Janice Hanna's Blog, page 11

Unpack Those Bags

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.   (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

“Pack your bags, sister. Your best days are behind you.” 

Have you ever struggled with negative mind-chatter like the phrase above? I have. As I’ve tip-toed over the threshold into my golden years, I’ve questioned my usefulness—to my family, my church, and society at large. (Hello out there! Does anyone have use for an old gal like me, or is there an expiration date stamped on my forehead?) 

At times, self-doubts related to my age and health cause me to freeze up. I don’t make myself available to others as easily as I used to. I wonder if the younger ones will roll their eyes and whisper, “It’s that old lady again, trying to weasel her way in. Would someone please tell her that she’s no longer needed or wanted?”  

No doubt Elizabeth felt the same way. 

Though she had enjoyed many wonderful years of marriage to the priest Zechariah, Elizabeth was now well past her childbearing years. Oh, she was a woman of faith, a dedicated and faithful woman who came from a priestly line, herself. But with no child to show from the union with Zechariah, she no doubt felt useless and ostracized by society. Elizabeth heard the whispers. She saw the stares from the young mothers as they nursed their babes and tended to their little ones at play. 

I can’t even imagine the shock (Delight? Disbelief? Confusion?) the elderly Elizabeth must have felt when she received the news that she would deliver a son. Finally, after all of these years!

And what a son he was! John the Baptist would prepare the way for the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Through his birth, Elizabeth received the promise of 1 Peter 5: 6-7, even before the words were penned: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Elizabeth’s cousin. She came for a visit not long after receiving her big news. What a fascinating few months these must have been, as the elderly Elizabeth and her teenage cousin, Mary, went through their pregnancies together. These two vastly different women suddenly had everything in common. I can only imagine the conversations they must have had! (And talk about cravings! Pickled herring, anyone?) 

Picture yourself in Elizabeth’s shoes. Maybe you’ve felt overlooked, left out, past your prime. Or maybe you’re like Mary, feeling a little too young to tackle the problems life has thrown your way. 

Here’s the good news: God can and will use you, as long as you submit yourself to Him and wait patiently for the fulfillment of His promises. 

Together, Mary and Elizabeth embodied the rock-solid truth found in Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

He will work them for good in your life, too. So don’t pack those bags quite yet, sweet woman of God. He’s got plenty of good road ahead for you. 

Application Question: Have you ever used your age as an excuse not to step out in faith? 

The post Unpack Those Bags appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

A Passion for Story

By Janice Hanna Thompson

            Some writers nudge their way onto the publication scene with a lovely resume in hand, one that includes a degree in English or Literature. Others experience a “lucky break,” an amazing opportunity that propels them through the publication door, bells clanging and whistles blowing.  Most press their noses to the grindstone—grunting and grappling their way to publication, one sour rejection after another. Then, there are those who come out of the womb writing—child prodigies, who pour out their heartfelt stories onto the pages of their elementary school notebooks, destined to become one-day-stars. As the years progress, they morph into the very thing they were destined to be all along—writers. 

I suppose you could say there’s a little of each of these in me.  I was born with a passion for both story and performance and always saw myself as having a great call on my life. As a child, I instinctively knew how to entertain folks with my antics and my exaggeration. From the time I could offer a curtsy or a bow (anticipating that others would applaud my efforts) my mother labeled me a “ham.” She wasn’t far off in her description. I ended up going into theater, starting as an actress and eventually directing. 

            One thing served as the glue in all of my endeavors: story. Story fueled me as a youngster while I persistently scoured the shelves at our local library for something I hadn’t already read. Story intoxicated me as I picked up the pen and crafted my first novel in sixth grade. Story propelled me as I took on roles in high school plays, pouring heart and soul into each performance. Story lit a fire in me during my college years and pacified me when I had to leave school after my sophomore year. Story nipped at my heels in my early twenties when my father asked me to help him pen a screenplay—Liar’s Moon—which was eventually made into a movie. Story made a playwright out of me in my middle years, when the arts academy where I taught needed performance materials. 

Story—specifically, Christian fiction—grabbed hold of my heart, twisting and turning, when I neared my empty nest years. At this time, I truly “felt the call” to publish my first novel. It took years to accomplish this feat, but God eventually opened a door. From that day until now, I’ve been blessed to publish over eighty books for the Christian market—mostly light-hearted romances, loaded with humorous elements. I’m probably best known for my quirky Weddings by Bella series, but I’ve also been given the opportunity to write more intense stories like Queen of the Waves a drama set aboard the Titanic. Though I’m a comedian at heart, I enjoy writing the serious stuff too, because it challenges me as a writer and offers me the opportunity to further develop my skills. 

