How's Everybody Doing?

[Merry]

I'm starting this thread partly because I'm still catching up from being computerless for so long and because...heck, I'd just like to know what's up? How's the writing coming along? Got any good queries out? There's a number of folks on this board who really ought to be in print...it just takes prayer, patience, and a concerted effort. I think quite often through circumstances we can lose sight of our calling as writers because of other obligations, criticism...(I've noticed that mostly this comes from families. When my story 'Ellie' first appeared in Infuze, I remember I e-mailed my sister and told her about it, she huffed back with, "oh...I think I saw that same thing on CSI WITHOUT the religion..."(uh, sis aint Christian.)...or too many rejection slips. But crikey...what would you BE like if you didn't write? Sure, if God told us to quit it, we could, but otherwise, I think we'd all be a bit like Jeremiah who decided he was tired of getting beat up for speaking the Word, but then did a turn around because witnessing was something he just HAD to do. We have to write...and we need to. Have you noticed there is still a great need for books, movie scripts, articles...etc..that are not the same old drivel the worldly media seeks to force down us? hang in there, let God continue to work His work on you and proclaim it to the world...in whatever form that may take.

And we certainly take some very different forms, don't we? I mean, check out Nessa's excellent novel compared to WhiteHawke and the adventures of Matt or Paul's shyster-character and don't even start me on the Bat-Cave crew (Bat Cave: a secret society of people who hang upside down.) I sent my End of the World story to Robin at Infuze and I can just picture his face..." ...she did what?!" Very different, but all to the glory of God.

And just one more word and I'll get out of the way here...(must finish Doc Dilly...)Back in my ago I did some writing for an editor in NY who, by co-incidence, had been one of Stephen King's first editors and he happened to mention that in his own life he had over 500 manuscripts rejected before making it as a writer..and speaking of Mr. King, he logged a solid rejection of 300 short stories and four entire novels. So, yup, hang in there. Speaking strictly as a writer, what else is there to do?

So, like I said, how's it going?

[rodojeki]

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[Jules]

Hi, I know I've technically been logged on all morning, but I really haven't been sitting here that long. I just forgot to log off before I left! I didn't even press the "submit reply" button earlier....needless to say, I was in a huge hurry........off to take my daugher to cheerleading camp and piano lessons.

While she was doing all that, I went to the local univ. library. I checked out 7 books on Texas history........what I'm wanting to write about......historical fiction.....I grew up in Texas, so that is my great love and it's not a "chore" to research.

Even though I feel like I'm walking thru the jungle lost and w/o a clue which direction to go (as far as writing is concerned), I'm just going to keep at it until something comes of it.

I don't have any idea what expectations would be considered "realistic", but I'm going to keep on keepin' on! Someone elsewhere suggested starting w/short stories.

Perhaps this is the wrong place to ask, but I'm still figuring this place out, but where does one attempt to submit a short story? And how long should a "short" story be? I haven't the foggiest clue about anything.

This is a great site. Keep up the good work. !thumbsup!

[ellenjames]

Hi Jules!

Persistence is the key to writing! You have some interest in writing, shown by the fact that you checked out those 'tomes' from the library!

To post your writings here, click on 'community' at the top of the screen. It will open a window of forums 'fiction', 'non-fiction', 'poetry'. Choose which category you want. Be sure to read the first post on the one you choose. It gives instruction about when and how to post your work. I understand one must critique or comment on others' works before you can post your work. After so many (the instructions tell you how many critiques, you must make), you may post your own work. It doesn't take long to add up the critiques/comments on others work.

Keep writing and I'll look for your work on this site soon! !thumbsup! :D

God bless!

Ellenjames

[Merry]

Jules-I'd click on the Support button and read over the faq section a bit, it should help you feel more confident finding your way around here. Then if you still have question, gimme a shout!

Rodojeki-O man, I hate it when electronics mess me up or I mess them up causing them to...well, it gets to be a vicious circle. I know how you feel, after Doc Dilly is finished, I have an entire half a novel to write over because it got zapped by my computer virus...and I would have had to remember the whole thing, excpet Gump just happened to have a good chunk of it in his files, which he kindly sent me.

But I think more than one of us have been experiencing the blues...I mean, we're talkin' mood indigo and that's when we have to fight just that much harder. Your poetry isn't dull and lifeless, you have a real charm and goodness about you that makes me gald to just read your name. I know you have a job ahead of you now, but I can't wait to see the results. Is there anything I can do to help you?

[DrRita]

I had a response that was great, then my mouse quit (batteries dead) and I had to shut down, lost it all *sigh*. Anyway, I wanted to say that I feel like I'm in a dark hole right now. Focus problems, not able to write more than 500-900 words and at that rate, my trilogy will be done about the time the millenium is about to close. I haven't submitted any new work for some time and have only a couple of submissions still hanging in the wind. **sigh, sigh**. After reading all of your posts which sound like what I've been going through it got me to thinking http://bestsmileys.com/thinking/1.gif
I came up with an idea http://bestsmileys.com/thinking/8.gif Why don't we (those posting on this thread, but not limited to) pray for one another when we first log onto the forum? If we just take a moment and say a prayer for each one, I bet we shall see some real breakthroughs. How about it. Everyone who's willing just raise your cursor! http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/2.gif

[Benji]

Dr. Rita...

