Hold on to Hope- the Anchor of the Soul

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
Heb.6:19


As we are drawing near to Christmas, there is a sense of wonder and mystery in the air. People are going to Christmas parties, baking cookies, celebrating with friends, singing Christmas songs, shopping for presents and spreading good cheer as they remember traditions and customs in their households. It is all wonderful--as it should be! This is a time of great JOY that our Savior is coming to bring peace to this earth. But at the same time I find myself so involved in all these activities that I can lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas....Christ's coming and taking time to really ponder and meditate on this wondrous event. My heart also goes out to those who are having a rough time during these holidays. While I'm filled with joy there are others who are grieving the loss of a loved one and missing them this Christmas; there are others who have no family or who struggle with family disputes during this time; there are others who are homeless and some who have no money to even buy Christmas presents for their children; there's someone who has just gotten a terminal diagnosis etc. the list could go on and on. So I pray for them and ask God to send an angel of light...someone to remind them of the HOPE of a better tomorrow ...that Christ is their anchor, He is their hope, He is their peace, He is their Savior. He has come and He is coming again. Joy to the World--the Lord is come.
Hold on to Hope--the Anchor of the Soul

A ccept Christ as your only hope

"Christ in you the hope of glory." Col.1:27

N ever put your trust in what is seen, but hope in what you do not see

"Hope that is seen is no hope at all... but if we hope for what we do not yet have,
we wait for it patiently." Ro.8:24-25

C laim the plans and promises of God

"I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you Hope and a future." Jer.29:11

H ope in the redeeming power of God

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise
Him." Ps.42:5

O pen yourself to trust

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him." Ro.15:13

R ely totally on Jesus

"On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help
us by your prayers." 2 Co.1:9

BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

BEYOND THE BEYOND

A new week lies before me...
Visions
Dreams
Possibilities
and sparkling new Opportunities
that are beyond what I could ever imagine.
But then I fall into my "turtle syndrome" and pull back into the comfort and safety of my shell--afraid, hesitant to venture too far off the path called "familiar." Looking out from my safe place and thinking...

...it's beyond my talents and ability
...it's too big and too scary
...someone else can do it better
...I'd only make a fool of myself
...I don't want to fail

Then I remember

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Ps.139:14
"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23
"If God is for me, who can be against me." Ro.8:31

As if on cue, slowly and confidently,
I come out of my shell... and

"God stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved- surprised to be loved." Ps. 18:19 (message)

I find myself moving forward
not holding back

Ready to face
difficult circumstances
trials
struggles
relationships

Ready to embrace
His purpose for my life
His amazing plans
His calling to hope

Ready to reach for the stars
to move mountains
to go beyond the beyond
to Chase Life

What about you?
Won't you join me?
Imagine what we can do together
for the Kingdom of God...

Beyond the Beyond!

PROBLEMS TRANSFORMED INTO OPPORTUNITIES

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil.4:13

The problems you face in life can make you bitter or better. They will either defeat you or develop you--depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Let's look at how problems in our lives can be transformed into opportunities to grow in grace.
Here are 5 ways God can help you do that...

#1 God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God needs to do something drastic to get our attention. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Think about it...Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Prov.20:30

#2 God uses problems to INSPECT you. People can be like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot boiling water. Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3

#3 God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain, struggle, and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to ever touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something...health, money, a job, a relationship--by losing it. Psalm 119:71-72

#4 God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. An acquaintance of mine was fired from her job for refusing to do something unethical. Her unemployment was a problem--but it saved her from future prosecution that took place within the company. Genesis 50:20

#5 God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than in your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take into eternity. Romans 5:3-5

Here's the point: God is at work in your life--even when you do not recognize or understand it. So the next time a problem arises, consider it from God's perspective and turn that problem into a life-changing opportunity to grow in grace and to give Him honor.

"Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose--
the eye sheds a tear to find its focus." --Robert Brault

THE VOICE

"Listen to His voice and hold fast to HIm." Dt.30:20

Perhaps some of you have seen the newest reality show called THE VOICE. It's comprised of 4 celebrity judges who- on the first round- simply listen to the singing voices of the contestants. The judges sit with their backs to the participants so that they will only focus on the VOICE and not be distracted by appearance or first impressions. If they like what they hear then they turn their chairs around to show their interest and approval.