            No matter what I write—comedy, drama, devotions, plays or skits—I will remain a storyteller at heart. Writing for the Christian market is perfect for me, because I have the opportunity to incorporate the greatest story ever told into each of my tales. And hasn’t story always been the tool that God has used to touch the hearts of His people? Consider. . .The Prodigal Son. The Lost Coin. The 99 Sheep. All stories, told by the Master Storyteller, intended to teach, to nudge, to uplift, and to provoke. I pray that my stories will compel people to search out the Ultimate Author and to read His bestseller. (Talk about a great book!) 

            These days, as I look back on the stories I’ve published, the plays I’ve written, the articles I’ve penned, I see them all as a whole—part of a bigger story. My story. My legacy. Something I leave behind, not just for my children and grandchildren, but my readers, as well. I hope they see a little of my story in every novel, in every character, in every setting. Beyond that, however, I pray they see the very real story of a God who loves them so much that He was willing to split heaven wide open to send the ultimate hero into this world to rescue, redeem and revive. 

            So, what comes next for me? I’m focusing on several books for Barbour Publishing and Dayspring, and I’m hyperfocused on my baking blog and this website, as well.   

            So, what about you? What’s your story? I pray it’s one filled with joy, peace, and blessing. . .and lots of laughter. 

Connect with Janice:

Website: www.janicehannathompson.com

https://outoftheboxbaking.com

Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson

Twitter: booksbyjanice

The post A Passion for Story appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Creative Writing Ideas

Creative Writing Ideas 

Over the next few weeks I plan to post some of my favorite creative writing ideas. Whether you’re a writer, a creative writing teacher, or just want to have fun, these ideas will stir your creativity!

How does God about creativity?

         To discover the answer to this question, we must ask another… “Do we serve a creative God?”   The answer is an undeniable “Yes!”

How creative?  For a closer look, carefully examine the book of Genesis.  It will knock your socks off! (We’ll talk more about this amazing book over the next few weeks.)

We are All Creatives!

While it may not seem to be the case, everyone has a creative side.  Christians must come to grips with the fact that they are created in the image of God – and He is creative.  Therefore, it stands to reason that we all have the capability to create within us.

What makes some people appear to be more creative than others is one thing, and one thing alone:  They act on their ideas!  Many Christians think creatively, and never do anything with their ideas.

Ah, but one who acts… the one who allows the Spirit of God to move across the creation… he will begin to move out into the things of God, unstoppable in his quest to conquer with words!

#1:  Impacting Your World As a Writer  

Lesson Idea:  Time the students (5 minutes).  Have them write the names of every famous author they know, from any time period.

Objective: To determine the impact of one person on the world – positive impact or negative impact

Corresponding Activity:  Choose a particular author ahead of time, and discuss how that        person changed their world (for better or worse).  Read a story by that author.

Scripture Reference:  Present your bodies a living sacrifice… (Romans 12:1b)

#2:  Thinking Like a Writer  

Lesson Idea: A Day in the Life of an Author  Students each choose a famous author (their favorite) and try to imagine what a typical day would have been like (or is like) in that author’s life.

Objective: To study the lifestyle and habits of writers.  To develop the desire to write about daily events.

Corresponding Activity:  Diary entry from the POV of that author

Scripture Reference:  My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long. (Psalm 35:28)

#3:  Writing What I Believe  

Lesson Idea:  Have the students write a one – two page essay describing their personal beliefs and/or experience with the Lord.  This paper should focus on their own experience, not that of their family members.

Objective: To bring the gospel message very close to home.

Corresponding Activity:  Ask the student to chronicle a specific event that led them to the Lord.  If the student isn’t yet a Christian, then encourage him to begin to consider the things of God in his writings.

Scripture Reference: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)

That’s it for now! I’ll be back in a few days with even more creative writing exercises! Until then, check out my latest recipe at my baking blog (Out of the Box Baking). It’s a Coconut Pecan Pound cake, y’all!

Have a blessed week, everyone!

Let Shackles Fall!

I have a saying, and it’s one I use quite often: “You can’t blame a blind man for being blind. You can only pray that the shackles will fall from his eyes.”

What is Spiritual Blindness?

Spiritual blindness is the inability to see truth, even when it’s staring you in the face.

Sometimes I look at the things going on in the world and wonder how people can’t see the schemes that the enemy is using. Are they choosing not to, or are there more sinister forces at work?

You have to admit, it’s kind of crazy how two people can look at the exact same situation and draw two polar opposite conclusions, especially when it’s an issue that the Word of God speaks to.

I’m particularly concerned that people have an upside-down view of good and evil. It’s almost as if they have gone completely blind to truth.

Only a blind man would willingly trade the truth for a lie. Yet, it seems to be happening all around us.

Discernment: A Tool Worth Using

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”  (Hebrews 5:14)

Practice makes perfect, my friends.

There is a tool that believers have, one that is more critical than ever. With so many lies swirling around us these days, we’ve got to lean heavily on discernment.

What Does it Mean to Discern?