What a great idea - did something similar in school - when the bell rang, a quick prayer for your friends.

Well, let's see what have I been up to? Wrote a short drama piece last night - had another accepted by Dramatix a couple of weeks ago. Won a writing contest, had my first poem published and am celebrating my son's birthday.

Life is pretty good. I really haven't done as much writing as I want to, but summer is always tough with the outdoors calling me with a bull horn. Just had a severe thunderstorm rumble throguh leaving lots of rain and some hail.

Most of the stuiff I've been writing to date have been essays and humor. I have two other pen names and I publish most of my fiction under those names (No I'm not telling - so don't ask) :D

Some days I almost feel like I have the gift of multi-personality. :confused:

Trying to keep straight who I am.

Ben

[ellenjames]

Bless you DrRita, Rodjeki and Merry!

I am praying for you as I write. I'm asking the Lord to give you all a special touch, encourage you in your writing, to let you know He is here for you all. Inspiration comes from God, so I'm thankful and looking forward to all the good things you will write.

Love,
Ellenjames

[Merry]

Yep, Doc, there's been sort of a general spirtual malaise wandering around that could stand to be busted through. Prayer sounds like a good idea.

[tvarg]

I will add my voice to those on this post - prayer is indeed powerful.

I guess the 'indigo' mood is quite wide-spread - it's reached all the way down here to Texas. Along with the voice of doubt. Sometimes I wonder why I'm wasting my time trying to write, I have no qualifications, but everytime I decide I'm going to quit I become restless and nothing satisfies.

I feel the spirit leading - 'just write the book tina' - so I get back to work. Then comes the voice of doubt. It's a vicious cycle. And it seems that I'm alone in this thing. My family is supportive, and they try to help, but it wouldn't matter what I wrote they'd just say, "Oh this is great, you can do this." They're sweet, but that's no help. I just feel lost. How could God be calling me to do something I don't know how to do? :confused:

Anyway, that's enough whining out of me. I will be in prayer each day as I log on and see the names involved in this post.

May God lift the blue mood that has enveloped us,

Tina

[whitehawke]

Hey all :cool:
Prayer sounds great.
I should be editing, but I'm staring at this screen
I can remember being so on fire with this book that I just could not bare to be away from the thing. Somehow now, I lose the days checking the posts or checking Kings.(internet chess)

Donna, I love your poems.

Ben...that's no fair, it would be fun to know your other names. :D

Jules, I never log off this site, but I do log out of chat. :D

DrRita, you are doing well. When I was creating my novels first draft, some days I only managed a word or two.

Ellenjames, you are so full of energy and joy.

Merry, I love this thread. !thumbsup!

Hope I haven't missed any. :)

All of you, love you guys lots. :D

If any of you would like Gmail please let me know. I have 49 free invites to give away. With it you get over 2000 MG of storeage. It's great for saving your work to. When my pc crashed a few weeks ago, I wasn't in too much of a panic because I knew my book was safe because I had emailed a copy to myself.

[whitehawke]

Tina
Chin up. :)
You aren't all alone. This battle continues till we all go home. But through all our struggles God helps us to grow.

[ProfessorAlan]

I am looking forward to a very productive summer of reading and writing. My specific goals are to:

1. Finish reviewing a commenting upon another writer's completed manuscript -- she is the one who introduced me to this fine site, and she is posting parts of her work here.

2. Review part of different other writer's work, and give her comments.

3. Make serious progress on writing "Nowhere Man," which is about 2/3 complete (about 56,000 words done).

4. Make progress reviewing (and maybe even re-writing) "Wanted," which is being reviewed by the writers mentioned in (1) and (2).

[ellenjames]

Prof. Alan, good goals you have there. It reminded me of my summer activities:
1. Do some extra house cleaning. (Part of it is done)
2. Polish and prepare the Little Rum Girl to send to a publisher.
3. Read! Yes, several more books this summer.
4. Produce another story (not yet thought of)
5. Take out-of town trips (s) with my husband.
6. Enjoy a dinner with church friends.
So, although I haven't yet written the number of words I write in a day, I'm still doing
something.


Dear Friends who are in glooms!
I have a suggestion for you that will lift you up to the mountain top! At a Christian
Book Store or Library, pick up and read "Beyond the Valley", by Al and Joanna Lacy.
You'll love the inspiring book.

Now, everyone, please don't be discouraged! Lift up you heads! And remember, the doldrums are a passing phenomenon!

Ellenjames

[Merry]

And Prof. Alan, intentionally or otherwise, lays out one of the first steps to breaking loose. Goals...whether they are big or small, whether anyone supports them or not or if they don't even instantly change your life it's still important to sight a task for yourself and accomplish it. Like right now...my goal is to go cook dinner...later, all!

[Jules]

If any of you would like Gmail please let me know. I have 49 free invites to give away. With it you get over 2000 MG of storeage. It's great for saving your work to. When my pc crashed a few weeks ago, I wasn't in too much of a panic because I knew my book was safe because I had emailed a copy to myself.

