Janet K. Brown

10 Steps to Lasting Weight Loss

2012-01-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

A million diet plans vie for attention this time of year. The latest gimmicks and schemes bombard our magazines and airways. Many of us jump on the bandwagon and try the latest thing. I did that for years.

But, do we keep off the lost weight? Not me.

When I reached my bottom weighing two hundred and fifty pounds, carrying a load of self hatred with resentments eating at my mind, I finally asked God for His success stragedy.

Here's the ten steps I've learned:

1. "Not my will, but Thine" Pray this every morning.

2. Every day eat 5-8 servings of fresh or frozen fruits or vegetables. Have one of these whenever you're hungry.

3. Whenever possible, substitute enriched breads, cereals, pastas, rice for whole grains which better satisfy.

4. When you attend a party or go out to eat, first visualize what healthy choice you'll make, and then scan the menu or options to find the item nearest your mind picture. Around your house, never keep any foods that "call your name." As the Bible says, "shun the very appearance of evil."

5. Always eat 2 teaspoons of healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil or sunflower oil. Try nuts, seeds or avocado in moderation.This keeps you from being hungry.

6. Start your day with the Bible and then read a paragraph in a book or blog that motivates you to serve God in a new or improved manner. Remember, you need to subsitute the god of food for the true Lord of all.

7. Choose leaner meats such as grilled chicken, trimmed-up sirloin, or fish. Try meals without meat as occasional options. Eat more legumes.

8. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or tempted, pray. Strive for a short prayer at least once an hour while you're awake.

9. Find an activity you enjoy--walking, dancing, meeting friends at the gym, swimming, biking. Don't pattern your exercise after someone else.

10. When you fail your idea of perfection, (and you will), start anew whether it's noon, five p.m or ten at night. Remember, it's our own minds that demand perfection, not God. He asks only that we hold His hand.

God In The Storm

2012-01-05T01:30:00.000-08:00

STORMS. I don't like them. Do you? During storms, we stew and worry. We tremble and cringe. We see no escape. Yeah, while the tempest rages, Jesus can appear to be asleep in the back of the boat oblivious to our plight.

But soon, a terrible storm arose. High waves began to break into the boat until it was fairly full of water and about to sink.
Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. Frantically, they wakened him, shouting, 'Teacher, don't you even care that we are all about to drown?' Mark 4:35-36 Life Recovery Bible.

This last week, I’ve been in the storm. Rain blinded my trust-ability quotient. Blustery winds concealed the sound of His voice. Two days ago, I “hit the wall.” Exhaustion, illness, worry and my usual struggle with resentment took a toll on my mind and my body. I sought to “wake up” my Lord. With tears streaming my face, I cried out, “don’t you care that I perish?”

God answered me as he did the disciples long ago. He spoke to the storm, “Quiet down.” The wind and rain diminished. Then, He turned to me and asked why I was so fearful. “Didn’t you know all was okay?”

I guess I forgot. Or, for just a few minutes, I doubted.

Recently, I saw an anonymous saying that I thought God would have me remember.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s learning how to dance in the rain.

Lord, even while the storm rolls over me, teach me to dance.

GOD HOLDS OUT HIS CHRISTMAS GIFT, BUT WE MUST MAKE IT OURS

2011-12-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

My three grandchildren make out lists of things they want for Christmas. Their two aunts and uncles and myself and my husband try to pick items from their lists to "surprise" them with. Yet, these gifts, no matter how much we spend, will fall apart or drop in the forgotten category in a few years, or maybe even months. Hopefully, we can give them the true gift of Christmas that never disintegrates or loses its value--the Christ Child Himself.

One year, my oldest grandson acted as if he appreciated the gift we gave him at Christmas, but when the family left for home, he left his present at our house. We gave him a gift, but he didn't accept it. So it is with us. God offers us valuable presents, but we must take them into our lives.

With God's sending His only Son, other gifts came our way. Jesus brings salvation, peace, joy, love and healing. Most of all, I'm grateful for Jesus' gift of hope for our future in this world and beyond. He holds out his gift of great value to each of us. Have you made it yours?

That's the true message of Christmas. God's gift/our blessing. My daughter sent this e-mail story to me. Many of you may also have received it, but it so touched my heart during this time that I wanted to repost in case some of you hadn't read it. See below.

Remember, whatever is going on in your life right now, God is in control. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing happens by chance. God is all we need.

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned
to their first ministry, to reopen a church
In suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October
Excited about their opportunities. When they saw
Their church, it was very run down and needed
Much work. They set a goal to have everything
Done in time to have their first service
On Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls,
Painting, etc, and on December 18
Were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving
Rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.
His heart sank when he saw that the roof had
Leaked, causing a large area of plaster about
20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall
Of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit,
Beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor,
and not knowing what else to do but postpone
the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was
Having a flea market type sale for charity, so he
stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful,
Handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth
With exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross
Embroidered right in the center. It was just
The right size to cover the hole in the front
Wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older
Woman running from the opposite direction was
trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor
Invited her to wait in the warm church for
The next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor
While he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put
Up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor
Could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and
It covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center
aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor,"
She asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check
The lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into It there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had
Made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor
Told how he had just gotten "The Tablecloth". The
Woman explained that before the war she and
Her husband were well-to-do people in Austria .

When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week.
He was captured, sent to prison and she never saw her
Husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth;
But she made the pastor keep it for the church.
The pastor insisted on driving her home. That
Was the least he could do. She lived on the other
Side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
For the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas
Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the
Spirit were great. At the end of the service, the
Pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door
And many said that they would return.

One older man, whom the pastor recognized
From the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the
Pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on
The front wall because it was identical to one
That his wife had made years ago when
They lived in Austria before the war and how
Could there be two tablecloths so much alike?

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he
Forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was
Supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and
Put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home
Again all the 35 years between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to
take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten
Island and to the same house where the pastor
Had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of
stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on
the door and he saw the greatest Christmas
reunion he could ever imagine.

True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
who says God does work in mysterious ways.

A Visit with Pam Thibodeaux

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be part of my very first blog tour. Feel free to comment if I'm not doing this right. Ha! Please comment to enter a contest. See below.

With great pleasure, I wish to introduce a special person and wonderful writer, Pam Thibodeaux. She writes what she calls "inspirational with an edge." A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Pam moved to my part of the country in north Texas where I've been fortunate enough to visit with her and attend one of her classes. This award winning author co-founded and is a lifetime member of Bayou Writer's Group. Besides women's fiction, she writes inspirational romance and creative non-fiction. Even with her busy schedule as author and speaker, I found her eager and willing to help new writers like myself.

Her new release is entitled "The Visionary." I highly recommend it. Pam's writing was new to me, so I read this new book with no expectations, just curiosity. Truthfully, few people could handle the delicate topic of childhood sexual abuse resulting in murder. This book demonstrates the breadth of God's grace. The tender way which Ms. Thibodeaux illustrates hope over a dark, untalked-about subject is unrivaled.

EXCERPT:
Trevor hovered in the place between wakefulness and sleep, darkness and light, heaven and hell. He could hear his sister’s voice, but he couldn’t see her, couldn’t find her in the darkness, and couldn’t reach her in the red haze of pain and fear. He was hot, so hot. He burned with anger and shame and shook with the fear that kept him bound, unable to get to her. He felt trapped, helpless. She called to him again, but it was the sound of a little girl whimpering. He mumbled her name, assured her he was there, that he’d save and protect her. It wouldn’t happen again, he promised and struggled to jerk his hands from their restraints, to break through the darkness and rescue her.

Question: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Answer: The hardest part of writing The Visionary was depicting the gruesome abuse the twins suffered as children and then realistically portraying the healing available through the awesome power of God's love and their struggle for relief from a past too horrendous to live with any longer.

Question: What do you like about your publisher?
Answer: They are author-friendly, patient in helping new authors understand their rules without making them feel ashamed or embarrased.

Question: What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
Answer: The biggest challenge I face is not having my work accepted by the “Christian” publishers. As one reviewer said, “though undeniably Christian, it is never dogmatic or insular; offering faith rather than religion.” (Review of Tempered Dreams by Elizabeth Burton for Blue Iris Journal) My books deal with issues in a way that is unacceptable in the traditional CBA market. Now that is not saying that my books are better than those published through traditional CBA publishers, only different. As I’ve said many times, everything that gives God glory deserves to be praised!

