear. I picture it glowing and pulsing depending on the situation or conversation surrounding me. Highlighting the unmistakable reactions, the facial expressions that wrangle and pull my visage into downcast, taut grimaces, or puckered, sucked mouthing. The unmistakable eyebrow lifting and reflexive grinning. Unseen but just below the surface my heart beating with loud thudding, pounding to depths that threaten to burst through my chest wall. 

An emotional outline clearly delineating my threshold, or my tolerance. I admit, my physical reactions will uncover and dismantle any pretense I hope to convey regarding social injustice. How do I allow them to produce words, spoken or written; how will my intentions influence these impulses to share my soul wrenching beliefs; this becomes my constant question. 

Especially in today’s world when we can read someone’s post on social media, absorb its brief assertion, ignore a conscientious tugging for discernment, and share it boldly to others with the ---what? Intent to sway or reprimand them in their beliefs. What moves us to press a button and feel relieved that we have contributed to the social injustice conversation, in a moment of release have we found a way to control others?  Ah, control becomes the underlying purpose, the mechanism that starts the process. Does it become the ultimate goal?

Why do we as loving, caring individuals succumb to attitudes and ways to control others to suit our own beliefs?

While I understand how writers influence and inform society on topics that demand social response, I firmly believe that we need to constantly inquire from where our honest intentions originate: From a need to control? Or from a need to stir love and cooperation? From a need to judge or from a need to accept our own responsibility? From a need to gain superiority or from a need to provide perspective? From a need to promote loyalty or to uncover truth?

I do not suggest that my outline of tolerance encompasses correct perceptions or limitations. I have confronted evil and I have accepted when I cannot. I mistakenly and impulsively share on-line posts that in retrospect I wish I had bypassed the click of the button. I listen to many descry the media at a time when information desperately needs to reach the uninformed. I cringe and shake my head to convey my disbelief at interpretations that astound me, conspiracy theories that disregard science. Yet I believe in words. I believe in accepting and acknowledging language that will record our social relationships.

Alongside my writing corner sits a framed postcard from the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. The center block poses the question: What Do You Stand For? Smaller blocks enclose the inquiry demanding visible consideration: courage, wisdom, justice, honesty, imagination, empathy, citizenship, self-discipline, integrity, caring, accountability, respect, restraint, sincerity, forgiveness, truthfulness, compassion, cooperation.

What Do You Stand For? What prompts you to create the emotional outline that surrounds you as a moral and ethical human being? What draws you forth to engage and experience the social fabric unfolding today?

What Do You Stand For? From what need do your honest intentions originate? 

Before you press a button, or type out thoughts, or speak your words to influence others, be mindful. What lies within those words? How will others receive the outline you project?

My husband and I took a much-needed day trip to Banff National Park last week. We walked by a small riverbed and discovered a beautiful outline created by nature’s changing season. Yellow leaves released and abandoned by the branches of surrounding trees haphazardly layered on top of each other snuggling against the curving riverbank. As the current brought water to lazily lap against them it drew our attention to pause and reflect on the image they created.

What do you stand for? How will you allow your emotional outline to penetrate your words? At their release will they line up in a manner that will reflect your intentions. 

Writing necessarily informs, exposes, criticizes, and enlightens. Offered objectively or satirically, factually or exaggerated. It can and has moved society to alter its ideas.  Articles, speeches, editorials, tweets, posts, broadcasts, debates, discussions, podcasts, blogs, letters, emails, texts… we fill them with words, we release them and wonder what reception they will receive.

We tread the boundaries of our own emotional outlines, we know the power and value of ideas, statements, metaphors, and stories. When we choose to breech our emotional outlines, we need to discern potential outcomes and consequences. 

As we shed our emotions, and our reactions into words will they form a visible outline to the world that motivates or inspires as our thoughts line up for scrutiny?  Will our beliefs and perceptions invoke a pause and reflection or impulse and incitement?  What do we want, what will our releases evoke? What will cause others to marvel at the visible emotional outline we design?

