“God sometimes has us write unpublished words because we need to heal us.” -- Mary Demuth
“If you don’t adhere to the rules, you won’t stand out from the pack (because the general public is rebellious).” – Julie Dearyan
“Here is a P.A.T. answer for writers: Passion, Affirmation, Talent. If these three are working together, you are fulfilling your design.” – Jim Watkins
“There is a value to writing, whether it’s a journal, a letter, or a book. Seek the value in writing first, then the value in publishing later.” – Chip MacGregor
“Most readers approach an article with their arms crossed and an “impress me” attitude. We need to connect our information to the reader in an engaging, entertaining and interesting way.” – Ginger Kolbaba
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Flying to CA
Today we fly to the West Coast to attend my Dad’s memorial service on Sunday. Kevin will do one of the messages and we will sing two duets, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” and a song Kevin wrote which was one of Dad’s favorites, “Jeanette’s Song.”
We would be so grateful for your prayers. All the words of comfort and kindness when my dad passed three weeks ago, nourished my soul more than I can say. It’s amazing how a few words spoken in love will cause your emotions to ‘turn a corner’ from despair to hope.
Which is one of the reasons we write…
Love you, Jen
We would be so grateful for your prayers. All the words of comfort and kindness when my dad passed three weeks ago, nourished my soul more than I can say. It’s amazing how a few words spoken in love will cause your emotions to ‘turn a corner’ from despair to hope.
Which is one of the reasons we write…
Love you, Jen
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Keeping Your Balance
Write His Answer, a Bible Study for Christian Writers, by Marlene Bagnull, is a book I picked up at the Write to Publish conference two weeks ago. The Lord is using Marlene’s insights to cement my commitment to Him and His call on my life.
Yesterday the chapter I studied was “Keeping in Balance.” Quoting her writing mentor, Marlene stated, “life is like a table with four legs. If any one of those legs is too short or too long, the table is wobbly.” She told how she had to spend some time with the Lord getting her priorities straight, as she was using up too much time writing, and neglecting her family and friends. She also realized that her relationship with God could not be one of the legs; it had to be the floor upon which her “table” sat.
In my case, my table has six legs. Family, friends, work, ministry, writing, self. All must be in balance, or I fall apart, and the “food” I’ve prepared to nourish others tumbles to the ground, useless. Lord, help me to keep my life in the proper balance so those I love do not suffer. Help me to not have writing for You as my goal, but loving and knowing You. May my writing flow from my relationship with You.
Yesterday the chapter I studied was “Keeping in Balance.” Quoting her writing mentor, Marlene stated, “life is like a table with four legs. If any one of those legs is too short or too long, the table is wobbly.” She told how she had to spend some time with the Lord getting her priorities straight, as she was using up too much time writing, and neglecting her family and friends. She also realized that her relationship with God could not be one of the legs; it had to be the floor upon which her “table” sat.
In my case, my table has six legs. Family, friends, work, ministry, writing, self. All must be in balance, or I fall apart, and the “food” I’ve prepared to nourish others tumbles to the ground, useless. Lord, help me to keep my life in the proper balance so those I love do not suffer. Help me to not have writing for You as my goal, but loving and knowing You. May my writing flow from my relationship with You.
Monday, June 22, 2009
I Did a Hard Thing
I did a hard thing Saturday. Before I sent my (finally!) finished proposal to AMG, I asked my husband to go over the “Marketing and Promotion” section with me. I have a tendency to bite off more than I can swallow and digest, and he is the one who most suffers when I melt down because of my foolish over-commitments.
It was scary to say, “Tell me if you don’t want me to do any of these, or you think they are too much.” On a list of twenty items I was willing to do to promote my book, I expected him to cross out all but “will work with sales and marketing team to set up interviews.” Instead, he surprised me.
He left the entire list intact, even the item about renting a hot air balloon and sailing to France in it, to sell my books on the Riviera! What a fun surprise to discover he is more committed to my call than I thought. Thank you, Honey.
May the Lord surprise you today with people who believe in your call to write for Him.
It was scary to say, “Tell me if you don’t want me to do any of these, or you think they are too much.” On a list of twenty items I was willing to do to promote my book, I expected him to cross out all but “will work with sales and marketing team to set up interviews.” Instead, he surprised me.
He left the entire list intact, even the item about renting a hot air balloon and sailing to France in it, to sell my books on the Riviera! What a fun surprise to discover he is more committed to my call than I thought. Thank you, Honey.
May the Lord surprise you today with people who believe in your call to write for Him.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Family Matters
Here's a photo of Dad, Me, Kevin and Mom. Not too good of Dad, but I'm sure he's better now!In a recent post, fellow blogger Krista Phillips mentioned her husband’s reaction to her writing. Which brings me to a subject near, dear and sore: our families’ feedback.
