Michele Chynoweth's Blog, page 6

Better Managing Our Time…

[image error]I was pressed for time writing this blog today so I thought I’d share something I’d already written to help people who are feeling stressed out about managing their time. After all, I believe God wants us to make the most of our time here on earth but doesn’t want us stressing about it.

So here is a recent blog I wrote for writers as part of the “Almost an Author” (A3) website for writers (www.almostanauthor.com) on time management because I believe it applies to anyone:

When I was first asked to be a contributing writer to a new column on time management, at first I groaned a little inside. Me, a super creative, “big idea,” not-that-organized, hate-the-business-end author, short on “time” and not that strong on “management” – more or less like most of us I’m guessing – I was being asked to write about time management!

Still, since I do have a lot of experience juggling a full-time author/ speaker/ book coach business with a marketing director career and blended family of five kids and two grandkids…and since I figured it would help me to help you on this subject, of course I couldn’t’ say no!

If you are a writer (person) who often feels overwhelmed, can’t get everything done in a day, or are losing your “joy” in the busyness of it all, then you’re in the right place! Here are few basic practical pointers – things that have helped me along the way – that I hope will help you get started in better managing your time:

Have a Plan.

Wherever you are on your journey, you need to stop in your tracks and if you haven’t already done so, WRITE DOWN YOUR PLAN (write out your vision, mission, goals and action steps to carry out those goals). Write your plan for one year with 3-5 major “big goals”, 10 goals to accomplish those goals, and action step lists per quarter, month, week and day, being realistic yet aiming high with those lists. If you want a good guide to do this read The Success Principles by Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul). I’ve heard him speak and he is a great example of how to achieve success by following a plan.

Schedule Your (Writing*) Time.

To write my last novel while juggling all of my other “jobs” and life in general, I scheduled a block of writing time every day (except Sunday) from 7 am to 1 pm. Everything else – cell phone, emails, social media, even all of the people in my life – were turned off, put on hold or put aside. The ONLY THING I allowed myself to do during that time was write. I figured I could usually knock out an average of three pages every two hours – so that meant writing 9-10 pages every day.

If you’re working 6 days a week writing 10 pages a day, or 60 pages a week, you can complete a 300-page novel in five short weeks! (I know this is not feasible for those working day jobs but it should give you hope that if you schedule time and stick to it, you can get that book of yours done in a matter of months.) After the writing was complete, I spent the same blocked-off time in editing until it was good to go!

(*NOTE: The above is true for scheduling any important blocks of time – for God, spiritual growth, emotional/physical well-being, etc.)

Don’t be so hard on yourself.

I had a student in my writing class at Cecil College in Maryland named Faith. She was writing a memoir and she was a great student. But I’ll never forget the first class she took (I was actually speaking about time management!). During a break, Faith came up to me and asked, “are you still considered a real writer if you don’t write every day?” I answered, “of course!” and encouraged her to do what worked for her. She broke down in tears of relief. I came to find she was holding back for years on writing her book because she was afraid she wasn’t a “real” writer!

Be Realistic.

There are only so many hours in a day. I usually try to pack in way too many things – I usually have high expectations of myself and others…but often that leads only to disappointment, resentments and frustration. Don’t make promises or to-do lists you can’t possibly keep.

Trust God’s Timing.

Sure you have to do the work here on earth but always try to be where your feet are (stay in today) and do what you can, then let the rest go or give it to God in faith that He has a plan for you too!

Finally, like life, time management is all about balance. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (Ecc 3:1) And what good does it do to worry about time? Absolutely none according to God. “Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  …do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matt 6:25-34)

Dear God, please guide me in better managing my time to do Your will, to better serve others and to fulfill Your purpose for my life.

Who Are We to Judge?