To “discern” something simply means to figure it out. Someone with discernment has Holy Spirit-infused insight and wisdom that a spiritually blind person simply doesn’t have.

According to Hebrews 5:14, the ability to discern good from evil come from constant practice. And let’s face it. . .we’re getting a lot of practice right now.

We don’t always get it right, even those of us who are walking closely with the Lord. We get confused at times, too.

I’m constantly praying, “Lord, if I’m wrong about this, please re-direct me.” And He does.

Imagine where we would be if the didn’t have the internal compass of the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Discernment. . .a Spiritual Gift

In 1 Corinthians 12 we find a list of the gifts of the spirit that believers can enjoy. Here’s the full list:

7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise adviceb]">[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.c]">[c] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,d]">[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

Take a closer look at the second half of verse 10: He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. 

How will we know which ones are right and which ones are wrong? How do we discern which narratives bring life and which lead to destruction?

Only through spiritual discernment. And it’s available to anyone who dares to ask for it.

You Can’t Blame a Blind Man for Being Blind

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:14 ESV)

Most well-meaning people are often swayed by the chatter going on around them. They get swept away by passion instead of relying on godly wisdom. Instead of genuinely tuning in to that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, they give themselves over to false narratives and lies without even realizing it.

They think they are safe, but they’re on a slippery slope.

Others haven’t come to faith yet. They don’t know what it means to walk in discernment. They’re doing the best they can as the voices shouting at them from every direction brings chaos and confusion to their souls.

And that’s why we’ve got to be so careful not to bring further division and damage by insisting the blind see things the way we see them.

They can’t. Not yet.

But. . .Shackles Can Fall

Is this not the fast that I choose: To release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the ropes of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6 NASB)

And this, my friends, is how we should be praying. Instead of arguing about the things you disagree on, take the time to pray–really pray–for those who seem lost and confused.

Think back to what you were like, before you came to the Lord. Was your belief system skewed? Were your actions always honorable?

Without Christ, we simply can’t discern. We can try, but we’ll never really have the Helper on our side to guide us to truth.

So, don’t blame the blind for not seeing. Instead, pray for shackles to fall.

How to Become More Discerning

1). Give your heart to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to take total control of your thought life.

2). Be pliable in His hands. Say, “God, take my former beliefs and change them to bring joy to your heart.” It’s remarkable how painless this process is once you’ve entered into a relationship with HIm.

3). Study the Word of God. The Spirit gives discernment, but remember. . .it comes by practice, too. Do all you can to know and understand His Word, then incline your ear and heart to do the things you find written there. If you’re struggling to know the answer to a tough question, search out the scriptures. You will find what you need there.

4). Practice listening prayer. Prayer is a two-way street. Pour out your heart to God, but then pause and listen. More often than not, He wants to speak to you, too. His words might come as a still, small voice to your heart. Or, they might come through the Bible, as He highlights a scripture. They might even come through a conversation with a mentor or godly friend. God can speak in any way He choose! Just be listening.

5). Specifically pray for the gift of discernment. Many years ago I was in a particularly volatile relationship. I was the victim of many lies and falsehoods. One day I prayed, “Lord, please give me the ability to tell the truth from a lie.” Remarkably, God answered that prayer. From that point on I could always tell when I was being lied to. It stung, but I was so grateful for that ability. As the relationship deteriorated, I was fully able to discern what was happening and ultimately walk away from the one speaking the lies.

6). Remember, you are a new creation. When you walk with Christ, you are made new. Those old beliefs and ideologies don’t match the new you. So, let them go, my friend. On to bigger and better things!

7). You will still face opposition at every turn. The world is hostile to the truth of God’s Word. Christianity isn’t an easy gig, which is why you’ve got to be armed and ready with the Word of God settled deep in your heart. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 ESV)

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But wrongdoers will stumble in them.

Hosea 14:9 ESV

 

Jannes and Jambres

Who Were These Men Mentioned in 2nd Timothy, Chapter Three?

Over the past several months I have found myself gravitating to a familiar passage of scripture found in 2nd Timothy, chapter three. When a friend mentioned it again last night, I read it once more, as I have so many other times. This time, however, several new things jumped out at me.

Let’s look at it together:

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

I may come back to the first seven verses in another post, but I want to do a deep dive into verses 8 and 9.

Who Were Jannes and Jambres?

I couldn’t help but wonder as I read verse 8: Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.

Who were these men who opposed Moses? Is there more to their story? Why do they hold last days significance?

I scoured several Bible commentaries and all of them agreed that the only time these two men are mentioned in scriptures is in the book of Timothy.

However, they are definitely mentioned in other Jewish historical writings.

According to GotQuestions.Org (a Biblical Site):

Jewish tradition says that Jannes and Jambres were the two chief magicians who withstood Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7. “Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs” (verses 10-12). Later, these same sorcerers duplicated the changing of water into blood (Exodus 7:22) and the production of frogs (8:7). However, the sorcerers were powerless to duplicate the other plagues (8:19).

