Voices in My Head? Glynis Belec

"You are a failure as a Christian. Your writing will flop because you sometimes forget to pray. You call yourself a Christian writer and you forget to pray over your work before you begin? How happy do you think that makes God?"

Ugh.

Those are the words, too often, that echo in my ears.

"Look at all the lovely Christian writers who you know and who dedicate their work to God well before they even begin. And then look at you."

The voices in my head continue their tirade. Distraction after distraction. They whisper in my ear and tell me that because I sometimes forget to ask for wisdom and direction first, then I am unworthy of assuming the title of successful writer. Guilt.

The voices are right. As a believer, whatever I write [do] I should be doing it unto God and not unto editors. How can I expect to be even remotely successful if I barrel on in my writing without a thought of God? Too often the task to complete gets in the way. Deadlines loom. Schedules demand. Editors call.

I hear about the dedication of other writers then I flip the switch on those wretched voices in my head again.

They play havoc, attempting to convince me that I don't have what it takes.

Then God steps in. He flips the off switch. And assures me.

The voices are wrong. Not one thing happens in my life without Him knowing about the before, the during and the after. It's not like I don't think of God. And He knows it. It's not like I don't dedicate my work to God. I try. It's not like I don't write to please God and give Him all the Glory. I do. I just do it out of order.

And thanks be to God, He forgives me for that and for being a fumbling, bumbling fool when it comes to not sticking everyday to an orderly routine of praying, thinking, writing, trusting.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 28:12a

One day I will have order and quiet before my day begins. One day my own perfect plan to please God will include dedication and kneeling. I know without a doubt I need God before I write anything that would proffer forth any iota of wisdom or sense. But for now I keep my heart stayed on God throughout my day and ask for Him to remove the chaff and prepare my words. I've realized some of the blessings of seasons. I've experienced the fallow, too. But I will trust Him no matter. 

Sometimes I let the voice of the enemy become louder than the voice of the Lord. 

I'm still working on that. 

I'm still seeking the right way to do [write] whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think [and write] about such things. Phillippians 4:8 

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell [write] of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Glynis lives, loves, laughs and does an awful lot of reading, writing, publishing and praying in her home office. 

        How thrilled Glynis is to be part of CHRISTMAS WITH HOT APPLE CIDER - an anthology filled with a wonderful assortment of Christmas short stories, memories, drama and poetry. 

                     www.glynismbelec.com 

  

Spurtster by Glynis Belec

I'm a Journal Spurtster.

In other words, I journal in spurts. When I am going through challenges, trials, troubles, frustrations,
periods of questioning, times of refreshing - I pull out my journal and free write. What a great way to pour out emotion and hone in on how a particular situation made me feel at the time. Then there are desert times where I write nothing in my journals.

I would love to brag about how dedicated I am and how I consistently blog every evening at the close of the day. Sigh. It's my intention, but it takes a big pinch for me to do that. I am pretty good at writing in two of my journals, though. (Although, lately I have been a bit delinquent with those.)

One of them is loosely titled, Trekking through the Word and the other one is What's in my Bible?

Trekking through the Word is a journal where I take a little passage and read. I began at Genesis, and write my own commentary on what I 'get out' of that passage; or maybe how God speaks to me or directs me.

The next one, What's in my Bible, is based on my pack-rat tendencies. In my bible (thank goodness I have a big bible cover) one can find everything from funeral cards, to handwritten notes from students, to art work from grandchildren, to poetry, sermon notes, to inspiring quotes, to cards, to - well you name it, I've got it. When it stockpiles and my Bible cover bulges, I clean it out and put my treasures in a box by my bed. Then when I write in my What's in my Bible journal, I comment on what 'it' is and then I reflect on the person or persons involved and what they mean to me or how they have affected my life or whatever comes to mind. I love doing this and it helps me preserve memories.

When I was going through chemotherapy for cancer nine years ago, I was such a diligent journaller and how happy I am that I was. When I look back in my many journals over two years, I cannot believe how much I poured onto the page. I remember a lot of the situations, but let me tell you, I would never have remembered all the emotions attached to the situation if I hadn't written it all down. I wrote poetry a lot. I shared some deep-seated thoughts that I don't think I would have ever remembered without it staring me in the face on the written page. My mind can capture events but it is weak to remind me of feelings - other than something superficial. I still have to write that book based on my journals! But even if it takes me a few more years, I still have the written evidence that will never be fabricated.