While we should not shy away from social injustice, I pray that we will seek the guidance and direction of the Spirit In our interactions to confront it. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-26 (NET)

Courage to be Faithful by Carol Harrison

 Many people choose a word for themselves each year or trust God to provide one for them. I am not one of those people. Yet as 2019 began, God impressed the words faithful and courage into my mind and heart. I knew I needed to claim them for my life in a new way this year but had no idea and still do not, where God would lead with this. When I saw this month's blog theme, Faith to Chart a New Territory" and the verse Joshua 1; 6, 9 - "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land.  . .  Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I felt the affirmation of these words in a renewed way.

I need to be faithful to do what God calls me to do. Courage to follow where God leads comes not from knowing the task or what lies ahead but from knowing He is always with me and never changes. God gave Joshua his task - lead the people into the land they will inherit. Joshua faced a huge job with many challenges. Yet God told him not once but multiple times be strong and courageous rather than being afraid, terrified or discouraged.

I believe God has called me to the task of being a storyteller, whether in writing or orally. He has added a desire to mentor, coach and help people find their voice, tell their stories and improve their communication skills. I do not know what it all looks like but it has been unfolding for almost a dozen years. Some days there seem to be more questions than answers. God's unchanging presence is the one constant throughout the years.

My journey as a speaker began in 2008 when a group of ladies asked me to be their retreat speaker. I taught a ladies Bible study at church at that time but to venture beyond this comfort zone caused much fear and trepidation. I knew God wanted me to be faithful and courageous and go where He led even though I could not understand why me. I obeyed and learned many lessons as I prepared. God provided affirmations to let me know I had listened correctly to His plans.

I longed to learn more about being a Christian woman speaker. I followed others who were further along the journey and gleaned helpful information. I sat in on workshops, took on line courses and read books to soak up as much knowledge as possible as I prepared for whatever adventure God had planned in the line of speaking.

One common thread in what I read and listened to included finding out your niche market. I should answer questions like, Who was my audience? What was the topic I was an expert on? How should I let others know I was available to speak? The negative, internal voice shouted, "You aren't an expert in anything!" Then it added thoughts like, "Who do you think you are to say you are a speaker? You don't know anything about target audiences or marketing yourself."

I reread the Bible story of Moses at the burning bush in Exodus chapter 3. I could identify with Moses when he argued with God about not being able to speak eloquently and questioning whether the Hebrew people would believe that God sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Yet God never asked Moses to do anything on his own strength but rather be obedient and trust God for everything he needed to accomplish the job God called him to do. I needed to remember that and be faithful, trusting God for courage. 

I had always loved teaching children but now God had opened a door with ladies ministry at church and speaking at a ladies retreat. Why the change? I did not know. More speaking engagements have dotted the years between then and now. They have included all ages from children and teens to adults. I have spoken in churches, camps and schools. None of the advice about niche market or ages seemed to apply.

I questioned whether I heard God's direction clearly. God whispered into my heart, "Don't look at the venue or the age. When I open a door just walk through it. I will give you the words to say."

It flew in the face of the advice of those who had traveled further on the journey of being a speaker and yet I must continue to trust God as the ultimate authority.

My writing journey began ten years ago. For years I had stuffed my love of writing so deep I had

convinced myself it never existed even when part of me longed to write more than occasional journal entries. My husband encouraged me to write a book - the story of our youngest daughter who had a stroke at birth. Everything she can do is medically impossible. I resisted. I tried.  I deleted the words and felt like I failed. Yet my family urged me to continue, to trust God to help the story be told for His glory.

With the help of some wonderful Christian writers who offered help, encouragement and critique I finished the book. God has provided affirmations through comments of people who read the story and told me what it meant to them, how God had spoken to them and how it has been shared in more places than I can imagine.

I have continued to write, although for years I called myself a reluctant writer. My grandson told me that sounded negative and I should quit saying it. He encouraged me to branch out into writing fiction and not just non-fiction. I said no but he persisted. My husband, a niece and other family members joined the conspiracy to push me out of my comfort zone and into uncharted territory. A granddaughter told me to learn to write poetry and asked me to go with her to poetry workshops at our local library. I enjoyed the time I spent with her but poetry pushed me even further out of the writing comfort zone.

God has worked in my heart so I quit calling myself a reluctant writer. Some non fiction stories, one short piece of fiction and two poems are now part of my publishing credits. This has helped affirm that I have listened to God's direction even if it is hard and not what I expected.

