In my YA novel the main characters go through change. Change for the better. In the process of this change, they go through challenges, perils, tragedy. Whatever I think they need to make them the person I want them to be in the end.
They don't understand the why of it, but I do.
God is like that in our lives. He sees the person He wants us to become and sets in motion events and circumstances to guide us into that change.
It isn't easy and at times it can be painful. Plus we don't know what we are changing into.
Fear knocks on the door and we let it in. Fear is a strong emotion. We grab hold of it, not realizing that strong emotion is not there to help us but to pin us down.
Under the weight of fear we cry out to God.
You don't have to be afraid, but you do have to trust.
Trust and fear are polar opposites. Both vying to be your north pole, but there can be only one.
If you truly trust God then He is your north pole.
Do you trust Him to change you into the person He wants even though you won't know what that is until He is finished?
Hmmm.
22 July, 2010
21 July, 2010
Sometimes you have to let go
I was reading my daily devotional when I noticed a similarity between what that author wrote and my life.
She felt God calling her to let go of her previous way of writing and embrace a new form of writing. She prayed about it, obeyed, and was blessed by it.
I have enjoyed, for several years now, my non- fiction writing about God and Christian living. I wrote weekly emails, I've written articles. I even completed writing a discipleship workbook for new believers. I knew God had called me to be a writer, He confirmed it for me on a trip to Greece in October of 2007. So I was pursuing the type of writing I thought would be pleasing to God.
April of this year I felt God trying to get my attention about my writing. I felt Him calling me to write fiction. Now in the past I've written short stories, screenplays, and even some children's picture books, but I thought that couldn't be what God wanted me to do. He wants me to write bestselling nonfiction books to help hurting women, to help new believers. I determined to focus on the writing I thought God called me to.
But this feeling would not leave me. So I prayed and put aside my own desires and opened myself up to hear Him.
He told me to finish my novel. What fiction? Yes. Finish that novel. But Lord, what about all these great faith articles I've written? I need to get them published. You know reach the world...
God told me: your articles will go on your blog. I want you to focus on finishing the novel. Don't worry. My glory will be revealed in it.
My path is not to be the next Beth Moore, but to reach the hurting and lost through my fiction writing.
When I set my foot on His path for my writing I felt and still do at peace.
I love writing fiction. It is the desire of God's heart and mine as well.
I have a list of story ideas to turn into novels once I have completed the revisions on my first one.
3 weeks until I return to work as a teacher. Three weeks to finish all revisions, submit to an agent, and begin the next novel.
It's going to be an exciting three weeks.
She felt God calling her to let go of her previous way of writing and embrace a new form of writing. She prayed about it, obeyed, and was blessed by it.
I have enjoyed, for several years now, my non- fiction writing about God and Christian living. I wrote weekly emails, I've written articles. I even completed writing a discipleship workbook for new believers. I knew God had called me to be a writer, He confirmed it for me on a trip to Greece in October of 2007. So I was pursuing the type of writing I thought would be pleasing to God.
April of this year I felt God trying to get my attention about my writing. I felt Him calling me to write fiction. Now in the past I've written short stories, screenplays, and even some children's picture books, but I thought that couldn't be what God wanted me to do. He wants me to write bestselling nonfiction books to help hurting women, to help new believers. I determined to focus on the writing I thought God called me to.
But this feeling would not leave me. So I prayed and put aside my own desires and opened myself up to hear Him.
He told me to finish my novel. What fiction? Yes. Finish that novel. But Lord, what about all these great faith articles I've written? I need to get them published. You know reach the world...
God told me: your articles will go on your blog. I want you to focus on finishing the novel. Don't worry. My glory will be revealed in it.
My path is not to be the next Beth Moore, but to reach the hurting and lost through my fiction writing.
When I set my foot on His path for my writing I felt and still do at peace.
I love writing fiction. It is the desire of God's heart and mine as well.
I have a list of story ideas to turn into novels once I have completed the revisions on my first one.
3 weeks until I return to work as a teacher. Three weeks to finish all revisions, submit to an agent, and begin the next novel.
It's going to be an exciting three weeks.
20 July, 2010
Self Defense
Self defense
As if my day wasn't full enough yesterday with teaching drama, and reading fiction, I spent two hours last night at a self defense course.
I highly recommend a basic self defense course for everyone, but today I'm talking to a specific group of women.
I know someone who has suffered the devastating tragedy of rape. Victims of sexual assault have their very identity stolen. They become a completely different person. A person full of fear, and self doubts, and self hate. It may take them years to go out after dark. You may notice them triple checking the locks on the doors, looking under the beds, in closets, in showers, etc. Every night before they can go to bed. They may even get up in the middle of the night and do it all over again.
If this describes you then I encourage you to take a self defense class. It helps in a number of ways.
It helps you to know how to avoid looking like a target. It helps you preplan how to get out of certain holds, like being grabbed from behind, hands around your throat, etc. It also allows you to practice.
Last night our two instructors showed us several techniques. We then practiced each technique until they felt we had it down.