What's Gmail?

[whitehawke]

Merry,
I was critised a huge amount by those who I thought would have encouraged someone working with God to reach out for others. They all seemed to think I should have been out doing a proper, worldly job. But through it all I had peace, cause I believed that I was doing what I was created to do. :D

[whitehawke]

What's Gmail?
Gmail is a new email provider. It's through Google if I remember correctly. It's so great. I love it. You can archieve your emails and put labels on them so that you can find them at the click of the mouse. If you want something, but can't remember where you put it, you can punch in a key word and do a google search of your mail.
You don't get garish adds only small unotrusive text adds on the side.
The only way to learn more is to go to their site. Of course gmail is free.
Rulan

[DrRita]

Rulan, Thanks for the encouragement. Mapping is time consuming with not much wordage production
Thanks Prof Allen for the goal reminder. Good plan of attack so !thumbsup! Goals it is!
1. To get my trilogy mapped out; all three books
2. To send off my query to the literary agent I want
3. Begin a sequel to "When You Wish Upon A Frog"

[ellenjames]

Captivating title there, DrRita!

"When you wish upon a frog..." La, la, la! It makes me want to sing! :D
My pastor likes frogs, big, little, green, brown, and he might even like one in writing!
I hope I get to read it.

Friends, I may as well stay logged onto christianwriters.com all day, because as soon as I log off - bing! I have another from this site that someone has responded to a thread I've subscribed to!

However, right now I will log off and call it a day!

Ellenjames

[rodojeki]

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[ellenjames]

Bless you, Donna!

I'll continue to pray for you. There is hope "beyond the valley."

You remember Psalm 23, "yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." There was a valley of death in Palestine where wild animals preyed on sheep. Shepherds had to take them through that valley, but the shepherd was always with them! And I like to note the word "through"! They passed through it. They arrived at the other side!

That does not mean that we will feel no pain, but we can be confident of two things:
1. God will be with us. He is always there; he is with us in the pain and difficulties.
2. We will get past this valley. We will get through it! There is hope; there is victory!

Love,

Ellenjames

[Merry]

Amen and amen! :)

[ProfessorAlan]

And Prof. Alan, intentionally or otherwise, lays out one of the first steps to breaking loose. Goals...whether they are big or small, whether anyone supports them or not or if they don't even instantly change your life it's still important to sight a task for yourself and accomplish it. Like right now...my goal is to go cook dinner...later, all!

I come from a business background, so I do appreciate goals very much, and recognize how poor we are at setting good ones. In a writing context, and especially as a Christian, I try to place my "serving" goals -- giving feedback to others -- above my "accomplishment" goals -- doing my own work. What I like about the forums on this site is that you ahve to give before you (and give MORE than you) receive.

[edmmom]

I guess it's been quite a while since I've replied to a thread. So much has changed here! But then, nothing good stands still for long, does it. That's been the case in my own personal life. Yet, through the change, God has been growing and strengthening me. And, I can honestly say that I'm enjoying every moment! I thought by now we would have our house fixed up and put on the market. You see, my husband is taking an early retirement from the rat race and we are moving back east. But, God had other plans, for He has been using this time to continue to mold me. I am so thankful and blessed that He loves me so! And, I know that He is right here beside me seeing me through it all. We are also waiting to find out when my son will be called into the military and where he will be stationed. My middle daughter will be moving in a couple of months north of here so that she can start training for missionary work. She wants to go to serve in Africa for three years.
As far as writing is concerned, I still have my daily word goal posted on my computer. Each day, when I sit to write, I still smile and thank God for Azariah's idea! For each day, or most anyways, I work on my book, striving to reach my daily goal.
Dr. Rita, I loved your idea about us praying for each other! May God bless and keep all of you:)

[Merry]

God Bless you, edmmom! It's great to hear from you!

[DrRita]

Good to hear from you too, edmom, I've added you to my prayer list. Thank you for sharing so I know how to pray for you. Blessings.

[DrRita]

Perhaps this is the wrong place to ask, but I'm still figuring this place out, but where does one attempt to submit a short story? And how long should a "short" story be? I haven't the foggiest clue about anything.


Sorry it took me so long to post this. This it the "technical" word lengths for fiction.

Micro Fiction--under 100 words
Flash Fiction--100-1,000 words
Short Short Fiction--1,000-2,000 words
Short Story--2,000-7,500 words
Novelette--7,500-15,000 words
Novella--15,000-30,000 words
Novel--Anything over 30,000 words


As for submissions, look in the Christian Writers Market Guide or Writer's Market or in our resource directory under marketing for potentioal markets. Also the Writer Magazine and Writer's Digest have market sections.


I hope this helps.

[MamaCB]

I am going to cleanse myself with this post I hope. I have been in prayer for the past few days after reading a book I needed to review (a promise I vowed to keep). This book was not spiritual in nature, it read like a bad chapter in my life 16 years ago. One where I struggled until I was able to see if God would forgive me for divorcing.

