Monday, August 30, 2010
Deciding What to Read and How to Read It
Today I am bloging at LadyScribes.blogspot.com. Stop by and let me know how you pick the books you read and what your preference is in how you read those books.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Powerful Prayful Post 8/29/10
Where has the month gone? Or the summer even?
I was on a blogging roll in July, inspired by the Paris topic, but in August, I never got myself in gear. I think some of it has to do with recovering from RWA in Orlando, following up with a few requests I received and getting ready for the school year to start.
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer while your children were off school and you were able to make some memories that will make you smile in the years to come. For me, it was my son who had the milestones: confirmation, graduation, his trip to the youth gathering, joining the high school football team, and today, he turns 15.
I shouldn't be asking where did the summer go but where did the last 15 years go. It just doesn't seem possible. Though some of it is a blur, I thank God for each and everyone one of those moments I've had with my son, and daughters, as well.
My prayer for him is that he continues to grow into the wonderful young man that he is, and that his high school years are filled with fun, laughter and friends. Most of us have been down that high school road and know there were some tears thrown in there as well. I pray that there are few for him and if negative things do happen, that his faith in God continues to be strong, since that will get him through anything, better than any loving sympathy I could offer.
I do have some prayer requests and ask that you remember my mother who is not feeling well, a friend facing surgery in a few months, a classmate (I also attended my class reunion this month) who is fighting cancer.
Do you have any special concerns or praises you would like to share. I would be happy to pray for you and them this week. If not, do you have a special memory from time with your children this past summer that you would like to share?
Have a Blessed Day.
I was on a blogging roll in July, inspired by the Paris topic, but in August, I never got myself in gear. I think some of it has to do with recovering from RWA in Orlando, following up with a few requests I received and getting ready for the school year to start.
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer while your children were off school and you were able to make some memories that will make you smile in the years to come. For me, it was my son who had the milestones: confirmation, graduation, his trip to the youth gathering, joining the high school football team, and today, he turns 15.
I shouldn't be asking where did the summer go but where did the last 15 years go. It just doesn't seem possible. Though some of it is a blur, I thank God for each and everyone one of those moments I've had with my son, and daughters, as well.
My prayer for him is that he continues to grow into the wonderful young man that he is, and that his high school years are filled with fun, laughter and friends. Most of us have been down that high school road and know there were some tears thrown in there as well. I pray that there are few for him and if negative things do happen, that his faith in God continues to be strong, since that will get him through anything, better than any loving sympathy I could offer.
I do have some prayer requests and ask that you remember my mother who is not feeling well, a friend facing surgery in a few months, a classmate (I also attended my class reunion this month) who is fighting cancer.
Do you have any special concerns or praises you would like to share. I would be happy to pray for you and them this week. If not, do you have a special memory from time with your children this past summer that you would like to share?
Have a Blessed Day.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Inspired Again!
I've been mulling over a story in my head. I need to put it on the back burner because there are a few that must come before it. However, it will not leave my brain. Perhaps just writing about it, or how it came to be, will put it to rest for a bit.
You see, a few weeks ago in church, I was paying attention, as I always do, but once again, got side track. A new hero came on the scene, followed by a lovely heroine. The sermon was entitled "Love is a Practical Matter" based on Luke 10:25-37. I am ashamed to show anyone my worship guide because in purple ink, through ever margin available, my notes for this latest story are written. As soon as services are over I stuff it in my purse, hoping nobody read what I really wrote. You would think I could just jot down the thought and move on. That didn't happen. The more the pastor preached, the more the story spoke to me.
Hmmmm, maybe I should just start dedicating my books to my pastors. It is the least I could do until I get a handle on the focus problem I seem to have.
Am I the only one who has issues with stories coming to them when they should be reflecting on the Word and God? I've always wondered if this was God putting an idea into my head or Satan say "ah ha, distracted her again (insert evel laugh)". I really don't like the idea of the second option. If that is the case, he won't like the outcome. Satan never wins in my stories :).
Any ideas on how I can tame this problem I keep having?
You see, a few weeks ago in church, I was paying attention, as I always do, but once again, got side track. A new hero came on the scene, followed by a lovely heroine. The sermon was entitled "Love is a Practical Matter" based on Luke 10:25-37. I am ashamed to show anyone my worship guide because in purple ink, through ever margin available, my notes for this latest story are written. As soon as services are over I stuff it in my purse, hoping nobody read what I really wrote. You would think I could just jot down the thought and move on. That didn't happen. The more the pastor preached, the more the story spoke to me.
Hmmmm, maybe I should just start dedicating my books to my pastors. It is the least I could do until I get a handle on the focus problem I seem to have.
Am I the only one who has issues with stories coming to them when they should be reflecting on the Word and God? I've always wondered if this was God putting an idea into my head or Satan say "ah ha, distracted her again (insert evel laugh)". I really don't like the idea of the second option. If that is the case, he won't like the outcome. Satan never wins in my stories :).
