Sunday Morning Sunshine: Obstacles

Obstacles

Obstacles are those frightful things you see

when you take your eyes off your goal.

--Hannah Moore

Sunday Morning Sunshine: In Times of...

In Times of...

Storms. Turn to the scriptures:

Isaiah 23:4:  For you have been a refuge from the storm when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Fear. Turn to the scriptures: 

Psalm 91: 2:  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in his will I trust.

Evilness around us. Turn to the Scriptures:

Psalm 91:10:  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come night thy dwelling.

Confusion:  Turn to the Scriptures:  

I Corinthians 14:33:  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

Doubt. Turn to the Scriptures:

Isaiah 41:10:  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Sickness. Turn to the scriptures:  

Jeremiah 33:6:  Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

Needs. Turn to the Scriptures:

Philippines 4:19:  And my God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory.

Success. Turn to the Scriptures:

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

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Uncertainty

Life is strange, sometimes hard, sometimes uncertain, but we know we can face our fears and our questions by turning to God and his power. Today, here are some quotes that may give you a little encouragement.


Of all the liars in the world, sometimes, the worst are our own fears. ---Rudyard Kipling

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. --Oswald Chambers

Don't let today's disappointment cast a shadow on tomorrow's dreams. --Unknown

Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don't!
You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait! Pray without ceasing. And hope! --Unknown


Don't give up! TRUST! BELIEVE! HOPE!

Sunday Sunshine: Strength and Courage

I breathe in my courage

and exhale my fear.

Be strong and of good courage,

Do not fear nor be afraid of them.

For the Lord, your God,

He is the one who

goes before you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Stay strong!

Rambling Friday: Dreams

Have you ever had a dream that, when you woke, it still seemed so real, you felt fear vibrating from the very fabric of your being? Or one that was so delightful, you wished with all your being it was true? I have.

I've had the dream of being chased. The outstretched hand, or pursuing individual so close I could feel his breath on my neck.  Or the one of a bear squeezing me tightly...

I've also had one of the most gorgeous pair of red shoes. When I woke, I yearned for those shoes...










There are all kinds of dreams:

• Dead dreams: Explains itself. Either dreams of dead people or dreams of no value. 
• Pipe dreams: Dreams that are out-of-this-world impossible or nearly that.
• Daydreams: when a person should be pursuing intelligent activities but instead thinks of other things, whether good or bad. Your imagination wanders with awareness decreasing, visiting the past, the future or present. BUT...your consciousness does pull back into your present world.
• Lucid dreams occur when you realize you are dreaming. Sometimes dreamers wake themselves up once they realize that they are only dreaming, while other dreamers cultivate the skill to become an active participant in their own dreams.
• Nightmares:  an individual wakens in a state of fear and panic with a sweating body and racing heart. It seems real, a person is reluctant to return to sleep and it cannot be forgotten. It often forces you to face troubling situations in your life.
• Recurring dreams:  Themes that repeat themselves over weeks, months and even years. Sometimes a person feels puzzled because they do not understand what is going on. Something going on in your life you fail to address. Something you refuse to correct because of the unpleasantness of doing so. 
• Sweet dreams: pleasantness, happiness, joy, wonder

And many more.

Have you had a dream lately? 
What kind of dream?

Wishing you good dreams (and a good night sleep!)

Boo! It's a Scary Writing World Out There!

Don't let your fears keep you from writing. 
Fear is deadly and costly for those in the writing field. Let's face them TODAY and see if we can take the first steps in conquering them.

Fear #1: Fear of the Unknown

Yes, it will cost you some money — marketing costs, training costs, etc.

But if something costs you, say, $500 over the course of a year, and you generate, say, $3,000 during that year, is the cost really what’s most important?

Don’t let the fear of investing some money now blind you from the many different future avenues of profit and readers.

Fear #2: I don't have the time

Yes, writing does take time. There is no way around this.

So if you literally have no time to invest in building an audience and developing your talent in writing, you probably should give in to this fear and walk away now. But in my experience, most people do have enough time to at least get moving — even if it’s not as much time as they’d like to have (a distinction that is critical).

The key is to actually prioritize your personal goals and your future (because no one else is going to do it for you), and then make smart choices about what to do with the available time that you do have.

Fear #3: But I’m an unknown! How will I ever get enough sales to make money?

Patience with your timeline, take a big-picture view, and smartly follow the proven path laid out by so many people who have come before you.

Fear #4: Okay, but how can I be confident that I’ll make good decisions and not screw everything up once it’s growing?

Because you’re more capable than you think. And because there are so many mentors and examples out there whose lead you can follow.