There are times I feel an urgency to write and help others share their stories too. But there are times the entire process overwhelms me too. However, I know God is faithful. He has a plan even when I do not understand what that might be. He only asks that I am faithful to do what he asks me to do and not be discouraged or fearful. He supplies the words and the courage.

The speaking, writing, coaching others and teaching workshops to such a variety of ages flies in the face of conventional teaching by other speakers and even writers. I wonder how it should all fit

together and where God is leading with these various activities. How do they fit together? What is the plan? How do I let others know that I am available for workshops, speaking, coaching?

The questions still pop into my mind. They still make me wonder and wish for a map of the road ahead. But I know that everything fits under the umbrella of storytelling. God asks that I tell the stories to the next generation of His faithfulness and His love. I know God opens doors and when He does I pray I will be faithful to walk through it and trust God to supply the courage I need for the adventure of a life of telling stories in whatever form they take.

This week, month and year I pray I will be faithful and obey whatever God asks me to do as I remember Joshua 1:9  applies to me to.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Carol Harrison, B.Ed. from Saskatoon, has published one book, Amee’s Story, and has short stories in over a dozen anthologies. She has a passion for sharing stories from real-life experiences and God’s Word to help others find a glimmer of hope and a glimpse of joy.

It's all about the Shoes! … by Jocelyn Faire

The concept of The Journey has intrigued me for the past decade. Foot shots in over a dozen countries have been a way for me to keep track of the pilgrimage and to say: I was here, I have walked in this place. 

Any journey of significance begins with the step of daring to dream, followed closely by the courage step. Courage is what ties up the laces of desire's boots to give stability to wavering ankles.                                                
Those boots get us to walk on the path we have been called to, or the path that has chosen us. 
While the Psalm 37 tells us that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord," we still have to pay heed to those orders and get up off the chair and move, or pick up the pen to write, or sign up for that class.
In 2009 after a series of events in life, I began to pursue a long time dream to live in another country.  What began as a longing to relocate to Australia, needed the courage to make the inquiries, to pursue the goal and file the paperwork. And that pursuing of a dream has changed my life to help me realize that I could do it. While in the land down under, I took my first writing course. 
I realize relocating countries is a major step, and many smaller steps are needed to make that happen. Life is full of daily decisions to choose courage, to choose to conquer the fear that would hold us back. 

It's all about the shoes …

Cement Blocks

Cement blocks, ill fitting shoes

Doubt on the left

Fear on the right

Laced with guilt

It is hard to walk

Harder to dance

Impossible to fly

   Barefoot she skipped ahead.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.  Anaïs Nin       

Cement Blocks was previously printed in my May 2014 blog.

Jocelyn is author of Who is Talking Out of My Head?  and blogs at

http://whoistalking.wordpress.com 

Branching Out by Karma Pratt

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

As I look to this new year, and listen to what God is calling me to do as a writer and as a Christ follower, I am reminded to pray, listen, then act (no deviating from that order!) Without guidance from God first, I will get bogged down in trivial tasks. I already know I am easily distracted by the "oooh, shiny" things of life. I need not let my writing become mired in distraction and lack of focus too.

Knowing my limitations, I look to God to help me understand what my next step will be as a writer. God is always planting seeds in my mind and heart that lead me to the next project. In this season, I feel he is calling me to step out on a limb, and begin using blogging as a tool to consistently share my words and thoughts.

Some of the seeds God planted in me years ago are just now taking root. Little green shoots are beginning to poke through the soil. I feel more like a winter bulb experiencing an early thaw. Bring on the new life of springtime! I'm ready!

Most recently, these seeds have taken the form of a blogging series called The Passionate. Persistent. Vibrant. Life. Project. It's a brand new adventure that has been working within me for a long time, and is now beginning to surface.

It takes a leap of faith to begin something that requires vulnerability and honesty in the public domain. Vulnerability, by the way, is another way of saying "courage". Courage takes shape when we finally step forward, moving through our fear (or, perhaps, in spite of it) toward victory.

I'm excited to see how this blogging project helps shape my writing, and my life. As a non-fiction writer, I feel it's critical to experience life fully if I am ever to be able to write about life convincingly.

Some Practical Advice: 

I know I will be stretched in the days, weeks and months to come. To that end, God has set me up with some amazing teachers and tools that will help me hone the skills I need to follow through on this exciting adventure.