This book was full of abuse, emotional, physical and verbal. It was as if I was transported back in time to a place I never wanted to revisit again. I had forgiven as my Lord Savior has taught me, and moved on with my life. The book was so intense that I found my mood changing, I have become quiet. My husband walked up behind me to hug me and I flinched. He was hurt, and I could not say a word.

Sleep has taken up residence somewhere else in the last few days. I close my eyes and see my past, something I had let drift away many years ago. Then my ex calls and wants my daughter for the summer. I had told her it was her choice given her age, but that night I said 'NO'. He does not know my daughter, nor how precious she is; he can't even spell her name correctly. He made that choice, and now I am making this one for her own good. She may hate me for days, but it will pass. I remember too much, and I know she will get hurt.

She was puzzled by the fact he does not pay child support, but that is fine, he never has and I don't need his money. She told me that he went on and on about paying a 900 dollar vet bill for his Pit Bull.. umm another reason I don't want her to go three states away. She asked me if it bothered me that I had to save money to get her second pair of glasses (she is just rough on them lol) when he was paying vet bills that high.

"Honey, that is his life. This is our life and the two do not cross paths. His is filled with anger, alcohol and who knows what else. But ours is filled with light and love." Don't get me wrong, it was not always that way. It took years of healing and the Lords help to get me to that point.

I stayed single until July of 2003, then I dated for a year. I have only been remarried for nearly a year. It has always been me and my children. This book just brought up old, hard feelings. The language is not one I would call a liteary masterpiece, but I suppose it is reality to some.

My son has strayed, but I pray for him daily. One day he will return in God's time. His heart is cold, as is the young man in this book. He speaks with disrespect at times and it hurts. But he is a man now, no longer a teenager which boggles my mind as where the time has went.

I am questioning myself constantly if I was a good enough mother, why didn't he stay within the fold of Christ, why is he questioning his religion, and where did I go wrong? These things all are heavy on my heart right now.

I have to write a review that is objective, but at the moment I am far from being able to sort out my feelings, or the feeling this book has reawakened in me. I invited this and have to wonder if it is a test of my faith.

[rodojeki]

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[dublinheart]

Hi all,
My writing, for the most part is non-satisfactory to me at this point. I have about 3 poems and 4 stories halfway finished, but the inspiration is just not there to finish them. I'm having a hard time focusing on what needs to be written. Going through a lot of mind type scenarios lately, and my writing is reflecting my confusion and my distress. I've noticed also that my personality seems to be changing and not for the better. Who knows! All I'm sure of is that I need Jesus to be close, and He is. And I need friends to be close and patient and forgiving.
I'm sincerely not concerned about being published at this point. Whether or not I ever get published is up to God. All I am concerned about is that someone reads something that helps them to change for the better.
This CW site has become a vital place for me, not only for my writing but for the bond of friendship and family I have here. Rebecca has done a good thing here, and I care deeply about all of you. ;)

[tvarg]

MaMaCB,

The fact that you question whether you are a good parent to me says that you are. You have no idea how many times I've heard people say, "I know I'm a good parent." I always have to wonder about these people. The sign of a good parent is wanting to be the best parent ever and knowing that we will fall short.

As for your son walking away and questioning his faith. Perhaps there is a trial or a lesson that God wants him to go through or to learn. Our experiences shape us and perhaps there will 'shaping' in this that your son will need later. I believe with all my heart that God does not let His children go easily. He will fight for your son. After all He loves your child more than it is possible for you to love him. I know in my heart that after this season of tempering God will bring your son back to the fold.

I went through this same thing myself. I walked away from God for nine years, but looking back now I can see that God was still working on my heart even though I was ignoring him. From that time came my daughter, born out of wedlock, who is my greatest joy. And so many instances of God's intervention that I can't count them all. So even though I was ignoring Him, He was still with me, changing me, preparing me to come home, and I am stronger for it.

Never give up - trust your Heavenly Father - and pray you're butt off.

You and your son are in my prayers.
Tina

[Merry]

MamaCB_I really appreciate your honesty and pray that God can help you through this time. I thought as I read your post exactly what a huge influence the written word really has and that life and death really does lie with the tongue (or pen.) Whenever we read a story or article we are literally letting the author into our soul for awhile and look at the results that can bring. What a perfect venue for dragging up the past and emotions that were settled. I've done that myself and it's not fun. The way back out is simple thankfulness...keeping thanking God for the wonderful things He's given you and He'll take care of the rest.

I'm a mom, too, and as such have practically tatooed the verse..'train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it...' (okay, so I paraphrased.. :o ) Just keep praying for your kids and showing them a loving home. They'll remember you example long after they're on their own. And good for you for not being afraid of your daughter....you're the sane parent, you know what's best. I've seen too many take the route of appeasement to their child's detriment. You're going to get through this, maybe even write about it...and then we can have your story of victory reviewed by the author of the book you had to read. SOunds like THAT lady needs to hear a few things about Jesus! Maybe from you....


Dublinheart- I'm sorry to hear what's been going on. You've always been a very pleasant person on the boards and your writing is developing just fine. The Bible says God is not the author of confusion so I would ask God to help you pin-point the source of it. I'm praying for you.