That said, journalling isn't for everyone. And I don't think writers need to feel obligated or apologetic if they choose not to journal. What works for one, doesn't necessarily feel right for another. And it certainly isn't anything to do with laziness. Maybe exhaustion, but not laziness! I can't journal at any time of the day except night time. This might sound a little cockeyed but I have to be in bed to journal. And if I am plum exhausted, journal is not high on my list of priorities.

But when I am ready to journal, I love how words pour from my hand onto the page. And don't even get me started about sermon notes. When I'm listening to a sermon, I take notes. It's my way of decreasing distraction and oh, how I love to reread and reflect. But that's a whole different story (and a whole big box of 'other' books!)

I wonder sometimes, about what will happen to my journals (and my big box of sermon notes) when I am dancing in heaven. I suppose it won't much matter at that point. My children did not inherit my pack-rat tendencies. Hmmm. Just a minute. I have a granddaughter who actually loves to collect. Maybe I can make a note in my will ...

Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:

Psalm 102:18

The Plan by Glynis M Belec

I just about fell off my new office chair when I saw the prompt for this month. You know the one about staying on track and handling unfinished projects. And then the major guilt trip about how God might be prompting me to finish the unfinished projects (the guilt trip part was my doing). Ugh. 

I have SO many unfinished projects and manuscripts that if I died tomorrow my family would really discover the wayward, procrastinating 'brain' they called wife and mother. Come to think of it, maybe it wouldn't be a huge shock. They are used to my spurts of energy and brilliant ideas interspersed with a million things in any given week. Let's just say they could put it all together and create a small library! 

I guess, maybe what I am trying to say is I have a lot on the go, so pacing myself is a biggie. Staying on track is a struggle but I find if I keep my agenda current it helps. I prepare an agenda every night for the next day. It's the only way I can function properly. Lists make me focus. I always have a hundred incredible ideas that explode on a page but usually I can't find enough time to complete them and I am afraid I will forget them. So I have learned my green 'idea' ledger is the best place for me to begin the initial explosion. 

When I get that 'Full Brain Feeling' that's when I stop and pause and remember that my plans don't always measure up with God's. Then I pray. Then I stop flitting for a minute. Then I trust all over again.  

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you 

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

I listened to my hubby give the message this past weekend in a local church. His topic was on service. At one point he spoke about how service, in whatever form it takes consists of seven essential elements. I liked that approach and started thinking of these elements from a writerly perspective and decided it might be a jolly good way for me to regroup. 

1. Willingness

     Is my motivation pure and right and am I willing to allow the Holy Spirit to led me to complete the project I am supposed to complete? 

     For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
2 Corinthians 8:12

2. Attitude

     Do I have a good attitude about my gift and am I striving for excellence that glorifies God and not self? 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

3. Compassion

     Am I making my writing life all about me or am I making sure I take the time to help other writers who might benefit from my experience? 

     Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts... Colossians 3:12a

4. Organization

     Do I plan? Are the goals I set - even the daily ones - realistic and attainable? Is my workspace clear and uncluttered (is my brain uncluttered?) Do I keep current in my craft? God is a God of order. am I striving for that?

    But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

5. Tasks

     Do I just talk about the great things I could do or write or do I actually do them? Talking is merely procrastination. The proof is in the pudding. How's my work ethic. Do I keep deadlines? 

     Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

6. Flexibility

     I am called to write. But first I am called to love. I haven't to feel guilty if I put a project on hold, temporarily to help someone with a greater need. Random acts of kindness can't wait. 

     For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phillipians 2:13

7. Obedience

     Am I really writing what God wants me to? If I believe my words are a gift from God and He has given me the ability and the opportunity to pour the on a page, it's my responsibility to follow through. Am I trusting and obeying? 

    But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

 ~

          So I guess now that I have laid out 'the plan,' it's in my lap now. Note to self: Check back in a year to see if I practiced what I preached. 