Some practical things I've learned recently include:

• 3 focused hours can do much more for you than 8 scattered ones. I have started planning my "focused" time in 20 minute blocks. I've seen an incredible upswing in productivity in the last week alone! I've also recognized where my personal inefficiencies lie, and will be able to fine-tune them out of my writing process. Three cheers for focus!
• While we're on the topic... Focus on one draft at a time. I have a terrible tendency to want to write a first draft, while simultaneously editing it, and preparing to publish immediately. Breaking down my schedule into smaller, focused time segments has forced me to do only one aspect of writing at a time.
  

I hope these tips will help you become more focused in your writing efforts this year as well. They have definitely helped me! 

I look forward to learning and growing alongside all the InScribe members throughout 2016.

Be blessed,
Karma

_________

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. She loves words, art, creativity, God, and people, although not necessarily in that order. 

You can find Karma online at redraincoatcreations.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn.
Check out the Passionate. Persistent. Vibrant. Life. Project and become a member of the PPVL Thrive Tribe! 

Bad Breath and Bravery by Connie Inglis

"Breathings of your heart." There's a warmth to that phrase. It is beautiful and gentle but honestly, not always realistic. We have all had morning breath, or garlic breath. Sometimes we snore. Sometimes we belch. Admittedly, sometimes our breathings are not pleasant. The physical solution is to brush our teeth, have a mint, chew some gum. But what about our internal breathings, when they are not gentle but ugly? What do we as writers do with that?

At the end of last year our family went through a tumultuous time (see my Dec. 2014 post). So much uncertainty. Yet through it all, God was faithful. We continue to work through things and He has brought abundant healing. Still, fear seems to be dying a slow death. Every now and then it lifts its moribund head and points its enfeebled finger at me. And to my surprise, I cringe.

Can I write about that? When life is foul? When human fears niggle at my heart and mind? I have found that it is especially in those dark times that I NEED to write in order to process. Last fall a writer friend gave me the book, Writing as a Way of Healing by Louise DeSalvo. This book has helped me write with the purpose to heal and I recommend it to anyone who needs a guide to be able to do that. I journalled my way through those months, kept my sanity, and clung to God. Many of the poems I wrote for November's NaNoWriMo (I did the Writer's Digest Poem-a-Day prompts) voiced my pain--some hope but mostly pain. It was therapy--Holy Spirit-driven therapy. I knew God's presence as I breathed out my fears, my anger, my angst, my questions. And I also knew that God did not condemn my vulnerability--that He loves me ALL the time and accepts me, bad breath and all. 

So, can I, should I, share these breathings with others? I am learning that if I truly DO believe that my worth is found in God and that He loves me unconditionally (Jeremiah 31:3), then I can be vulnerable with others. I can be brave in sharing who I really am in my writing. In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown says it this way: "Courage is telling our story, not being immune to criticism. Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection." 

Last November, in the thick of a long list of unexpected events, something especially painful happened. A group of people that we felt safe with came alongside us in all our questions of what to do. But instead of showing grace and love with a listening ear, they bombarded us with questions, gave us advice, and then shunned us when all we needed was support. I was so hurt and angered by the experience that for a while I couldn't even voice my pain. But I found I could write my pain and it helped me heal. 

Since then, I've had two opportunities to come alongside someone struggling in the same way. God gave me the courage to be vulnerable and share a specific poem--an ugly poem that expressed my pain. My breathings did not offer answers but they did offer connection and comfort. They knew that I understood their pain and anger and that they weren't alone. And both these people thanked me for my honesty. 

And now God is asking me to be brave right now and share this poem here. My prayer is that it will resonate with someone who has felt rejection and offer comfort. I must also add: I am SO thankful that God never rejects me, never rejects you--that His love is unlimited and relentless.

Rejection

Those sorries said are whitewashed tombs,

A cultured, hollow word,

A sorry here, a sorry there,

So heartless, dead, absurd.

You speak of care so tenderly,

With arms so stiff and cold,

In corpse-like form you shut the door,

And toss me from the fold.

Sepulchre of hypocrisy,

Rejection’s work is done,

For actions are the tell-tale sign,

And yours—they count for none.