[MamaCB]

Thank you all for your kind wisdom, you have no idea how comforting it is to be in a group opens it arms and hearts without an alterior motive. Your words and heartfelt responses are more than encouraging.

Dublinheart- I am praying that you find more peace than you have ever known, and believe it or not your work will touch a heart.

Thank you all

[Jules]

Hi, MamaCB,

Your testimony really touched me because I can relate to some, if not all, of it.

The one word of encouragement I would give you is that do NOT blame yourself for whatever choices your son makes. He is his OWN person now. At times I wonder about I'm doing as a parent myself. I know I fall short short in many areas.... :confused: , but I do the best I can and entrust them to God's care.

When I really start to get down on myself as a mom and start to ask "What if I haven't raised them right? What if they stray when theyr'e away from home?" I remind myself that even Billy Graham's son strayed for a season! What better parents could you ask for?!?! A good missionary friend of mine also had children who strayed when first released from the flock. This woman was ( & still is!) a MIGHTY woman of God. A true prayer warrier and extrememly senstive to other people's needs. The love of God just exuded from her.......and yet her children did not always behave in the same way. Is that her fault? No, it's their choice.

I'm saying all that to say not to beat yourself up about how you have raised and are still raising your children. Do the best you can for them TODAY. Let the past be the past. Pray for them TODAY. Let God deal in your son's heart. Only God knows what He truly needs.

Hope I haven't been too wordy here. :rolleyes:

And Donna, you asked what part of Missouri I'm in..........I'm just north of the "bootheel", about 2 hours south of St. Louis. You have any kin in these parts?

[NuWriter]

Help! I'm feeling an incredibly overwhelming pull to write about my family! To tell my story, my memories! I want to write what I remember of my mother. I should probably just start writing. I just don't know what method would be the most effective. Should I write it out or type it? I have a journalish book I was thinking of starting it in. I just don't know.
I guess I...I've got a funny sense about what this might lead to... but it's nothing more than a sense. I don't even know what exactly I'm sensing. Does that make any sense at all? Something inside just says "Do this" But I what? What exactly needs doing?
I think I have the sense that this project will be published or read or something ...eventually... so I am trying to make it suitable for publishing when all I should be doing is writing it.
Please tell me at least one of you understands my point. But then again, I don't, so how could you? I am just confused, and I am even clueless about why I am confused! It's just an idea!
When I think about starting it though, I feel all weird inside, not because I don't want to write it...I just feel this weird conviction. Like it's going to be published. I'm not trying to be all weird or high and mighty...I am not even sure that the sense means it will be published. It's probably nothing. I just feel that if I start writing it, something, whatever it is, will happen. Something wonderful. Terribly wonderful. So wonderful I'll be changed forever. I'm not sure I can handle something that good.
Or should I just shut up and leave you all alone?
Am I being too proud to be saying these things?
Am I nuts?
Help!

[dublinheart]

NuWriter,
By all means, get started. God always expects us to take first step and the He will do His part. Whether you begin in a journal or on a matchbook cover, write, write, write! The confusion is the enemy trying to keep you from doing it, because he knows it will help you and others. Don't worry about the publishing at this point. That's God's problem and His joy, so just do what you know to do. I'll be praying for you. !thumbsup!

[ellenjames]

Go for it, NuWriter!

In the writing courses I've taken, "get it on paper" was stressed. (Well, saved on the
computer would do just as well.) I use a notebook, which is full of my scriblings -- some good, some bad! Once in awhile I find a nugget of something that would make a good story or essay.

So just get started. You'll find it just 'comes to you' once you are started.

You can do it! !thumbsup! It improves as you go along.

Be encouraged.

Ellenjames

[NuWriter]

Thank you! you gave me the boost I needed! Now I have to do it! Cringe

[Merry]

NuWriter, you are so cool, you bless my heart. I'm reading some awfully good advice going your way from Dublin and Ellen...To add my 2 cents, that happens to me all the time! I think you're right, that God is trying to tap you on the shoulder. You said you really want to write about your family...and from I know of your situation and background that could be an exceptional story for folks to read. I'd get quiet, ask the Father which way He wants you to take it and then write...just as Dublinheart and Ellenjames said. Set practical goals for yourself as to how much you want to accomplish with it each day and get going. The worst thing that could happen is that you'll become an even better writer...the best thing..well, the skies the limit there...so you find yourself, really, in a win-win situation. Grab whatever medium you're comfortable with for your first draft...notebook computer, whatever, and write....

[Diannecp]

Well this was a good thread for me to pop in on tonight. I am kind of in need of prayer here myself. I think I realized today (don't laugh) work is stressing me out way too much. I work 4-10 hour days in cust. service at a mfg. co. and the long days, plus the expectations are very intense. I am making stupid mistakes, not sleeping well, worrying (and i'm not an excessive worrier). I am just now (after 8 mos.) getting used to the schedule - getting home at 7:30pm, getting up at 6am - long days short nights. Getting the hang of asking dear hubby to toss some laundry in, settling for pizza & sandwiches most nights instead of cooking. But I still haven't gotten back in a good rhythm with prayer, Bible reading, exercising - all those personal things that make a person tick. Needless to say, I can't write. My thoughts are like fractured bits of who knows what darting around in my brain.