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Bayou Writers Group: http://bayouwritersgroup.com

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/n8as1b
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/o3YrMq

Anyone commenting on my blog will automatically be entered in a drawing for 4 lucky winners of an autographed copy of "The Visionary." Also, go back to any of the other blogs and comment for extra chances in the drawing. My post is the last stop of Ms. Thibodeaux's blog tour. Here is the list of those who've previously posted about "The Visionary" in case you're interested in going back, reading those reviews and commenting on them:

Nov 16th: Amber Stockton: http://amberstockton.blogspot.com/

Nov 17th: Karen Kelly http://www.authorkarenkelley.com/blog.html

Nov 18th: Author Expressions http://authorexpressions.blogspot.com/

Nov 19th: Tracy Krauss http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

Nov. 20th: Jessica Ferguson http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com

Nov. 21st: Guest @ LASR http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/

Nov 22nd: Robin Bayne http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com/

Nov. 23rd: Clare Revell http://telscha.blogspot.com/

NOV 24TH - THANKSGIVING DAY - http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Nov 25th: Tanya Hanson http://www.tanyahanson.com/Blog.html

Nov. 26th: Delia Latham http://delialatham.blogspot.com

Nov 27th: BWG Blog http://bayouwritersgroup.blogspot.com

Nov 28th: Raquel Byrnes http://nitewriter6.blogspot.com/

Nov 29th: Marianne Evans www.marianneevans.blogspot.com

Nov 30th: Shawna Williams http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/

Dec 1st: Jan Rider Newman janridernewman.blogspot.com

Dec 2nd: Vicki Cain http://www.victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com/

Dec 3rd: Justin Lugbill http://christian-book-review.com;

Dec 4th: Curt Iles http://creekbank.net

Dec 5th: Dana Pratola www.danapratola.webs.com

Dec 6th: Sylvia Ney http://writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

Dec 7th: Shonell Bacon http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com/

Dec 8th: Joanne Troppello http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blog.html

Dec 9th: Nona Cross http://winonacross.blogspot.com

Dec. 10th: JoAnn Carter http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Dec 11th: Donna Basinow http://donnabsnow.blogspot.com/

Dec 12th: Guest @ Edgy Inspirational Romance www.edgyinspirationalromance.com

Dec 13th: Michelle Sutton http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Dec 14th: Guest @ PenTalk Community http://pentalkcommunity.blogspot.com/

Dec. 15th: Judy Leger: http://judithleger.blogspot.com/

Dec 16th: Janet K Brown

Good luck to all.
Thank you, Ms. Thibodeaux, for trusting me to review your book. I enjoyed it. God bless.

Thank God for an Overeating Compulsion

2011-11-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

“Always giving thanks to God, the Father, for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 NIV.”

Everything? Really, God. Think of all the terrible things that come in our lives.

A stroke victim, who is a dear friend, worries every day over simple movements. I ask her “Are you angry with God?” Her answer was “Why would I be angry with God when He saved my life, helped me walk and sent me a husband who stayed by my side?” I wonder if I would be as gracious.

In my own pit of depression, I cried out “Why did I have to be cursed with an inability to control food?” I believed life was unfair. Even today, after God has healed my emotional imbalance and helped me lose a lot of weight, I often fight compulsions to binge.

Yet, through this journey to healing, my compassion for the lost and the addicted grew. God sometimes used me to encourage others with all kinds of addictions. I experienced God's love through facing trials with His victory. Would this have happened if the curse of compulsive overeating had not burdened my life?

God desires what’s best for His children. We must trust this even when our minds see only negative. God wants us to be thankful in everything, even the plague of compulsion.

Thank you, Lord, for the journey. Help be face those ahead without the griping and complaining.

Reformation Fire Must Fall

2011-10-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

With a line of other children, I marched into church for the convening of Vacation Bible School feeling as if I’d enlisted in God’s army. We studied Bible warriors Joshua and David. We learned the strong stands of Daniel and Ezekiel. Teachers armed us with the necessary weaponry. Each child including me yearned to fight for Christ.

Song leaders in our church peppered our Sunday music with militant Christian melodies. The titles of our hymns included A Mighty Fortress is our God, Onward Christian Soldiers and Stand Up for Jesus, Ye Soldiers of the Cross. Who could forget the Christian song that became a theme of the civil war, The Battle Hymn of the Republic?

The spirit of reformation framed previous congregations as a mighty fighting force. I think in America, where life is too easy for some, we’ve lost some of that vigilance. As a recovering compulsive overeater, I must remain alert and prepared for battle. Just because I’ve succeeded for years doesn’t mean the devil will leave me alone. Like an Army general does, Satan plans a new strategy or a new direction for attack.

To follow Christ, I must keep the spirit of the militant, triumphant church of old and march into battle daily.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life; whereunto thou are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Tim. 6:12.”

Too Busy to Stop Quiet Time

2011-08-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt as if you were too busy for time alone with God? When I worked a full time job, I had to set the alarm early to have any prayer and meditation. Now that I'm retired, normally, I can give the first minutes after breakfast to quiet time with the Lord. But, sometimes, I mess up.
I learned long ago that the busier I get, the more I need that quiet place of prayer. Without it, I can't write, I can't be the wife or friend I need to be, and I sure won't be eating according to God's will.

“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Ecclesiastes 10:8.” These words were penned by the wisest man who ever lived--King Solomon under God's inspiration.

Not doing what we know we must do = digging a pit.

Skipping several days without waiting on God = breaking up the hedge He put around us.

Yesterday, I ended five days with grandkids and two days of returning to normal. I did no writing, no reading and no quiet time with God. That doesn’t work. I must have time away every day, even if I have grandkids or fill in the blanks ___ (whatever hinders you).
The ironic thing is I can keep under God’s protection and strength for awhile and don’t even realize I’m growing weaker. All the time I camped and played with the kids, I ate healthy and light and of course, got plenty of activity.
Still, weakness crept into my mind, sneaky as in all of Satan’s devices. I’m going on the steam power gleaned a few days ago, oblivious that it’s nearly expired—not unlike taking medicine that heals me but being blinded that the last pill has been taken.
When the hindrance is behind me, my mind turns to mush with no creative juices flowing. I eat everything in the kitchen not nailed down. Depression covers me like an old blanket. My medicine bottle (my spirit) is empty.

Answer to failure:
Stop where you are. Remedy what you messed up. Go to Jesus NOW.
The best lesson I’ve ever learned is I can change course on Saturday and not wait until Monday, or 4 p.m. and not wait until the next day. DO IT NOW.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for once again giving me a reminder of why I need You, and picking me up from the ditch immediately.

Is This Your Time?

2011-06-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1”

Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

I learned this saying in Weight Watchers. It remains one of my favorites to remember and quote. A friend of mine changed it to say, "Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels."

King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, spoke the above words from life observation. My time for weight loss came at last. Maybe I took that long to learn to let God move in my life. Who knows? Can we hasten the season for us? I believe so.

Another saying I really like comes from Franklin F. Adams.

Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.

When we improve our health, regardless of our season in life, a new world opens. Because we spend less time worrying about what we’ll eat next, we have more time to create. Since we don’t use as much time stopping for food and snacking, we expand our horizons. When my brain got off sugar, ideas popped like new adventures. Health makes any season the best time of all.

Could it be that this is your season for a new venture?

Weight Loss Isn't a Day Trip

2011-05-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. II Thes.3:3.”

How many times have I gone on a diet to lose weight for a particular time or event? Too often I reached a low time and tried the latest diet fad? I looked at weight loss as a temporary period in my life. If I lost thirty pounds or sixty pounds, then my life would improve and I could return to eating “normal.”

I looked at a diet like I do a day trip.

An hour away from my home town is a national wildlife refuge. Surrounded by flat plains, mountains reach for the sky giving magnificent views. Buffaloes, long horns and deer roam free. My husband and I take an occasional day trip to Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains to enjoy God’s wonderland. We leave home in the morning and hike while it’s cool. We stop for lunch at a favorite landmark. We wade in the creek. We take pictures and visit the museum. In the afternoon, we return to our starting place and go back to normal life.

With a weight loss journey, we never return to normal. God’s path to healing isn’t a day trip but a lifetime endeavor. God establishes us day by day and keeps us from unhealthy practices until He takes us home to heaven.

Rid yourself of the notion of “going on a diet” and returning to a better way of eating. We must never stop. Instead, we must turn and do a one, eighty life change.

Prayer: Lord, guide me every day of my life. Show me a new way of eating.

Different Tallow Trees

2011-03-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them to all men. 1 Cor. 12:4-6 NIV.”

In our back yard, about ten years ago, my husband planted two Chinese tallow trees.

One grew more quickly and gave good shade within two years, and in the fall, its leaves provided brilliant color before dropping. The other was scrawny and sparse, but also gave nice colors.