This morning during my quiet time I was stirred by the lyrics of a song from Gateway Worship. The inspiring words of the song stayed with me for hours.

"I hear the voice, the voice of the One I love. He's calling my name.
Come up higher, and hear the angels sing.
Come up higher, my beloved.
Come up higher, and leave this world behind.
You'll find me to be beautiful.
I am running, running after You.
You've become my soul's delight.
I am running, running after You.
Here with You I find my life..."

The words caused me to reflect on the VOICES in my life.
Who do I listen to the most? My friends, family, co-workers,
critics, believers, strangers, commercials, the enemy, or my faithful God????
I thought of all the myriad distractions that invade my everyday life.... do I let them get in the way of Listening to the voice of my Beloved? I realized that sometimes I seek out the voices of others before my Lord's... not proud about that. And worse still...giving any attention at all to the voice of the enemy trying to distract me from the voice of God. It's His still small voice that I want to seek and listen to above the noise of the crowd.
I think how blessed am I that He wants to converse with me...to take me to that place where I only hear His voice. I pray for deeper attentiveness to the voice of the Spirit within me. I pray that for all of you also. I pray that we all listen to His voice and hold fast to Him.

I found myself so excited about the Voice that I went to the Scriptures and found more verses to cherish throughout the day. Allow me to share them with you. I ask God to breathe His Voice over you in blessing as you read and reflect on them.

Ps.95:7-8 Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

John 10:4 His sheep follow him because they know His voice.

Is.30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind
you saying, "This is the way; walk in it. "

Ps.29:3-9 The voice of the Lord is over the waters...
The voice of the Lord is powerful...
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars...
The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning
The voice of the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare and in his
temple all cry, "Glory."

Rev.3:20 If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with
him, and he with Me.


JOURNAL EXERCISE:

Choose one of the scriptures above.
Write it in your journal.
Pray it out loud several times.
Post it on an index card that you can keep before you through the day.
Ask God what He is saying to you through this verse?
Write your response to God in your journal.
Write the verse back to God as a prayer. ( as a paraphrase, poem, acrostic etc.)

QUESTION: WHOSE VOICE WILL YOU LISTEN TO TODAY?

CREATED FOR PURPOSE

"Purpose is what gives life meaning" Charles H. Perkhurst

Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life?
Why you were born?
What dream or vision is calling out to you?
Where you are called to make a difference?
These are questions we all struggle or wrestle with from time to time.

For myself, I really want to know God's will and purpose in and for my life.
I don't want to miss it.........not even by a tiny margin. Perhaps you're in that zone of exploration now--asking, seeking, praying, discerning, and inviting counsel from godly friends. Sometimes when we want an answer "RIGHT NOW" it can lead to doubt, fear, and more confusion. It's an uncomfortable position to be in as many others will tell you. But you have to guard against making hasty or impulsive decisions without prayer, trust, and waiting for God's revelation. Believe me, it's worth the wait!

3 SIMPLE STEPS FOR FINDING YOUR PURPOSE:

#1 Know that you have a purpose

Jer.29:11 "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."

The word of God tells us we are fearfully, wonderfully made. You have value, significance and worth in the eyes of God. After all, He made you in his image and likeness and created you to have an intimate relationship with Him.

#2 Pray

Matt.7:7 "Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

God wants you to pray and seek his will. He plants His desires deep in your heart and spirit. He gives you certain talents, abilities, skills, character traits and gifts that can lead and draw you toward His divine plan for your life.

#3 Read and Meditate on the Word of God

Ps.119:130 "The unfolding of His words gives light."

His words are LIFE! Each day as you immerse yourself in the Word of God, his Spirit, living within you will lead and guide you in the way of wisdom and discernment.

Prov.4:4 "Lay hold of my words with all your heart."
Ps.119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

God has a divine design and purpose for your life. It is uniquely tailored just for you. So trust Him and believe that He is working all things according to your good. His will and purpose for your life is being revealed to you in His Spirit.
Enjoy the time and process of discovery...it is a time of Grace.