If I Weren't Afraid by Tandy Balson

Several years ago I had a picture over my desk that said, “What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?” It’s a question I have often contemplated. Fear has been my companion for a very long time. I’m learning to fight through it but it’s still a struggle.

Volunteering to write this blog is part of my fight. I’m fairly new to writing and the thought of writing to theme terrifies me. For that very reason I chose to do this.

When I told my husband about my plans to contribute to the blog site and how I was feeling, he didn’t give me traditional words of encouragement. Instead he said, “Fear is the opportunity to be courageous.”

Looking back to when I felt God calling me to write, I remember my fear and feelings of inadequacy. God directed me to write down the lessons He’d been teaching me. Words had never flown as freely as they did the day I obeyed. I realized then that the words did not come from me, but through me.

When He asked me to share these lessons with others the fear flared up. How could I share something so close to my heart? I prayed for courage to overcome this fear.

God was patient as I shared with only a few people. Encouragement from them gave me the courage to share with others. One told me if I truly believed these words were given to me by God, I should have no fear in sharing them. What a revelation for me. I wasn’t sharing my words, I was sharing His.

Tears streamed down my cheeks and fear paralyzed me the day a friend suggested I write a regular blog and share what God was teaching me. She then encouraged me by saying, “What if God wants to bless you through this?” Her words went straight to my heart. After praying about it, God gave me the courage to proceed.

My fears and inadequacies surface on a regular basis. When I need courage and confidence I repeat a verse from Philippians 4:13. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Rejection was something that took me by surprise. If I was letting God’s words flow through me, then why didn’t everyone think they were as wonderful as I did? It made me question whether I had really listened to God. Maybe I had misinterpreted his message to me and was doing the wrong thing.

My first major experience with rejection was at a writer’s conference. On day one the comments about my writing were not positive. Discouraged, I felt I had no right to be there. Who did I think I was, calling myself a writer? I prayed that night asking God to let me be open to the feedback of more experienced writers. If I was on the wrong track, could he please let me know?

The appointment I had with an editor the next morning gave me the positive reinforcement I needed. She even gave me a contact to send my work to.

The lesson for me was that everyone doesn’t have to agree with my style of writing. I need to be true to the calling that God has placed on my heart.

Rejection still stings and fears still arise. When I face those fears I can move forward. With God’s help I will be courageous as I share the words He has given me.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NIV

https://www.timewithtandy.com
https://tandyb.com

 

Serenity Prayer - full version by Terrie Lynne

Ever since I read the suggested theme topic, Taboo or Controversial Topics, for the month of March my mind has gone several different directions, but this morning I felt at peace that this is the article I want to post.

The Serenity Prayer is probably one of the most widely known prayers ever written. I have seen the short modified version on fridge magnets, mugs, and posters and it is commonly used in Alcoholic's Anonymous and 12 step programs. But, I wander how many people know the full version. I know I didn't until just a few weeks ago as I stumbled upon it quite by accident or perhaps a God incident maybe more accurate!

My hope is that, with all of the controversial topics that have been posted and the feelings and emotions that may come to the surface, this little prayer will bring some peace and serenity!

  SERENITY PRAYER

 By Reinhold Niebuhr - full version

God give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

courage to change the things which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

 Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that you will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen

I have to admit I enjoy the second part of this prayer as much as the first and hope to delve a little deeper into it, perhaps as a devotional topic at a later date. I think we can find peace and serenity if we do try to live each day at a time and enjoy one moment at a time, whether it is during good times or in bad, happy times or sad. I do believe the scriptures encourage us to cast our cares on God for He cares for us. For me that is something I need to constantly remind myself to do!

Reinhold Niebuhr himself quoted yet another slightly different version of the first part of the prayer and it goes like this: 

O God and Heavenly Father,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed;

courage to change that which can be changed,

and wisdom to know the one from the other,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Here is the version we are most familiar with:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

I hope you have been encouraged and blessed!

References: If you would like to learn more about the author, Reinhold Niebuhr, or the Serenity Prayer, you will find some good information on Wikipedia.

What If? by Brenda J Wood

I apologize. Every time I post here, something goes wrong. The stuff sticks itself in draft form forever or else appears on the wrong day and squeezes another author's writing to the bottom of the page.