The site goes on to explain that Jannes and Jambres also appear in the Talmud, where their story offers other details. According to these writings, Jannes and Jambres were instrumental in encouraging the Israelites to worship the golden calf.

Clearly, these were not good dudes. They had a role to play in deluding the people and trying to bluff them. And they were good at what they did, (in a twisted way, of course).

The second half of verse eight makes it clear how God felt about them: They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.

We also see that their powers only went so far. There were some rabbits they couldn’t pull out of their proverbial hats.

So, Why Does Paul Mention Them When Talking about Last Days?

I pondered this at length, but finally reasoned it out.

We are living in a time when the enemy does all he can to bluff us. Biblical truths are ridiculed by our upside-down society. The things we know to be sin are often celebrated. It’s getting harder and harder to tell the truth from a lie.

This inside-out, upside-down culture we’re living in has many people deluded. They can’t seem to see truth, even after plainly reading it in the Word. But, why?

Secret Arts and Incantations

When Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh to demand the release of the Jewish slaves, supernatural things occurred. Aaron threw down his staff and it became a snake.

Not to be outdone, the sorcerers, Jannes and Jambres, did the same. Only, their power didn’t come from God. It came from someplace else. The Bible calls their powers “secret arts.”

We all know that anything done in secret. . .well, it isn’t good.

In short, these two men performed demonic incantations. . .copycatting a real miracle with a counterfeit.

Sound familiar? In our day and age we often see the enemy passing off lies as truth and truth as lies to those who don’t seem to have eyes to see.

The Enemy of our Souls Excels at Counterfeits

He’s still doing the same thing today. And I believe we’re seeing it in what I’ll call “the Jannes and Jambres” effect. If you wonder why the world (and even some believers) can’t seem to see truth, it’s because they’ve been put under a spell, if you will, an enchantment.

Modern-day sorcerers have lulled them into an odd state of semi-consciousness where they believe whatever they’re told.

It’s hard to blame them, since these lies are flying in from every conceivable angle–movies, TV shows, universities, school books, and even from well-meaning pastors and churches.

These folks have been drawn into a Jannes and Jambres incantation, and it has convinced them that it’s better to remain enslaved than to be set free. They’re trading the Promised Land for a golden calf. . .and they don’t even realize it.

Why? Because they’ve bought the lie–hook, line, and sinker. And now, convinced they have a “better version of truth” they plow forward, eyes blinded by the spirit of Jannes and Jambres.

What is an Incantation?

According to Wikipedia:

An incantation, a spell, a charm, an enchantment or a bewitchery, is a magical formula intended to trigger a magical effect on a person or objects. The formula can be spoken, sung or chanted. An incantation can also be performed during ceremonial rituals or prayers. In the world of magic, wizards, witches, and fairies allegedly perform incantations.

Jannes and Jambres were skilled at bewitchery, making people think they were seeing one thing when they were really seeing something else. And that’s exactly what many people are doing today.  People are giving themselves over to false narratives.

Scripture predicted this, of course. We read in Matthew 24:24 that: . . .false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 

In short, the Jannes and Jambres spirit is alive and well on planet earth today.

But take Heart!

Check out Verse 9: But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

This is excellent news. This upside-down world has to answer to our all-powerful, all-knowing Creator. And he sees the folly of the bewitchers. He know the tricks they are up to.

He’s bigger. He’s better. He’s more powerful. He’s more trustworthy.

And remember, He has given us His Spirit so that we can discern the truth from a lie. If we ever needed that discernment, it’s now.

What the World Calls Truth. . .

. . .won’t set you free. I said this in a Facebook post recently. Worldy “truth” won’t keep people from driving off of cliffs. Worldy “truth” changes from day to day, year to year, narrative to narrative, culture shift to culture shift.

Only the Word of God provides absolute truth and it never changes. . .under any circumstances. Under any level of pressure.

Eyes wide open, church. Don’t let the Jannes and Jambres effect blind you to the greatest truth of all: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Action Points

Have you been deluded by the spirit of Jannes and Jambres? Have you gotten caught up in believing the world’s false narratives? You can repent and turn back to God. Give your heart fully to Him and ask for the Spirit of God to empower you to see the real truth found in scriptures. The Bible is truly the only thing that will set you free. Anything else will continue to enslave you, no matter how many false promises it makes.

Do you have loved ones who are blinded by the incantations of modern-day Jannes and Jambres? Instead of arguing or fighting, begin to pray in the Spirit to break strongholds off of their lives. Remember, we’re not battling flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 says: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Begin to see Hollywood and the media for what they are. They are bewitchers, intent on forcing false and deadly narratives to draw mankind away from God. They are particularly interested in your children and grandchildren. Picture them as Jannes and Jambres in the wilderness, trying to get your children to worship the golden calf. The sooner you acknowledge the damage they are trying to inflict, the sooner you can back away from it. Find godly sources for news and choose movies and TV shows that uplift your spirit. Guard what your children watch and what they’re seeing on the Internet. As much as you are able, keep their little hearts pure. Make sure they are getting good Bible teaching and you’re in a great Bible-believing church that stands for the truth of the Word of God.