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
--William Shedd

HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Heb.6:19


We all want to have hope for the Journey,don't we? We want to have something to anticipate, to expect, to hold on to? Hope, indeed, keeps us anchored, steady, secure because our hope is in Jesus....the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Aldous Huxley once said: " Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what man does with what happens to him."

Perhaps some of you are in circumstances and situations that are challenging, overwhelming, and depressing. You're asking questions like:

Is life worth living?
Is there any hope for my marriage?
Is there any hope for my family members to be saved?
Is there any hope to overcome these addictions?
Is there any hope for forgiveness?
Is there any hope for selling my house?
Is there any hope of finding a job?
Is there any hope that this abuse will end?
Is there any hope for this illness?

It's a good question isn't it? I often wonder how people can survive horrific experiences or even day to day setbacks without having Hope and Faith. You can go 40 days without food...3 days without water...8 min. without air...but you can't go a single second without HOPE. When Hope is gone...your life ceases.

HOPE makes all the difference.

When you have hope--you are capable of bearing incredible burdens and standing firm under trial. You become an overcomer.

Where do we get HOPE?

Ps.42:5 Put your hope in God

Ro.5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Our hope as Christians is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ. Without Him...our life is truly meaningless.

You have to have hope to believe that God will work in your life.
You have to have hope to believe that God can change your situation or circumstances.
You have to have hope that He will indeed work all things together for your good.

Hold fast to Jesus and you will go from hope to hope. You will not give in to despair or temptation.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful Heb.10:23

Where in your life right now do you need HOPE?
Take a moment and jot it down...bring it to the Lord in prayer with believing faith. Our God does not disappoint. He will never leave or abandon you. He is working in your circumstances, relationships, trials even now as you wait upon Him.

"What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise." Oscar Wilde

One of my favorite passages from Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength--they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.

Allow God today to revive your spirit and fill you with renewed hope in Him and in the promises of His Word.

Building Disciples: Living and Loving Like Jesus

" I don't have a great vision. A great Vision Has Me." Willie George

Don't you think this statement describes Jesus? The vision and the will of the Father marked every word and action of Jesus' life here on earth. He imparted that same vision to His disciples and told them to take it to the nations with the power and anointing of his Holy Spirit. When I read this statement I think to myself:
Wow! I want that! I want Jesus' vision to be in me and to transform me. Because of His vision in me..........I want to make a difference in this world. I want to make an impact for His honor and glory.That's why I'm so excited about the direction and vision that God is giving to our church.

BUILDING DISCIPLES: LIVING AND LOVING LIKE JESUS.

To become part of something bigger than ourselves is both exciting and challenging. It stretches us and calls us out of our familiar comfort zones.
And when we do it together as a church body, we grow in love and unity. We become Focused, Direct, and Intentional as we discover ways to spread the love of Jesus not only overseas but right here in our own "local outreaches." I pray that God gives us holy zeal as He continues to unfold His plan more clearly day by day.

John Maxwell says,
"To cast a vision,
you must see it clearly
show it creatively
and say it continually."


Building Disciples: Living and Loving Like Jesus


As we begin to live and walk out this vision may the words of the psalm 37:5 come to mind. "Commit your way to the Lord and He shall bring it to pass."

Winter poems

As today is the first official day of winter, I'd like to share just a poem or two that will usher you into the spirit of this season. Our winter wonderland is a glorious backdrop for these musings and reflections..........

Silent Solstice (Winter Becomes Maine)

sleet against the windowpane,
or maybe a mouse in the wall...

I listen...
but silence knows no direction

outside,
heavy pine boughs,
deep in the woods
so quiet, so still
a deer steps...

inside, warm,
the sound of a cat's paw
disturbs very little
as it hunts in a dream
silent as sleet

by Denis Dunn


Let Every Day Be Christmas

Christmas is forever,
not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving
are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel,
in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others
is good you do yourself.

--Norman W. Brooks

LOOKING AHEAD...