I like Merry's idea of praying for others as we log on here. I was convicted today when a friend offered to pray with me this week for my SIL who is going through a divorce/separation, that I need to reach out and pray with others who might never ask for prayer. So while I'm asking for myself, it's with the realization there are others as well in need of prayer. It's not that my prayers amount to anything, but the great God we pray to will and can do "exceedingly abundantly."

Dianne

[rodojeki]

Jules,

we lived near Jefferson City, but have relatives in Jeff City, Kansas City, Sedalia, Columbia, St. Louis and the Ozarks...I was actually born in Clayton, MO suburb of St. Louis but we moved when I was four...spent many summer vacations in MO.....my hubby grew up in west tenn, just across the river at the bootheel ....so you are probably very close to his hometown of Ridgley, near Dyersburg and Reelfoot Lake...

Donna

[Merry]

You were born in Clayton? I lived in Creve Couer for about ten years while my Dad worked for Mc Donell Douglas. I played in the St. Louis Youth Orchestra and all that good stuff. It's still about my favorite state. Mr. Otis lives in Manchester, that's another St. Louis suburb.

[edmmom]

Thank you for your prayers:) Donna, we hope to move to either the mountains in North or South Carolina. Mama CB, I think a lot of us have kids who at some point stray once they get on their own, and, at times many of us question our parenting skills. What has helped me is first praying to God and in my prayers giving my kids over to Him. For He has promised that He will not let His Sheep stray too far before bringing them back into the Fold. And, I know without a doubt that each one accepted Jesus as their Savior when they were little. As far as my mistakes in parenting are concerned, and their were an over abundance of those, I know that without a doubt, God covers the mistakes I made, and He and He alone will not only correct them, but will bless them until their cups overflow once they are all safely back in the Fold and have undergone His Discipline. Hopefully that helps.

[rodojeki]

Well actually wasnt born in Clayton (small little town) now that I look at my birth certificate, but it is where my parents lived....I was born in St. Louis. I dont remember ever living there as a child, but remember the visits to my grandparents we made by train from NY to MO most summers. I used to love it when a tornado was coming and we would get into the underground cellar......never saw the tornado, but there was enough food in that cellar to feed an army....perhaps it only looked that way to me as a child!!!! I believe Colorado (lived there for 13 years) or Tenn will always be my favorite states, although Virginia is beginning to rate fairly high....I just love the mountains; move me to the mountains and I will be happy the rest of my life....maybe !!!????

Donna

[Jules]

Merry,

First I have to tell you that I laugh every time I read your sig tag--"It was a dark and stormy night........." We did a Charlie Brown play at school this year so I've become a big fan of Snoopy and all the rest of the Peanuts gang. Several times this summer when I've told my family I wish I could write a book but don't where to start, my son (who played Charlie Brown in the play) says, "It was a dark and stormy night......" We all just crack up at that!

And to all of you who have lived in MO.......

I know where all those places you mentioned are. We lived in Manchester ourselves for 2 years. It's a nice little community, and we made some dear friends while we lived there.

But I must say, I was born and raised (or reared, whatever your preference!) in Texas............so as Dorothy says, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home....." (clicking heels 3 times!) Even though we've lived in this state for almost half of our marriage, it just still doesn't feel like home. I'll ALWAYS be a Texan. My momma says, "You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take the Texas out of the girl."

I'm praying for you Dianne cuz that job situation sounds awfully rough. Blessings to you!

[MamaCB]

I am inspired by this thread and have said many a prayer for you all. It makes one feel better to know that we are not alone and never really were. I have said many times to friends that there is a reason for all things, a reason we are drawn to a thread, to people and I can see that reason now. Although I may not understand it at the time the reason is soon revealed as we gather here together in love and unity of or Lord.

I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement I have gotten from this site.

[dublinheart]

Jules
What is it about Texas? I spent a lot of Air Force time in Texas, and ever since that time I have an incredible fondness for Texas. Started going to Cowboy games back in 1969 and followed them through their fabulous Super Bowl years and beyond. I even had a Great Dane who used to guard my Harley and his name was Dallas.
The Texas spirit really gets in your blood. Loved New Mexico also but never the same as Texas.
Anyway, :) don't know if I ever welcomed you to this site, but WELCOME!

[TRSharp]

To all: Keep walking! He is faithful!
All this commiseration and encouragement is what the LORD wants: bearing each others' burdens, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep, esteeming others more highly than oneself. I see obedience to the new commandment, and I know I feel what Jesus feels - delight!
(Sermonette #38 in a series of thousands)

[dublinheart]

I would like to see this thread become a never-ending one. We so need it. :)

[DrRita]

This is so wonderful. Merry, I'm glad you started it, but I'm even more glad that everyone here has been so open, honest and loving. I believe praying for one another and bearing one another's burdens is the ministry of edifying the body of Christ. All of us here maybe haven't written the "Great American Novel" but look what our WRITTEN contributions to this thread have done to uplift and encourage all of us. This is the kind of writing that may never find its way into the annuls of great literature but it has been blessed and greatly used by the Lord. So I say to all of you who are both up and down about writing----THANK YOU FOR YOUR WRITTEN WORDS.