Don’t hide away, frightened by the condition of the world. Like Ruth, God has placed you here “for such a time as this.” Shed a light on the modern-day Jannes and Jambres. . .and watch them fall.

They will, you know. In the end, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Romans 14:11)

Even the very ones who oppose Him now.

Let’s Pray

Father, we come to you in the precious and holy name of your Son, Jesus. In that name, miracles take place. Shackles fall from eyes. Vision is restored. Hope returns.

Lord, we come against any work of the enemy. We speak life to our children, life to our grandchildren, life to our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. You are the Great Restorer, the only true Hope-Giver, eternal Truth. 

We come against the modern-day spirit of Jannes and Jambres and acknowledge that we have often fallen pray to their lies and schemes. Please forgive us for the times we’ve chosen the world’s version of truth over Yours. Give us discernment so that we can see the kind of Truth that sets us free, not just in this life, but for all eternity. 

You are our ever-present help in time of trouble. There is no power–no force–stronger or mightier than You. We will not be afraid as we traverse these troubled times. We will not cower in fear. Instead, we will rise up and become the light that You have called us to be, so that all will know the real truth, so that we will (truly!) be set free! 

Amen. 

 

Increase Your Creativity

I taught creative writing for several years at a school of the arts and had such fun convincing my students that we’re all creative. That’s right. . .all of us. Even left- brained, technical folks. What sets some people apart from others?

Creative Thinking.

Some tap into it. Others do not. Some are excited to try new things. Others? Not so much. Perhaps they are terrified at what they might discover.

So, how do we tap in? How do we get past the creative block?

Getting Creative About Being Creative

We have to learn to “think” creatively. We have to expect creative ideas to flow.

Imagine this: You have a computer in your home. It has a really large hard drive. Much of that hard drive space will never be touched. Think of the “untapped” creativity inside you the same as you would that “untouched” portion of your hard drive.

It’s time to use that untouched space. It’s time to think outside the box! It’s time to begin looking for the story inside the story. It’s time for new ways to flourish. It’s time for new experiences, divergent thinking, new skills, new perspectives. Let your mind wander, friend.

The Creativity Test

I once did an experiment with my students. I asked them to take their temperature every two hours over a twenty-four hour period. According to one theory, we are at our most creative when our body temperature is the highest. For me, that time is late afternoon/evening. I’m NOT a morning person. Perhaps you’re just the opposite. Maybe you’re the most refreshed/creative in the morning.

There’s another theory that we’re also more creative when we’re relaxed. Perhaps that’s why great ideas come to us while we’re in the shower. Some of us get our best ideas when we’re “nearly” asleep, or just waking up. That’s why it’s important to keep a pad and pen on your bedside table. Might sound crazy, but my laptop goes to bed with me every night. Well, not actually in bed. But it’s at my bedside all night long, just in case. Rumor has it that Mary Shelley conceived the idea for her novel Frankenstein during “twilight sleep.” You just never know when a great idea might hit.

When Are You Most Creative?

Creative people don’t just need to be aware of when they’re creative, they need to know where they’re creative, as well. Sitting in front of your computer is rarely the place for amazing bouts of creativity, (though it does occasionally happen).

In my case, the seashore prompts creativity. Something about the sound of the waves  rippling across the sand just makes me want to write. I also do well in the mountains. Ironically, I also seem to “get creative” at Subway. The restaurant. I’m not sure why, but when I take my laptop into my local Subway, I can almost always count on writing a great scene in my WIP (work in progress). Others swear by their local coffee shop. Perhaps it’s the overpowering scent of coffee that stirs creativity. I’m not sure. But some of their best creative work takes place in their local Starbucks.

Creativity. . .Critical to Survival?

Why do we need to be more creative? If you’re interested in a career in writing, creativity is critical to survival. Anyone can come up with a mediocre story. Bookshelves are filled with them. You want something fresh, original. Something uniquely you!

The chances of selling your work are far greater if you come at it from a creative angle. We also need to be more creative people because it makes life more fun. This is especially true in the workplace environment, where days run together. We must learn to think outside of the box.

Movies and Literature

When you’re creative, you’ll have a blast at the movies. You’ll find stories inside of stories. You’ll look far deeper into the “meaning” than the average Joe and you’ll stretch your imagination in ways it’s never been stretched before. Think of a movie you’ve seen where you discovered a story inside the story—movies like Babe the Gallant Pig, (the story of an unprejudiced heart), for instance.