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Ps.37:4

The other day as I was gazing on the winter wonderland outside my window, I gave myself over to a period of quiet thought and reflection about dreams, wishes and desires.
I love Ps. 63 where it talks about being hungry, thirsty and satisfied by God. How many times I seek to be filled with other things or relationships when I know deep down in my soul that He is the giver of Life and Love and of all good things. He is the One and Only in my life who is constant and faithful and true--He is the only one who can fill me up to overflowing.

That being said, I recently saw a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called "The Bucket List." It portrays the story of 2 men who were diagnosed with terminal cancer and so they decide to make a bucket list of all the things they wanted to do before "kicking the bucket." Honestly, I loved this movie...it moved me to belly aching laughter and to copious tears and reminded me that this is life!

Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things you'd like to do before you die?
As we are entering into this sacred season of Christ's birth and the drum roll on the year 2010-- what bucket list could you create for the year 2011? What's knocking on the door of your heart? What things have you wanted to do but simply put off till a later date--for no reason at all. Actually, I'm a firm believer that if there's really something you are passionate about, you will find a way to make it happen.

SO HERE'S THE CHALLENGE:
Make a bucket list of 5 things you'd like to do or accomplish or see in the year 2011.
Have fun with it. Draw a bucket if you like and write your desires all over it... or buy a bucket and put your lists inside it...whatever you do, have fun! Allow yourself to dream. As Christians, we know someone who has the power to make our dreams come true because with our God "all things are possible." Matt.19:26 If you're up to it and brave enough--share it with a friend and ask that person to keep you accountable in a friendly sort of way.

Here's your start: My____________bucket list for 2011.

"LET US COME BEFORE HIM WITH THANKSGIVING." Ps.95:2

I love the smell and feel of Autumn
I love the subtle crispness in the air as August announces the coming of Fall
I love the glorious array of color splashed over our streets that renders me
speechless ( and that's quite a feat in itself).
I love the majestic splendor of each and every tree as they display their own
shape and form and personality
I love the rustle of leaves beneath my feet
I love trying to find a golf ball landing in a bundle of leaves
I love the scurrying of animals as they gather nuts for the winter
I love the squirrels trying to get seed from my birdfeeder
I love football--high school; college; and NFL
I love the bands and the fans
I love the commentators
I love the excitement of the crowds and the cheering for their teams
I love the smell of bonfires and the roasting of marshmellows and smores
I love prayers whispered under the stars
I love the beginning of school after the summer break
I love seeing parents stand with their children as they wait for the school bus
I love our women's bible study getting back together
I love harvest celebrations and collecting for food pantries
I love putting on my warm colored jacket given to me by my husband
I love walking under a shower of falling leaves with my 2 dogs
I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving
I love Hallmark movies
I love being with my family on Thanksgiving Day
I love the parade
I love turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie
I love everything and more about Autumn
I love most of all --GIVING THANKS TO GOD
FOR HIS BLESSING AND FAVOR
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR...


How about you?
What do you love about Autumn?
What will you thank God for this year?
What traditions do you most cherish?


"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 2 Thess.5:16-18

You are His Delight

"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives." Ps. 37:23


So many times, more than I'd like to admit, I encounter women who walk around with a smile plastered on their face but secretly wearing a cloak of shame and worthlessness. It makes me want to reach out and hug them and tell them the good news again...yes, again. God loves you above and beyond anything you could ask or imagine........He is a forgiving God and doesn't hold you at arms length because of something you've done in your past. He calls you to draw near ...to seek Him with all your heart. From childhood you've heard that God loves you but do you really believe it? For many of us it's just head knowledge and hasn't penetrated to the heart. Perhaps you haven't experienced that unconditional love from your family, friends, or even church and so you continue to bear that shame and negative self-esteem. I often wonder if we know how much power we've been given by the Holy Spirit living within us? We can unleash it and free someone from their state of captivity. Love shows itself in action--isn't that what we've been told? So what's stopping me from giving a word of affirmation or encouragement to someone? What's stopping me from offering help to someone in need? What's stopping me from offering forgiveness to someone who's hurt me? What's stopping me from listening with compassion rather than judgment? What's stopping me from speaking words of life and hope into the heart of another woman? The answer is--NOTHING! So will you accept the challenge to choose to make a difference in someone's life today? Will you make that postponed phone call; will you write that note of encouragement; will you say "I forgive you", will you speak words of hope to someone who needs it? Will you help someone take off the mantle of shame and put on the robe of righteousness in Christ? I hope today will be a day of Grace...received and given away to another.
I'm eager, hopeful, expectant at what God will reveal to me and to you.
Get ready......take up your position.........move forward in Jesus name!