I'm trying. Really. 

         How about you? 

                                     ~

Looking Up by Glynis M Belec

Did you ever 'play that game' where you go outside to a public place either by yourself or with friends and then you look heavenward? You keep looking and before you know it there are half a dozen other people looking up, too.
     Looking up is actually contagious. If you've never done it before, I Double Dog Dare you to.
Such fun - and not just for children!


     The only thing, though, when you play this game. It's just that - a game. You aren't really looking at anything. The goal is to try to trick others into doing what you are doing, which is actually only looking up with no reward at the end of the action.
     I know something better which is not a game or a trick and is amazingly more rewarding. And the cool thing - it, too, is catching.
     It's called being a contagious Christian. Yes, it's winter time and the snow is strutting her stuff in the Great White North. But the way I see it, we have two choices:

1. Moan and groan about all the inconveniences that winter brings—the shoveling, the snowsuits, the frozen fingers, the high heat bills, the short days—I could go on.

OR.

2. Enjoy and count all the blessings God sends our way in the winter—the beauty of four seasons, the chance to play in the snow with our children and grandchilden, our warm homes, hot soup, Christmas with family—I could go on, again.

By choosing door number one, we are opting to pass on the moaning and groaning and the attitude of never being satisfied. We can't wish winter away so we decide it must be our lot to complain. The only thing we accomplish when we opt for door number one, though, is our minor grumblings begin to grow. At first we are complaining about the weather and the temperature. Next thing, we begin complaining about our children and our spouses. Then the in-laws and the out-laws. The neighbours and the leaders who are messing everything up. We complain about church and those who say they are our friends. The snowball has grown. The misery and gloom has been passed on and everyone around us is thinking the same way - and before we know it, pessimism and despair are rampant.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11 

 

Door number two opens to a different kind of world. A world where thankfulness is the key. Gratitude replaces complaint. A smile warms a lonely (or pessimistic) heart in the deep cold of winter. Building a snowfort becomes a time of bonding with our little ones. 'Snowflakes that stay on our nose and eyelashes' become one of our favourite things. We run inside and snuggle beside a warm fire with a steamy cup of hot chocolate and watch the Sound of Music. We realize that God didn't mess up this world but we focus on how He makes good out of the not so good. And then we sing and praise His name. When we opt for this way of thinking, much is accomplished for the Kingdom. At first we are giving thanks for the little things. We enjoy the blessings of family and we make sure they all know it. Then we remember our health or the way God is with us when we endure crises. We keep our hearts focused on the Light of the World and we forgive and trust, and hope and love and find joy and have patience, enjoy peace, do random acts of kindness not only on designated days or when someone is watching. 

      The result? Harmony. Peace. Pure joy. And that can only happen when we look up to the King of Kings. 

The Lord of Lords. 

The Prince of Peace. 

Wanna' join in? 

Double Dog Dare you! 

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?

Psalm 121:1

 To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!

                                                                                       Psalm 123:1

Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 40:26

A Blessed Gift by Glynis M Belec

Christmas is a time for laughter and for love. 

To thank the Lord, our God, for His Gift sent from above.

We celebrate with presents and trees adorned with lights

               We know that Jesus Christ was born on that star-lit night. 

Everyone is happy. There is caring all around

"Peace on Earth. Goodwill to men," is an ever-present sound. 

Yet sometimes, though we don't intend, we lose sight of the reason

The focus shifts away from Christ, at times, throughout the season. 

We rush to stores to buy the best for each one on our list.

With endless toys and precious gifts. There's no one we have missed. 

Let's not be blinded by the lights and tinsel on our trees.

Let's rejoice at Christmas time and fall down on our knees. 

The shepherds kneeled before the Lord and bowed their heads in prayer.

Our Saviour, Christ, was born that night - the news spread everywhere. 

So as we gather 'round the tree with friends and family

Do it in His blessed Name for all the world to see. 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable Gift! 

2 Corinthians 9:15

God's Goals - Check! by Glynis M Belec

One of the hardest things for me, when it comes to setting goals, is being realistic. Second on the tough scale is following through with them. Third is reviewing them.