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We are living in a world now where scandal seems to be always at the forefront of the news, in a time many would call very dark indeed, in which drama seems to be heightened by all forms of media (take a look at any form of social media in particular) in which people are constantly judging, accusing, criticizing, blaming, pointing fingers. The President of the United States is a constant target and lately so is the Catholic Church, all the way up to the Pope himself. And while I’m not saying any of the news and drama encircling either is on target or not, nor do I want to give my opinion on any of it since I am far from well-informed on all of the facts, I would just like to encourage everyone to take a step back for a minute and think about what Jesus says on some of this…and to take a look at ourselves and how quick we are to judge others.

What Does Jesus Say?

In the Mass reading yesterday James told us, “show no partiality as you adhere to the faith…For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please, ” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there, ” or “Sit at my feet, ”have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?” (James 2:1-5) How often I am quick to judge others…and not just those who may be shabbily dressed but other people in general with whom I disagree, or who rub me the wrong way, or who aren’t in my “inner circle.” Jesus warns us, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” (Matt 7:1-29). Judgement can come in so many forms…fear, anxiety, gossip, slander, anger, entitlement, arrogance, exclusion…and in so many actions or words both big and small.

Just Like Jonah…

In my novel, The Runaway Prophet, the main character Rory Justice is a modern-day Jonah who is very judgmental and doesn’t want to help the FBI save the sinners of Las Vegas (modern-day Nineveh) from a new Islamic State radical terrorist mafia underground (modern-day evil) because he feels they are not really worth saving. Yet God has other plans and until Rory bends to them, he keeps experiencing hardship and heartache…a good example of how we can try to run from God’s will for us but we really can’t hide, and a good example of what Jesus warns will happen above in the Gospel of Matthew. In fact, Jesus compares himself to a modern-day Jonah: “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.”

Today’s Generation…

Yet, sadly, this generation we are in right now still refuses to repent and listen. Many of you know by now I am Catholic. With all of the scandal in the Church surfacing lately. I have been asked if I plan to stay in the church or continue to donate to the church or even go to Mass on Sundays. My answer is an unwavering ‘yes.’ Do I feel ashamed of many of the leaders of the Catholic Church who have been doing the scandalous deeds and that all Church leaders need to be completely truthful and transparent when it comes to uncovering every last sin and sinner? Absolutely. But they are men, some of them with extreme power, fallible human beings, some who have allowed evil to guide their actions…they are not the Church, which in my belief is guided by One Being only and that is Jesus Christ, who is the “way, the truth and the life.”

I Pray…

that as Jesus promised us, the truth shall set us free, and I pray that God will guide me to be less judgmental each day with my fellow human beings.

 

 

Are You Chosen?

[image error]A profound question struck me as I listened to the Gospel message in Mass yesterday. The reading (John 6:60-69) recounted the reactions of the disciples after hearing Jesus tell them, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you,” and that only those who do this will be raised up and receive eternal life. It was a difficult, even crazy concept for those hearing it for the first time…“Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, ‘this saying is hard; who can accept it?” I’m sure it can still seem hard for people to digest today. The story goes on to say, “as a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, ‘Do you also want to leave?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’.” But the words that really hit me out of this passage were these:  “Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe.”

It brought to mind Jesus’ words in another Gospel reading: “Many are called but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14) I sat there thinking, God already knows if I will end up believing or turning against Him in the end. Look at Judas Iscariot, chosen as one of the twelve apostles; he believed at first but then turned on Jesus when things got a little dicey and betrayed Him. Jesus predicted Judas would do this. I felt a little afraid pondering the question, how are we to know that if we are called, we will be chosen? God already knows the answer but I’m a fallible human being, a sinner, who sometimes can stray from His path. Am I chosen?

And then an intuitive (perhaps also profound) answer hit me: If God led me to this place here and now – to His church, as a believer – and I choose to come and listen to His words and partake in eating of Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood as He Himself said we must do to have eternal life – perhaps because I choose Him, He chooses me and as long as I keep choosing to believe and trying to do His will, I will remain in Him and He in me…and I no longer need to question whether I am chosen. I can be like Peter, who also made mistakes but knew it’s enough just to know there’s nowhere else to go.

