Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Just For Today For Writers

Kenneth L. Holmes penned the famous “Just For Today” that is used by al-anon. His wisdom addresses a one-day-at-a-time approach to life that could certainly be adopted by anyone – not just those struggling with substance abuse. You can read this timeless encouragement at http://www.nhal-anon.org/Just4Today.html .


What are some things that writers could do “just for today”?




Just for today
I will recommit to this crazy world of
solitude where my thoughts cannot be ignored.

Just for Today
I will prayerfully delve deeper
into the written Word of the God of the universe.
The Bible


Just for Today
I will seek His wisdom and then sit
silently and wait to hear His still, small voice.

Just for Today
I will ignore the Discourager.

Just for Today
I will encourage others
who seek to be heard by reading
their work and applauding their success.

Just for Today
I will be aware of others whose needs are greater
than mine and return to their world.


Just for Today
I will graciously accept help from those
who give their time to read and critique my work.

Just for Today
I will patiently move toward the
very best I can offer to bring glory, not to myself, but
to the Author and Finisher of my faith,
Jesus Christ.


Just for Today
May you be inspired and
your time for writing, protected.
God Bless.


"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

(Psalm 119:105, NASB)

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Heavenly


“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth … “
(Genesis 1:1 NASB).

As amazing as the night sky is --- full of glittering stars and lights dancing among them --- the solar systems that exist beyond our vision are virtual playgrounds of light displays highlighted by the many gases and reflections of other suns, moons, and countless galaxies.

On the fourth day:

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so.
God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.
God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good.
There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.”
(Genesis 1:14-19, NASB)


And at the end of the sixth day:
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.”
(Genesis 2:1, NASB)

Imagine what the trip to Heaven will look like should we be allowed to enjoy the view as we rise upward to our eternal home. Until then, copy the following link into your browser and take a peek at these indescribable pictures from Amazing Space compiled and posted to Face Book by Stephen Black of Oklahoma City. (Link used with his permission.)

https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.471964434973.252362.763654973


“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that you are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You care for Him?”
(Pslam 8:3,4, NASB)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Great Grandsons

This week's A to Z letter is "G" and I'm going to shamelessly take advantage of the opportunity to introduce my God-given blessings of three young men who add the joy of grand-motherhood to motherhood. No, I'm not a great-grandmother - yet - but my grandsons are absolutely the greatest.

Jared, 16, is the oldest. After raising two little girls, I have to admit that I wasn't very confident in my expertise when it came to boys. Jared introduced me to a world full of Thomas Train and covering the living room floor with train tracks and "forts", Blues Clues and a fascination with lady bugs and roly polys. He would sit, captivated, through the entire video of Riverdance, then instruct me to "rewind it" and we would enjoy most of it again. His dry sense of humor was evident by the time his single words grew to complete sentences. Jared is a natural musician. He began picking out simple melodies on our piano at an early age and is now enjoying honored positions in his award-winning high school marching and concert bands. He has his parents' eye for detail and his artwork was impressive at a very early age. Some say he has that Harry Potter look. Maybe. I just see a very cool and handsome young man who lights up my world.





Next up is Barrick, a two-and-a-half year old with blond hair and big blue eyes.  He is perpetual motion - and speech. His parents would tell you that Barrick narrates the entire day's activities as they unfold. He's used to regularly interacting with people of all ages as his mom teaches her 30+ piano students in their home. Consequently, he knows no strangers. He greets adults with, "Hi! How you doin'? I doin' fine." His squeals of recognition - "Hi, Nana!" and "Hi Papa!" - are all we need to keep us in grandparent heaven. Barrick is also musical. Both parents are actively involved in music and their DNA and lifestyle are having a huge impact on those natural tendencies. He loves Kinder Musik classes and waits every day for mom to finish teaching piano so he can have his "lesson." Barrick welcomed his new brother with open arms and seldom passes him by without a "love pat" or a kiss. This link will take you to his 13-second rendition of "Elmo's World." Enjoy . https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150282231761257
                                                

Last, but certainly not least, is Brendon. Seven-month-old Brendon is laid back and happy. The only things that interrupt his big toothless grin, wrinkled up nose and giggles are expressions of "I'm hungry" or "time for a nap." He's soft and an armload of cuddles and cheeky kisses. We've had many naps in his dad's recliner while mommy teaches. Brendon's face lights up and his smiles grow larger when Barrick enters the room or stops to acknowledge him. These two little guys are already best buds. His first word, (documented via video), is "Bubba", Barrick’s nickname. Mom and Dad will have to wait to hear their titles roll off this tiny tongue. His infant Mohawk is finally relaxing into a head full of soft brown hair, a striking combination with his deep blue eyes. I'm guessing Brendon will follow the musical lead of his brother and his cousin. Follow this link to "Bubba." https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150318841506257




As a mother and a grandmother, I've had the best of both worlds: Two beautiful little girls to sew for and button into ruffles and three grandsons who help this girlie "Nana" see the world though video games and sneakers. As these manly treasures age, the visits will become less frequent and the hugs more rare, but the memories I have of each phase of their wonderful lives will keep me smiling.


"Behold, children are gift of the Lord"

(Psalm 127:3, NASB).