Through their life span so far, they have differed. The bigger one stopped growing and gave little color, but the berries thickened on its branches. The smaller one grew slowly, but little by little, it became the larger, fuller one of the pair and gave the most brilliant colors.

Now, ten years later, one remains small, lots of berries, and nice, though muted, color, then sheds all its leaves at the first freeze or hard cold wind.

Though it grew more slowly, the other tree became good sized and shades our patio swing in the summer. But, it never turns colors, it never sheds leaves until the new growth in the spring.

Different, but equally of value. One for its color, the other for its shade.

God made us the same way. To lose weight and gain self value, I had to praise God for who He made me—different but equally of value to Him.

2011- a Year of Consistency and Kind Conversation - I hope

2011-01-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22,23 NIV.”

This is a time for new years resolutions. In 2011, I wish to harness in my inconsistency and my words.

In the area of food addiction, inconsistency marked my choices for years, keeping me on a roller coaster of emotional upheaval. For a week, a month, maybe even six months, I would maintain white-knuckled devotion to a diet plan. I counted and measured every bite. Nothing went between my lips that wasn’t on my list. Then, it happened. Because of a certain circumstance, I’d eat something wrong. Discouragement then brought me to my knees. My thoughts went like this:

I messed up.
What did it matter anyway?
I can’t take this anymore.
I’ve already blown it, so I might as well eat something I really want.

Though an overeating compulsion has been a big challenge in my life, I also see this same attitude in other areas. For awhile I love everybody. I remind myself no one is perfect. They're human. I'm human. I need to turn it over to God. Then, someone says or does something that hurts my feelings, and here's my thought patterns:

I'm worthless.
Who cares?
I'll never speak to them again.
I don't fit in there, so I'll leave the group.

Next thing I know I'm looking for a new church, or new group, or new friend, or I'm holing up at home nursing my wounds. The devil wins a victory because I cease to be useful to God until I forgive and move on.

Last week, I started a Joyce Meyer course at church about our conversation to ourselves, to others and to God. Wow, I was reminded of the importance of our words, even our words to ourselves. According to Meyer, if we insult ourselves, we insult God, our creator. I also was convicted of my words to God. I apologize to my Heavenly Father for such language as "My life is unfair." "Don't you love me, God?" "I prayed, and things got worse." In this, I show my mistrust of God.

God showers us with new compassion every day. He never fails, and He’s always there. He’s the God of spring after winter, of newborn babies in the face of the death of the elderly, of new years and new songs. He’s all we need, fresh every morning.

Oh, Lord, I could use to lose ten more pounds in 2011, too.

Christmas Brings out the Best in Selfish People

2010-12-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. John 12:2 NIV.”

Compulsive overeaters like me turn inward. At one time, my motto, though I wouldn’t admit it, was “It’s all about me.” Feeling sorry for myself exacerbated my eating, and eating increased my low self esteem. This vicious cycle churned in my mind and spiraled to lower depths with each day. At one point in my life, even though I had a faithful husband and three precious daughters, I could see nothing worthwhile to my life. Feeling empty and void of any good thing, I truly believed my family would be better off without me.

Now, it's Christmas time. I just returned from stuffing stockings for under-privileged children. My mouth sings and my heart feels weightless. My mind focuses on others, not myself. I feel good about helping someone.

In chapter twelve of John, Mary loved Jesus so much, she longed to show Him in a tangible way. The only thing she could think of was to break open her perfume, which was possibly the only thing of value she owned, and anoint Jesus’ head. Many thought that action foolish. Once a friend thought I was crazy for picking up a mentally-challenged lady and bringing her to Bible study. This sweet lady didn’t seem to know what we were saying and added nothing to the conversation. But, in doing this, my mind stayed on her, not me.

Do what you can. Do what God leads you to do. Focus on someone besides yourself. God will conquer your shortcomings and bring joy to you as well as those you help.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Rumble Strips

2010-11-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

The state of Texas lines the highways with rumble strips to wake up sleepy drivers and keep them from veering off the road. God gives us rumble strips (warning signs) to keep us on His path. Here's my list:

1. Doing anything else appeals to you more than going to church.
Boing! You've just hit a rumble strip. The vibration rattles your mind. What's wrong with me? Walk, no, run to the house of God. Listen to His Word.

2. You're depressed. No one speaks to you. You feel so tired, so very tired.
If you're dwelling on yourself and what's wrong with you, look up. God is flashing a yellow light. Beware! Beware! It's not all about you.

3. Temptation to speak harsh words comes more frequently. You find yourself laughing at an off-color joke. When was the last time that was a problem? You absolutely hate your boss and dread to go to work. WARNING: When was the last time you prayed?

Resentment and compulsive overeating plague my personal life. God's rumble strip shows up for me when I constantly long to eat sweets. I must check my life. What is wrong? Am I angry with someone? Have I been too busy for a quiet time of meditation? Have I really forgiven my friend or my family?

Fellow Christians, think of your own life. God places rumble strips there for all of us. At first, they distract or aggravate us, but have we allowed them to steer us away from trouble? Do we use the warnings to get us back on God's path?

Rumble strips on our highways and in our lives bear a purpose--to save our lives, but only if we follow their nudging.

Rumble strips steer sinners to saving strength and success.

Are you growing?

2010-11-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

This idea originated with a visiting minister at our church last night, but I found it inspiring not only in regards to my Christian walk, but also in my writing. My writing is my career, but the idea could apply whether you're a teacher, a secretary or an engineer. Think about it. Are you growing?

God's ideal is a perfect Christian walk with no sin, no impure thoughts, witnessing and being always sensitive to God's will in our lives.

Perfection

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14 NIV."

Perfection is the goal, but we will never reach it. Therefore, should we give up and say I'm not the ideal or she/he doesn't live right, should we ignore them? No, of course not.

An oak tree strives for the ideal of being tall with many branches giving shade. When we plant an oak in our yard, the height might well be three foot or less with two scrawny branches. Do we cast it aside because it's not perfect? Of course not. We water it, we nourish it, we pray for sunshine and rain at proper times. The oak starts growing though slower than many other trees planted at the same time, but an oak grows in strength. Life flows through the trunk and branches of an oak at a different pace than through a willow. Yet, we plant and nourish both toward the ideal they can reach.

A new Christian is a tiny sapling. As a more mature Christian, we should help them along, and yet, we also should be growing. If an oak ceases to grow, it ceases to live. Our Christian walk resembles that. We must stay attached to Christ and continue to grow.

God plants new writers in His field for His perfect purpose. In the beginning, we are so inept. We don't know a sequel from a point-of-view character. More mature writers train us, encourage us. Growing hurts. We struggle through rejection and discouragement, through writing and rewiting, but if we don't quit, we grow. Our writing improves, and we push through obstacles we never believed we could. Yet, even the mighty oaks of writing must continue to learn and improve.

Are you growing?
In your walk with Christ and in your writing or other career?
Don't give up.
Poke your head toward the sky and keep striving regardless that you will never reach the goal of perfection until God takes you home. How close can you come?

Minds in Rebellion

2010-10-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

We Christian compulsive overeaters are a stiff-necked bunch, not unlike the Israelites long ago. God used His chosen people anyway & worked miracles for them. He made a covenant with the Israelites to do wonderful things in them that other nations could see and give glory to God. No power, but God’s power can break the bonds of stubborn rebellion.

What did Jesus say was the first commandment? "To love the Lord our God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matt: 22:37"

I think we get down the heart, the soul, even the strength. We follow Christ with everything in us, but we have a problem when it comes to our minds.

Our minds take in our
reason
logic
desire
imagination
memory
will

Sometimes we hold back a little of that. We rebel in some small area which grows into a mountain of unbelief. Today, help me stamp out the rebellion in my mind.

Broken Walls

2010-09-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

God has me thinking about broken walls. My life periodically reaches the point where I've messed things up. Rejection sours my heart and my attitude. That comes from taking over the reins from God's hands and steering for myself whether it's in my writing, my compulsive overeating disorder or my family issues. Yet, when my mental walls are destroyed and my physical body depleted, I can call on God. His handiwork repairs those walls and restores my life to a thing of beauty.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land….
…..you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58: 11,12

Praise: Thank you, Lord, that you see me bright, shiny and new even before I let you inside to renovate my temple.

Last two reasons why I walk with the Lord

2010-08-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you for following my weekly posts about why I walk with the Lord. Last week I entertained grandkids and didn't post on Sunday, so I'm running late. God has blessed me while I pondered this question and the blessings I have in my life because of walking with the Lord. I hope you also have been blessed.

Here are my last two reasons:
13. Goodness enters my world through Him. I have insight into what's good and what's true and kind. Without Him, all seems negative.