Any ideas on how I can tame this problem I keep having?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Grease
Of the three shows I did makeup on this summer, the last was Grease. I always thought this was a fun show. It was a youth production, which meant anyone from 14 - 20 were allowed to be in it. My daughter play Marty, who is a pink lady and writes to the service me. Her song is Freddie My Love. Most of the kids I knew because they had been in shows either my daughter participated in or shows I had done makeup on.
For some reason I never really paid attention to before when I watched and I am not sure how the moral theme of the show slipped by me. You would think this is something that would have stuck out at me from the very first viewing, but it didn't. As you know, I write romances and I love reading them. Often there is that bad boy who wants the good girl, etc. In the end, the goodgirl always reforms the rake. Right? Well, not in Grease.
But what was refreshing were these kids commenting on how wrong it was for Sandy, after finding out Rizzo thinks she is pregnant, to do an about face and turn into the not so sweet and innocent girl to win Danny. I loved how the female members of the cast viewed this is "so wrong".
So, even though they may have enjoyed singning the songs and dancing along, they didn't exactly agree with the ending.
I have a break from theater until October, when I get to do make up for Sweeny Todd. Though the show may be gruesome, I can't wait to get creative with some faces. Until then, I need to start planning a workshop for the kids theater. I am going to show them how to do some halloween makeup. Guess I better have some gruesome ideas up my sleeve because I am sure not all of them will want to be pretty, sparkly princess.
Have any of you ever participated in theater, on or off the stage? I would love to hear what you do, or what you favorite show is.
For some reason I never really paid attention to before when I watched and I am not sure how the moral theme of the show slipped by me. You would think this is something that would have stuck out at me from the very first viewing, but it didn't. As you know, I write romances and I love reading them. Often there is that bad boy who wants the good girl, etc. In the end, the goodgirl always reforms the rake. Right? Well, not in Grease.
But what was refreshing were these kids commenting on how wrong it was for Sandy, after finding out Rizzo thinks she is pregnant, to do an about face and turn into the not so sweet and innocent girl to win Danny. I loved how the female members of the cast viewed this is "so wrong".
So, even though they may have enjoyed singning the songs and dancing along, they didn't exactly agree with the ending.
I have a break from theater until October, when I get to do make up for Sweeny Todd. Though the show may be gruesome, I can't wait to get creative with some faces. Until then, I need to start planning a workshop for the kids theater. I am going to show them how to do some halloween makeup. Guess I better have some gruesome ideas up my sleeve because I am sure not all of them will want to be pretty, sparkly princess.
Have any of you ever participated in theater, on or off the stage? I would love to hear what you do, or what you favorite show is.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Getting it Together
I am blogging over at http://www.ladyscribe.blogspot.com/ about setting goals (health, exercise, career). Stop by and let me know how you do with those pesky resolutions and if you know any tricks.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Powerful Prayful Post 8/15/10
Wow, I've missed little over a week of blogging and it feels like months. Things just got a little crazy this summer. The first error in planning came when I agreed to do make up for three separate shows. Note to self - check calendar and dates. All three were back to back with my trip to Orland for the RWA conference beginning the morning after one closed and the Tech Sunday was the date of my return for the last show. I think I have been exhausted for the past week.
Oh, and my class reunion was last week. I had a wonderful time and can't remember the last time I stayed out so late. When the banquet hall closed for the night most of us went down the road to a local bar. For hours we sat on the back patio talking and catching up. It was a great time. I even ran into my nephew, who was a bit surprised to see me there. He came around later - surprised I was still there. His friends wanted to go but he insisted he could not leave before his aunt (I am sure old was instered there under this breath - lol).
But today, I went through my RWA notes. Wow, there were some really good workshops and I got back to work on my WIPs and critted some chapters. I feel like I am back and ready to go. Now that I am being organized again (and we will see how long that lasts) I am going to try and stay up on the blogging - especially reading the blogs. I feel so out of touch!
And, since this is the most important day of the week, it is time to offer up those prayers and praises. Please, share with me so I can add you to my prayer list.
Oh, and my class reunion was last week. I had a wonderful time and can't remember the last time I stayed out so late. When the banquet hall closed for the night most of us went down the road to a local bar. For hours we sat on the back patio talking and catching up. It was a great time. I even ran into my nephew, who was a bit surprised to see me there. He came around later - surprised I was still there. His friends wanted to go but he insisted he could not leave before his aunt (I am sure old was instered there under this breath - lol).
But today, I went through my RWA notes. Wow, there were some really good workshops and I got back to work on my WIPs and critted some chapters. I feel like I am back and ready to go. Now that I am being organized again (and we will see how long that lasts) I am going to try and stay up on the blogging - especially reading the blogs. I feel so out of touch!
