Edie Melson's Blog, page 357

More Timesaving Tips for Social Media & Blogging

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


So often we make things more difficult than they have to be. That’s especially true with social media. 

Many writers have the idea that social media is difficult and time-consuming. But the truth is it doesn’t have to be. So today I’m sharing some of my best tips timesaving tips for social media and blogging.
I’ve broken my tips up into two categories. The first pertains to time-saving tips for you. The second is time-saving tips for those reading your blog—making it much more likely that your post will get shared by others.
Keeping it Simple for Yourself1. Use a scheduling program. Yes, there is a small learning curve, but you’ll more than make up that time in just a couple of days. A scheduling program, like Hootsuite or Buffer, does so much more than just schedule your social media updates—although that alone is enough to justify using one. It also cuts down on the time needed to shorten links, checking thumbnail images, etc.
2. Use the same format for all your updates. I know this sounds like a turn off to those receiving your updates, but bear with me while I explain why. When we have a default way of formatting all our updates, it’s faster to compose them. Also, even though all my updates are laid out the same way, they’re not showing up in other feeds close together so no one notices. My default format is this:
Headline + Attribution (who wrote the blog post, Bible verse info, name of the person quoted, etc) + Link + Hashtags.
I may vary slightly and hashtag a word within the headline, but other than that, I usually stick to this format.

Share the same update on multiple networks. 3. Share the same update on multiple networks. Yep, you read that right. I compose one update and share the exact same one on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ (the three networks I update to regularly). The truth is this: no one is on multiple networks at the exact same time. And even if they see the same update somewhere else, they’re not likely to remember it. 

4. Use a blog post title as the headline part of your update. When I’m pressed for time, I try to stick with the blog post title as my headline. I may add a word for clarification, but if the post I’m going to share doesn’t have a decent title—and I’m pressed for time—I move on and just don’t share it. As far as adding a word for clarification, here’s an example where that might be necessary. If the blog post title is something ambiguous like, Your Professional and Online Presence (which could pertain to almost anything) I would add, Your Professional and WRITING Online Presence. This way those reading my update would know immediately that what I’m sharing pertains to publishing.
Keeping It Simple for Others Compose titles that also make a good social media update.1. Compose titles that also make a good social media update.Others are much more likely to share your post (and reshare) if your title is clear and focused. An added benefit is that titles which are clear and focused are also more likely to rank higher in a search engine.
2. Include a TWEETABLE or CLICK TO TWEET somewhere within your blog post. Again, this just makes it much more likely that your post will get shared by others.
3. Include a header/featured image with the title of your blog post and the URL of your site. Just like the other tips, this will greatly increase the likelihood of others sharing your post. These are my favorite time-saving tips when it comes to social media. I’d love to hear yours. Share them in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESTimesaving Tips for #SocialMedia & #Blogging from expert@EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
#SocialMedia doesn’t have to be time-consumingwhen you follow these tips - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Reflecting on Blessings