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph.3:17

GOING SOMEWHERE

"Barricade the road that goes NOWHERE.
Grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the road to SOMEWHERE.
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me.
God, don't let me down.
I'll run the course you lay out for me
If you'll just show me how....

Ps.119:29-32 Message translation

I seem to always gravitate toward things
that talk about the road, the path, the journey,
the way, the footprints, the walk.
That's why I love this translation of psalm 119.
I would really want the Lord to barricade the road
that would take me nowhere or to a place that is
not in his plan for me. I implore him to show me
the road to SOMEWHERE...to where He is leading
me to walk with Him and to serve him on this earthly
journey. I do believe He has roads for all of us and
sometimes the road changes........I just want the grace
to read the signs and the obedience to start out and
then to finish the race. Perhaps some of you are
searching for the road to somewhere...or maybe
you are on the road to nowhere and don't know
how to get yourself turned around.
Well......there's one fail safe way and that is to
simply go to the Father and ask Him for a clear
road sign to lead you back. Believe me, He will
see your heart and he will lead you back. Just
like the Father in the story of the prodigal son...
He is waiting patiently for our return. It's never
too late to turn around.............

"All you have to do is look straight
and see the road and when you
see it, don't sit looking at it-
Walk." Ayn Rand

Let's walk together on the road marked
out for us.........Amen and Hallelujah!

Writing Essays

"Many people succeed when others do not believe in them.
But rarely does a person succeed when he does not believe in himself."
--Herb True

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending Skyline Writer's Conference in Peninsula, Ohio. Once again they presented an amazing variety of speakers who addressed a potpourri of topics in the field of writing. It's also a great source of encouragement and motivation to meet and speak with other writers from different backgrounds and levels of experience.

My one big take away was a sentence from John Ettore:
"Don't FIND time to write. MAKE time to write."

One of my favorite sessions was Essay Writing by Nancy Christie, author of the inspirational book, "The Gifts of Change."
Now one might think this topic would be boring, reminiscing on high school composition classes, but on the contrary this talk was stimulating and motivating. Allow me to relay just a few points she shared that might help you get started in writing a vibrant essay.

The most important thing is to choose a topic or theme. This can come from a variety of sources such as life experiences, movies, newspapers, emotions, beliefs and values, anecdotes, or life experiences. Then be sure there is a universal truth......not one that you will outright tell them but that they will discover for themselves as they read and reflect on your article.

Remember 3 parts of the structure for a good essay:

#1 Introduction........this is the lead or hook to bring the reader in. It could be a story, dialog, universal truth, joke, video from youtube etc.


#2 Body......this includes what the essay is about. What is it you realize? What is the universal truth? What are the connections? What is the take away? This is where you develop and flesh out your message.


#3 Conclusion.........come back around again. Tie things up nicely.


Now, you begin! Don't worry about perfection because part of a writer's life is rewriting and editing. Just write and learn to enjoy the experience. I believe writing is like piano practice....the more you write, the better you become. It's the old axiom: "Practice makes perfect."

Suggestions:

• Write about a recent vacation that changed your life
• Write about a struggle that taught you an amazing lesson
• Write about a funny incident from your childhood
• Write about a job that you desperately wanted but didn't get
• Write about the value of friendships
  
• Write about a snowy night
• Write about a new career path
• Write about the birth of your first child
• Write about something that is your passion

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending."
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

MOVING ON

" The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not to react."
-- Gloria Anzaldua

Previously I shared some writing tools and prompts to help you get into a daily writing routine. I know it was a challenge and I hope that many of you were able to stick with it and move through it. Accepting a challenge and reaching a goal gives one a sense of wonder and accomplishment. How great is it to say to yourself, " I did it!" Wow!