One of the biggest fears he said women have is they are afraid to hit another person. It's contrary to our mothering nature, but someone who is trying to hurt you is not looking for you to be their mother.
The class helped me feel less vulnerable and less afraid.
2Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a spirit of fear.
Conquering a deep fear requires faith in God. Faith is action.
I believe God wants me to write, and so in faith I have begun my writing career. Action
I took the class to feel less vulnerable, to help me conquer fear so I can backpack the Appalachian Trail. So I can go out at night alone without being afraid.
Put your faith in God into action. Get training to help you exercise your faith, and get out there.
As if my day wasn't full enough yesterday with teaching drama, and reading fiction, I spent two hours last night at a self defense course.
I highly recommend a basic self defense course for everyone, but today I'm talking to a specific group of women.
I know someone who has suffered the devastating tragedy of rape. Victims of sexual assault have their very identity stolen. They become a completely different person. A person full of fear, and self doubts, and self hate. It may take them years to go out after dark. You may notice them triple checking the locks on the doors, looking under the beds, in closets, in showers, etc. Every night before they can go to bed. They may even get up in the middle of the night and do it all over again.
If this describes you then I encourage you to take a self defense class. It helps in a number of ways.
It helps you to know how to avoid looking like a target. It helps you preplan how to get out of certain holds, like being grabbed from behind, hands around your throat, etc. It also allows you to practice.
Last night our two instructors showed us several techniques. We then practiced each technique until they felt we had it down.
One of the biggest fears he said women have is they are afraid to hit another person. It's contrary to our mothering nature, but someone who is trying to hurt you is not looking for you to be their mother.
The class helped me feel less vulnerable and less afraid.
2Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a spirit of fear.
Conquering a deep fear requires faith in God. Faith is action.
I believe God wants me to write, and so in faith I have begun my writing career. Action
I took the class to feel less vulnerable, to help me conquer fear so I can backpack the Appalachian Trail. So I can go out at night alone without being afraid.
Put your faith in God into action. Get training to help you exercise your faith, and get out there.
19 July, 2010
Something different
The writer is a drama teacher, at least for this week. I am teaching Introductory drama to 2-5th graders. I'm on a short break between classes while I write this.
As a school teacher my students are usually 8th graders I teach science to. So this is definitely a different experience for me. I'm loving every minute of it. It's stretching me, a normally quiet person, out of my comfort zone. Especially since I spent the past month burrowed away in my writing cave finishing my first novel.
The kids are excited to be here. The adults are too. It's also a chance to connect with fellow orchestra members, during lunch, who are teaching this week, and a chance to spend extended time in God's house.
"Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done..." A great song. Reminds me of Psalm 139:17-18.
Yes I am truly blessed.
As a school teacher my students are usually 8th graders I teach science to. So this is definitely a different experience for me. I'm loving every minute of it. It's stretching me, a normally quiet person, out of my comfort zone. Especially since I spent the past month burrowed away in my writing cave finishing my first novel.
The kids are excited to be here. The adults are too. It's also a chance to connect with fellow orchestra members, during lunch, who are teaching this week, and a chance to spend extended time in God's house.
"Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done..." A great song. Reminds me of Psalm 139:17-18.
Yes I am truly blessed.
17 July, 2010
What Now?
So what does a writer who has just finished writing her first YA (young adult) novel do?
She puts it on "the shelf", and works on other writing.
She also submits her first children's story to another agent, knowing that eventually she will find one who likes her writing and will pursue publication.
What does on "the shelf" mean?
Basically the writer steps away from the first draft for two to four weeks and lets her mind wander on to other things. Then she comes back and does a revision, usually two or three, before submitting it to an agent.
Why?
Well let's look at an example. My novel centers around a teen in a world different from our own. Food looks and tastes the same, but it all has different names. There are holy men and evil wizards; mythical creatures, and sword fights. I literally had to create another world. So caught up in this other world was I, that I would dream about it at night, skip breakfast and sometimes lunch because my mind was in their world. I was in my writing zone. Which is where you want to be, but it also means you're in so deep, that it can hinder the Second part of writing: revision.
I have to be able to pick apart the 189 typewritten pages: cut out what is unnecessary, add descriptions, or dialogue, or even whole scenes where needed; delete characters that don't drive the story forward, add conflict where it's missing.
Like we are the clay and God is the potter refining us.
My plan while my novel is on "the shelf" is to revise my second children's story, read some good fiction books to analyze their writing, and finish a screenplay I started about a year ago. Poor girl has been clinging to that rock all this time.
I'm glad God asked me to put that screenplay aside and write this novel. I wasn't when I started, I really like the third screenplay I'm writing.
Now when I'm working on the other screenplays and novels, I can look at this novel and see that "everything is possible to the one who believes"
That would be Jesus in Mark 9:23.
She puts it on "the shelf", and works on other writing.
She also submits her first children's story to another agent, knowing that eventually she will find one who likes her writing and will pursue publication.
What does on "the shelf" mean?
Basically the writer steps away from the first draft for two to four weeks and lets her mind wander on to other things. Then she comes back and does a revision, usually two or three, before submitting it to an agent.