By Sarah Van Diest
“True beauty must be able to engage the dark desolations of pain; perhaps it is on this frontier that its finest light appears?” John O’Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace
There is so much I could write on today. I could write on being home after a trip to visit our son in Italy. I could write about Christmas just around the corner. I could write about one of our five sons who turns 18 in a few days, entering adulthood. I could write about freedom and life juxtaposed with law and death as depicted in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Seriously. There is so much I could write about. Friendship and love. Hope in sorrow. God’s faithfulness. Thankfulness. Wisdom. Passion. Forgiveness. Grace.
How do we choose, dear ones, what to write on when our hearts are full? How can we select one blessing over another and proclaim it to be superior simply by the act of choosing it? How do we not, when our hearts run over, spend our entire day with our eyes heavenward praising our Father? Or maybe we do just that.
And how do we define blessing? If I say I am choosing between what blessings to write on, what constitutes such a thing?
I believe this to be my life question. It comes up from a deep well with or without my permission. It is the question that is marked on me. It may not always be phrased the same way, in fact it rarely is, but the heart of it remains steadfast. The heart of this question is, “Where is God?”
You may not readily see how these two questions are, to me, synonymous, so let me shed light on it. It is easy for us to see God in the good things in life. When miracles happen or prayers are answered, we see God clearly. But when miracles fail to occur or when prayers are answered converse to what we had desired, do we see Him so easily, so clearly? When evil rages into our lives and destroys, do we see Him? Is He there?
I do not think I am unique in being marked with this question. I believe every soul is. Our spirits cry out for Him because we were made to find Him. We search for Him in the todays, yesterdays and tomorrows of life because knowing Him is the central aspect of our beings. “Where are You?” is the great cry of humanity up to the heavens and out into the depths of the universe.
And if we have ears to hear, the answer thunders back, “I am.”
In all things, my gentle reader, the great I amis to be found. I am not espousing any particular doctrine, only what I understand as truth. There is no time or place possible outside of the Father.
In this then can we not take confidence? In the eternal nature of His presence can we not take comfort? Can we not look then at all things as blessings because all things point us to Him? What greater joy could there be than to find Him and know Him?
I could write today about many things, but the purpose of each is the same. Every story, every thought, every breath, heartbeat and heartache leads to Him. That is life. Yesterday. Tomorrow. Today. And it is good.
“…and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” Acts 17:26, 27.
TWEETABLE
Reflecting on Our Blessings - via Sarah Van Diest (Click to Tweet)
Sarah has worked in Christian publishing since 2005 as both and editor and an agent.

Currently, she works with her husband, David, in their agency, the Van Diest Literary Agency. Writing is a growing passion for her as she hopes to bring hope to hurting hearts.

Just You Wait

By Beth Vogt @BethVogt

Oh, the waiting games we play.
The I’m-not-ready games.
The let-me-practice-a-little-longer games.
The let-me-read-one-more-book-or-attend-one-more-conference games.
The you-go-ahead-of-me games.
We can stall … and practice … and puff ourselves up with knowledge … and even be polite and let someone else proceed ahead of us to success …
but we’re missing out on our lives. Our dreams. Correction: Our dreams coming true.
Could we fail? Yes! But that’s only an indication that we should regroup, rethink, and try again. Failure doesn’t mean we’re wrong. Failure just means our technique was off.
In Others’ Words: When have you been thankful you didn’t wait? What helped you get up and go after what you wanted: a dream, a job?

TWEETABLE
Oh the waiting games we play - thoughts from author @BethVogt (Click to Tweet)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” 

A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’ Words.

Seeing Red—In Christmas & (Writing) Critiques

by Vonda Skelton @VondaSkelton
Seeing Red in Christmas & CritiquesWhat color reminds you of Christmas?
Red is one of my favorite colors all year long, and it’s definitely my favorite color in December.
It’s safe to say that Christmastime brings out the red in us. Everything from our wardrobes to the decorations to the wrapping paper choices proclaim our love for all things red. All things, that is, except the manuscript. If we’re not careful, blood-colored marks on our carefully-written pages can cause us to see red!The first time I had my work critiqued by an editor, I was shocked! Didn't she know all my teachers said I was a good writer?
Critiques can sometimes be a painful process.Apparently not. Every page—no, every paragraph, well…actually most every line--had red markings! What was wrong with that editor? Didn't she recognize good writing when she saw it? Obviously, she just didn't get me and my work.
So I moved on, sending the same manuscript out to other editors and publishers. Oh, I made a few minor changes—after all, I could see that perhaps my manuscript might need a little tweak here or there. But my attitude was unchanged. Didn't she realize it was my story, not hers?
For years, I worked with that attitude. And no, I'm not proud of it today.
Whatever we're called to, we need to work hard at the craft.Whatever we're called to—whether it’s to be a doctor or a cosmetologist or a writer—we need to work hard at the craft. We need to know our stuff. We need to take the training, learn the lessons, and embrace the critique in order to be the best doctors or cosmetologists or writers we can be.
So now, after many years in the industry, when someone critiques my writing, I feel cheated if they simply say, "That's great. I love it." In order to get better, to reach more people with my words, I need to create the best quality work I possibly can. Your stamp of approval on my sloppy work wouldn’t help me achieve that goal.
I hope you don't waste the years I wasted, trying to convince myself that I was right and everyone else was wrong. I pray that you quickly develop a heart that yearns for correction so that your words can be worthy words; words that you—and God—don't have to be ashamed of.
Have you had a critique that initially caused you to see red? If so, did you later discover that perhaps your words weren’t quite as well-written as you thought they were? Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Christmas blessings,
Vonda