And, more importantly, because your own intuition — once it is honed by the deep experience you will gain growing an audience and learning how to serve them — is the greatest and most underrated guide you will have.

Fear #5: This all just a crazy pipe dream.

It’s definitely not a pipe dream. The thousands of successful writers out there, and the billions upon billions of dollars they generate every year, are proof of that.

As to whether it’s “crazy,” well … maybe it is a tad bit crazy.

But you know what? Most successful writers tend to be a little bit crazy. So this fear is actually a sign that you’re on the right track. 

And just for good measure, here is one more fear you might be feeling …

Bonus Fear: How will I know what specific steps to take to succeed?

This is probably the most unreasonable fear of them all.

Why?

Because so many successful paths and successful strategies have already been tried, judged, improved, and refined by those who have come before you.

Take a moment and reflect on any of the fears above that may be affecting your thinking. If any of those fears are stopping you from taking meaningful steps forward, now is the time to consider whether or not they should be.

Because if they shouldn’t be, then these fears are holding you back from living the life you truly want to be living.

And that’s not a fear to respect.

That’s a fear to reject.


Blessings!

Protectors...and Aprils #1 Contest Question

What started me thinking along this line: I went to work one morning a few years back. I normallyworked by myself and was the one who opened the door with no one around.

I opened the door and heard the sound of a door in the basement closing. Yikes! Spooky! Especially since I've never heard it before.

To make a long story short, I evenually found the reason for the sound, but not before I felt that ripple of fear trail through my veins.





Shortly afterwards, this huge German Shepherd showed up on the doorstep, peered in the floor-to-ceiling windows at me. He had a collar and tag, but kept hanging around. He was so friendly he was practically lolling on the ground, wanting attention. He was adorable.

He--along with spooky sound--was what shifted my brain into thinking about all the protectors in the world.

Was HE my protector that morning?

I know my spunky little Taffy is. She's a terror if she thinks there's something strange around. I know hubby is. He won't tolerate insults or personal injuries to me. I know my boys would be if I needed them to be.

What/Who else? Can our attitudes be a protector? The way we think and react in a situation. Doesn't that, at times, protect us from an incoming hurt? When we shed off that slight that would otherwise crush our feelings, because we decide to do so? Isn't that a form of protection?

What about prevention? Think about the healthful things we do to keep from getting sick, or the medicines/oils we use, etc. There's also exercise, diet, weight-watching and regular doctor checkups that we participate in.

Don't we read to prevent boredom and ignorance?
Why do we bathe? To prevent people from shunning you? For your own personal satisfaction?


Then there's God. He can be our best and greatest protector in everything. Temptations, depression,
wrong choices, and life in general. He is our encourager and guide to our eternal home. He is our everything, including protector in danger and trials.

He is a sure and mighty arm. Lean hard on Him. He'll never fail.

***

April is such a encouraging, fun month! 
Spring is here.
The earth is stirring.
Flowers are bursting forth 
with the water works the skies shed on earth.
Warm weather is in the works.

REMEMBER, Two things:

• YOU MUST ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH to be considered for the monthly prize. And...
• You MUST check back here on the last Wednesday of the month to see if you've won. I will usually share the blog link on my Facebook author page but it's YOUR obligation to contact me here on the blog with your mailing information (or you can let me know you'll share it with email or private message on FB. 

April's FIRST Question:
What is your favorite SPRING flower and does it have a significant meaning to you?

Don't forget to share this site!

Prizes?


A kindle copy of any of my books: your choice
 and 
Your choice of either of these beautiful scarves

OR

Don't forget to share!
Have Fun!

Taking Me Home

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on 'Fasten Your Seat Belts.'
Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.

Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke... The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

Then, suddenly, I saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.

When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid."

The minister could hardly believe his eyes. I was not surprised, therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us physically, mentally, financially, and many other storms that can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparent uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess that it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

But . . .
Let us remember:
Our Father is the Pilot.
He is in control.
He is taking us home.
Rest Assured!
Don't worry!

Quote:
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. --Rick Warren


Blessings

Chicken Little


Do any of you remember the story?

The chicken walked along minding his own business when something cracked him on the head. He declared that the world was coming to an end and told everyone who'd listen.

Of course, it didn't end. Of course, he jumped to conclusions. Of course, he was wrong.

What am I saying?

How easy is it to behave according to emotions, and in specific--fear?


How easy is it to label someone unfriendly because they don't come up to us and talk? Because they haven't smiled?

Excuse me, but maybe they're having a bad day. Could be they're really bashful. And what keeps us from making the first move? Fear? A thinking-of-self attitude?