As for parenting, all of you who have invested time instilling Christ and his example into your children--though they wander off, they will return. Mine did. I wondered at times if I'd just so completely failed I'd lost them both. But lo and behold, they came back to the Lord and now walk with him. God doesn't have grandchildren, only children.

[ellenjames]

Another thank you to Merry for starting this thread.

Yes, it is good to share. We all need love and comforting.
How am I today? Tired! I've had an intense two weeks of house cleaning, however, I have now finished (? The publisher may think of some polishing that is needed) the Little Rum Girl and it will be mailed to a publisher soon! Also, the story I wrote this week will be sent to a magazine next week.

But God is good to me! I thank Him for His help with my writing, and my hope and prayer is that it will lead someone to Christ, bless and encourage people.

Thanks to you all for encouraging me, and thanks for your encouragement with my writing.

God bless you all! I wish each of you many publishing credits.

Ellenjames

[Merry]

Ellenjames: Isn't it great when the housework is done...for a few moments at least....in my house I think the mess just sort rises up out of the floor sometimes. I clean something and then...hmmmm...(2nd time around though, I must confess, Timmy and Matt get called in like, "Hey, I just cleaned here...fix it!" :D )

Today I am rejoicing because this is my last work day before vacation. YAY!

[MamaCB]

I am so feeling you on the housework, indeed I think you are correct when you say it rises from the floor. I am forever telling Ron to please take his work boots off at the door because they leave these long black marks across my freshly cleaned floors.(He is in Security for a major oil company, everything out there clings to his shoes and clothes) Then there is my daughter who has this obession with fake fingernails for the moment, if they happen to pop off they will stay where they land and grow mold! LOL I may complain but I love it, I must confess that.

Much love in Christ to you all,
MamaCB

[Jules]

Anyway, :) don't know if I ever welcomed you to this site, but WELCOME!

Hey, dublinheart,

Thanks for the "Texas-sized" Welcome! :D

And I don't know what to tell you about Texas.......it just has a certain mystique to it. you either love it or you hate it (don't get that second one, but evidently, there are those out there who actually hate the beloved place! :p ) I've chosen TExas for the setting for my "novel" (it may only be for my eyes......who knows? :rolleyes: ), but I'm loving it cuz the research for it is NO chore at all............I'm just having a ball reading all about Ft. Worth in the late 1800's......so even if nothing ever comes of the book, I'm having a good time w/it anyway!

Ahh.......the dreaded housework........... :mad: .......I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. There are somedays I can't even make myself try to pick up and clean up cuz the room I JUST HAD PERFECTLY CLEAN one hour ago now looks like a tornado came thru. I've tried to let my darling children know that there is such a thing as a trash can as opposed to the floor, a laundry basket as opposed to the floor, places to put things away as opposed to the floor.............do you see a pattern here? :rolleyes:

I've heard it said that attempting to clean house while there are children in it is much the same as shoveling snow while it's still snowing. I AGREE!

Well, I pray God's richest blessings on all of you today in whatever your endeavors are. :)

[DrRita]

Housework. I used to be such a clean freak, couldn't pass a mess nor over look a speck of dust. Boy have I changed!! But of course my children are grown and out of the house and it's just Joe and I. I do have to admit, it holds no sway over me any more. It's kinda one of those never ending jobs that is always there. Dust accumulates http://bestsmileys.com/cleaning/9.gif and http://bestsmileys.com/cleaning/6.gif always need doing (haven't had a dishwasher in 4 years) there's http://bestsmileys.com/cleaning/3.gif and http://bestsmileys.com/cleaning/5.gif and of course http://bestsmileys.com/cleaning/4.gif but instead of all that I've been http://bestsmileys.com/cleaning/8.gif . Since Joe has been gone for the past two weeks visiting his father who has advanced mesothelioma (lung cancer cause from asbestos) I've not had much to clean. It's odd living alone, even for a short time. Everything changes and a sort of emptiness settles over the house. I won't see him until the middle of August. Anyway, thought some of you might get a kick out of these gifs. :D

[ellenjames]

Thanks, Dr. Rita,

I like these gifs, and it was a picture of my activities these past two weeks. But I prefer to be at the computer, sending and receiving e-mails or visiting christianwriters.com or writing a poem or story. I'm getting back to that now.

This evening we're having friends over for homemade ice cream and cake. I look forward to that.

You girls, get your housecleaning done, so you can get back to writing, too! LOL :D

Ellenjames

[ProfessorAlan]

Our house is on the market, so it is non-stop housework. I have never been so tidy in my life :)

[Merry]

Where you moving to Professor?

[whitehawke]

I would like to see this thread become a never-ending one. We so need it. :)
I second that!!!!!!!
How are you today?
Rulan

[whitehawke]

DrRita,
love those gif's. !thumbsup!
Have you ever noticed that dishes tend to breed? Leave them unattended and they multiply! :eek:
August is a little way away. How are you doing? Sorry to hear about your husbands dad.
Rulan

[whitehawke]

How are you all today?