Lord please help me not to doubt or worry whether I am chosen but to rest in the peace of knowing You called me to this place and time according to your perfect plan; help me to keep choosing to follow You. 

 

 

 

Gotta Get Away!

[image error]Thankfully I am going on a vacation soon…it will be with family so I’m sure it will probably be busy as well as fun. But hopefully I will be able to relax a little and enjoy some much needed time away from the daily grind. I have been so caught up in work that I’ve spent little time with my husband, myself or God lately…and I think the saying is true that “all work and no play make Jack a dull boy” (and Michele a dull girl!). While that saying may be best known from coming from Jack Nicholson in the movie “The Shining” based on the Stephen King novel, it actually is considered a proverb, (or according to the dictionary, a saying popularly known and repeated that expresses a truth based on common sense or experience.) In this case we all know that it’s true that when we work too hard for too long we become bored or boring and worse yet, tired, grouchy and frustrated – in short, not our best selves!

In fact, the Bible has several references to God wanting us to rest, from his commandment in Exodus to observe the Sabbath (based on His example of resting the seventh day after creating the world) to Jesus’ teachings reflected by his own actions in the Gospels. In yesterday’s Mass reading, Jesus went on a mini-retreat with his disciples: “He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. ” (Mark 6: 30-34)

We all need a break from being over-worked and overwhelmed so we don’t get burned up and burned out…a vacation, a retreat, a sabbatical, a rest. Whether you are lucky enough to get away on an island vacation or visit the beach, or just take a hike or sit outside somewhere and have a cup of coffee or gaze at the stars, everyone needs a change in scenery, or at least to take a break from doing what’s routine. God thought it was important enough for us that He Himself took a break…and we all know His workload was far heavier than ours! “People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” (from same passage) It doesn’t sound like Jesus or the disciples got too much of a break…but at least they did get away if only for awhile…enough to regroup and go back out and continue their ministry of healing, giving, teaching, loving…as we are all called to do.

Today let’s pray that we do what is needed to rest and regroup, if only for a short while, so that we can go back out and do the work God calls us to do, to serve Him and others.

p.s. My blog will be on vacation next week too!

Feast or Famine?

[image error]This is the first summer I have not been to the beach yet. Ok, I know there are real problems in the world and in the grand scheme of things this is not a big deal. But for me, it kind of is…summer is my favorite time of year and the beach (usually the Delaware and Maryland beaches of Rehoboth, Bethany and Ocean City) is my very favorite place to be. I love swimming in the ocean, walking hand in hand with my husband along the shore, eating Thrasher’s french fries,  Fischer’s popcorn and Dolle’s fudge as we stroll the boardwalk, even playing games like water guns and getting on rides like the Haunted House. In short it is my happy place so I am always itching to get there once the warmer temps of May hit. So why haven’t I been yet? Work, plain and simple. I am inundated with book editing jobs which I prayed to get last year around this time (I was in a dry spell…and while I did get to spend more time with the kids and get to the beach several times, financially it was not a happy place to be with two daughters in college!)

Nevertheless I was feeling a resentment creep in as I buckled down on a beautiful sunny day to hunker over my laptop while my husband (bless his heart, he even took the day off Friday just in case I could finish my work to take me to the beach) worked on home projects. I had to remind myself that I was lucky to get this extra work, that the beach will always be there, that I needed to take responsibility to meet my commitments and deadlines. Finally, I stopped and made a gratitude list and realized I am truly blessed indeed. While last summer I may have felt like I was in a famine work and money-wise, I had truly been feasting on a little more time in the sun and time with my daughter during her last summer home (good thing because I didn’t know at the time she would live over 1,000 miles away after her college graduation this year.) And while this past weekend I felt like I was in a famine, not getting to the beach, I was really feasting on plenty of work (that I actually like doing) to make extra money which will most likely make more future travelling possible (not to mention paying the bills and saving toward “rainy days” easier.) I guess our outlook on life is all a matter of perspective and it never fails that when I am grateful, there is no room for me to be unhappy. (And I even took a little time to take a swim in our local outdoor pool to break up the work days, another happy place for me!)