In my opinion, we can put too much stock in what our spouses, parents and other relatives say or don’t say about our writing. For seven of the eight years I've written my devotional column I yearned for Kevin to say, “Wow, this is the best writing I’ve ever read, Jeanette! It should have been published decades ago!” Instead I got, “This is good,” or worse yet, no response. I was mad, hurt, crushed, rejected and stupid.
Why do I say stupid? Because for crying out loud, my husband does not even like devotional writing! He likes deep intellectual stuff that curls your toenails and takes you a year to figure out. I was silly to even think he’d be a proper judge of my work. When I woke up to that fact and started showing my writing to people who know and understand my chosen genre, I received a more accurate critique. Not always positive, but that’s okay. Just better able to judge it for it’s own merits, with no wedding ring to muddy the waters.
So, how is it in your family? Do you allow your spouse, parents, even kids to critique your work? If so, do you go stupid like I did, or “consider the source” and look at their opinions objectively? I’d love it if you learned from my mistake!
In my opinion, we can put too much stock in what our spouses, parents and other relatives say or don’t say about our writing. For seven of the eight years I've written my devotional column I yearned for Kevin to say, “Wow, this is the best writing I’ve ever read, Jeanette! It should have been published decades ago!” Instead I got, “This is good,” or worse yet, no response. I was mad, hurt, crushed, rejected and stupid.
Why do I say stupid? Because for crying out loud, my husband does not even like devotional writing! He likes deep intellectual stuff that curls your toenails and takes you a year to figure out. I was silly to even think he’d be a proper judge of my work. When I woke up to that fact and started showing my writing to people who know and understand my chosen genre, I received a more accurate critique. Not always positive, but that’s okay. Just better able to judge it for it’s own merits, with no wedding ring to muddy the waters.
So, how is it in your family? Do you allow your spouse, parents, even kids to critique your work? If so, do you go stupid like I did, or “consider the source” and look at their opinions objectively? I’d love it if you learned from my mistake!
P.S. There's still time to enter the drawing! See Sunday's post for Super Duper prizes!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Inspiring Quotes from WTP conference
“We tend to live our lives as if everything depends on us. It doesn’t. When we put ourselves where we’re supposed to be, we can expect miracles. God can be glorified even in rejection. You can’t orchestrate (your life), only God can.” -- Jane Rubietta
“The more specific our goals, the more effective we’re going to be.” – Jim Watkins
“Writing is about advancing the Kingdom. Don’t ever despise unpublished words. They are your training ground.” – Mary DeMuth
“Writing is like sharing with your best friend. You have to tread lightly. But, don’t be hesitant to share, because they need to hear what you have to say.” – Julie Dearyan
“What’s the biggest mistake writers make? TRYING TO GET PUBLISHED TOO SOON. You don’t give yourself enough credit for being an artist. With any artist, it’s a lifetime journey.” -- Rachelle Gardener
“The more specific our goals, the more effective we’re going to be.” – Jim Watkins
“Writing is about advancing the Kingdom. Don’t ever despise unpublished words. They are your training ground.” – Mary DeMuth
“Writing is like sharing with your best friend. You have to tread lightly. But, don’t be hesitant to share, because they need to hear what you have to say.” – Julie Dearyan
“What’s the biggest mistake writers make? TRYING TO GET PUBLISHED TOO SOON. You don’t give yourself enough credit for being an artist. With any artist, it’s a lifetime journey.” -- Rachelle Gardener
Friday, June 12, 2009
Poops!
In addition to being my favorite swear word, "poops" is also how I felt most of this week. I slept little at the Write to Publish conference, was out in the rain a couple of times, and worried about putting these proposals together for people who requested them. Added to the passing of my Dad and VBS this week, I have felt less than spunky. I believe today is my turning point, and finally have a little energy.
I know I promised photos of the convention, and I will try my best to put those up this weekend, along with a nifty galifty contest for some prizes I brought back, just for you!
Please don't give up on me...
Love and Blessings,
Jen
I know I promised photos of the convention, and I will try my best to put those up this weekend, along with a nifty galifty contest for some prizes I brought back, just for you!
Please don't give up on me...
Love and Blessings,
Jen
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Miracles Come in All Sizes
Well! I'm back from the Write to Publish conference with a "thank you" list a mile long for all your prayers while I was there. You guys are sweetness embodied! I bragged on you to many people.
I hope to find time to post photos later in the week, but for now I'll just list a few small and large miracles I'm so thankful for, of which you played a part:
One agent and two book editors are interested in my books! Woohoo and Yippee Dippee!! (this is why I'm so covered up this week; I have to revise proposals and sample chapters-- yikes! More prayer needed!)