Why?
Well let's look at an example. My novel centers around a teen in a world different from our own. Food looks and tastes the same, but it all has different names. There are holy men and evil wizards; mythical creatures, and sword fights. I literally had to create another world. So caught up in this other world was I, that I would dream about it at night, skip breakfast and sometimes lunch because my mind was in their world. I was in my writing zone. Which is where you want to be, but it also means you're in so deep, that it can hinder the Second part of writing: revision.
I have to be able to pick apart the 189 typewritten pages: cut out what is unnecessary, add descriptions, or dialogue, or even whole scenes where needed; delete characters that don't drive the story forward, add conflict where it's missing.
Like we are the clay and God is the potter refining us.
My plan while my novel is on "the shelf" is to revise my second children's story, read some good fiction books to analyze their writing, and finish a screenplay I started about a year ago. Poor girl has been clinging to that rock all this time.
I'm glad God asked me to put that screenplay aside and write this novel. I wasn't when I started, I really like the third screenplay I'm writing.
Now when I'm working on the other screenplays and novels, I can look at this novel and see that "everything is possible to the one who believes"
That would be Jesus in Mark 9:23.
13 July, 2010
Novel number one, completed
On this day July 13, 2010 at 11:09 am, I finished writing my first novel.
I really didn't think I could do it, but Jesus did. He helped me along the whole way. I am so happy. I feel like a writer. I've already lined up two publishers and three agents I want to submit it to once it goes through a revision.
Basically it has to sit for a couple of weeks. Then I go back and reread and revise it. But while it's sitting I'll be working on a screenplay and possibly a novella. Whatever God wants me to write.
All things really are possible to those who have faith enough to believe, and ask for help with their unbelief when they don't.
I really didn't think I could do it, but Jesus did. He helped me along the whole way. I am so happy. I feel like a writer. I've already lined up two publishers and three agents I want to submit it to once it goes through a revision.
Basically it has to sit for a couple of weeks. Then I go back and reread and revise it. But while it's sitting I'll be working on a screenplay and possibly a novella. Whatever God wants me to write.
All things really are possible to those who have faith enough to believe, and ask for help with their unbelief when they don't.
12 July, 2010
5,000 words
5,000 words.
Today I wrote almost five thousands words on my novel. Four hours worth of writing. I’m not finished for today. I will probably write another five hundred before I go to bed. But I am pumped and excited. And a little hungry. The Snickers candy bar a distant memory in my now empty stomach.
When God told me to write this novel. I didn’t believe it was possible. Now as I look back at the 40,000 words I’ve written and another 15 to 25,000 to go. I see He was write (right).
I get so energized by writing. I love living in this world I’ve created, seeing the characters come alive. As they make decision that are for their benefit, or in the case of my lead character results in the near death of someone dear to her.
I know if I wanted to push myself I could sit here another four hours and crank out the climax of the scene that leads to a huge battle, but my eyes are getting blurry, my bums going to sleep and I have a 16 year old that needs to get out of the house and enjoy some sunshine. Plus the empty stomach thing. I have to be good to my body.
It’s nice to be getting close to completing something worth doing in my life. I am grateful to God for this free time. I have a strong feeling my novel will be finished this week. The very thought amazes me. Power of God. It’s real.
Today I wrote almost five thousands words on my novel. Four hours worth of writing. I’m not finished for today. I will probably write another five hundred before I go to bed. But I am pumped and excited. And a little hungry. The Snickers candy bar a distant memory in my now empty stomach.
When God told me to write this novel. I didn’t believe it was possible. Now as I look back at the 40,000 words I’ve written and another 15 to 25,000 to go. I see He was write (right).
I get so energized by writing. I love living in this world I’ve created, seeing the characters come alive. As they make decision that are for their benefit, or in the case of my lead character results in the near death of someone dear to her.
I know if I wanted to push myself I could sit here another four hours and crank out the climax of the scene that leads to a huge battle, but my eyes are getting blurry, my bums going to sleep and I have a 16 year old that needs to get out of the house and enjoy some sunshine. Plus the empty stomach thing. I have to be good to my body.
It’s nice to be getting close to completing something worth doing in my life. I am grateful to God for this free time. I have a strong feeling my novel will be finished this week. The very thought amazes me. Power of God. It’s real.
10 July, 2010
Scotland
I have reached the halfway point in writing my first novel. I'm so excited to be on target to complete it on time.
I have two other novels I am raring to go on once I've completed this one. I looked at the premise for both and realize it is going to require a trip to Scotland to do in person research.
Now you could argue that I can check out some books and DVDs from the library. I thought about that, and realized I need that authenticity that can only be had from a first person experience. It's also the chance to do research on two, possibly three novels.
On my walk today I prayed about it and got the "green light" from God.
First step is planning.
Knowing what time of year to go, how long to go, and the cost involved is crucial.
Cost. Money. Unfortunately flying to Great Britain (then a train to Scotland), is not cheap. Going airfare is around $800.00.