Do you look at life as a “glass half full” or “glass half empty?” Your life as a “feast” or “famine?” Of course we want it all, and preferably now, thank you very much. But living…truly living, fulfilling God’s purpose and being our best selves, requires balance, sometimes sacrifice, finding joy in the little things, and acceptance of God’s plan and timing. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Lord, I pray that I am present right here and now, doing my best to serve you and others in the “season” of life in which you have placed me and that I appreciate whatever gifts you send my way as we all prepare for the eternal feast to come.  

 

Just Do You

[image error]I went to the International Al Anon Convention this past weekend in Baltimore and although my head is still crammed full of great information I learned on how to focus on and take of myself, there was one message that really resonated with me, that still rings in my head. I will have to leave one word out since it is a bad word, but the statement this lady made during her sharing in a meeting was powerful despite it and maybe because of it. The lady (we’ll call her Tonya) shared how she was raised by parents who always pushed her to achieve more, do more, be more and thus she felt she was never good enough, and that she could never please her mother no matter how hard she tried. In the 12-step program of Al-Anon she learned to let go of the resentments she felt over that, found she could “detach with love” from her parents when needed, and to just be herself. Her advice to the rest of us seated in the room? “You don’t need to do sh–!”

In our efforts to be liked and loved by others, many of us are often “people-pleasers,” sometimes at the expense of denying ourselves opportunities, peace of mind and even freedom and happiness.  We had a group of thirteen friends from our home group in Cecil County, Maryland at the convention and we often tried to stick to the same schedule and do things together (ie., eat meals together, walk or ride together, volunteer together, go to workshops or socials together, etc.) Sometimes it worked, but once in awhile we broke off in twos or threes or fours since it was tough for everyone to stay together. At one point I found myself alone, without anyone in my group. Several of us had agreed to meet a certain time and place and then go to lunch, but somehow I missed the group. (There were, after all, four thousand people at the convention!) By the time I stood in line for a bathroom break, looked for them and then called to find out where they were I realized I’d be rushing to get there and eat with them and would then be late for the next workshop I wanted to attend. I did make an attempt, walking a block in the direction of the restaurant, and then stopped short, turned around and went back to the convention center to get a snack to hold me over and get to my workshop on time. At first I felt a small sting of disappointment…hurt they had left me, and fear I was “missing out.” But then I put my Al-Anon program into action…I let it go, I got something to eat, I basked in a few peaceful moments to myself in the beautiful sunshine outdoors, and realized I was enjoying my own company! I also got to the next workshop on time while the rest were late…and as a result, was called on to share. The topic? “How to make amends to yourself.” Here is something I found in a book titled, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” which for me crystallizes what I have learned in recovery:

Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself
Don’t give away your power
Don’t shy away from change
Don’t focus on things you can’t control
Don’t worry about pleasing everyone
Don’t fear taking calculated risks
Don’t dwell on the past
Don’t make the same mistakes over and over
Don’t resent other people’s success
Don’t give up after the first failure
Don’t fear alone time
Don’t feel the world owes you anything
Don’t expect immediate results.

In the grand scheme of things, I know the only one I really have to please is God, and that He is the only one who loves me unconditionally. And so I offer this prayer from David for those of you reading this today: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:14-16) And finally I want to add this message from Saint Paul:  “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10). Happy Monday!

You can do it!

[image error]I was recently asked in an author interview resulting from an award I won what was the one bit of advice I think is most important that I would give other potential authors? I said without hesitating, “keep believing in yourself.” I know from my teaching college students how to write their first book that the number one roadblock that stands in their way is the doubt that they can actually write a book that’s worthy of people reading it. They start and don’t finish. Or they finish and never publish it. Or worse yet, they never get started at all, even though they have lots of great stories to tell.