Fun, right? Of course, literature is filled with creative works with hidden storylines, as well. Take a moment to think of as many examples as you can. As you begin to stretch your imagination, you will grow as a writer.

The Five Part Process

According to one online site: creativity is a five-part process, which occurs in interconnected phases:

STIMULUS: Could be anything from a picture to a song to a person’s face. Could be a perceived need or a story. Anything can stimulate us and cause us to want to act/create. (There are stories all around us. It’s up to us to find them!)

EXPLORATION: Looking at the possibilities, the what if’s. Moving beyond the first ideas, considering the alternatives. (What do you think the author/screenplay writer was really trying to tell us?)

PLANNING: Gathering information/thinking about the task (in writing a story, this is usually the point where I begin to lay out chapters or work off of a plotter or outline). Some people use diagrams.

ACTIVITY: Let the party begin! Create, create, create. It’s one thing to talk about the story you’re going to write or the project you’re going to begin (think home improvement here), it’s another altogether to strategize, to fly into action. Some of us are all about the planning and don’t like to get into the actual work of it.

REVIEW: What have I accomplished? Was it successful? What could be improved next time?

CREATIVITY EXERCISES

Let’s get our creative juices spinning!

#1: EXERCISE

There’s nothing like a little aerobic exercise to get the blood flowing! This is one of the best ways to empty your mind of your worries and allow creativity to flow. Take a short walk. Do five minutes of aerobic activity. Stretch your creative muscles as you give your physical muscles a workout. Getting active will stir your creativity…no doubt about it!

#2: TIMED PICTURE TITLES

Locate a piece of art. Set a timer for two minutes and write down as many titles as you can think of. Allow new ideas to flow.

Once the timer goes off, look at your title choices. Choose the one that speaks to you. Take it a step further. Using the title ONLY (not necessarily the picture) create a plotline for a movie.

#3: FORTUNE COOKIE STORIES

Pop open a fortune cookie and read what’s inside. Talk about a great starting point for a new story! Come up with an idea based on the “saying” you’ve read. Enjoy your creative process. This is a simple activity, but so much fun, one that’s guaranteed to boost creativity.

#4: MUSICAL INSPIRATION

Turn on some classical music and reach for some crayons and a sketch pad. Throw off all inhibitions. Begin to color, stirred by the music. As you move outside your comfort zone, fresh ideas will flow. Creative thoughts will begin to tumble. Innovative ideas will spill forth. The simple process of coloring to music will boost your creativity. Do this on a regular basis and you’ll break through that writer’s block!

Wrapping Things Up

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into creativity. Who knows. . .you might have the Great American Novel hiding inside of that creative mind of yours! Perhaps, with some of these great tips it will rise to the surface.

Whatever you take from this lesson remember this one thing: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You can become a creative person, filled with original ideas. I promise. Your creative skills can blossom and grow.

I will leave you with the words of Mark Twain, who spoke words of wisdom when he said: You can’t depend on your judgment when your imagination is out of focus. 

It’s May Y’all!

Book News

This has been a remarkable month for me, writing-wise. I have some great announcements! 

First, let me start by announcing a new book release! My novella, Puzzle me This, (part of the Missing Pieces Collection from Barbour Publishing) is about to release! The whole collection is jigsaw puzzle-themed. I absolutely love my quirky story. It was so much fun to write in first-person again! (This is how my Bella novels were written, and I love that style!) 

Second announcement: If you’re interested in dog-themed books you’ll definitely want to check out the first book in the Gone to the Dogs series from Barbour Publishing. It’s about to release and I couldn’t be more excited! You can pre-order your copy of Off the Chain and receive it as soon as it releases in a few weeks. Here’s the blurb: Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis. But why would anyone continue to work against all their good efforts? 

Announcement #3: I’ve been hard at work on my next book in the dog series. It’s titled Barking up the Wrong Tree and involves a MIA agility course winner named Remington. Stay tuned for more on that story. (Kathleen Y’Barbo wrote the second book in the series titled Dog Days of Summer. . .and it’s amazing! More on that later!) 

Final book-related announcement: Remember that Cut and Shoot novella I mentioned last month? I just completed edits on that book, O Little Town of Cut and Shoot, which will release in a few months from Guideposts. It’s part of a two-book collection titled Love’s a Mystery in Cut and Shoot. The other author in the collection is my good friend Ruth Logan Herne. I’ll be sharing more about that collection as the release date draws near.

In the meantime, thanks for always lifting me up in prayer as I write the books that God places on my heart! I did a count of my books today (which you will find listed on my “All Published Works” page) and I’m currently working on books #157 and 158 simultaneously. Whew!