[whitehawke]

As for parenting, all of you who have invested time instilling Christ and his example into your children--though they wander off, they will return. Mine did. I wondered at times if I'd just so completely failed I'd lost them both. But lo and behold, they came back to the Lord and now walk with him. God doesn't have grandchildren, only children.

DrRita,
thank you for reminding me that our children are God's children. My eldest daughter has arrived at that place of doubt in God. I know God loves her and won't let her go. He wants her to return to Him and nothing is impossible for Him.
Rulan

[DrRita]

Rulan,
Yes, she will come back when she's ready to make her Mom's God her own God. It's part of the growth process. He will never let go of her and will watch over her until she does.

I'm doing pretty good. I'm busy most of the time with writing, church stuff, teaching, and running our little trailer park. I've got lots to do. But I do miss my husband. I will be glad to have him back home. Sometimes I get lonely and if it weren't for the Lord would feel alone. I don't feel alone thank God, for he's with me. My youngest son lives very close so I see him all the time. And I have my dog. Dogs are wonderful, they always give you love and attention no matter what kind of day you're having. http://bestsmileys.com/dogs/4.gif

[whitehawke]

DrRita
Thank you,
I truely believe He will bring her back. She and her sister are both miracles and they both belong to Him. Catch them while they're young and though they may stray, there is no place on this earth that can ever compare with our home.
You do indeed sound very busy. May the time apart from your husband pass very quickly. Dogs are great company. One day when I can afford it, I may buy another one.
Rulan

[FireFeet]

This thread is absolutely beautiful...so honest and heartfelt, and compassionate and encouraging. We've got a nifty family here. :)

I've been going through a very rough time...some major health issues and some very not good doctor's reports. And battling my way through a lot of doubt and fear and discouragement and emotional pain.

But at the same time, I am falling more deeply in love with Jesus, and really allowing the Father to change my heart in some areas that I thought would never change. For the first time, I'm letting myself be free to love and live. And I've been so blessed and humbled by all the hearts and hands that are reaching out to me through this.

And all of this is affecting my writing. I've realized that I've always wanted to hold back a little bit of my heart when I was writing something that mattered...something that someone had asked me to write or something I was submitting for publication. My best writing...my spirit-filled-and-led writing...is far more real and passionate. When I write something out of the deep place of my heart and share it with no expectations other than to bless someone, it is something beautiful that gives glory to God, and sometimes, I think, changes lives. I need to learn to let my heart run free...risk the rejection of my most deepest self...if ever I am to see God use my writing as I know He longs to do.

[DrRita]

Firefeet,
I love your writing and it does bless. I can tell it comes from the depths of a heart that is in Jesus. I am praying your health will improve and God will heal you completely. Thank you for being real.

[Merry]

Ever praying for you, dear. You were a blessing long before you knew what a blessing was, it's true. :)

[ProfessorAlan]

Where you moving to Professor?

Just about 20 minutes down the road, from one suburb of Columbus, Ohio to another. This will get me closer to work.

[David Meigs]

:eek:

I feel like such a goof.... I write my posts in word, & cut and paste to put it here. Somehow, when I originally posted this message on Saturday, I left out the main body of my message. (Sorry about that!) Between my eldest son’s birthday, and fixing my elderly father’s electric wheelchair, I messed up everything I tried to do.

FireFeet, I just wanted to add my thanks to the others. In my short time here, your writing has been a blessing to me. Your description of a thin place helped me to put things into perspective. Your sharing of your disappointments helped me see how small my burdens really are. May the Lord bless you! I don’t know you well, but you are in my prayers.

- David

[Diannecp]

I appreciate this thread. I think these words we have so freely given to each other here are as important as any paid and published words we may ever write. I had to chuckle along with some of you about the housework comments. My downfall is laundry. I'm sure my husband prays every time he opens his closet that there will be something for him to wear, clean, not excessively wrinkled (notice I didn't say ironed!) and there - as opposed to in the dryer or the bottom of a pile of clothes in the laundry basket!

Anyways, I will keep you all in my prayers.

[edmmom]

Firefeet,
I just wanted to let you know I'm joining the others in prayer, praying for your health as I praise our Father for your beautiful writing. And I thank Him, for after what you shared, we know that He will continue to use you mightedly! Isn't it wonderful how when we give Him the negative things in our lives, He turns them into a blessing!! Thank you, Firefeet, for once again touching our hearts, and may God continue to bless you.

[Dustin]

Firefeet I am going to pray for you with everyone else.
I really dont know you seeing as i joined little less than 30 minutes ago.
but i hope u get better and i am pulling for you.
i would like to say also that this thread is an awesome thread.
and to say that i am doing quite well, and that i hope to meet all of u as the days pass.
Email me because i am a noob and need help.
TEACH ME YODAS!!!!!

[MamaCB]

Wishing you all a blessed day, and letting you know you are in my heart and prayers. May your path always be lit with light and love.
MamaCB