I am editing two books now as part of my book coaching business. For both writers, it is their very first manuscript. The first (let’s call him Joe) is writing a book about his wife who has Alzheimer’s and his journey as her caregiver. It started out more as a non-fiction “how to” book giving advice to people suffering the early stages of the disease and to their family members who care for them, interspersed with anecdotes and stories about his and his wife’s experiences. I read a first draft and told Joe he really should re-write it as a memoir…he had so many moving experiences to share to which I am sure many people can relate; it will help them not feel so alone. And it is a moving story that even those with no experience with Alzheimer’s would love to read for its messages of hope, faith and love. Hesitantly he is heeding my advice but feels unsure whether he is a “good enough writer” to actually pull it off. “I know I’m not a good writer for this sort of material. Writing it like a memoir or a novel puts me at a great disadvantage with good writers, and also with readers who are used to reading what good writers write.”  But the thing is (and I told him this), he IS a good writer, he just needs guidance. He needs to quite comparing himself to others (a lesson I’ve had to learn over and over.) He just needs to cast doubt aside and believe.

The second writer (let’s call him Dave) has had doubts about whether his book is “worthy” of getting published from the start. I have tried to assure him along the way that it definitely is. I read an initial draft, gave him an editor’s report to guide him to re-write it (like I did with Joe) and now he has sent a finished manuscript for editing and proofing. It is a book about how to practice biblical principles in business matters…from finding your true purpose to making wise daily decisions and everything in between, using his own personal experiences and stories with those in the Bible as examples of what to do and what not to do. It’s really a very practical guide from which everyone can benefit in my opinion. And yet, Dave is still unsure whether he really should be publishing it, even while it’s in the editing stages.

I have known, and you probably have too, how these writers feel when facing a challenging new project or career, or embarking on a new and uncharted path. But if your dream, desire and motivation are all in line with God’s, I believe you can’t fail. Sure you will probably need help and you will face obstacles along the way…but half the battle is believing in yourself, and the other half is relying on God, knowing since He put the dream on your heart in the first place, He will help you fulfill it, putting the right people and opportunities in your path. Yes, only you can do the work…but only you can be the one to give up. Proverbs is chock full of advice but here are a few tips about not becoming daunted when it comes to following your dreams: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6) “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Prov. 16:9) “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Prov. 28:26)

And my own personal favorite quote from the Bible that keeps me going despite my frustrations, failings and lack of faith? “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Amen!

Why Not You?

[image error]I just returned from another writers conference – this one a four-day trip to the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in Elizabethtown, KY – and as always I came back with my head and heart full of ideas and inspiration. But this time was different than past conferences…even different from the last time (two years ago) I went to this particular conference. I felt more energized and confident and less nervous even though I presented two workshops instead of just one. I felt good about sharing information and encouragement with other writers who were a little newer at this writing thing (along with publishing, marketing and public speaking) than I am. And I tried to remain teachable and was encouraged and inspired myself by other speakers, especially the keynote, H. Michael Brewer, an author, pastor at Blue Ash Presbyterian Church and adjunct professor in religious studies at Northern Kentucky University, who gave the keynote address. I shared with him in the hallway that I will soon be delivering my first keynote address (this October to the Vine & Vessels Writers Conference in Delaware) and he told me (laughingly) to feel free to steal his stuff!

Among other things, Michael spoke on not being afraid to answer the call to carry God’s message as writers.  There was also a comedy show one night by “The Eric and Joe Show” which featured several skits including a hilarious one about Moses being called by God to go forth and lead the chosen people into the promised land. In it, a young Moses tries to get out of the calling, asking if God can find someone else since he stutters, he’s afraid of snakes (when his staff turns into one), and he doesn’t do well with blood (when God lets him know He’s going to display several signs through him including turning water into blood). We all laughed because I think we all could relate – I know I can. I sometimes think “Who am I to write contemporary novels that re-imagine Old Testament stories in the Bible?” and “Who am I to speak or teach on relating to the Bible stories in modern times?” And “why can’t I just be content to work a 9 to 5 job and not feel compelled to write, speak and teach?”