14. He affords me Holy Spirit power.
As I come to the end of my blessings, I cherish the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He gives me supernatural power to overcome and to witness.

To summarize, here are all fourteen reasons why I choose to walk with God.

1. The Lord loved me enough to die for me.
2. He provides my daily necessities.
3. He gives me instruction and guidance.
4. He answers my prayers according to what's best.
5. He furnishes courage when I am fearful.
6. He renews strength when I am weak.
7. He provides protection and help when I'm powerless.
8. He gives confidence when I have low self esteem.
9. He's my inheritance.
10. He's my hope and that of my children.
11. Justice and truth come through Him.
12. All blessings enter my life through Him.
13. Goodness enters my world through Him.
14. He affords me Holy Spirit power.

I hope you've made up your list.
What would you say if someone asked "Why do you walk with the Lord?"

Two More Reasons I Walk with the Lord

2010-08-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my blog, I've been listing each week two reasons to give if someone asked me why I keep walking with the Lord. Today, comes reasons eleven and twelve.

11.Justice and truth come through Him.

Despite the trend toward relative truth, justice for all comes only through Christ. God is truth, and truth is what sets us free.

12.All blessings enter my life through Him.

He allows or directly provides everything good in my life. Without Him, I, like Paul, would of all men, be most miserable.

I Walk with the Lord. Why?

2010-08-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well, here's two more reasons following through with the question why am I blessed to walk with the Lord.

#9 He's my inheritance.
I had never thought about this until recently. Most of us understand the meaning of getting an inheritance. Two things happen.

1. Someone we love dies.
2. They love us enough to leave us something of value.

Being an only child, my mother put into a document known as a will that everything she had became mine upon her death. She wasn't rich but my inheritance from her did help my husband start his real estate business, gave my daughters some furniture to remember her by and purchased me a new car. Yet, I would have rather had my mother with me. Fortunately, both my mother and father were Christians, so I can see them again in heaven.

Jesus died on the cross because He loved me and thereby left me a priceless inheritance. Because of His death and His love, I will live again and see Him in heaven.

#10 He's my hope for the future and that of my children.
This is similar to number nine, yet different. The inheritance He left gives me hope for the future.
Without Jesus, I have no hope for me or my family, both in this life and in heaven.

Thank you, Jesus, for my inheritance and my hope for my life on earth and afterward.

I have four more reasons left why I walk with the Lord.

More reasons to walk with the Lord

2010-07-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, I've traveled to the mountains and again beheld God's glory. Nothing like mountains or oceans to make us feel small.

So far, I've listed 6 reasons to walk with the Lord. To review, here they are:
1.The Lord loved me enough to die for me.
2.He provides my daily necessities.
3.He gives me instruction and guidance.
4.He answers my prayers according to what's best for me.
5.He furnishes courage when I'm fearful.
6.He renews strength when I'm weak.

Have you came up with your list yet?

Here's my number seven and eight;

7. He provides protection and help when I'm powerless.
Overcome with a compulsive eating disorder, I had to first admit powerlessness to get God's help.
Life offers up many challenges for which we have no place of safety except through the Lord: death, disease, financial bankruptcy, rebellious children, divorce. I wouldn't like to be without God's covering.

8. He gives confidence when I have low self esteem.
Most of the time, I've struggled with this problem, but with the Lord in my
corner, I can do all things.

Work on your list. Count your blessings. Then, life becomes worthwhile.

Why do I walk with the Lord?

2010-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Why do I walk with Lord?

I've come up with fourteen reasons and have posted four so far.

Maybe you've come up with your own list.
If someone ask you today that question, how would you answer it?

Here's my number five and six reasons.

5. He furnishes courage when I am fearful.
Ever tried to face a scary situation alone?

6. He renews strength when I'm weak.
Which is most of the time---thank you, Jesus. In fact, when I am at my weakest point, God is closer than ever.

Keep thinking and praying about your own reasons.

Why do I walk with the Lord?

2010-07-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I posed the question "Why do I walk with the Lord?" I noted I had fourteen reasons and listed numbers one and two.
Today, I'm giving reasons number three and four.

3. He gives me instruction and guidance since He knows all things.
Boy do I need this one!

4. He answers my prayers knowing full well what's best for me.
Guess I don't get everything I want, huh?

Thank you again, Lord, for these benefits.

Next Sunday we'll explore the next two reasons on my list.
Have you made your list yet?

Two reasons I walk with the Lord

2010-07-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

What would I say if someone asked me why I walked with the Lord?

I sat down and thought of fourteen reasons. I decided to post two each week.

Here's number one:

The Lord loved me enough to die for me.

I can't imagine love like that, nor can I understand it. Francis Chan calls it in his recent book by the same name, crazy love. Gratitude for such love overwhelms me. It shakes up my world. How can I not submit?

Number two reason:

He provides my daily sustenance.

I look to Him for my needs, day by day. Without the Lord, I'm deplete.

Think with me what your reasons are. Next Sunday I'll list two more.

Control

2010-05-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Spring offers a unique perspective into God's thoughts. As the time of newness arrives, we can sit outside and breathe in the beauty. God authors new beginnings in nature and in people. He gives us the call of the mockingbird, the ripple of a brook, the fragrance of a rose--all things we can't control--to give us pleasure, peace and purpose. How like God to remind us that joy comes in not controlling things. Our control brings contamination, confusion and cost. With this spring, I search for fresh insight and help.

Lord, help me to release control. Only through you can I find true happiness.

Stiff-necked Unrelenting Will

2010-04-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

“….let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

How many times have I went against everything I thought I wanted, everything that my family, my work, my Christian walk demanded to “control” my situation myself. Friends and family advised me to use will power and refrain from overeating.
What they didn’t realize and neither did I for years was that I had an unrelenting will I used every day. My will power overcame every rational thought to say “I will to eat what I like and I won’t be controlled by anyone else in choosing what I eat.” The craziness of this principle was that my will power overcame my conscious goals and desires. Like turning on a tank of oxygen near the fireplace, my invincible will power/won’t power consumed my sanity and my life.

No power but God’s power is strong enough to overcome a stiff necked rebellion. Are you a control freak? Has it ruining everything you hold dear?

Prayer: Lord, help me to release my stiff-necked will power unto You.

Repairer of Broken Walls

2010-04-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land....
....you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:11,12

Do you ever feel like you're losing your mind? So did I. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and always expecting different results. Sound familiar? As a psychiatrist once told me, trying to willingly destroy one's self is not sane. Compulsive overeaters kill themselves slowly with legal means, but it's no less real.
Resentment, envy, anger had broken in the walls of my mind where the enemy of my soul could have free reign. Thereby, the devil caused more and more emotional imbalance; insanity, if you will. When I, of my own free will, chose to give my mind and my body back to the Lord, He used my day-to-day actions to repair those walls and restore normal thinking.
If I fail to lean on God's power, another wall will break down. My healing is contingent on my day-to-day spiritual condition.

Prayer: Lord, today take my thoughts, my will and my choices and let them be yours.

God's Banquet Table - Daily Devotions for Compulsive Overeaters

2010-04-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Compulsive overeating can only be healed by God. The addictive quality of this weakness takes a lifelong day by day dependency on God's power. Seventeen years ago, He healed me emotionally and started a successful weight loss journey. I lost ninety pounds and have since then maintained that loss. God has put it on my heart to regularly share my devotions for compulsive overeaters. I pray there's someone out there that might notice my blog and start reading these and receive God's help with this complex problem. Every day I must seek after God since I'm powerless over food. Watch this blog tomorrow, Monday, April 19, 2010 for my first devotion.

New Beginnings

2010-03-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

In all my years of life, I've stepped into many springtimes. I've spotted the tips of jonquils peeping through the cold ground, but never has that sight not sent a thrill across my mind. In God's wisdom, He created spring as a new beginning. I love new beginnings.
New beginnings can come as a new job, a new spouse, a new home or as simple as a time of new warmth as in the springtime of the year. The spin of failure is turned around by a new beginning. Every mistake dissolves in beginning again.
The last few months, I've debated about what God wanted me to do with my time. He showed me this Scripture, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world;and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4."
When I retired from my day job four and a half years ago, I threw myself into my writing, learning all I could. Along with several short stories, I've completed five full-length manuscripts and attempted to sell some of them. As God tried to slow me down, I bucked Him and complained. Now, with His peace descending into my world, I'm faced with yet another new beginning--true retirement with writing as a ministry directed by God.
Charles and I are traveling more, spending time together in fun and relaxation. When he works on real estate, I write stories and sell some of them. God's peace paves the twists and turns of this new beginnning.

Lord, may I always be directed by you and have sense enough to step in Your footsteps leading the way.