TWEETABLE
Seeing Red—in #Christmas & #Critiques - thoughts from @VondaSkelton on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Learn to love red—especially in #writing critiques - @VondaSkelton on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Vonda Skelton is a speaker and the author of four books: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe and the 3-book Bitsy Burroughs mysteries for children 8-12 yo. She’s the founder and co-director of Christian Communicators Conference, offering speakers’ training and community for Christian women called to ministry. Vonda is a frequent instructor at writer’s conferences and keynotes at business, women’s, and associational events. You can find out more about Vonda, as well as writing opportunities and instruction at her writer’s blog, The Christian Writer’s Den at VondaSkelton.com.

Do Novelists Have to Be Politically Correct?

by Warren Adler @WarrenAdler

http://www.rosettabooks.com/torture-man-book/The recent flap over a romance novel titled For Such a Time whose plot features a concentration camp inmate falling in love with her Nazi captor has aroused the wrath of various critics and readers on grounds that it is too discomfiting and disturbing to have been published.
While I can understand why some readers are offended by the premise, it smacks of political correctness gone awry. The problem is that it has invaded an art form that can be dangerously compromised by the basic tenets of political correctness, which posits that any expression or attitude that discomfits others must be excised from all forms of public communication.
In its basic concept, what makes the novel unique is that it is a fictional portrayal in which the author not only relates the actions but imagines the thoughts of his or her characters. As they say, actions speak louder than words but actions in real life do not always mirror one's true thoughts and motivations. Those of us who assiduously follow the oral antics of politicians need no further explanation.
A serious novelist, above all, seeks truth and understands that an action by a character is often contrived to pursue a contrary attitude or motive. Those characters conceived in the author's imagination often are portrayed to act socially and morally acceptable to people with whom they interact. As in real life many people hide counter thoughts and judgments that can insult, do emotional harm, display bias, prejudice and outright hatred all the while pursuing a conspiratorial agenda. Of course, one should strive to apply inner discipline to speech that reaches an unacceptable level of vilification or danger to others.
The concept of free speech has a long history of debate attempting to define its boundaries constitutionally, psychologically and emotionally - there may never be a definition that satisfies everyone but it is the job of the serious novelist and the metric of his or her talent to look beyond the surface of speech and public appearance and delve deeply into a character's mind in order to reveal the true motives that lie behind the façade. If I had been bogged down by worries of what others thought of my work in terms of whether or not something was "politically correct," my creativity would have been utterly stifled. In my forthcoming novel Torture Man, I explore controversial themes in all of their complexities.
At times the character, as in the case of the romance novel cited earlier, is revealed as knowing full well that he or she is acting in a way counter to the overwhelming opinion of others, but he or she cannot discipline powerful inner yearnings and passions to conform to such judgments. In the case of love, for example, no one has yet defined the motivation of how and where such feelings come from.
How does an inmate of a concentration camp fall passionately in love with a person who represents everything that she opposes, whose commitment is to the very cause of her demise?
Argument and debate, however heated, outrageous, offensive, hurtful and profane is the price we pay for the privilege of speaking freely. We are currently going through a period where speech is being severely restricted and goal posts of tolerance are moving closer to allegedly protect people from discomfort of any kind.
Yes, words matter and that old nursery rhyme of "sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me" seems less applicable to contemporary life as it once was when the tonal level was more a local whisper than a global scream.
In his or her story role, the character may or may not act or use language in what seems like a politically correct way, but it is the duty of the novelist to expose the raw complexity of his or her character's true thoughts which are often far off the politically correct charts.
TWEETABLEDo Novelists Have to be Politically Correct? Thoughts from best-selling novelist @warrenadler (Click to Tweet)
Warren Adler is best known for The War of the Roses , his masterpiece fictionalization of a macabre divorce turned into the Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated dark comedy hit starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. In addition to the success of the stage adaption of his iconic novel on the perils of divorce, Adler has optioned and sold film rights to more than a dozen of his novels and short stories to Hollywood and major television networks. Warren Adler has just launched Writers of the World, an online community for writers to share their stories about why they began writing. Warren Adler's latest novel,  Torture Man , which explores Jihadist terrorism, is available now. His Film/TV projects currently in development include the Hollywood sequel to The War of the Roses - The Children of the Roses , along with other projects including Capitol Crimes, a television series based on Warren Adler’s Fiona Fitzgerald mystery novels, as well as a feature film based on Warren Adler and James Humes’ WWII thriller, Target Churchill, in association with Myles Nestel and Lisa Wilson of The Solution Entertainment Group. Explore more at www.warrenadler.com and connect with him on Facebookand Twitter. 