Today I'd like to encourage you to write about Moving On...
Think about your life and your present circumstances:

• Where are you stuck?
  
• Where do you need to go?
• What do you need to leave behind?
• How will you move on?

This is a wonderful exercise for free flow writing.
Set a timer for 10 min. for each question.
Pick up your pen and start writing.
Do not stop or lift up your pen.
Don't worry about grammar.
Don't even think about what you are writing...just write.

When you are finished with all four questions, read your writing out loud.
Celebrate what you have written.
At another time you can rewrite this exercise in a clear organized fashion using good grammar, punctuation, and creativity.

This exercise will prove to be enlightening, motivating, and energizing.
This may be a catalyst to help you make some major or minor changes in your life or to help you move forward to reach your dreams and goals.

GOD'S BLESSING ON YOUR HEART, MIND AND PEN!

"It is good to have an end to journey forward;
but it is the JOURNEY that matters in the end."
--Ursula K Leguin

TOOLS FOR WRITING PRACTICE

" I'm one of those people that believes you should start writing
before you think you're ready."-- Joseph Ellis

Well, here we are at the Writer's Corner again--Welcome in!
I hope you've had time to experiment with a few of the ideas I've passed on to you so far. They were simple, straightforward and very do-able. Today, I want to look at some writer's tools, environment, and space.

BASIC TOOLS
Writing is a blessing to your pocket book because you don't need a lot of expensive things to get started.......Look at this list:
Several pencils or pens
A simple spiral notebook or pad of notebook paper
A small notebook for purse or pocket
A desire to write

WHERE TO WRITE
Some people like to write in bed upon awakening
Some people have a comfortable chair or sofa that suits them just fine
Others need to be upright in a chair at their desk or computer
Others may like to sit by a tree, on a porch swing, by the water
Find what feels right for you and gives you the most incentive to write

WHEN TO WRITE
Some writers pick up the pen first thing in their morning before the day begins
Some writers set a time during their day
Others set blocks of time during their week where they can be undisturbed
Some write in the evening when all is quiet and serene
Some write on the spot-- anytime, anywhere, anyway

This all sounds and looks easy, doesn't it?
The biggest challenge for the writer is to JUST WRITE.....PERIOD!!!!
No excuses, no procrastinating, no negotiating............JUST DO IT!

WEEKLY CHALLENGE FOR YOU!
Every day this week (7 days) I challenge you to write for at least 15 minutes.
Just write.............set your timer and don't stop till it dings
Find the right notebook and pen or pencil and give it a GO
What do you have to lose? You may be surprised to discover you want to keep on going............but if you're serious about writing....you can find 15 min. to get started

There's nothing more exciting for a writer than to find YOUR VOICE--
It's your turn! Begin your session by saying: My name is ______________and I'm a writer. Be relaxed and enjoy it!

WRITING PROMPTS

• Write about a ceremony
• Write about a present
• Write about a person who had great impact on your life
• Write about a day on the beach
• Write about a childhood memory
• Write about your favorite sport
  
• Write about graduation
• Write about a time of tears
• Write about a time of fun and abandon
• Write about a friendship
• Write about your passion
• Write about a dream or longing
• Write about a time of testing
• 
  

"IF WE HAD TO SAY WHAT WRITING IS, WE WOULD DEFINE IT ESSENTIALLY
AS AN ACT OF COURAGE." -- Cynthia Ozick

Writers and Poets from Ireland

"There is none to tell the rich to go on striving, for a rich man makes the law that hallows and hollows his own life." -- Sean O'Casey

I've just returned from a graced journey through the beautiful Emerald Isle of Ireland!
This is the place where I can trace all my family roots on both sides with names like Dunn, Gorman, Roche, Cronin, Gallagher, Reidy and more. This was a milestone journey for me and a gift of immeasurable worth from our good God. I was amazed at how many writers and poets hail from this great land. To name a few: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Patrick Kavanagh, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift, and William Butler Yeats. As I was browsing through a book store one day, I came upon a poetry book of Patrick Kavanagh's that caught my attention. There was one particular poem in there that stirred my soul and I got out my notebook and copied it then and there. Let me share this beautiful poem with you now.