Balance

2010-02-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Life becomes a walk on a tightrope with a delicate balance between what we need and what we like. Often, my feet step off the rope and teeter above a harsh, unrelenting floor. Recently, I fell off that rope by becoming stressed and overwhelmed to the point of becoming cranky and hard to live with.

Most of my time revolved around writing or writing-related activities such as critiquing, loops, courses, looking up markets or fulfilling roles in my groups. Family time, even time with the Lord, interrupted my driving ambition. Life ceased to be fun. When I crashed into the net, God required of me to quit all writing except to fulfill definte prior obligations.

While I'm sprawled on the floor and looking up at God, He's teaching me one more time the wisdom of balance in my life. For every weight, we lay on one end of our teeter-totter, we must lay an equal and offsetting weight at the other end.

Ecclesiastes 11: 8 "However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all."

Lord, thank You once again for breaking my fall, for holding me until I regain consciousness and for tipping me onto my feet, so I can take baby steps while balancing with the touch of Your hand.

PRIDE

2010-01-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

PRIDE--the sin committed by a beautiful angel of God called Lucifer. In Genesis, we read of the first sin. God doesn't give us laws to punish us or make it hard on us. His laws show us how to live and cope with life. The ruling He offered Adam and Eve was to merely refrain from eating one fruit--so they wouldn't die. Pride tempted Eve with being as smart as God. She succumbed, as we all often do.

Satan uses pride to his best advantage. As many of the devil's tools, pride slips in without our realization. We believe it's not something that tempts us until we look at the many sides of the sin. Pride hides behind our defensive attitude, our hurt feelings, our territorial stance.

In any chosen field, pride can seep in like a sneaky intruder, but I look at it from the role of Christian writer. When I tighten up at criticism of my writing or feel an edge of envy at another writer's success, that's pride nibbling at my toes. Even handling rejection with anger shows pride in my life. Writing isn't about just getting published for me, it's about ministering God's word.

God gives me words to share with others. As long as I'm grateful to write for Him regardless of where those words are seen, pride releases its power over me. In ministry, we work not for our glory, but for God's, so getting uptight about what person gets the compensation or praise is pride. We find this in all types of ministry even in our local churches. If we don't receive the glory for our work, we get irritated. The devil sneaks in a measure of pride to tear down God's work. The bad thing is many times he's successful.

Time and time again, I'm reminded to check up on my measure of committment to God. He called me to write.

Lord, please make me aware when Satan has slipped into my work. You are my primary reader and critic. Use my words for Your work and delete my pouting pride.

Next month, I'll look into another sin that works on me. Can you guess what it is?

Merry Christmas Y'all

2009-12-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

My cup of activity fills to overflowing this time of year. I find it harder than usual to hold on to uninterrupted quiet time with the Lord. Yet, conversation with God is what's needed more than anything to keep my serenity and sanity.
As my heart brims with gratitude for my blessings, I wish peace and love for each of you, resources which can only be found in the Christ of Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL. (I am from Texas, after all.)
HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Time for Thanks

2009-11-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

Recently, I finished a Beth Moore series on "Esther." Very interesting and very unusual study. All through the ten lessons, we spotted God's obvious hand in everything, yet not once, in the book of Esther, was the name of God mentioned. The last lesson on Tuesday talked about the party at the end of the book. Not only did they rejoice that day, but every day at that time of year, the Jewish people met for feasts, gave gifts to each other and celebrated what they called Purim to remember God's protection during that time. Our Jewish friends still honor Purim today.
We also have holidays set up to remind us of God's blessing and protection. How many can you name--Easter, Christmas, Independence Day? This month we celebrate Thanksgiving, one of my favorites. On Thanksgiving we prepare a feast and invite family and friends to rejoice together and take time to be thankful.
Our family tradition is, before we eat, each one says what they're thankful for that year. One year my middle daughter and her husband thanked God for His blessing though they had lost a beautiful daughter three months before. One year, my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter had moved fifteen hundred miles away, and my mother had passed away both shortly before the holiday. This year hurt feelings and unkind words hinder part of our family's rejoicing. Nevertheless, God is faithful through all seasons of life.
As we close our Esther study, I thought of how many times I'd taken a prayer request to God only to forget later to thank Him for the answer. Now, at thanksgiving time, I resolve to remember to praise more than I petition. From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for my readers.

The Lessons We Learn in Trying Times

2009-10-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice if we learned about God's nature when life was pleasing, when no major problems interrupted? Alas, that's not the way it usually works. When life knocks us down and kicks us in the side, we look up to see Jesus gently cleansing our wounds and wiping our tears.
Once again this last month, I've had occasion to reach up searching for God in my misery. On Sept. 29 I had surgery. My doctor said I'd be a "little sore" and at least two friends said they were up and going in a week after their procedure. The reality of pain and problems hit me like an intruder standing over me beating with a baseball bat (my daughter's favorite weapon.).
Friends and family ministered with flowers, cards, calls and most of all, prayers. One of my daughters visited. Ten days into my convalescence, when I thought I might live, my husband, my caregiver, fell ill. For several days, we were a troublesome twosome.
During this time, God again demonstrated his love and concern. Friends can't always be there, but God doesn't get a virrus, and you don't mind him seeing you at your worst (He already has.). His tender loving care bathes the feverish brow and calms the painful cramps. In the midst of hurt, I could call out, and He arrived--every time--not always like I thought, but He came.
With my calendar cleared, God had me where He wanted me--slowed to listen and learn. We become observers of life seeing needs we'd forgotten to pray for, or feeling compassion for those we forgot. Looking from the perspective now of coming out on the other side with the worst behind me, I see God's hand in the bad days.
I prefer not having trying times again, but when they come, and I know they will, I can look forward to special communion with my Savior.

Letting Go brings freedom

2009-09-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sixteen years ago, the Lord gave me an emotional healing. For years, I fought low self esteem, food addiction and suicidal thoughts. I learned the strong will power and determination I used to help myself could, as easily, turn on me and fuel the fire of my emotional upheaval. As many people who have gone through Alcoholics Anonymous or any of the twelve-step programs, I learned that letting go brings freedom.
I wish I could say that I learned that lesson and have never forgotten it, but this summer, my mind dropped it from its memory bank. I drifted into my old ways. My resentments drove me into a poor-me syndrome making me snippy and unpleasant to be around, and I ate myself sick.
A few weeks ago, I prayed for God's healing, again. He answered me. After all, Jesus stands beside us wherever we go, whatever we do, waiting for us to look up and call on Him. How soon we forget that.
I let go of my need to control, to fix things. I repeated "I can't do it anymore. Please do it for me." After he healed new resentments and guided me into His knowledge, He worked in my eating and gave me peace of mind.
When I thought about what my blog should be this month, these thoughts kept running though my mind. The enigma of having freedom by giving up our wills still amazes me, but it worked sixteen years ago and it works today. Thank you, Jesus.

Blogs and now Facebook

2009-08-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Technology forces us all into its mold. I've dragged my feet, but finally went kicking and screaming into the age of instant access everywhere, at anytime. Four years ago, I didn't know how to do e-mail. Since then, to help my writing career, I've self-taught or family or friend-taught many aspects of the electronic world. I now know widows and orphans aren't just people without husbands or parents, and if I copy and paste, I don't need Elmer's glue.
Two years ago I joined in on blogging on writing craft books with three friends. It's called www.bookstowriteby.blogspot.com. What was a girl to do but start an individual blog then, so I could write whatever I wanted. There's something freeing about getting on the keyboard and pounding out what's on my mind this month.
Blogs and loops aren't enough. Now, I'm on facebook, so I post a sentence and it's read everywhere. How scary is that? Right off, I told my "friend" I was leaving for vacation and was told, "Don't say that on facebook. Some thief might rob you." Now, I have to be careful. Never thought about that before.
Well, this week I'm taking a day's computer class. Is there more to learn? Yikes, I'm scared to death of what I don't know. I will never learn to tweet. Unless, of course, I'm pushed. I think I'd eat a cookie, but I understand in tech language, those aren't edible.

Inspiration in the Mountains

2009-07-19T15:30:00.001-07:00

We returned today from cool mountain air. For the last week, my husband and I camped in our travel trailer on top of a mountain north of Ruidosa, New Mexico. We enjoyed an unobstructed view of the next mountain range. Each morning after breakfast I pulled out my lap top and wrote with the view of the mountains out my window. Nothing like God's natural beauty to inspire creativity.
If you're bogged down with the cares of life, changing your view can help whether you, like me, like to write or if you paint, or even if you need new ideas for your business growth or for a new business.
Out in God's world, our minds free up, and new thoughts and ideas flash into our consciousness. There we find the answers to our conflicts, and there our creativity unleashes.
However, I will say it's good to come home. When we came back to Wichita Falls, Texas, summer heat blasted us, but we found beauty in our back yard and renewed peace to trudge on another mile. After all, is that not the purpose of vacations?