But I belong to the creator of the universe. What's a measly $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 dollars to Him?
God wants me to go ahead and plan the trip, so I know He will provide a way.
Heb11.1 Faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the certainty of things not seen.
Amen!
I have two other novels I am raring to go on once I've completed this one. I looked at the premise for both and realize it is going to require a trip to Scotland to do in person research.
Now you could argue that I can check out some books and DVDs from the library. I thought about that, and realized I need that authenticity that can only be had from a first person experience. It's also the chance to do research on two, possibly three novels.
On my walk today I prayed about it and got the "green light" from God.
First step is planning.
Knowing what time of year to go, how long to go, and the cost involved is crucial.
Cost. Money. Unfortunately flying to Great Britain (then a train to Scotland), is not cheap. Going airfare is around $800.00.
But I belong to the creator of the universe. What's a measly $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 dollars to Him?
God wants me to go ahead and plan the trip, so I know He will provide a way.
Heb11.1 Faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the certainty of things not seen.
Amen!
07 July, 2010
24 Hours
I went on a fast for 24 hours. The last time I attempted it I didn't make it past lunch. I did it to clear my head and focus on the power of Jesus.
I know not everyone can fast that long because of health reasons, and God knows that. I also know people that fast for days or weeks. I think fasting is individual, and should be based on what you seek to accomplish.
So my hunger pains started around 10 am. They increased in magnitude until around 2pm.
I was able to push them aside when I focused on my goal: clearing my head and Jesus.
Around 4pm such a feeling of peace came over me. I felt like my head was clearer and I was more focused.
Around 9pm something funny was going on with me. I felt like I was doing something different. Then it dawned on me, I was deep breathing.
Stress and anxiety can cause you to breathe shallow. I hadn't breathed deeply in so long (except for a checkup), I had forgotten how it feels.
I have to tell you, it felt wonderful.
Right now the lead character in the novel I'm writing is going through a time of stress. Two choices will be set before her. Both look good on the outside, but one way leads to her ruin.
Can't give away her decision. I know what I wrote down in the outline that she would do, but she may decide differently.
I have about five weeks left before I resume teaching duties. Five weeks to finish my novel. I didn't think it was possible at first. Just like I didn't think I could go 24 hours without food, but God has been showing me that by stretching myself alittle further, by committing my free time to writing and not mindless pursuits, it can be done.
I know not everyone can fast that long because of health reasons, and God knows that. I also know people that fast for days or weeks. I think fasting is individual, and should be based on what you seek to accomplish.
So my hunger pains started around 10 am. They increased in magnitude until around 2pm.
I was able to push them aside when I focused on my goal: clearing my head and Jesus.
Around 4pm such a feeling of peace came over me. I felt like my head was clearer and I was more focused.
Around 9pm something funny was going on with me. I felt like I was doing something different. Then it dawned on me, I was deep breathing.
Stress and anxiety can cause you to breathe shallow. I hadn't breathed deeply in so long (except for a checkup), I had forgotten how it feels.
I have to tell you, it felt wonderful.
Right now the lead character in the novel I'm writing is going through a time of stress. Two choices will be set before her. Both look good on the outside, but one way leads to her ruin.
Can't give away her decision. I know what I wrote down in the outline that she would do, but she may decide differently.
I have about five weeks left before I resume teaching duties. Five weeks to finish my novel. I didn't think it was possible at first. Just like I didn't think I could go 24 hours without food, but God has been showing me that by stretching myself alittle further, by committing my free time to writing and not mindless pursuits, it can be done.
03 July, 2010
What are you waiting for?
I'm watching the funeral procession of the two officers that were killed and it makes me think of two things: eternity and love.
I'm sure those men thought they had tomorrow to make a lot of decisions. I'm sure they thought they'd be home after their shift, but that's not what happened. Their lives were taken in a senseless act. All the plans they had for their future and their family's future-gone.
You can't make a decision for eternity after your gone. The time for that decision is now. Choose Christ. It's the one decision you won't regret making.
I also thought about love. The bible says- We love because He first loved us.
Do you love someone? Tell them, while it is still called today, because you may not get another chance.
Are you afraid to say the words? God will search your heart and give you strength.
1Corinthians 13 says "the greatest of these is love." Don't know how to love? Read that chapter.
Have you wanted to spend more time with your family but let others things get in the way? Stop, go online and book a vacation away for you and your family-while it is still called today.
Someone God has put on your heart to ask to marry? What are you waiting for? A better day? Unh unh. -while it is still called today.
Family member you haven't spoken to in months or years? Pick up the phone and call-today.
Procrastination looks back and says what happened.
Faith looks back and counts their blessings
Whatever it is, do it, while it is still called today.
I'm sure those men thought they had tomorrow to make a lot of decisions. I'm sure they thought they'd be home after their shift, but that's not what happened. Their lives were taken in a senseless act. All the plans they had for their future and their family's future-gone.
You can't make a decision for eternity after your gone. The time for that decision is now. Choose Christ. It's the one decision you won't regret making.
I also thought about love. The bible says- We love because He first loved us.