It's not that I don't want to behave and do it all right and follow exactly my mindset as it was at the beginning of the year. But for some reason, my life isn't like that. I long, and sometimes (admittedly) I used to envy others who seemingly travel a straight and narrow path.

I've discovered, over the last while, God's goals and mine are not the same. Too often the unexpected creeps in and there go my plans. But I have given up bemoaning the fact that my plans don't always match God's and in that I find peace.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9

I took a quick glance at my January covenant, though, because of this month's prompt about reviewing our writing goals. I was curious to see if I have managed to lasso even a few over the past eight months. Let's have a look.

I will write at least 500 words a day - CHECK

The writing 500 words a day has come to pass, so in that one I rejoice! I actually do a lot more than that on any given day if I get to count the writing I do on behalf of other writers for my Angel Hope Publishing company. And then there is the new paid blog gig I got two months ago and the regular monthly column I am writing in a local magazine. So I can safely say I might even be able to add another zero onto that number some days.

I will write in my journal every other night - BUSTED

 I am still sporadic at best. Sometimes I write every night in my journal. Then the wind blows a different way and I forget or go to bed too late, or need to gobble up one more chapter of that great novel before shut eye. I will work on that one. Ugh.

I will read a chapter from the Bible each night starting at Genesis - BUSTED

I'm starting to feel like some kind of a backsliding sinner. Seriously, I started out at Genesis - really. Then I found that devotional book (with scripture) on Hope and that took over. I read the Bible every morning, with my devotions. Does that count? But I really did want to make it through the entire Bible front to back. Jumping back in the saddle. In the beginning. . .

 I will bite my tongue when I want to lash out to prove how right I am - CHECK

Biting my tongue instead of spouting my so called 'my way or the highway' attitude has shown significant improvement. I find the more I choose silence as an option, the better it is. It's also improved my listening ability. Imagine that.

I will tell others more often that I love them and show it - CHECK

This was an easy goal to achieve. Lots of reasons for being thankful and loving lots. Lots of reasons this year to cling tighter and be breathless in expressing love for those near and dear. Lots of reasons to never ever forget how much Christ loved me and sacrificed it all. Least I can do is pay it forward with a few sincere words.

 I will get in touch with my new writer friends and offer some helpful tips, taking time to really listen without monopolizing the conversation - CHECK

Helping out writers has been an easy and fulfilling task this year. I love encouraging and helping scribes discover their God given gifts. One thing with this goal, - sometimes I have trouble finding the off switch to the detriment of my own work, but God is also teaching me a little bit about balance. Even Jesus had to get away sometime to breathe. I find that a tough act to follow - setting boundaries. But I'm trying.

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.

Mark 6:30-32

And then there are all those other fabulous personal goals that sounded so achievable January 1st. Exercise. Weight loss. Saving money, Recycled promises.

Sometimes I flop. I try. But life happens and sometimes there are times I don't follow through with some of my goals even though I really, really want to. I've dealt with guilt and shame because of my failures but then, God whispers and tells me I'm being too hard on myself. He reminds me that when I'm on a personal mission and include Him, I've got the right focus and the prize is near.

Not to mention. God Goals far surpass Glynis Goals, anyway. 

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.(CHECK!)

Philippians 3:14

Drama Queen - The 'Other' Art Form

Seriously this is me. At first I used to fight the title, kicking and screaming; denying and justifying.

But I came to the realization that my dramatic personality is naught to try to run away from or to squelch.

When I was a wee lass in Scotland I remember being over the hills of Loch Lomond happy that I got the role of Mary in the school Christmas play. I don't remember a lot about it but I do remember loving the feeling of assuming the character of Mary and wondering if I could possibly 'pull it off and be believable'. I was doubly honoured when I got to bring my doll - Dianne (who I still have) along to play the part of Baby Jesus. The audience clapped and I was hooked.

All through school, as I was able, I was part of the drama team. I loved acting. I started to write plays and sketches and skits and thought how much fun that was, although I kept them hidden.