Writing as Ministry

2009-06-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

At a writing conference in May, I took a course from my dear friend, well-known author, DiAnn Mills. She calls the workshop "Writing as Ministry." She was one of the first people to impress on me that writing can be a ministry not unlike teaching a group of girls or calling first time visitors at church. A group of us started a new church here in Wichita Falls, Texas about eight years ago. The first time we called a pastor, we sat in meetings to determine our mission statement. DiAnn suggested our writing ministry needed a mission statement. I've worked on and prayed about that since then.
God gave me "Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book." Jeremiah 30:2 KJV. God didn't say write the words and send them to everyone you think might need to read them. He merely said, "write the words."
When I become discouraged over the slowness of getting my fiction published, I remember the published short stories in Sunday school take-home papers, and I pray they'll touch someone's heart. The longer fiction I write may be meant to minister to my daughter, my critique partners, or perhaps just myself. When my writing is needed by someone else, God will bring it forth. He told me to "write all the words He spoke to me." God's job is to send it to the person or people that need those words.
Recently, I found a book written by an old friend who passed away. Read about it on www.bookstowriteby.blogspot.com. Lou Gatlin's book "Take Cover" reminded me that our written words live on after we're gone.
What is the ministry God has laid on my heart? Writing. Each moment I sit at my computer and type, I worship the Lord.

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference

2009-05-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

May 17 - Time to catch my flight for Asheville, NC. I had worked hard to complete my manuscript and proposal for agents at Blue Ridge writer's conference. The last few weeks before leaving, I prayed the conference would be a spiritual retreat as well as help my writing. Since February, my spirit had rolled and tumbled with storms of anger, disappointment and a strong sense of powerlessness.
When the conference opened with worship Sunday night, God began to talk to me with Angie Hunt's keynote address about God's leading in her life. Monday morning's service reinforced God's message when Eva Marie Everson gave her testimony of God's faithfulness through her husband's disability, her daughter's illness and bankfuptcy including the threat of taking her copyrights. The fear that clutched her heart could be felt by every writer there. Cec Murphey told us he quit writing three times. He testified of being wooed to Christ through a story in a Sunday school take-home paper. God whispered to me, "See, if you never write anything else but short stories for Sunday school papers, it is enough if I bless it."
Time and time again the Lord led my path to one particular person, then another whose story I needed to hear. I learned from agents, multi-published authors and newbies. Often, only one place was left for me to sit @ dinner, but I sat beside who God ordained for me. Sometimes I needed to encourage. More often, I was on the receiving end.
I returned from my trip late Thursday evening, though dead-tired physically, but refreshed and renewed mentally and spiritually. God's peace reigns in my heart.
Thank you, Jesus, for showing yourself faithful once more.

God's Safe-guarding and Splendor

2009-04-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, April 16, we planned on a trip to Fredericksburg, Texas taking our travel trailer. Friends with their trailer would go with us. My husband and I are camping novices. Twice, we ventured to a nearby lake for a weekend excursion, but this would be our longest trip.

The weather report claimed strong storms would move across the area on Thursday night and into Friday morning, but clear by afternoon. We postponed the trip from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning. We didn't get the storms in Wichita Falls. We left Friday at nine in the morning.

An hour away from home, high winds and blinding rain hit. No picnic areas or pull-off places appeared. We had no option but to push forward. Charles and I watched our friend's fifth wheeler lift off the ground, and we feared it would roll, but it came to rest once more on the road. Both trailers snaked along the highway. Both couples prayed. The men held tight to the steering wheels and inched along. I gripped the side as if it would help the steering.

One other time between Marble Falls, TX. and Stonewall, TX. we fought blinding rain. My mother always said, "God takes care of children and fools." I guess I know our classification. Praise be to God for keeping us safe and bringing us to our destination albeit tensed and exhausted.

While at Fredericksburg in central Texas, we beheld God's glory in spring's wildflowers, rivers, and majestic hills of granite. No work of art can outdo God's paintbrush.

Thank you, Lord for your safe-guarding and splendor.

Wichita Mountains

2009-03-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Most of us have a small tourist treasure near our homes. When Charles and I visited New York City, we found people who lived and worked there, but had never toured the Statue of Liberty, while we Texans couldn't wait to do that very thing. Even in the north Texas plains, we have one of those places people would drive miles to see, yet often we forget to take advantage.
Less than an hour's drive from Wichita Falls terrain changes. A small mountain chain in southwestern Oklahoma provides refuge to buffalo, elk, deer and longhorn cattle. Our government set it aside for a wildlife preserve in 1901. Boulders enchant rock climbing enthusiasts. Charon Wilderness provides backpacking hikes. Overlooking Lake Lawtonka, the chain's highest peak, Mt. Scott, rises 2464 feet over the plains. Another draw to the area is the Holy City of the Wichitas where an annual Easter pageant is presented, and tranquility is offered daily.
When we make a days' trip to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, we include the historic town of Meers, Oklahoma for a Meers burger designed for enormous appetites. Of course, hiking in the park enlarges our hunger, so we eat every bite.
As we near spring break when we'll play host to grandchildren, we're thankful for this beautiful tourist spot which gives us beauty, recreation, peace and food.

I am strong in Christ

2009-02-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV ".....For when I am weak, then I am strong."

My post this month will be short. I'm rather in overload right now. I returned yesterday from a 3 day writer's plotting camp in beautiful Quartz Mountain State Park in southwestern Oklahoma. I learned a lot, but came home exhausted. My husband and I have a wonderful vacation planned in a few days, so have work to do to get ready for that.

On top of these trips, we've been dealing with a family crisis for about a week. My eyes are permanently red and puffy. Last night, as I went to bed, gulping and crying, I felt powerless. I was out of options. There was nothing I could do to make matters better. At the moment I gave up trying to control or micro-manage, God whispered in my ear, "When I am weak, then I am strong."

Wow! My pulse calmed. My breathing slowed. My hands stilled. God took over. I fell asleep with that verse in my mind, and I woke up with that verse still echoing. Praise God. We find His power, when we take our hands off the problem.

Nothing has changed in the situation, but everything has changed in me. I will take a needed vacation leaving God in control. How much better Him, than me? Praise be to the Lord. Thank you, Jesus.

Amazing Grace

2009-01-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

"My chains have gone. I've been set free." Those words still bring joy to my heart. Once, binge eating and depression kept me prisoner, but God's amazing grace set me free.

This week, God's grace has echoed in my mind over and over. Wednesday night's Bible class at church taught me about the awesome love of God. The closest thing in real life to help me understand that love is my three grandchildren. I know they're not perfect. Sometimes, they're real messes, but just thinking about them warms my heart. To watch them play or talk about something that interets them brings a glow like no other for me. To think God loves me that way brings tears to my eyes. Because he loves me, his grace is unending.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound." Words from a familiar hymn reminds every Christian that no sin is too great for God. I heard it said this week that God went with a lady while she used drugs. She grieved the Holy Spirit, but He wouldn't leave her, in case she stopped and asked for His forgiveness. What kind of love is that? Myself, I can't imagine it, but I stand in awe.

As I deliberated about what I should blog today, I went to a Bible study on Revelation.

My pastor said, "Aren't we lucky to be living in the age of grace? Sometimes, I think we take it for granted."

I was taking notes, but at that point, my hand stopped in mid air. My mouth flew open. Yes, we do take it for granted, the most wonderful gift of any since time began.

Lord, help me never to be guilty of not praising your name and thanking you daily for your amazing grace. Without it, where would I be?