Do you love someone? Tell them, while it is still called today, because you may not get another chance.
Are you afraid to say the words? God will search your heart and give you strength.
1Corinthians 13 says "the greatest of these is love." Don't know how to love? Read that chapter.
Have you wanted to spend more time with your family but let others things get in the way? Stop, go online and book a vacation away for you and your family-while it is still called today.
Someone God has put on your heart to ask to marry? What are you waiting for? A better day? Unh unh. -while it is still called today.
Family member you haven't spoken to in months or years? Pick up the phone and call-today.
Procrastination looks back and says what happened.
Faith looks back and counts their blessings
Whatever it is, do it, while it is still called today.
02 July, 2010
Golf Lessons
I started my first golf lesson last night. No it wasn't dark but it was suppertimeish (new word).
I'd had a dear friend show me some basics years ago, but I really wanted to learn how to play so I signed up on my church's website for the women's golf instruction.
It started raining about halfway through. A nice fine rain that cooled us down.
We rotated through four stations: chipping, putting, and two I can't remember the name of but I got to use my seven iron on them.
I learned alot, not just in golf instruction, but in application to my own life.
I had this idea in my head that I have to have this deathgrip on my club. Now I know each station I went to with my group (we rotated every 20 minutes), the instructor would tell us how to stand, how to swing, AND how to hold the club. But in my mind it made no sense to hold the club loosely. I figured the tightest grip humanely possible would do it. (Note loose grip is not the same as loose wrists!)
Throughout the night I would get corrected on my distance from the ball, my open vs. closed stance and my left foot that refuses to stay in line with my right foot, but my grip on the club was not noticed until I came to the putting green. Then it dawned on me. My deathgrip on the club was actually causing me to lose not gain control. I had to "let go."
So I bent over the ball on the putting green, closed my eyes, breathed in, opened my eyes and breathed out. I relaxed myself, and hit the ball. The ball rolled exactly how it was suppose to. I actually got it in twice.
I then thought back to the other stations I had done that evening. How much of an improvement would I have seen if I had just let go and loosened my grip.
LET GO: God started speaking those words to my heart three years ago. In order for true lasting change to happen in your life you have to let go and trust God.
The past six months have been teaching me what happens when you let go. This past week I lost a job and gained another one.
Choosing to let go and watch God work His wonders in my life was a new experience for me. I know God has more change in store for me,
but I now have the reminder of the golf club whenever I think I need to have a deathgrip on my life.
I'd had a dear friend show me some basics years ago, but I really wanted to learn how to play so I signed up on my church's website for the women's golf instruction.
It started raining about halfway through. A nice fine rain that cooled us down.
We rotated through four stations: chipping, putting, and two I can't remember the name of but I got to use my seven iron on them.
I learned alot, not just in golf instruction, but in application to my own life.
I had this idea in my head that I have to have this deathgrip on my club. Now I know each station I went to with my group (we rotated every 20 minutes), the instructor would tell us how to stand, how to swing, AND how to hold the club. But in my mind it made no sense to hold the club loosely. I figured the tightest grip humanely possible would do it. (Note loose grip is not the same as loose wrists!)
Throughout the night I would get corrected on my distance from the ball, my open vs. closed stance and my left foot that refuses to stay in line with my right foot, but my grip on the club was not noticed until I came to the putting green. Then it dawned on me. My deathgrip on the club was actually causing me to lose not gain control. I had to "let go."
So I bent over the ball on the putting green, closed my eyes, breathed in, opened my eyes and breathed out. I relaxed myself, and hit the ball. The ball rolled exactly how it was suppose to. I actually got it in twice.
I then thought back to the other stations I had done that evening. How much of an improvement would I have seen if I had just let go and loosened my grip.
LET GO: God started speaking those words to my heart three years ago. In order for true lasting change to happen in your life you have to let go and trust God.
The past six months have been teaching me what happens when you let go. This past week I lost a job and gained another one.
Choosing to let go and watch God work His wonders in my life was a new experience for me. I know God has more change in store for me,
but I now have the reminder of the golf club whenever I think I need to have a deathgrip on my life.
29 June, 2010
Change, changes things
I did a page one rewrite of the 15,000 words I had previously written on my young adult (YA) novel. I sat in Panera one Saturday, and wrote a completely new outline with the help of a novel writing book (aforementioned in a prior blog). I had about 65 typed written pages on the old story. Currently I am at 13,500 words and I have 60 typed written pages. What’s different? I still have about 25 pages on the old story to rework into the new. The new story is going to be a lot longer, and more action packed I think. I’m a little leery about writing an epic length novel, preferring to write a series of three, but I really like where the story is going now.
It wasn’t easy. 15,000 words is a lot of writing. But looking at where the stories are different. It was for the best.
There have been changes in my life recently. Some forced upon me, some voluntary. I agree with God, it’s time my outside reflected my inside. So over the next six months, I will be going through a very dramatic change.
Is it for the better? You betcha. Will it be easy? No, I’m sure it will be more painful than doing that page one rewrite. More painful that taking a script I love, written three years ago and chopping it to bits, saving the characters but completely changing the story line.