PSL—Publishing As a Second Language Becomes CSL—Christmas as a Second Language

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden


One publishing word that comes to mind right now is the word “seasonal.” What does that mean to writers? Any piece of writing that is tied to a particular time of the year is considered seasonal. 

Obviously, right now we think of Christmas articles and books. But now that the season is upon us, it is too late to think of submitting articles and books for that year. 

The time to begin thinking about Christmas articles is in the spring. Yes, April is a good time to put on the Christmas music, turn the air conditioner down low to put a chill in the air, and put on your thinking cap.
Market guides suggest six to twelve months ahead for “seasonal” articles. So when summer has ended, it is time to put on your Easter bonnet and think about submitting articles for Easter. Look at the calendar for other “seasons.” Perhaps you can find one that is not as well known and celebrated that would pique an editors interest.
It is only the first half of December. You have plenty of time to write a seasonal blog. You could touch someone’s life and help him or her have the best Christmas ever. Do you have an hour or two today that you could use to submit to an online blog or even your own blog still waiting for Christmas material.
Merry. We hear the word paired with Christmas this time of the year. And, indeed, we wish every one a very Merry Christmas. Writers should also be merry. It’s biblical. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Writers should write from the overflow of their hearts so a merry heart is a good thing for a writer.
Decorate. We scramble to bring out the trees, angels, and nativities that have lived all year in boxes in the attic. We want our homes to be warm and inviting. Whatever it takes for our writing to have the same warmth and invitation to partake should be included in every manuscript. It doesn’t mean multi-colored ink or confetti that pops out of each submission. But our writing should exude the quality of writing and excellent heartfelt message that makes readers want to stay with us.
Wreath. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes. But they have one thing in common—they are all round. The shape is never ending and flows from one place to another. The publishing process sometimes seems never ending. But as you go from place to place on the circle, you are constantly learning and building relationships. If you work hard enough and don’t give up, at some point that manuscript or book you are working on will find its bow.
When you are out and about today, see if you can find another Christmas word that has a great application for writers and share it with us here.
Merry Christmas and Merry Writing!

TWEETABLE
This month focus on CSL - #Christmas as a Second Language - @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Merry #Christmas & Merry #Writing - @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Linda Gilden is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She finds great joy (and excellent writing material) in time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children!
To find out more about Linda, her writing, and her ministry, visit  www.lindagilden.com . You can also connect with her on Twitter @LindaGilden and Facebook at Author Linda Gilden.