And, since this is the most important day of the week, it is time to offer up those prayers and praises. Please, share with me so I can add you to my prayer list.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Christ and Creativity
For about three years I led a Christ Care Group and our theme was Creativity. We were all created by the most creative of all - God. I loved leading this group because we discussed literature, music, art, books, theater. Well, this list went on and on. We also discussed putting God in our work since he was the one who gave us this talent to begin with.
I remember one of the books I picked to study was Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card. It begins with this story, though without listing the verse or using Biblical text, with John 8:1-12. The Bible passages are:
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
What did Jesus write in the sand? While we are on this earth we will probably never know, but I am very curious.
The book is about creativity and the call to create. I highly recommend this book, and the study guide for any inpirational/Christian author. I enjoyed it and it often put things into perspective for me.
The reason I am returning to a book I read at least 2 years ago is because one of the members e-mailed me a devotional she read and thought I would appreciate. I sure did and I am sharing the link with you. http://lists.proverbs31.org/lt/t_go.php?i=579&e=MjkzMDc=&l=-http--proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2010/07/rediscovering-creativity.html. By the way, this link worked originally and now it doesn't. I am so techno challenged. Even if the link doesn't work, it is worth highlighting and pasting in to a search box.
The reason My Christ Care Group no longer meets is because some went back to school and ended up with night classes, another was continuing his educatin online (with a family and fulltime job) and needed every minute to stude and write papers. A few others work schedules changed and two moved out of state. At least I know it was not my leadership skills- lol. But, I do miss my group. We had some awesome times together and I think I could share anything with this group of individuals and never be judged. We loved each other and we bonded. The whole purpose of a Christ Care Group. I hope you have a similar type of group you belong to.
I remember one of the books I picked to study was Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card. It begins with this story, though without listing the verse or using Biblical text, with John 8:1-12. The Bible passages are:
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
What did Jesus write in the sand? While we are on this earth we will probably never know, but I am very curious.
The book is about creativity and the call to create. I highly recommend this book, and the study guide for any inpirational/Christian author. I enjoyed it and it often put things into perspective for me.
The reason I am returning to a book I read at least 2 years ago is because one of the members e-mailed me a devotional she read and thought I would appreciate. I sure did and I am sharing the link with you. http://lists.proverbs31.org/lt/t_go.php?i=579&e=MjkzMDc=&l=-http--proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2010/07/rediscovering-creativity.html. By the way, this link worked originally and now it doesn't. I am so techno challenged. Even if the link doesn't work, it is worth highlighting and pasting in to a search box.
The reason My Christ Care Group no longer meets is because some went back to school and ended up with night classes, another was continuing his educatin online (with a family and fulltime job) and needed every minute to stude and write papers. A few others work schedules changed and two moved out of state. At least I know it was not my leadership skills- lol. But, I do miss my group. We had some awesome times together and I think I could share anything with this group of individuals and never be judged. We loved each other and we bonded. The whole purpose of a Christ Care Group. I hope you have a similar type of group you belong to.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Golden Hearth and Rita
Today I am posting at http://www.ladyscribes.blogspot.com/ and announcing the winners of the Golden Heart and Rita Awards. I am sure several other blogs will post this information, but these awards are a major achievement. In fact, even being nominated is huge, so they deserve to be mentioned as often as possible. At least I think so.
Hope to see you at Lady Scribes
Hope to see you at Lady Scribes
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Powerful Prayful Post 8/1/10
I am posting this a bit early. Even though it is officially Sunday in Orlando, it has only been Sunday for about 30 minutes. Or course, I will set it to post at like 8:00 a.m. I wanted to get this written because I am not sure if I will have a chance to be back to my blog before tomorrow evening with the travel and all. We fly out in the morning, but my plane lands in the town where my newly married daughter lives so I will visit her and her husband before I begin the short drive home.
I want to thank God for an awesom experience at the RWA Conference. Not only did I take a lot of knowlege but I also was able to spend quality time with my critique partners and a couple of thier husbands, meet up with former acquaintances from other conferences but meet new people. All in all it was a positive experienced and I am fired up and inpsired to embrace new story lines and to complete the many I have started.
Lately, I have had a lot of praises for God, which I absolutly love. But, there are always those concerns that hang back, and sometimes move to the forefront. I am still concerned with the health of a few of my family members. I hope you keep them in your prayers.
How I can I pray for you this week?
I want to thank God for an awesom experience at the RWA Conference. Not only did I take a lot of knowlege but I also was able to spend quality time with my critique partners and a couple of thier husbands, meet up with former acquaintances from other conferences but meet new people. All in all it was a positive experienced and I am fired up and inpsired to embrace new story lines and to complete the many I have started.
Lately, I have had a lot of praises for God, which I absolutly love. But, there are always those concerns that hang back, and sometimes move to the forefront. I am still concerned with the health of a few of my family members. I hope you keep them in your prayers.
How I can I pray for you this week?
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