How easy is it to criticize the government when we don't do our part?

How many letters do we write to our senators? How much do we pray? How lazy our we with our neighborhood politics? Do we even vote?



What do we do when we see friends and family doing wrong?

Granted, sticking our noses in other people's business isn't always the wisest action. But who said we can't show concern? Who said we can't protest against bigotry and lies and biases? Who said we can't stand for what we know is right?



How easy is it to pass the buck?

This is something I see go on from churches to businesses to families to the government. Everyone wants to point fingers, rather than stand up and admit they've made a mistake. Easy to do? Nope. But what a man/woman it makes! What character it develops!


Chicken Little? Caught up in his own little world, making his own absurd predictions, influencing others with his out-of-line observations. Going on in his own foolish path.


Yikes. At least let me find my own path and walk it in sincerity and integrity. With open eyes.



Picnic-ing Hints:

• An easy way to organize your picnic table: Use a muffin tin to hold your condiments--catsup, mustard, relish, chopped onions.
• Things to NOT forget: sunscreen, blanket, insect repellant, band-aids, wet wipes.
• Other fun things to take: a single use camera, bottles of bubble mix, shovels and pails, colored pencils and sketch pads, baseball or beach ball, jump rope, books (YEAH!).
• Games to play: croquet, badminton, 3-legged races, hide and seek, scavenger hunts

Have tons of fun!


Quote:
Though I have seen the oceans and mountains, though I have read great books and seen great works of art, though I have heard symphonies and tasted the best . . . foods, there is nothing greater or more beautiful than those people I love. --Christopher de Vinck


Blessings

Nerves!


Upset stomach.
Trembling hands.
Dread.
Fear.
Unknown people.
Anticipation.
Excitement.
Traveling.
Money.
Meetings.

It's time to talk conference. Writing conference, that is. Registration begins this week and already my stomach is feeling the effects.

Some may very well ask: Is it going to do any good, spending the money and all that time?

Yes.
And no.

More exposure.
A chance to talk to editors again. There were five that showed interest enough to ask me to submit last year. Sigh. And although I've not heard from any I've submitted to -- yet! Remember, it takes them several months (years?) ususally -- if I poke my face in their faces enough, maybe I'll catch their attention. If my writing is good enough. Sigh. Again.
A chance to check out agents again. I might not be quite ready for one, but who knows when I could use a good one. . .
A time to pow wow with other writers. To strengthen my ties with people of my calling. To learn from those in the know--whether editors, agents, authors, or just the unpublished. To receive encouragement and confirmation that, yes, I am doing what I'm suppose to be doing. To wait on God's word to me . . .

Money? Time? Hard Work? Yes to all of it. But is it worth it? Uh huh. Yep. Sure is.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Watch for Teresa Slack's interview coming up next week -- June 8th. She's got a new book coming out soon.
   
2. Big Father's Day contest June 12--15th. Keep those eyes peeled!
   

Want to do more, Dad? Here's a few ideas that will make you a definite part:

1. Remember she has to look after the child nearly all day long, and the strain of this can get her down if you don't lend a hand when you get home.

2. Make a point of listening carefully to what your partner has to say about the child and discussing the child with her.

3. Take an equal interest in parents meetings, and in the books and pamphlets that are available.

4. See that you have plenty of family outings so that your child has interesting things to talk about.

Today I'm asking you a "writing" trivia question. See if you know what it means:
POV What do these letters stand for in a writer's world? Here are three answers. Choose one.

1. Person over vexed. (Person -- writer -- stressed out way too much.)
2. People over valued. (Using characters too much.)
3. Point of view. (The way a character reacts, etc.)



Quote:
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. -- Edward Eggleston


Blessings

Things I'm afraid of . . .


Granddaddy long legs. Creepy.
Snakes. Even more creepy.
Being chased (even in fun). I hate that feeling.
Someone looking in my windows. Eeek!
Rottweillers. Or any mean dog.
Rejection. What can I say?
Being tied up or in a closed box. Yuk, I'm thinking a casket.
Death. (I know, I know the answer to this one . . .)
Nightmares. I hate having these. I always wake up and snuggle closer to hubby!
Lightning. Not the heat kind, but those long jagged streaks, heaven to earth, you know?


Five more hints on reducing stress. Try them!

1) Simplify and unclutter your life.
2) Less is more.
3) Allow extra time to do things and get to places.
4) Pace yourself. spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
5) Take one day at a time.


Quote:
May your footsteps set you upon a lifetime journey of love. May you wake each day with His blessings and sleep each night in His keeping. And may you always walk in His tender care.


Blessings