Your Professional & Online Writing Presence

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted


I want this class to be relaxed. No power point. No handouts—because I want us to simply talk. I want our time together to be an opportunity for you to see the different sides of publishing. As an acquisitions editor, I can talk to you from that level. As a managing editor who oversees the process of publishing your book…. I can talk to you from there. But I can also talk to you from an author’s eyes because I live here too.
So a lot of what we will talk about is going to be the inner side of this business – the emotional, the expectations from the other side of the table. So if you feel like you need to add something, speak up. I want your input. I want your questions. I want your attentions so that we can help you work through the publishing industry. Do I know it all? Rats…no! But I do know enough that I think I can tell you some things you may not be told otherwise.
I’m a very hands on editor. It’s because I was an author who once struggled for answers. I had my own expectations. I lived in the bubble of what I thought publishing would be. And I then I learned the hard way . . . what it was not.
1. Who are you?We basically live two lives. The life of a family person and our writing life.What are you expectations?How do you want to be perceived?
2. Emailtickytoenailbitter@hotmail.comAgents and publishers need to know who you are.You want your email to be professionalWatch what you write in your email. Think about it before you hit send.When you are in a thread of emails with numerous folks. Especially …be careful what you say. Others (even when you reply to one not the group) can sometimes see the full thread.
3. FacebookAuthor page or not?What do you post on fb and how do you keep your professionalTwitter
4. Talking with an editor, agent, or publisherGet to know themCarry a business cardCarry a one-sheetKnow your pitchDon’t have to memorize it but you know it well enough to share it.
5. Business cardsThey don’t have to be fancy. Just so they have the contact info on themA photo is nice because we can recognize who you areDecide your comfort level as far as address and phone number.If you do editing, you may need the address and phoneOnly as an author, you may not need address and phoneEmail address and phone if you are a speaker6. Publicity PacketProfessional photos (several views)  close up, full body, part body,One-sheet to sell yourselfList of speaking topicsCalendar and availability7. What kind of author do you want to be?You don’t want to be an author who is hard to work withChoose kindness.Have a teachable heartDon’t marry your wordsGive back because it comes backReputation is goldLet go of what you think this is going to be and let God moveWe are not entitledTWEETABLE
What goes into a professional online #writing presence? @CindyDevoted lays it out (Click to Tweet)

Cindy Sproles is an author and popular speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions ministries and managing editor of Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Cindy is the executive editor of www.christiandevotions.us and www.inspireafire.com. She teaches at writers conferences nationwide and directs The Asheville Christian Writers Conference - Writers Boot Camp. 
She is the author of two devotionals, He Said, She Said - Learning to Live a Life of Passion and New Sheets - Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be. Cindy's debut novel, Mercy's Rain, is available at major retailers. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com and book her for your next conference or ladies retreat. Also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

9 Time-Saving Tips for Social Media

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson
9 Time-saving tips for social media.Social media can be a time suck if we’re not careful. 
We can spend hours and hours without seeing results that justify the effort—unless we pay attention. It’s time to work smarter, not harder. 
Today, I think I can give you some ideas of how to multiply the benefits without cutting in to valuable writing—and family—time.
9 Time-Saving Tips for Social Media
1. Use a scheduling program. If you’ve spent any time at all reading this blog or following me on social media, you’ve heard me say this. It doesn’t matter which program you use. My personal favorite is Hootsuite, but Buffer is just as good. By using a scheduling program, you can multiply your presence on social media without being tied to it all day and all night.
Set a timer.2. Set a timer.After thirty minutes on social media, your return on investment goes way down. It’s easy to get lost on a network, scrolling through what others are posting, but that’s not working smarter. Do what you need to do, have a few conversations, then get off the Internet. Your writing progress with go up and so will your social media presence.
3. Pick three.Pick three social media networks, that is. None of us can have a consistent—meaningful—presence on more than that. If you follow my advice and use Twitter and Facebook, you’ll reach almost one hundred percent of your audience. After that, pick another one you enjoy or want to try out. Don’t try to follow all the newest trends, no one can keep up with them all. Relax, do two or three well, and don’t stress about the rest.
4. Don’t play fair.I used to think that I needed to spend the same amount of time on all three of the networks I used. But the truth is, that wasn’t working smart. Each of us has a social media sweet spot. For me, that’s twitter. So when I spend thirty minutes a day on social media, that’s the network I spend the most time on. I just get more bang for the buck there. I still do Facebook and Google+, but buy spending my time where I’m most effective, I have a larger reach.
5. Promote others ahead of yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have so little time, it has to be about you. Stick with Edie’s 5 to 1 rule, (For every 5 social media updates, you’re only allowed to then post 1 promoting yourself) no matter how rushed you are. Putting others ahead of yourself—unless it’s release day for a new book—will always get you farther faster when it comes to social media.
Vary your updates.6. Vary your updates.By not being predictable, people will be more interested in what you have to say. I share four types of updates to keep my social media feed fresh:An inspiring quote or Bible verse.Something funny.An open-ended question.A link to something I find valuable.
7. Remember to be authentic. It’s easy to get caught up in  only sharing the best of life with those you hang out with online, but none of us has a storybook life. Don’t be depressing, but give enough of yourself so that if someone finally got to hang out with you in person, after getting to know you online, you wouldn’t seem like a different person.
8. Be safe.Authentic is good, but so is being safe. Remember to not advertise the fact that you’re away from home, or check in at places. Always use a different password for EVERY single thing that requires a password. Don’t store those passwords on your phone or computer, unless you use a special program like KeePass and 1Password. And NEVER enter credit card information or a password on public wifi.
9. Engage with those who engage with you. If you post an update, especially a question, be sure to stop back by and comment on those who’ve taken the time to answer. It’s the very height of rudeness and self-centeredness to ask a question to generate a conversation and then ignore those who participate. Don’t forget to answer comments on your blog posts either. And if someone mentions you, follows you, or otherwise promotes you, try to thank them. Sometimes there may be too many to answer everyone individually. In that case, send out a blanket thank you, like “Thank you to everyone who has followed me today.” Or  “Thank you to everyone who has shared my blog post.” And always follow people back—as long as they’re not creepy or spammers.
These are the ways that I streamline my social media time. These may seem like small things, but together they really save me a lot of time. I’d love to know what tips you have for saving time with social media. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings, Edie