TO A CHILD

Child, do not go
into the dark places of soul.
For there the gray wolves whine,
the lean gray wolves.

I have been down
among the unholy ones who tear
beauty's white robe and clothe her
in rags of prayer

Child, there is light somewhere
under a star
Sometime it will be for you
a window that looks
inward to God.

--Patrick Kavanagh

There is so much pause for reflection and meditation in this poem.
It speaks of real life with darkness and light, struggles and triumphs,
and encouraging words that we can speak into another's life. Here
are a few thoughts you might want to consider for some journaling.

Journal exercise:

Have you ever been in a dark place of the soul?
What were you feeling and experiencing in that place?
Where did you find your light?
Where was your window that looked inward to God?
If you are in that place now.............
Be still.........write out your thoughts and feelings in simple words from your heart!
Believe that God is there with you and will lead you to the light.

KEEP ON WRITING

"When I am writing I am doing the thing I was meant to do."
-- Anne Sexton

Last week I issued an invitation to write...to pick up your pen and let the words flow. I encouraged you to find your own true "voice" in the writing process. I gave you a Tip and some Prompts to begin the writing journey. Hopefully you were able to stretch yourself in the process. If you are faithful,
I believe you will discover beautiful and hidden treasures within yourself.

Today I want to give you another tip to encourage you and spur you forward in finding your own voice in the written word.

TIP #2
Keep on writing no matter what distractions may come your way.
Be steady and consistent.
Set a time of 15-30 minutes to write each day.(try setting a timer)
Write the date, time, and topic at the top of your page.
Begin to write from your prompt.
Don't stop, edit, rethink, or revise what you are writing.
Remember--this is just practice, practice, practice.
After you have finished, read your piece out loud.
You will be amazed and delighted at what comes forth in your writing.

Quote: "Writing is always a voyage of discovery."--Nadine Gordimer

WRITING PROMPTS:

1. Write about a time someone said yes.
2. Write about a time of small despair.
3. Write about a risk you've taken.
4. Write about a time you made a fool of yourself.
5. Write about a movie you've seen.

Be spirited and energized in your writing this week!
Maybe we'll meet on the page--

Marykay--fellow writer and companion on this incredible journey

INVITATION TO WRITE

"I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep I wrote in the dark." -- Henry David Thoreau

I consider myself a "newbie" in the world of writing. I feel like I'm in a huge mansion that is beautifully decorated and welcoming. But it seems like there are so many rooms with closed locked doors. I'm curious as to what lies behind each of those doors and I feel it will take me a lifetime to find out. I've been given a KEY to begin my exploration and discovery simply because I have the desire to walk out this adventure and grow as a writer. Would you like to join me? Perhaps you will find yourself shy-tentative-and unsure about this experience. But trust me-you are in good company because that's the way I started too. So just be yourself----- if you have even the tiniest desire to write...to find your own voice....to discover the song hidden in your heart...to reach for that long denied dream-then come along and enjoy our time together. I thought that I would begin at the beginning and share some things that will help you begin to write. I'll give you a quote worth pondering-- some tips for writing and some prompts for the week of practice. I'm hoping you'll become a follower and share some of your writing or comments with me. You see--writers need other writers. We need that friendship, fellowship, and feedback to enable us to keep on keeping on in the journey of writing that stretches before us. So let's begin:

QUOTE: "You can't sit around thinking. You have to sit around writing." --David Long

TIP#1:
Just begin to write. Don't worry about grammar, rules, spelling, vocabulary, or sentence structure. Put your pen to paper...write about the Prompt that is given...set your timer for 10-15 minutes and just let the writing flow. Don't lift your pen from the page -don't stop to think- just write and be surprised at what opens up inside of you. In writing practice you are free to be--

WRITING PROMPTS:

1. Write about something you lost
2. Write about a secret place
3. Write about a favorite vacation
4. Write about a time you cried yourself to sleep
5. Write about your best friend

ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

ACCEPTANCE

"Everything in life that we really accept
undergoes a change." -Kathleen Mansfield

Accepting and blessing our circumstances is a powerful tool for living a transformed and Spirit-filled life. I read from one of my journals last week that "our circumstances don't get us down but our attitude about our circumstances gets us down." So what does it mean to accept our circumstances? Well, acceptance is surrendering to what is: our circumstances, our feelings, our trials, our visions and dreams, our health, our finances, and our relationships. You see, before we can change anything in our lives we have to acknowledge that this is the way it's meant to be right now. Someone once said that acceptance is a long sigh of the soul. This is the place where I need to trust God....period!

I'm Irish and I can be stubborn--I've noticed that in myself. At times when I've been discontent, I've noticed that I am resisting what is and what God is asking of me. When I finally- let go and release it to God- I'm flooded with an incredible peace. What I most resist turns out to be the area of greatest blessing and opportunity for me. Then I'm open to all the goodness and grace that God wants to pour into my life. Acceptance lights my path and broadens my perspective.

Whatever situation, trial, circumstance, or problem you are encountering in your life right now...may I suggest that you accept it and embrace it. Natalie Goldberg, one of my favorite authors, says "Cast a glance around and acknowledge what's going on. This is my tiny kitchen with the dirty floor, this is how much I weigh, this is my checking account balance, this is where I work right now. This is what is really happening in my life at the present moment.This is okay. This is real life."

So-today, at this time in your life, let go of the struggle. Accept what is so that you can begin the healing process of change and move forward in your life.
This is an amazing principle of Grace.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Phil.4:12-13

ACTION STEP:

Write in your journal the thing you are most resisting now in your life.
Write under that what you think God might be asking of you.
Write how you feel about it....be honest.
Write what your struggle is....
Write how that situation might look like if you would accept it and surrender it to God.

Write a prayer to God asking him for his help and grace to surrender to His will in your life knowing He has a purpose and a plan and your best interests at heart.

GOD CARES FOR YOU

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrows; it empties today of strength."
Corrie ten Boom

In the darkest moments of our midnight hour it is sometimes difficult to believe that God is there. All too often we feel alone, deserted, forsaken and abandoned in our time of trial. Everywhere we turn we see trouble magnified and feel that blessing is minimized. We ask where God is-- why doesn't He answer--why doesn't He come to our rescue? We are feeling out of control and giving in to panic and unbelief. Is that where you find yourself today? Are you searching and seeking God in your time of distress? Well--be encouraged because He cares for you and tells you to cast your burdens on him and he will come to you. We know that our seasons of trial and suffering strengthen us in our faith and shape our character after Christ. Sometimes God will remove the trial but many times He simply walks with us through the storm giving us grace that is sufficient for the day. Life can be tough but God's promises are tougher and we can rely on Him because He is faithful. Be encouraged by some of these promises from His Word:

SCRIPTURES
Nahum 1:7 "He cares for those who trust in him."
Ps.145:18 "He is near to all who call on him"
Jer.33:3 "Come to me, and I will answer you."
1 Pe 5:7 "Cast your cares on the Lord."
Ps.41:1 "The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Ps.40:2 " He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
he put a new song in my mouth."

Now, don't those verses give you hope and expectation? Put your trust in him and he will strengthen you; he will answer you; he will deliver you from all your fears and put a new song in your mouth- a hymn of praise to our God. He is faithful and true!

Action Steps:
Pray these scriptures every day till you get your blessing
Seek the Lord in prayer every day
Speak to someone you trust and ask for their prayer, support and godly counsel
Speak positive words of faith and hope into your circumstances
Refuse to let the enemy put you down
Rise up in the mighty power of your God

Prayer:
Lord, you are worthy of praise and honor. Forgive me for the times I have taken my eyes off you. You are worthy of my full attention and complete trust. There is none like You. Teach me to better focus on your greatness and majesty so that I might have an eternal perspective in my time of trial. Faith is believing that you are exactly who you say you are. Increase my faith, Lord!