Then when I moved to Drayton, I was overjoyed to discover there was a wonderful theatre.
 Built in 1902, the majestic building still stood stately in the centre of the little bedroom community. I soon discovered the beautiful upstairs theatre complete with an amazing tin ceiling which afforded some incredible acoustics. And better yet, we soon learned that there was an amateur drama group in town that regularly presented plays to the community. I was bitten; stricken; moved; touched and dove in headfirst as soon as I saw the callout for local actors.

For many years both my husband and I got involved and were part of the Drayton Community Players. We had SO much fun. One year - for Christmas, actually - I was asked to write a play so that the Community Players could do something exclusively for the children of the area. I wrote Mother Goose's Christmas. I still have the scripts in my file after 25 plus years! What fun. What joy The first time I had seen my words acted out  'on stage'. I also produced the play so I was in my element.

The Drayton Community Players carried on acting and laughing and enjoying some wonderful fellowship over the years. I learned so much and took lots of classes and courses on acting and writing plays.

Then, when the professional theatre took over, it was curtains for us.

But God wasn't done. It was almost like he was setting the stage for me to do  something special.

About a year later, a friend and I started the Master's Voice Players (MVPs) at our church. What an amazing plan God put in place. I not only wrote many of our plays, I often collaborated with musicians to create some great cantatas. I loved those years. The MVPs grew and before we knew it we were ten years in and our group of wonderful young actors performed in many places including
churches, schools, and jails.

Our scripture verse was Acts 1:8b: "You will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”

We loved that and our MVP goal was to present the gospel through the power of prayer and through our combined love of the dramatic arts. 

Oh how I miss our group. It was a lot of work and a huge commitment, but I know God had His hand on us and how blessed we became with sweet  memories and forever friendships. 

I loved drama, although I was no professional. I think if I was younger I might have been persuaded to go back to school and learn so much more. But then again, as a leader of the MVPs, I ended up writing plays and instead of acting, I was producing. My love of the written word grew and I began to publish plays. I even wrote a Christian Actor's devotional [Eldridge Publishing] after a little nudge from God. He taught me so much. 

So yes, I am a drama queen, still to this day. My family all know that they can expect the unusual, but thank goodness they love me for my 'other' art form - or maybe I should say, despite my other art form. Thank goodness now, my energy is translated more often than not to the printed page, although I do express myself with flair and pizazz when I have a point to make. It's usually then that my family exit - stage left! 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Colossians 3:23

FOR HIM by Glynis M. Belec

When I wrote my inspirational, slice of life & humour column for many years in a local paper I remember two of my favourite encouragements received from readers: 

Number 1 - "I could really relate to what you wrote. I know exactly how you felt."

Number 2 -  "I cut out your column and have it on my fridge. "

That was music to my ears; to think my words hit home and people were actually 'getting me'. 

Little did I know, though, that God was priming me for some greater, wonderful, writerly moments over the years. Moments that would point others to Him. A ministry.

At the beginning I had such trouble seeing myself as a writer, though, even though I loved relaying stories and offering inspirational words each week. Sure, I wrote, but I felt what I plopped on paper were mere words. I felt apologetic sometimes and often had a need to explain why I was writing what I was writing. As if my words were insufficient and weak; so weak no one would understand my point.

My confidence level in the writing department was as dull as ditch-water and almost as stagnant. 

Then something happened. I think I grew up. Come to think of it, it was the same year I fell in love with Jesus. God eventually had hold of me, and something started to bubble. Maybe it was because I had experience under my belt. Maybe getting older gives one presence of mind and a little bit more understanding. Maybe just maybe God gave me new eyes (He certainly gave me a new heart) and said it was time I started realizing that this writing gift was His to use for His glory. 

I am not by any means implying I have it all together and everything I write is flowing prose and each word effectual and right and pleasing to God. What I am saying is that once I acknowledged God, then something happened in my writing life. 

Situations entered my life; some heart wrenching and more than a little challenging. I wrote about them.

God placed people in my life then He gave me ideas about how or what to write. I wrote about them.


Trials came and opportunities arose. He told me that I need not worry about prying open any doors - He would make sure those He wanted open would be open and that would be my signal to walk through and write about them. 

God reminded me of how Jesus was not forceful and tough in his ministry. Instead he was gentle and honest and passionate.  That's how I wanted to write. 