Baking News

To say this has been a crazy month would be putting it mildly! I’ve baked more new sweet treats than ever, and all in an effort to get my Out of the Box Baking blog up and running. The goal? To draw enough traffic to the blog to eventually get it monetized. That’s more than a pipe dream, friends! I’m on the track to see this happen by fall, and you can help! Please sign up to receive the RSS feed. When you do that, you’ll see the recipes as they post. (You won’t have to go looking for them…you’ll be notified automatically.) This will be of benefit to you, sweet bakers, and to me! It really helps me out because the more time you spend perusing my posts, the quicker I build my views, which is critical at this stage of the game! So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for my RSS feed today. 

Here are some of my latest recipes that I’m particularly proud of: 

Chocolate Mayonnaise cake: I’ve been on a roll, making things with mayonnaise. Yes, you read that right! Mayo adds depth of flavor and it really, really works in this rich chocolate cake! You can learn more about baking with mayo in this comprehensive post titled How to Bake with Mayonnaise: 7 Terrific Recipes. 

Old Fashioned Pound Cake with Whipping Cream: If you’re looking for a classic pound cake to serve at your next get-together, you can stop looking! I’ve got a luscious butter pound cake recipe for you that’s going to thrill and delight your guests and make you proud to serve it!

20 Amazing Recipes that Start with a White Cake Mix: Don’t have the mix you need? Don’t worry! You can make 20 different cakes using a simple white cake mix! 

Easy Bananas Foster Cinnamon Rolls (made with crescent rolls): This luscious, gooey cinnamon roll has a warm, nutty bananas foster taste and feel. And best of all. . .it’s made with crescent rolls! It comes together so quickly and easily!

Common Baking Substitutions: Out of the ingredient you need? No worries! This comprehensive list of baking substitutions will be a huge help! 

I’ve added some new categories to my blog: 
Recipes Grandma Made
Baking as a Business

I truly hope to grow this blog into a thing of beauty that bakers across the globe can enjoy! (Speaking of which, it’s kind of fun to track the stats on this blog! I can see people from countries all over the world viewing my posts!) 

Mischief Making!

Before Easter, I purchased some melting chocolate and molds to make chocolate covered Oreos with the grandkids. There was no time, sadly, but we made up for it a couple of weeks back.  I met with a couple of my local granddaughters and we pretty much covered everything we could find in chocolate, including their mother’s beautiful wooden table. Oops. it was a great afternoon and we had a lot of fun. They learned some new skills and I learned that not all chocolates are created equal. I also learned that the kids are pretty good at learning by example and have some serious potential as decorators! We had a blast. (Sorry about your table, Megan!)

Immovable. Strong.

I feel like God spoke something specific to my heart this morning while in church. Maybe it’s for you, too:

The Lord wants us to shake off self-pity. Yes, we’ve been through a lot. Yes, much of it was unfair..wholly unfair, in fact. But self-pity gets us nowhere. It causes us to cry out, “I’m so weak because of what has happened to me!” instead of acknowledging that (in Him) we are actually much STRONGER and more capable because of what has happened to us. It also hyper-extends our focus on ourselves instead of on God, which is never a good thing. When we’re navel-gazing we can’t see the work that He has accomplished. But when we shift our gaze to Him, everything comes into perspective and we are reminded that He is building us into mighty oaks.

In many ways, we are like the 911 cross planted in the ground at the base of the twin towers. In spite of all it went through, (and BECAUSE of all it went through), that cross ended up deeply rooted, rock solid, immovable.

The same is true with us. He’s building us into people of strength, refined in the fires of suffering, that we might come out on the other side immovable and deeply rooted in Him.

“So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

2 Corinthians 12:10 Amplified

Deep Calls to Deep

Deep calls to deep. That’s what the Bible says. Until recently I didn’t fully comprehend those mysterious words. The deep, hidden places inside of me—easily covered by bright smiles and cheerful hellos—longed for something deeper in Him, an encounter that would impact me in every hidden corridor of my life, one that would nudge all things into crisp, clean alignment.

Worship to God. Element of design.

And so, in the quiet aloneness of a pandemic, I stretched my arms to the sky and asked for more—more of Him, more of me, more of us. I asked with the anticipation that all could be mended, that all could be changed, that hope could be restored. He extended His hand and asked me to dance. I accepted, feeling a bit like a schoolgirl with a crush. 

At His leading, I tip-toed out into the waters, pressing my toes against the gravelly bottom of an unfamiliar pool. First, knee deep—laying down old habits, picking up new ones. Then, hip-deep—pressing into the harder places, soul bared, hands lifted. Then waist-deep—beginning to feel the joy of new beginnings as the water met me in new and fresh ways. Then shoulder-deep, fully giving myself over to intimate times with Him—in worship, in prayer, in praise. . .so much praise. And then, in those glorious moments, pressing my face into the water and soaking in His presence, a secondary baptism, of sorts, but without the usual witnesses. 