I ate lunch once with Mary DeMuth and had dessert with Mary and Rachelle Gardener. They are both very gracious, godly ladies. We talked about kids, Mary's time in France and other ordinary stuff.
Jim Watkins agreed to endorse my books--- another Woohoo!!
God provided a ride home, so my son did not have to drive four hours to pick me up.
I purchased several cd's of sessions, as well as books to give away here. Stay tuned...
I made many new friends, and learned so much it's falling out my ears! God is faithful.
Again, thank you for all the prayers. I am so grateful (oops! passive verb!).
Love you, Jen
I hope to find time to post photos later in the week, but for now I'll just list a few small and large miracles I'm so thankful for, of which you played a part:
One agent and two book editors are interested in my books! Woohoo and Yippee Dippee!! (this is why I'm so covered up this week; I have to revise proposals and sample chapters-- yikes! More prayer needed!)
I ate lunch once with Mary DeMuth and had dessert with Mary and Rachelle Gardener. They are both very gracious, godly ladies. We talked about kids, Mary's time in France and other ordinary stuff.
Jim Watkins agreed to endorse my books--- another Woohoo!!
God provided a ride home, so my son did not have to drive four hours to pick me up.
I purchased several cd's of sessions, as well as books to give away here. Stay tuned...
I made many new friends, and learned so much it's falling out my ears! God is faithful.
Again, thank you for all the prayers. I am so grateful (oops! passive verb!).
Love you, Jen
Sunday, June 7, 2009
God Isn't...
GOD ISN’T...
Worried
The Good Shepherd is not afraid that if the economy fails, He won’t be able to supply your needs. His provision is based on His riches (Philippians 4:19), not what is happening in the world. There is no recession in Heaven. If you are His child and you’re a tither, He has obligated Himself to take care of you. And He won’t be mad if you are bold enough to remind Him of that fact.
Tired
When you come to your Father and ask for the same favor for the three thousandth time, He doesn’t say, “Oh, you again? I’ve got more important people and things to deal with.” He longs to have pity on you and show you favor. He rises to have compassion on you (Isaiah 30:18). It compliments Him when you ask for His help.
Offended
The Master of the universe doesn’t get His feelings hurt when ungodly people take His name in vain, refuse to believe in Him, or twist His Word around to suit their narrow perceptions of Him. It doesn’t distress Him if people try to explain creation by theories or attempt to prove He doesn’t exist. In fact, He laughs at them (Psalm 2:4). But, I do sometimes wonder if He cringes when His kids act worse than heathens, fighting among themselves. That may tick Him off…
Stupid
The God of all Wisdom knows more than all of us put together. I know it’s laughable when you see it in print. You think, “Well, duh!” Then, why do we seek His guidance as a last resort? Why do we trust people’s word over His? He has all the direction we will ever need. When we ask, He promises to share (James 1:5). And don’t think He only speaks in church on Sunday morning between 9:30 and noon, and only through a preacher. Open your Bible some Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning and see what’s happening in His heart.
Religious
The Lord of creation loves to surprise us by doing things His way, rather than how we’ve figured it might go. He used a pimple-faced, sweaty teenager to kill a giant that an entire army was terrified of. What unconventional method might He use to fix your problem?
Worried
The Good Shepherd is not afraid that if the economy fails, He won’t be able to supply your needs. His provision is based on His riches (Philippians 4:19), not what is happening in the world. There is no recession in Heaven. If you are His child and you’re a tither, He has obligated Himself to take care of you. And He won’t be mad if you are bold enough to remind Him of that fact.
Tired
When you come to your Father and ask for the same favor for the three thousandth time, He doesn’t say, “Oh, you again? I’ve got more important people and things to deal with.” He longs to have pity on you and show you favor. He rises to have compassion on you (Isaiah 30:18). It compliments Him when you ask for His help.
Offended
The Master of the universe doesn’t get His feelings hurt when ungodly people take His name in vain, refuse to believe in Him, or twist His Word around to suit their narrow perceptions of Him. It doesn’t distress Him if people try to explain creation by theories or attempt to prove He doesn’t exist. In fact, He laughs at them (Psalm 2:4). But, I do sometimes wonder if He cringes when His kids act worse than heathens, fighting among themselves. That may tick Him off…
Stupid
The God of all Wisdom knows more than all of us put together. I know it’s laughable when you see it in print. You think, “Well, duh!” Then, why do we seek His guidance as a last resort? Why do we trust people’s word over His? He has all the direction we will ever need. When we ask, He promises to share (James 1:5). And don’t think He only speaks in church on Sunday morning between 9:30 and noon, and only through a preacher. Open your Bible some Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning and see what’s happening in His heart.