One thing I have noticed, just in the parts of me that have changed so far, is that some people (plural), don’t like the new you. Here’s a tip from me:
I’ll call it Desiree’s fortune cookie tip.
1. If Jesus is happy with your change but some people are not, who are you trying to please? Answer-Jesus. Stay the course. Let those people say what they will, and think whatever they will. Perhaps they need to examine their relationship with the Son.
2. He who ties his shoes does not fall. (That’s a freebee from me).
So change is good, but change does change things.
Now it’s time for me to get back to my novel. She’s really gotten herself in a pickle. That happens when you’re stubborn and refuse to listen.
It wasn’t easy. 15,000 words is a lot of writing. But looking at where the stories are different. It was for the best.
There have been changes in my life recently. Some forced upon me, some voluntary. I agree with God, it’s time my outside reflected my inside. So over the next six months, I will be going through a very dramatic change.
Is it for the better? You betcha. Will it be easy? No, I’m sure it will be more painful than doing that page one rewrite. More painful that taking a script I love, written three years ago and chopping it to bits, saving the characters but completely changing the story line.
One thing I have noticed, just in the parts of me that have changed so far, is that some people (plural), don’t like the new you. Here’s a tip from me:
I’ll call it Desiree’s fortune cookie tip.
1. If Jesus is happy with your change but some people are not, who are you trying to please? Answer-Jesus. Stay the course. Let those people say what they will, and think whatever they will. Perhaps they need to examine their relationship with the Son.
2. He who ties his shoes does not fall. (That’s a freebee from me).
So change is good, but change does change things.
Now it’s time for me to get back to my novel. She’s really gotten herself in a pickle. That happens when you’re stubborn and refuse to listen.
28 June, 2010
Holding Back
I went bike riding Saturday.
10 miles in the heat of the day. It had been a long week and I needed to do something. To show I was capable of accomplishing (in my mind), the near impossible.
I had received news that was not favorable. Unexpected? No, but not good nonetheless.
So with sweat dripping into my eyes I made it to mile two. Then I thought to myself: self, I could just stop right here turn around and be done with four miles total. Have you ever had a debate with yourself? Who wins?
Anyway, I said self I can do this. I can go 10 miles. Then my other self said No, what if you run out of steam and can't finish. Your bike tires are old. What if you have a flat tire on mile 5? You need to hold back, keep some in reserve for the end. If we only do four miles there will be plenty left.
For some reason I started thinking about my high school track coach. I ran hurdles but he would always make me run 3 miles with the distance runners before I could do my hurdles workout. He said it was to build endurance. I can still hear him yelling at me "Middleton stretch those long legs". He wanted me to go faster. In my mind was a voice saying "No coach, if I use up all my energy now I won't have any left for the end." Funny thing is my pace never changed from beginning to end.
Fast forward to now. As I'm pedalling my bike it hits me. I hold back, and save a reserve for the end but I never use it. Not just in bike riding, or running, but in life.
What if Jesus lived His life holding back in reserve?
So what did i do? I finished the entire course, and I pushed myself to not hold back. Was it difficult? Yes, but we work hard for that which is important to us.
My writing feels different now. More than it did a year ago. Each night I push myself to go just a little further. Write just five hundred more words here, or finish a scene here.
Do I go to bed exhausted? No. I go to bed energized because I gave my all to my passion, my calling, my dream.
Take some time to examine your life. Where are you not trusting God and holding back?
10 miles in the heat of the day. It had been a long week and I needed to do something. To show I was capable of accomplishing (in my mind), the near impossible.
I had received news that was not favorable. Unexpected? No, but not good nonetheless.
So with sweat dripping into my eyes I made it to mile two. Then I thought to myself: self, I could just stop right here turn around and be done with four miles total. Have you ever had a debate with yourself? Who wins?
Anyway, I said self I can do this. I can go 10 miles. Then my other self said No, what if you run out of steam and can't finish. Your bike tires are old. What if you have a flat tire on mile 5? You need to hold back, keep some in reserve for the end. If we only do four miles there will be plenty left.
For some reason I started thinking about my high school track coach. I ran hurdles but he would always make me run 3 miles with the distance runners before I could do my hurdles workout. He said it was to build endurance. I can still hear him yelling at me "Middleton stretch those long legs". He wanted me to go faster. In my mind was a voice saying "No coach, if I use up all my energy now I won't have any left for the end." Funny thing is my pace never changed from beginning to end.
Fast forward to now. As I'm pedalling my bike it hits me. I hold back, and save a reserve for the end but I never use it. Not just in bike riding, or running, but in life.
What if Jesus lived His life holding back in reserve?
So what did i do? I finished the entire course, and I pushed myself to not hold back. Was it difficult? Yes, but we work hard for that which is important to us.
My writing feels different now. More than it did a year ago. Each night I push myself to go just a little further. Write just five hundred more words here, or finish a scene here.
Do I go to bed exhausted? No. I go to bed energized because I gave my all to my passion, my calling, my dream.