TWEETABLES
Work smarter, not harder with these 9 time-saving #socialmedia tips from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Saving time with #socialmedia is the smart way to work - tips from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

10 Things Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer Taught Me about Following God’s Path

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I love all the Christmas specials that come around every year during the holidays, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has always been one of my favorites. I identify with his lack of self-confidence, his heart for his friends and especially his gumption when Santa called on him to step up and guide the sleigh that night. 
And it occurs to me that, as believers, there are a lot of valuable lessons in this holiday tale. 
2. At some point we all feel like that special gift is a curse.
3. Hiding who we really are brings out the bullies and naysayers.
4. We all need time to mature into our gift.
5. Trying to live up to the image of who others think we should be won’t bring anything but trouble and heartache.
6. True friends will see beyond our differences and embrace the essence of who we are.
7. We’re given that special gift for a reason and a purpose.
8. Running away from who we are doesn’t ever solve anything.
9. There will come a time when you have to decide to work within your gift, not around it.
And the best lesson of all . . . 10. Being who God meant you to be will bless others as much as you.

How about you? Care to share something you’ve learned from an unlikely source? Be sure to share your thoughts below in the comments section.

My Father’s Gift

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


Today I’m embarking on a new chapter in my life. Yesterday, my dad won his battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. It might not have been the way we wished, but there was victory as he left this earth with Jesus to an eternal life without pain.
In honor of the man he was, I’d share a little bit about him. Where my mom is an artist, creating works of art, Jim Mahoney is a photographer. His gift is to take something visible to everyone and show us what we missed. His black and white photographs have won him awards in numerous shows and been displayed in galleries around the country. 
And this was his second creative career.
While I was growing up, my dad was a classical musician, trained in the era of big bands. He played in the Dallas Symphony, as well as taught music at our local college, University of Texas at Arlington. 
Even while he was pursuing his music career, he was strengthening his vision with a camera. As a child, I remember many vacations when he’d let me accompany him before dawn to be in place to capture breathtaking sunrise shots from places like the Grand Canyon.
And through it all, he constantly encouraged me to discover my own strengths and explore life from the paths I chose. Neither of my parents ever dictated career or life paths, but instead chose to equip us with what we needed to find our own way. And those gifts, especially the courage to do what we love, are some of the most valuable I’ve ever received. 
In the past few years, my dad has taught me how to face adversity with grace and humor. As we watched him slowly show the signs of this catastrophic disease, he kept his sense of humor. In later years, he found new ways to show us his love,  just through the pressure of his hand or the twinkle in his eyes. The disease may have taken his voice and his ability to remember everything, but it didn’t defeat him.
Through it all, he reveled in the fact that he’d spend  eternity with his Lord, Jesus Christ and with his family. It was my honor to give him comfort as he left this world, just like he cradled me as I entered this one.
Goodbye Daddy, I’ll see you soon!