Religious
The Lord of creation loves to surprise us by doing things His way, rather than how we’ve figured it might go. He used a pimple-faced, sweaty teenager to kill a giant that an entire army was terrified of. What unconventional method might He use to fix your problem?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tumultous Times
I recently listened a cd about being thankful. Although I am usually upbeat, even zany, this teaching convicted me. I need to be more thankful to the Lord for all we have, or don’t have! I need to wake up in the morning praising God for my health, my job, my family and my mind that works (most of the time!). I especially thank Jesus for buying me a place in Heaven, and a sweet relationship with my loving Heavenly Father.
So we don’t own our own home, we live in a parsonage—but it’s a lovely house in the country surrounded by great neighbors and few noises, apart from birdsong and cricket opera. We have no smog; we witness crimson and lavender sunsets and delight to see bunnies prance across our lawn.
So our church is comparatively small—the people love, support and pray for each other. Some even tell us how grateful they are to have Kevin pastor them. I benefit from the wisdom and kindness of the ladies in my Sunday school class and prayer group, and Kevin gets to preach every week.
Let's refuse to allow the news media to manipulate us into thinking the world is on the verge of collapse just because the economy has taken a nosedive. God is not dependent on the stock market, the government, or your paycheck to meet your needs. According to the Apostle Paul, He will supply our needs by to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). Believing that helps me overcome the fear of lack, because my Father’s riches will never run out!
This world will be here until He says not. There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. Let’s focus on the good in our lives, and make God smile.
So we don’t own our own home, we live in a parsonage—but it’s a lovely house in the country surrounded by great neighbors and few noises, apart from birdsong and cricket opera. We have no smog; we witness crimson and lavender sunsets and delight to see bunnies prance across our lawn.
So our church is comparatively small—the people love, support and pray for each other. Some even tell us how grateful they are to have Kevin pastor them. I benefit from the wisdom and kindness of the ladies in my Sunday school class and prayer group, and Kevin gets to preach every week.
Let's refuse to allow the news media to manipulate us into thinking the world is on the verge of collapse just because the economy has taken a nosedive. God is not dependent on the stock market, the government, or your paycheck to meet your needs. According to the Apostle Paul, He will supply our needs by to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). Believing that helps me overcome the fear of lack, because my Father’s riches will never run out!
This world will be here until He says not. There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. Let’s focus on the good in our lives, and make God smile.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Most Profound Prayer
I learned from one of my favorite preachers, Joyce Meyer, that the most profound prayer you can pray is:
"HELP ME!!!"
I am applying the same principle to this wonderful neighborhood of Blogging Writers Supreme, and asking for your help.
I leave tomorrow for Chicago, to attend the Write to Publish conference. Will you please help me by praying for me?
Mostly, that I be a blessing to whomever I meet. I want to learn better story crafting, meet people who can help me get published, etc., but I don't want that to be my #1 goal. Always I want to put God first, and be a giver to those around me, encouraging and building up His kids. I believe if my heart is right and I seek to help others, God will give me the desires of my heart, without me pushing myself forward (This is a challenge for me, since I am a very gregarious, in-your-face type of personality in the flesh)
Thank you for all you guys have already done to get my pitches ready, and the encouragement you've been. I am a better person, Christian and writer because of your cheer leading.
I'll let you know what sweet ways the Lord answered your prayers when i return, and may even buy some books and session Cd's as prizes in blog drawings!! Yippee Dippee!!! Any requests?
Blessings on you as you write for your Audience of One,
Jen
P.S. I will be scheduling a post or two this week, but won't be able to respond til i return...
Love you all!
"HELP ME!!!"
I am applying the same principle to this wonderful neighborhood of Blogging Writers Supreme, and asking for your help.
I leave tomorrow for Chicago, to attend the Write to Publish conference. Will you please help me by praying for me?
Mostly, that I be a blessing to whomever I meet. I want to learn better story crafting, meet people who can help me get published, etc., but I don't want that to be my #1 goal. Always I want to put God first, and be a giver to those around me, encouraging and building up His kids. I believe if my heart is right and I seek to help others, God will give me the desires of my heart, without me pushing myself forward (This is a challenge for me, since I am a very gregarious, in-your-face type of personality in the flesh)
Thank you for all you guys have already done to get my pitches ready, and the encouragement you've been. I am a better person, Christian and writer because of your cheer leading.
I'll let you know what sweet ways the Lord answered your prayers when i return, and may even buy some books and session Cd's as prizes in blog drawings!! Yippee Dippee!!! Any requests?
Blessings on you as you write for your Audience of One,
Jen
P.S. I will be scheduling a post or two this week, but won't be able to respond til i return...
Love you all!
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