Priority List

2008-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

On Friday before Thanksgiving, I stopped at the grocery store to buy my weekly portion. Crowds thronged into the cashier's lines. Holiday temporary workers offered samples at the end of every shelf. Tears stung my eyes. You see I was already fighting burn-out, and an overwhelmed feeling. "I can't take on this next month," I cried silently, so no one could hear. I swiped the tears wetting my cheeks.
When I arrived home, my husband gave me a lecture about setting my priorities and clearing some items from my to-do list. The next morning my quiet time focused on "Lord, what will Thou have me do, and what should I leave out?" I read a beautiful devotion about putting God first at this busy time of year from Kathy Macias.
I listed twenty-three things taking varying amounts of my time. I wrote "delay until January" beside three items. One item would end soon. My finger skimmed the remaining list putting numbers beside each one. Going through this process was an eye-opener for me in many ways.
Things I learned included:
1. My number one priority was my quiet time with the Lord every morning, but, last week I had skipped four mornings. Going to a Bible study shouldn't take the place of personal time with God.
2. Second on my list was time with my husband. Guilt reddened my face as I remembered desperately trying to catch up e-mails the night before while my husband read in the den by himself. He would never complain, but did it bother him? I spent one night away this week teaching a class which didn't include him.
3. This one is probably not a shocker. After family (which includes kids, grandkids and mother-in-law) and attending church, my next item was writing (NOT E-MAILS OR SCIMMING WEB SITES)--writing).
I am thankful God led me to set my priorities as we began the holiday season. In doing so, I've coped with the extra pressures much better. Every morning when I sit in my usual chair and talk with God, I see my priority list and realign my day with my list and with God's will for me.
Christmas should be a happy time, not one where we're stressed and burdened with too many things to do. Yet, too often that's what we remember.
I pray for you a good priority list, a merry Christmas, and a happy new year.

Failure

2008-11-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Failure tastes rancid
As a life chapter closes.
Disquiet and uncertainty
Life now discloses.

God isn't the author
Of an unsound mind.
Yet He leads through a maze
of trouble aligned.

I taste bitterness now.
What's that ingredient?
Submission to God makes
Giving-in expedient.

I search for the reason
I plead with my God
Did I misread your direction
Is it the wrong road I've trod?

No, my child He explains
You cannot understand my thought
They're higher than yours
So don't be distraught.

Dessert will come later
I view the whole meal.
Stay in the kitchen
Pray for the yield.

How say you, you've failed
When the dinner's not ready.
The yeast is still rising
Now hold fast and steady.

On my Thanksgiving feast
I'll sound the alert
We'll gather round the table
You'll be surprised at your worth.

You haven't failed.
I stuck a gold star
On the list I am keeping
That no man can mar.

You Never Know What a Day Will Hold

2008-10-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Every few years or months something happens that reminds me of the uncertainty of our lives. I'm a planner or plotter as we call it in the writing world. Recently one of my writing groups discussed online how they came up with a book's characters and action. Many sit down and plot out the entire book including detailed character sketches before they ever write the first sentence of the manuscript. Others get a good idea, and begin to write without any knowledge of how it will end. Once thing both groups had in common, however, were they never could know for sure how their characters would act. With people, like with book characters, life happens. Things change, we change regardless of plans.
Friday, October 10, I had my plans all set out. After the Lord and I had our daily visit, I would write for a couple hours, go walk at the mall with my husband, go to a Weight Watcher meeting, eat lunch, then have my hair fixed. None of those things got done. With an early phone call we learned the paramedics were loading my father-in-law to take to a hospital in Greenville, near where they live, and my husband and I packed and dashed out the door in half hour's time not knowing what we faced or how long we'd be gone. In this case, we did lose that precious man. He's been bedfast for two and a half years, but now he's dancing in heaven.
I've had days like this before when all my plans flew out the window. Life changes the best-laid plans. Occassionally it happens as a happy thing, an unexpected visit from someone you haven't seen in awhile or the birth of your child or grandchild. All too often, it's a difficult twist to our journeys- an accident, a death, a tragic event.
My organized mind screams for planning, but I realize the most important plan I must make is keeping things right between the Lord and myself. Who knows when God might call me home or that trumpet might sound for all our lives to change for eternity? Be prepared. Be prayed up and ready.

Love God with all Your Mind

2008-09-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

God defines sin as disobedience to Him. In 1 Samuel 15:22...."Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." Man, on the other hand, defines sin as murder, theft, adultery, homosexuality and such things as anger, envy, resentment, negative thinking, worry as human frailties.
When asked what was the most important commandment God gave to man, Jesus stated in Mark 12:30 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and with all they strength, this is the first commandment."
Recently I began a new Weight Recovery class at our church. This is a topic I've studied and lived for fifteen years now, and a needful topic for many of us in the Chrisitan realm. Giving up all worldly vices, we cling to overeating as a lifeboat to survive the cruel world.
I speak for myself, though I doubt I'm the only culprit. I love God with all my heart and soul. I long to please Him, to serve Him and to tell others about His love, His salvation. My strength belongs to the Lord. I work in my church and in other ways to further the gospel of Christ. But, when I read that verse in Mark, I skip over that little "with all thy mind" business. Of course, I give Him my mind. I pray, I read His Word, I often think of Him and talk about Him.
During my class, we talked about why we overeat, why we're willing to sacrifice everything in life to binge on our favorite foods knowing how depressed, guilty and inept we become when we do. Being overweight most of your life, eating more than you intend despite your determined efforts to diet represents only a symptom of a larger problem. As fever tells a person there's an internal problem in your body, fat tells a person there's an internal problem in your mind.
As we begin to eat healthier, leaving off such drags as sugar, fats, white flour, God brings to the forfront our resentments, our anger. If we're angry with ourselves for overeating, we can't focus on the envy we feel when another worker gets more attention or commendation than we do. We eat better and all of sudden, we're faced with our envy. We fall on our knees in repentance at our "sin."
Since starting this class, the devil has battled my mind harder than he's done in fifteen years. He prefers I don't help others learn to give their minds to God. He'd lose a big battle with God for everyone who learns that lesson. God gives faith, not worry. He gives love, not resentment. When we're thinking clearly and positively, conviction comes to us at the first sign of anger toward our parent, child, friend. This is the walk of faith that God desires for us to have.
But, when I binge on sugar, I don't think right. I suppress any other bad feelings with guilt and low self-esttem. The devil has won.
With food, I am powerless. But when I love God with all my mind, He guides me and lifts my feet over the pitfalls even if only day by day. After all, is that not what faith is all about?

My Testimony

2008-08-17T12:44:00.001-07:00

God answers prayer. God heals. I believe this. Sometimes the healing comes over a period of time (way too long to our way of thinking), but once in awhile, we have those times of immediate healing. God's supremacy and will dictates how He answers our prayers. Three weeks ago God gave me one of those immediate healings where you feel like lying prone on the floor in wonder and appreciation at His power.

The last six months for me progressed with ever increasing pain in my back and legs. I finally went to the doctor the first of May, then went through the cycle of trying new pain medicine, having an MRI, going to the neurosurgeon to discuss options and finally was sent to the Pain Rehab doctor to try steroid shots first, but the neurosurgeon didn't give me much hope of it helping with my diagnosis. While I followed this prescribed medical path, my pain exacerbated.

In July Charles and I took a vacation to the Rocky Mountains. Our favorite thing to do is hiking the trails there. I could barely walk much less hike. Stairs became my worst nightmare. Charles would grab my arm and use his strength to pull me up. Putting my weight on my right leg was impossible. Even the slight inclines hurt, but I did walk some because I felt better after the exercise.

On Sunday July 27, I stood in church. I love our worship services where I clap and sing and sway to the music. I couldn't. When I clapped my hands, my body tried to keep time with the beat which sent excruciating pain through my back and legs. I sat down and cried. "I can't even worship God at church anymore," I told my husband. Knowing we would soon have a time at the altar for those with needs, he encouraged me to go to the front and ask for prayer. I did and was blessed by a young lady who prayed for me along with the pastor and others.

When I walked back to my seat, I realized I had no more pain. I marveled as I listened to the sermon and continued in amazement the rest of the day that I was pain-free. The steroid shot appointments had already been set up, one for the next week, and one for the week following. Charles and I discussed maybe I should reinforce my healing by going on with the scheduled procedures, and I did that. But I never had the bad pain again after that Sunday. Prior to the first shot, I cleaned house bending and stooping without pain. Between the two shots, I helped decorate our church for a special service for the girls. I went up and down stairs repeatedly all afternoon. God had healed me.

As I thought what I wanted to post this month, I realized I needed to give honor to God for what He did for me. I still pray for many out there waiting for their healing. It's already on the way. God has reminded me He can do anything.

God's Own Sanctuary

2008-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

My husband and I took a short trip to the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico to locate our peace of mind. Somewhere along the journey of a rough 2008, we'd lost it. Along the nature trails we wandered noticing the wildflowers thrusting blooms out of a rock, butterflies sniffing one flower after another, and beaver dams changing the flow of rushing streams. The majesty of a chain of several 14,000+ high mountains made us feel small. In the flight of the tiny hummingbirds outside our room, we located our peace again.

I love the beautiful manmade sanctuaries where we worship weekly. Our own church, maintained by loving hands, gives comfort and charm and creates an atmosphere for God to move in our lives. Nature is God's own sanctuary, opening the arms of gigantic trees to welcome us, mountains to put our problems into perspective, and sturdy wildflowers that remind us God is bigger than circumstances. The one who makes the hummingbird fly against all odds controls mine and Charles' problems. Sometimes we must pause and remember that.