An editor, very early along in my career, gave me a very wise piece of advice that I love to share. I believe she offered it as she was rejecting an article I was submitting. I cannot remember the article at all, but I will never forget her wise words that helped turn my ordinary writing into ministry: 

"If you write from the heart, you will touch other hearts"

My hope and prayer is that I always write from my heart - my new heart, in Christ! 

**********

I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God. 

Psalm 9:1-2 The Message

How to Have a (Good) Marketing Attitude by Glynis Belec

     Writing is my heart passion. Business is my reality. 

I thought about comparing my career as a writer to a love/hate relationship. But then I got thinking how easily I can psyche myself into something. I definitely don't love marketing but I don’t actually hate it, either. I prefer not to do it but I don’t hate it even though I think I hate it.

All my life I have loved writing. Then once I learned writing for the serious scribe is actually 50 percent the written page and 50 percent business, I knew I had to expand my horizons and do it with a willing heart. Otherwise (I know me) I would be prone to whining and then I would convince myself how despicable marketing is and I wouldn't do it. 

I have learned that I choose my attitude - good or bad. I have discovered that if I pick good, only good will come out of it - even if things go bad. If I pick bad it ends up bad every time. I sought to have the 'somewhere in between' attitude. It never works. It always ends up bad, too. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that 'hate' isn't my issue, 'not knowing how' is more like it.

Resources are good when you want to learn how to do something. I've found a great Resource that never seems to fail. It sure has changed my marketing attitude. How about I share? 

1. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.    Colossians 3:23

• remember that we are not out to please man with our brilliant marketing schemes. We are intent on glorifying God with how we go about sharing our words. I won't pay for reviews, I will earn them
• I will glean some information from all these people who tell me they know how I can sell a thousand books in one day (as long as I buy their product) but I won't fall prey to their 'get rich schemes' at all costs. 
• I will try my best to make a good, doable plan for promoting my work.

2.  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant          than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

• I won't mock others or think I have the upper hand when it comes to making contacts 
• I am grateful that God has blessed me with a passion to write, but I will also encourage others to grow in their craft

• I will help others market their books because I know that when we help others we benefit the most. And when I help others market their books, I won't do it for selfish motives but purely because God doesn't want us to be rivals, but sisters and brothers on the same path

3.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,         

    faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Galatians 5:22-23

• It is much more fun to be nice. 
• I started a Facebook group a while ago and we now have close to 500 members. I LOVE talking to my Angels (I call them) about writing related topics. God has stirred a passion in my heart to help promote Canadian authors who write and engage readers who love to read quality work. I will admit, I started out with a little motive of building my 'tribe' and then using it as a marketing platform. It has become much more than that. God has used my wimpy idea to build some great relationships and allowed us to have some super conversations. I rarely plug my own books, but it feel so right what I am doing. 

4. Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for       you. 1 Peter 5:7

• One of the best ways - or maybe THE best way for me to sell my books is to speak
• When I first felt the nudge from God to speak I was dragged kicking and screaming, thinking what a lousy job I would do. Oh, I am a drama queen from way back and have graced the stage numerous times. The difference, though, was I always had a script - and the story was not mine to be told. I heed God's direction now and I love telling my story and sharing about so many things. God has blessed me with the gift of hope and laughter and I love to share that gift with whomever will give me the time of day. And often, blessings follow with the back of the room sales. 

5.  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count      slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that          any should perish, but that all should reach     

     repentance.                                                                                          2 Peter 3:9                                                                                                                                                           

• My brain wants to rush the process and I sometimes feel that I am not doing it right because I don't have at least 100 reviews on each book or people battering down my door begging to buy my books. 
• Then I remember my timing usually always differs from God's. He's been pretty patient with me over the years so I try to do the same. 

I could go on and on. Each day I get inspired. No, I have not turned in to Suzie Q Brilliant Marketer. I never will. But I found that once I changed my attitude and looked at marketing and promotion and everything business related from an "I can do this with God at the helm" attitude, I found it a much more pleasant task. 

Marketing isn't easy. Nor is brain surgery or waiting on unruly customers or building houses. But changing my attitude is. 

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10

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Glynis