How does that happen? I have no idea. I think I am following the clear directions, so it must be the computer, right? But what if it isn’t? What if the fault is me? What if people are not reading my scribbles because I subconsciously shoot myself in the foot/mouth every time?

What if I believe what I say has no value but I post because it’s my time slot? What if I am secretly hoping to fail so that I can blame my lack of success on something that is not me? What if I really do not have anything worthy to say?

To enlarge on that topic, what if my book isn’t published because I never send or have enough stamps on hand or the time is not right, or my Mom doesn’t like it?

Surely, I am not the only one suffering from delusional, hypocritical, self-devaluating thoughts, am I? (Please say no!!)

Writers must be courageous, for we put ourselves on the line every day. We must develop the ability to face difficulty, uncertainty, or worse, without being overcome by fear or being deflected from our chosen course of writing action.

What if I decided to overcome my computer/fear by only posting on my exact day, the 20th of the month. (Unfortunately, the 20th of last month slipped by without notice on my part…of course, there was that time change and the computer didn’t automatically turn over…sigh!)

What if I have more work to do in the courage department?


Brenda J Wood
http://heartfeltdevotionals.com

Facing the Giant - Karen Toews

I Samuel 17: a thrilling face-off between David and Goliath with the "underdog" winning, a captivating story for Sunday school kids and adults alike.

Who doesn't want to see the good guy win?
What isn't there to like about being a conqueror?

What about the background prior to this scenario?

- discipline and work: vs. 34a "...your servant used to keep sheep for his father..."

- courage and strength: vs 34b, 35 "...And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him."

- faith and trust from past experience when nobody was watching: vs. 37 "...the Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

- refusing fear in the face of intimidation: vs. 44 "...I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field."

- acknowledging source of strength: vs. 45 "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

- declaring the victory before the fight: vs. 46, 47a "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth...."

- giving honor and glory to God: vs. 47b "...that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel...For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand."

And that's what happened. vs. 50 "...David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him."

Who of us doesn't have a giant to face-down? Maybe yours is related to one of these:

A book manuscript that you just can't wrap up.
The unknowns of a new work/business opportunity?
Personality-communication challenges with family, work, family relationships?
Health issues?

Draw courage and confidence from God's power and the experience of doing your homework.
....and conquer your giant.

A Plan in Place - Karen Toews

Five months ago I launched my blog.

That was following months of picking my way along a steep technical challenge and building up the courage to commit to a long term journey. Surprise, surprise - that was one of my best writing decisions ever. I have:

• a self-directed weekly deadline
• a readership
• readers' comments to encourage me to develop content pertinent to them and to my blog's theme.
• a writing process that's giving me clarity and confidence for the online, and person-to-person, aspect of building my business.

Can you sense my satisfaction-thanksgiving?

I thank God for:

• helping me make a difference
• the anticipation of things to come

My heart's desire is to expand the whole-life, nutrition message (online and in person) to Christian women: to en-courage them in being the complete, whole-hearted person God has meant them to be, that:

• we have influence over healthy food and exercise choices for our families and circles beyond
• it's okay (crucial) to take time for your soul-care
• the rewards of having courage to "swim upstream" can bring new life and energy - for you and others

How can this next step take shape?

• continue writing blog posts - for the readership that's already there and growing
• seek out/connect with other Christian health and fitness blog writers
• contact Christian "markets" e.g. local womens' church groups

And in the day-to-day practicality - how am I going to make enough computer-working time available?

• organization=less paperwork on my desk: more sort and file, less shuffle
• less emails out=less emails received (that's what I've heard!)
• saying "no" to requests and options, so I can say "yes" to what I want to do, that contributes to reaching my goals (I'm not referring to "me and my selfish agenda" - you get my drift...)

Oh yes, there are days when:

• my brain can't wrap around one more technical thing
• my creativity meter has bottomed out
• this work I love to do has stacked up to the tipping point

Where does my help come from?

• prayer and meditation on Scripture and other inspirational reading, current book: Simply Jesus by N. T. Wright
• my daughter (whom you've probably already "met" in my posts). She continues to be my mentor and inspiration, most recently through her open letter to young Moms .

It feels great to have a plan.

It's wonderful to be well - body, soul and spirit - to make it work.