Are you needing a worship service in God's sanctuary? You don't have to drive to the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps a lake, small hills near your home, or in your own backyard (in the morning when it's cooler if you live in Texas) is right for you. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I urge you to seek His presence in the chapel He created Himself. He will always met us there.
God bless you all.

Thin line between life and death

2008-07-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

On Sunday July 6 I scared my husband. He thought he'd lost me. I, of course, only know what he told me. I've suffered from back pain for awhile with increasing difficulty of movement. That morning I literally slid from the bed and my husband pulled me up. I couldn't move, so to say my morning started out normal would be a farce. Normal routine would be to take my muscle relaxer first and then fix breakfast. Even walking hurt my back so my husband helped me get our breakfast on the table, then I dropped into my chair. We thanked God for his provision and Charles prayed God's healing on my back.

By the time I'd had two bites of eggs, I turned in my seat. "I'm sick at my stomach. I'll go sit in the recliner." I remember saying "I can't do it." The next thing I remember my husband patted me with soft words. "The ambulance is on it's way." Someone heaved my body and I vomited. A voice called to me. "Just a slight stick now," and someone stuck a needle in my hand. Two women undressed me. "There's noone here but your husband and us." After awhile consciousness began to return as my husband and my pastor prayed at my bedside. For the first time my eyes focused on people and surroundings.

My husband told me my head fell in my plate. When he lifted me back and took my plate from my lap, no color remained in my face. My mouth flew open, my eyes rolled back. Seizure type movements overcame my upper body, then I went rigid. He thought I had slipped into eternity.

Fortunately, my blood pressure rose. All tests proved okay. A freak sequence of events caused an improbable consequence. Today I'm thankful God brought me back. The experience reminded me how thin a line there is between life and death. When we're relatively healthy and active, we believe ourselves indestructable, but one second can put us in a grave with loved ones singing around us.

What would you do if you knew you would die soon? Makes you think, doesn't it. Would you spend more and more time at the office working. Would you pass up time to spend with your children or grandchildren because laundry mounted? Would you put off that phone call or letter you'd been going to get around to? Would you do something for the Lord today?

God gave me a new viewpoint. I intend to remember the lesson hopefully until I'm 112.

Short timer's attitude

2008-05-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Have any of you decided to switch jobs or ministries, but had to finish out a time period before you left? We call that short timer's attitude. Two years ago when I left the position I'd held for 18 years, I spent seven months finding someone to replace me and training her. During that time, I felt my life stopped-on hold- until I actually left.

Now I'm finding something of the same feelings with a ministry to girls at my church I've been involved with for 5 1/2 years. I've given notice, but will continue to teach through May with some helps until after the first part of August. I try to get excited about teaching,but the luster has gone. The girls aggravate more than they used to. I find I dread Wedsnesday nights where I used to look forward to them.

How have you handled this problem? I've prayed. But I'm stuck in limbo. I can't focus on my new upcoming ministry and I don't want to focus on my present ministry.
Any ideas out there?

Purpose

2008-04-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

That word purpose has been drifting back and forth in my rattled brain since Monday night's Bible study. The quote which said, "David fulfilled his purpose in his generation." Am I completing mine?

Our lives divide into categories. How can I be sure I've fulfilled my purpose even in the area of wife, mother and grandmother much less writing? Is my purpose to write publishable books to inspire and encourage? short stories? go to conferences and workshops to meet people I'm supposed to stand in the gap for? Am I supposed to study the craft so I can better hold up the arms of those who write and teach?

Look at Isaiah 55:10,11 NIV "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth, and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

My purpose may not be known this side of heaven, but I can be sure if I follow Jesus one step (one drop of rain) at a time, God's purpose will be fulfilled.

This has been my week for rejections. Easy then to question God's intent for putting these characters in my head and love for writing in my mind, but God would have me forget all that and follow-up on the "words" He's planted.

Just for today, my prayer is "Fulfill Your purpose in me whatever it is."
Time to put that character to work in my story.

How do you feel about multiple submissions?

2008-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last September at the ACFW conference I learned about writers who sent proposals to several agents at the same time. I'd been convinced that was a no-no. An agent asked for my proposal, then a few weeks later, that agent asked for the full manuscript. Being as yet unpublished in long fiction, I jumped for joy. My only question came from her letter which asked for an exclusive

An exclusive? Wasn't that what they always got? I did what any self-respecting want-a-be would do. I asked the writers on my loops. The consensus was sending to several agents at one time was not only accepted but expected. I received several opinions about the length of time to give an agent an exclusive if I wished to do that. I did.

Now I'm in the process of choosing four agents whom I personally like and think I could work with. I will send my latest manuscript to them all.

At our local RWA chapter meeting last Saturday, our speaker told us multiple submissions were okay even for publishers if we apprised them of our intentions. I've always heard that was bad form. You sent to one editor, gave them whatever time they needed to decide (sometimes months), then when it was rejected (Please, no), you spruced it up and sent it to another. Our speaker said one publisher kept her manuscript for five years.

But, oh the risk. They could reject it immediately if you tell them it's a multiple submission. Do I have the nerve? I'm shaking in my Texas boots here.

If you're reading this blog, let me know your thoughts on this. Is this really acceptable practice for most agents and publishers? Personally, I hope so. What do you think?

DiAnn Mill's Fiction Mentoring Clinic

2008-04-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Each year most of us make decisions about what will help our writing the most. I'm not rolling in money and most of the writers I know fall into that same category, so we choose. We go to this conference, but leave off another. We enter 1-2 contests, but decline on others. We choose an online course as opposed to going out of town. This year my first choice was to attend DiAnn Mill's 3 day workshop in Tulsa, OK.
Now that the workshop has completed, my evaluation tells me it was one of the best writing decisions I have made. The compacted training covers every facet from title to marketing.
Goals stated on that first day are met and surpassed by the end of the third.
Wednesday we studied deepening characterization using the characters in our WIP and showing them in different situations. With an evil gleam, DiAnn leaned toward us. "We have time for one more exercise." And we did, many many times, evaluating them as a group, so everyone gave their own input. That day ended with our titles. Often a member of the group had the right title input for another participant.
Thursday we began with our first sentence hook and our story hook, always working at tightening our first five pages. DiAnn's clarified dialogue purpose and place. A movie with strange twists give us examples of symbolism and tightening the "sagging middle."
Though I had a family emergency pull me away Thursday night, I've received an e-mail of class notes for Friday from DiAnn on plotting the longer book and the "grabber proposal" and "plots that dance."
Because we attended the workshop, we were invited to join a loop where further help will be forthcoming in weeks and months to come.
I've now finished what DiAnn says never do with my summary of the workshop. "No flashbacks or back story in the first fifty pages." That statement will strengthen my fiction along with much other great helps. I now have a new scene to write and an improved beginning. I've learned to subscribe to the tension on every page.
Thanks, DiAnn, and thanks to the other seven people in my class. If you're in the process of choosing where to spend your money and time to learn, go to DiAnn's web site and check out when and where her next fiction mentoring clinic will be given. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Happy writing all,
Janet K. Brown

Critique group

2008-03-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

For years I wrote for myself, selling a few short stories on the way, and reading Writer's Digest magazine along with ordering some of their books. Two and a half years ago I decided to get in earnest about learning the craft of writing. WOW, did I find out how much I didn't know. Since then I've went to two major conferences, one mini conference, did several online courses, joined two local groups and three national ones along with three online loops.

All of the above has taught me a lot. Today I'd like to focus on having a critique group. I would set these guidelines for someone thinking about this idea.

1. Join a group that writes similar things & has similar interests.

2. Critique with positive as well as negative ideas. We learn from both.

3. Encourage each other along the way & keep up with each of the group's writing journey.

4. Join with people you like. (This is important. We take criticism better from people we like.)

5. Keep the group small in size so you can critique & be critiqued without being overwhelmed.

(I'd suggest 3- 7 people)

Our group is called Burkburnett Critique Group. It consists of four ladies. We all write Christian women's or YA fiction, some romance, some mystery, some paranormal, some general. We critique online as we finish something we'd like other's input on. We meet once a month to encourage and train.

Critique groups can be a valuable tool on the road to being published and will continue to benefit you after you receive "the call".

Happy writing all,

Janet K. Brown

Second post

2008-03-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to learn how to do this blogging thing. Wierd.

I'm working on my character sketch for my new mss.

Learning to blog

2008-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm taking Lena Nelson Dooley's ACFW online course on blogging. This is my first attempt-not for sure how it will turn out. Thanks, Lena for the help.