The fresh wind of the Spirit began to blow, and my spirit felt like dancing. Truth be told, I did dance—in my living room, up and down the streets as I walked the dogs, along the edge of the lake, where the water rippled under the mid-afternoon sun. And somehow, as my feet took to flight, new ideas began to flow, like water tumbling over the falls. Heavenly downloads began: Thoughts. Dreams. Visions. Plans. Stories. Messages. Prayers. More ideas. Scriptures came alive. Songs became transformative. Relationships became spiritual bonds. Circumstances became stepping stones. 

My precious time with Jesus altered my thinking and gave me new hope, new excitement, new energy, new possibilities. Deep called to deep, and continues to beckon still, though the chaos swirling around me threatens to interfere. I want to stay in the pool, to drown out the noise of the world. But the water-dance begins to shift. He leads me in new steps. The deep inside of me now longs to reach the deep inside of others. Those who are ready. Those who feel called. Those with seeds of faith. Those unafraid to try. Those with arms to link. Those with eyes to see. Those with ears to hear. Those with the tingling of hope. Those excited about tomorrow. Those who would woo the lost and broken into the water, so that they too can experience His depths. Those willing to be the light in the darkness, the city on a hill. 

In short, those who aren’t afraid to dance. 

Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:7-8 NIV

Battle Plans

Lately, the Lord keeps reminding me of the Old Testament kings. They faced a LOT of battles. The Israelites had countless enemies, after all, and someone was always on the attack against God’s people. (Some things never change.) But those Old Testament kings followed a pattern that seems consistent and holds some keys for us today.

This was their battle plan:

When the going gets tough, call in the prophets. Let’s face it, many of these kings weren’t godly men. But when catastrophe would strike, they knew where real answers were found. They wanted to talk to someone who had been talking to God, (and listening for His instruction). Over and over you’ll see the kings calling for a prophetic voice to a). reassure them they had a chance or b). offer a battle plan. Sometimes the prophets would come in with a word the king didn’t like. But sometimes, as in the case of a king named Jehoshaphat, the prophetic word ended up being sage advice useable thousands of years later.

Here’s the backstory to Jehoshaphat’s story:

Many nations had banded together against God’s people and their king (Jehoshaphat) wasn’t having it. He didn’t believe any enemies could stand against God’s people. In 2 Chronicles 20 we read that he called his people to fast and pray. That’s the best jumping off point.

He made a public proclamation:

“Lord, God of our ancestors, you are the God in heaven. You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. You have power and strength, so no one can stand against you. Our God, you forced out the people who lived in this land as your people Israel moved in. And you gave this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham. They lived in this land and built a Temple for you. They said, ‘If trouble comes upon us, or war, punishment, sickness, or hunger, we will stand before you and before this Temple where you have chosen to be worshiped. We will cry out to you when we are in trouble. Then you will hear and save us.’ (v. 6-9)

Right there, in this middle of this huge prayer rally, something remarkable happened. We read it in vs. 14-15 (paraphrased):

Then the Spirit of the Lord entered Jahaziel. Jahaziel, a Levite and a descendant of Asaph, stood up in the meeting. He said, “Listen to me, King Jehoshaphat and all you people living in Judah and Jerusalem. The Lord says this to you: ‘Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God’s.

Okay, then. In the middle of the prayer and fasting, while giving public praise to God….God moved. His Spirit filled one of the men in the room and He (God almighty) spoke through him, saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll do the fighting.”

(Can I just pause here to say how much better things go when we take our hands off and give them to God?)

It’s the next part of the story that wows me. Jahaziel says: “You won’t need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the Lord save you. Judah and Jerusalem, don’t be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow.’”

They headed off to battle, filled with energy and joy. As they drew near the enemy, we find the another key strategy, (and this is my favorite part of the story):

Jehoshaphat listened to the people’s advice. Then he chose men to be singers to the Lord, to praise him because he is holy and wonderful. As they marched in front of the army, they said,“Thank the Lord, because his love continues forever.”

He sent the worshippers to the front lines. Why? Because God’s people always go into the battle with a song of praise on their lips. When we proclaim that the battle is won BEFORE it’s won, we’re honoring God and expressing our faith. It worked for Jehoshaphat. According to vs. 22-23, the Lord set ambushes for the enemy. Three groups fell and the rest turned on each other, not the Israelites.

Wow!

Look, I don’t know what you’re up against today. I don’t know if you’re feeling up to the battle or more inclined to climb back in bed and pull the covers over your head. But I do know one thing: God wants to fight this battle for you. But there are plans you need to put into play, a strategy, if you will:

Pray. Fast. Seek God. Gather godly people around you and ask them to pray with you. Open yourself up to the Spirit of God. He wants to speak. Listen when He speaks. Do what He says. Begin to worship and praise AHEAD OF the victory. Watch in awe and wonder as He fights on your behalf. Praise Him all over again. Allow your faith to grow so that NEXT TIME you anticipate good things, not bad.

That’s it. That’s God’s battle plan…for anything you (or our country) might be facing. The battle belongs to the Lord, my friends. He wants to show up and show off.