Take some time to examine your life. Where are you not trusting God and holding back?
18 June, 2010
Sweet Sixteen
I'm sitting with my daughter waiting on her friend's sweet sixteen party to start. I think about the rite of passage that occurs at 16. Passing from childhood to adulthood. Some of us have done this physically but not mentally. The old had passed away.
Someone told me they don't understand this new me and are frustrated.
This new me is a result of surrendering to Jesus. I'm still learning and growing, but I feel different and I act different. Things that I would have said or done that this person understands, I don't do anymore. It makes me sad that a friendship is no more, but like it says in Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day who you will serve..." If God then my life has to reflect that choice, and you know what? God is the better choice. I have lasting peace and happiness thru Him. I guess if you don't know Him, you
cant understand.
New beginning. God replaces sorrow for joy.
I'm excited about my new life in Christ, and I hope His love and joy spill out of me to those I know and love.
Someone told me they don't understand this new me and are frustrated.
This new me is a result of surrendering to Jesus. I'm still learning and growing, but I feel different and I act different. Things that I would have said or done that this person understands, I don't do anymore. It makes me sad that a friendship is no more, but like it says in Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day who you will serve..." If God then my life has to reflect that choice, and you know what? God is the better choice. I have lasting peace and happiness thru Him. I guess if you don't know Him, you
cant understand.
New beginning. God replaces sorrow for joy.
I'm excited about my new life in Christ, and I hope His love and joy spill out of me to those I know and love.
17 June, 2010
What if there's no tomorrow?
I just received word yesterday evening that a Sunday School class member passed away. He battled cancer for a long time.
His hospital room had pictures my daughter made for him to cheer him up.
That was three years ago. He spent three years in and out of the cancer hospitals.
2006 he was told he wouldn't make it.
He looked back at his life and didn't like somethings in it. He gave his life to Jesus. He had a chance to experience a new life in Christ for 4 years.
Now he's in Heaven. What wonders he must be seeing.
Am I living my life as if I am promised tomorrow when God's word tells me I'm not?
What am I putting off doing, because I'm either afraid or insecure?
What are you putting off, thinking you have all the time in the world?
The time to do it is now, while it is still called today.
His hospital room had pictures my daughter made for him to cheer him up.
That was three years ago. He spent three years in and out of the cancer hospitals.
2006 he was told he wouldn't make it.
He looked back at his life and didn't like somethings in it. He gave his life to Jesus. He had a chance to experience a new life in Christ for 4 years.
Now he's in Heaven. What wonders he must be seeing.
Am I living my life as if I am promised tomorrow when God's word tells me I'm not?
What am I putting off doing, because I'm either afraid or insecure?
What are you putting off, thinking you have all the time in the world?
The time to do it is now, while it is still called today.
12 June, 2010
A new beginning
My YA (young adult), novel has a new beginning. It's much more exciting and alive.
My life has a new beginning. I spent two hours yesterday sitting at a covered picnic table at the park with only one other: God. It was hot and I had a couple of sugar ants run up my leg but I had determined in my mind I would not leave, and I'm glad I didn't.
I watched a bright deep red robin, perch on the mirror of my car. I rescued a caterpillar from an army of ants that were trying to carry it off (it wasn't dead). I looked at all the colors and shapes around me and I heard not an outward sound.
Two hours for me to be still and know my God.
Two hours for God to pour His love for me into me. Like Psalm 23 says "my cup runs over..."
Two hours for my Savior Jesus to remind me I am a new creation and the old has passed away so let it.
Leaving work Friday I knew I had to make some changes. My spirit was not at peace. It is now. From situation focused to God focused.
My main character finds her life forever changed by one event.
My life is forever changed by one event-Salvation. Let that sweetness wash over me.
I look at the freedom and abundance Christ offers, and then I look at what the world offers and there is no comparison. A drop of what Jesus offers out weighs a ton of what the world has, and He offers more than a drop.
I am excited to see what choices my main character makes.
I think about the rainbow I drove through, and I am excited to see God's promises to me fulfilled.
Habb 3:2-the vision is yet for the appointed time... The time is now.
My life has a new beginning. I spent two hours yesterday sitting at a covered picnic table at the park with only one other: God. It was hot and I had a couple of sugar ants run up my leg but I had determined in my mind I would not leave, and I'm glad I didn't.
I watched a bright deep red robin, perch on the mirror of my car. I rescued a caterpillar from an army of ants that were trying to carry it off (it wasn't dead). I looked at all the colors and shapes around me and I heard not an outward sound.
Two hours for me to be still and know my God.
Two hours for God to pour His love for me into me. Like Psalm 23 says "my cup runs over..."
Two hours for my Savior Jesus to remind me I am a new creation and the old has passed away so let it.
Leaving work Friday I knew I had to make some changes. My spirit was not at peace. It is now. From situation focused to God focused.
My main character finds her life forever changed by one event.
My life is forever changed by one event-Salvation. Let that sweetness wash over me.
