Do you find that there are certain times of the year when you feel more productive? Do you ever feel like George Bailey did in It’s a Wonderful Life–that you could lasso the moon given half the chance? I think, for me, those times are probably the summer months. There are a lot more distractions (outdoor activities, weekend commitments, traveling, …
Marketing: Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Hungry.
Since I’ve returned from the 2011 ACFW conference, I’ve tried to share some tips that you might find helpful. I know what it’s like to be on a journey that can, at times, be very lonely, and to hunger for bread crumbs of information about the craft (the ministry) that we love so much. I’ve found that journeys never really end; we …
Indescribable Greatness
A few years ago, we visited Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a lovely, little gem surrounded by the beautiful Ozark mountains. (Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.) I’ve talked about it on my blog before a few times, but you can also refer back to my post A Cure for What Ails Us if you’d like. While at Eureka Springs, we had the …
Seasoning. It's Not Just for Chili.
I think in life we all experience difficulties, hardships, and trials from time to time. Some folks may endure these struggles temporarily. For others, the season of suffering may seem never-ending. (I’ve talked about this in my earlier posts Comfort During Trials and Mountaintops.) As writers, we’re deeply in tune to these times of “seasoning.” These experiences mature us–not only as individuals, …
Taking the "Un" out of "Professional"
Today I thought I’d do a bit of gardening and tackle some sensitive issues. Weeding through certain life matters aren’t always pleasant, but necessary. Though I’m speaking from primarily a writer’s point of view, this would be applicable to most professions. As a child and young adult, I dreamed of being a writer. I lived and breathed writing. I loved words–writing …
The Next Chapter
I think because I write, I equate a lot of life’s stages to writing. Perhaps, it’s the other way around. Writing probably intersects with various chapters of my life, too. If we think about the natural order of progression, it might not make sense to non-writers the twists and turns that authors take at certain life junctures. In society’s eyes, …
Earmarks of Greatness
Dreams big. Doesn’t settle for just a bite. Goes for the whole enchilada! Failure is not an option. Goofs, yes. Giving up, no. Recognizes talents and shares them. Realizes gifts and invites others to open them. 4. Ditches doubt and develops perseverance. Is passionate about a ministry and knows God will equip us with what’s needed to get the job done. …
Beside the Still Waters
The 23rd Psalm. I memorized it at a young age. For most Christians, it’s as familiar as the back of our hands. Even non-believers can recite much of the passage without batting an eye. Depending which version of the Bible we read, the words are pretty easy, too. I like to study God’s word early in the morning. My mind …
Signs of the Times
You probably thought by this post’s title that I was going to talk about something completely different than what I’m actually going to touch on today. (Believe me, I debated that as I sat down to write. And just for the record, I didn’t wimp out. I’m not afraid to talk about my doctrinal beliefs, the biblical truths which I adamantly adhere to, …
Is it Possible?
In a society where we’re continually bombarded with bad news and negativity, it can sometimes be difficult to keep a positive perspective about things. Today, especially, I think we have to be cautious about these influences or our lives can become one big melting pot of worry. Worry turns to fear, and the fear in turn can be paralyzing. I don’t bury my head …