I look at the freedom and abundance Christ offers, and then I look at what the world offers and there is no comparison. A drop of what Jesus offers out weighs a ton of what the world has, and He offers more than a drop.
I am excited to see what choices my main character makes.
I think about the rainbow I drove through, and I am excited to see God's promises to me fulfilled.
Habb 3:2-the vision is yet for the appointed time... The time is now.
09 June, 2010
It's Time
I started reading Mark yesterday. In the first few chapters, I have been struck by how the disciples immediately followed Jesus when he called them. They didn’t say “let me get this fish harvest in”, or “I can’t right now. I have a deadline”, or” I will when I’m done.” They immediately followed him. Even Matthew left his tax collecting table and followed Jesus. He didn’t say “let me finish out this year.” He got up and followed Jesus.
God brings a lot of things to mind that reflect back on my writing, on purpose.
The school year is officially over on June 14th. I start back to work early on August 9th. Less than two months to regroup.
I think about the sacrificing the disciples did to follow what Jesus commanded. And I wonder… what am I sacrificing for my writing?
My best writing is done when I am in the zone. It takes at least 30 minutes of writing for me to get in the zone. Once there, I can crank out 3-4 hours writing without even realizing that much time has passed.
My summer starts on June 14th around 2:30ish. My desire is to do a spiritual/writing retreat.
Being a list person I listed out what I need for my retreat.
Bible and Journal
Electricity for my laptop (unless I write it all long hand).
Quiet/Solitude.
Far away from home (so I can’t just pop in).
So I have my list and my direction and what did I do with it yesterday? Nothing.
I prayed this morning that God would help me let go of whatever is keeping me from being 100% obedient to what He is asking me to do. After saying my prayer I opened two daily devotionals on my computer. The first had to do with Psalm 23. Sunday evening my church held communion service based on Psalm 23. I recognized God as Jehovah Rohi (The Lord is my Shepherd). It reminded me what Jesus said in John 10 about Him being the good shepherd. We (sheep) follow Him. I want to follow Jesus no matter where it leads. But somehow I wandered off from my Shepherd. I guess I thought I saw some grass that looked better. But it turned out to be just weeds in disguise.
The second devotional had to do with Matthew 8:18-22. As I read it I was floored. My mouth literally hung open. The scribe wanted to follow Jesus but said “first let me go…” The scribe wanted to do what he needed to do before following Jesus.
A scribe is a writer. So here is a writer choosing his own path first, and then he wanted to do what Jesus wanted. Ouch! I’m a writer that has put everything before her writing. Writing that Jesus has placed in her heart to do.
My prayer was that I would let go of everything that is keeping me from 100% obedience. So I’ll be doing that spiritual/writing retreat starting this weekend; using the time to work on my connection to God and jump starting my writing.
Just like Matthew left his tax collection table and immediately followed Jesus. I’ll be finishing the school year by packing up my personal belongings, turning on my laptop and writing. In obedience His will is revealed.
Have faith in God.
God brings a lot of things to mind that reflect back on my writing, on purpose.
The school year is officially over on June 14th. I start back to work early on August 9th. Less than two months to regroup.
I think about the sacrificing the disciples did to follow what Jesus commanded. And I wonder… what am I sacrificing for my writing?
My best writing is done when I am in the zone. It takes at least 30 minutes of writing for me to get in the zone. Once there, I can crank out 3-4 hours writing without even realizing that much time has passed.
My summer starts on June 14th around 2:30ish. My desire is to do a spiritual/writing retreat.
Being a list person I listed out what I need for my retreat.
Bible and Journal
Electricity for my laptop (unless I write it all long hand).
Quiet/Solitude.
Far away from home (so I can’t just pop in).
So I have my list and my direction and what did I do with it yesterday? Nothing.
I prayed this morning that God would help me let go of whatever is keeping me from being 100% obedient to what He is asking me to do. After saying my prayer I opened two daily devotionals on my computer. The first had to do with Psalm 23. Sunday evening my church held communion service based on Psalm 23. I recognized God as Jehovah Rohi (The Lord is my Shepherd). It reminded me what Jesus said in John 10 about Him being the good shepherd. We (sheep) follow Him. I want to follow Jesus no matter where it leads. But somehow I wandered off from my Shepherd. I guess I thought I saw some grass that looked better. But it turned out to be just weeds in disguise.
The second devotional had to do with Matthew 8:18-22. As I read it I was floored. My mouth literally hung open. The scribe wanted to follow Jesus but said “first let me go…” The scribe wanted to do what he needed to do before following Jesus.
A scribe is a writer. So here is a writer choosing his own path first, and then he wanted to do what Jesus wanted. Ouch! I’m a writer that has put everything before her writing. Writing that Jesus has placed in her heart to do.
My prayer was that I would let go of everything that is keeping me from 100% obedience. So I’ll be doing that spiritual/writing retreat starting this weekend; using the time to work on my connection to God and jump starting my writing.
Just like Matthew left his tax collection table and immediately followed Jesus. I’ll be finishing the school year by packing up my personal belongings, turning on my laptop and writing. In obedience His will is revealed.
Have faith in God.
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