The conference and the people there – both those to whom I listened and those who talked and listened to me, either in my workshops or in one-on-one consultations – reminded me all over again that it is sinful NOT to answer God’s call in our lives, that we are not only well equipped but empowered as children of the King to carry out His purpose, calling, mission for our lives, that this calling can change and grow over time and we need to stay open to it, and that there is room for all of us to be Christian writers, authors, speakers, coaches, evangelists, business people, teachers, volunteers, ministers and more – because the world actually needs to hear each and every one of our messages – or rather, God’s messages through us. All we have to do is suit up and show up and have the tiniest bit of faith that God is always behind us and out in front of us  leading the way. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20)

If you are in doubt at all today about whether God is calling you for a specific purpose – perhaps to write a book that will inform, educate, inspire, transform – or are questioning whether you have the ability, the courage and the faith to answer that call, take heart and take a look in the Bible at the cast of characters God called before you – Moses, Peter, Paul to name a few – and you’ll realize that as long as you start with the tiniest seed of faith, you will be able, like them, to make a difference in the world – even to move mountains!

 

God’s Got Your Back

[image error]I hope all fathers had a happy Father’s Day yesterday. Some of you have lost your dads…others may have had or have a bad relationship with their fathers…or some none at all. But we each should take comfort in the fact that we all have a heavenly Father who loves and cherishes every one of us.

Just recently I was reminded that God was looking out for me when I stumbled…a friend of mind told me God really “had my back.” They were small instances but I’m a firm believer that sometimes it’s the little things that are most important of all. First, I have been overwhelmed (again) with work and life and all I have on my plate…so I “double-booked” my calendar, making more than one commitment on the same night. They were both important commitments to friends that I hold dear, one was a speaking commitment at my 12-step home group and another was a social commitment to go see a close friend who had a starring role in a local play. I had scheduled both a long time ago and forgot about the first.  I gave a friend of mine a call to chat and she reminded me of the speaking commitment – and then told me she “had my back” and would speak for me that night so I could go to the play. Second, when I went to call my friend with whom I was attending the play, she told me her boyfriend was going. So now I was stuck being a third wheel…until another friend told me she would also like to go and I could ride with her. I was a little miffed at the friend who was going with her boyfriend for not asking if I’d mind…but I quickly let it go because I knew all was well.

In relaying these episodes, the friend who rode with me that night (who is also my 12-step program sponsor) said, “gee, God must have your back!” And back to back with these instances, another reminder occurred again the following day…I was grumbling a bit about waking up early and driving two hours to give a presentation to a writers’ group because I thought I’d be seeing the same people and wouldn’t sell many books since I’d sold a few the last time to this group. But after my workshop (only a handful of the same people attended) the people lined up to buy my books – and I sold out! God looking out for me again I guess.

It helps me to write this because I remember to be grateful for the little things – in addition to the big things – my health, my husband, my home, my friends, my family, my work helping others, my calling as an author and speaker, and more. I hope it helps you too by reminding you that God really is your loving Father…He really is in your corner even when you can’t see Him…he will hold your hand, guide you, pick you up when you stumble…and He loves you unconditionally. His Word even says, “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break into joyful song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones…Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:13-15)

I pray you have  renewed faith and hope that every day God’s got your back!

 

Blessed are you…

[image error]The Beatitudes are one of my very favorite readings in the Bible, especially if I’m feeling a little blah or down. It reminds me that everything I do…all of the successes and failures, trials and triumphs, fears and frustrations…all of my efforts, whether they fall on the mark or fall short…will all be worth it if I trust in the Lord and know that He has a perfect plan, and as long as I do my best each day I can rest assured I will be rewarded in the end (and maybe at times even here and now!) It’s probably no surprise that it seems that I always cry in church when songs with parts of the Beatitudes are sung…songs like “Blest Are They,” “Lead Me Lord,” and “Be Not Afraid.”

In fact I quote the Beatitudes in my novel, The Peacemaker, a contemporary suspense/romance novel based on the story of David and Abigail in the Bible’s First Book of Samuel because it was so fitting to my character, Chessa Richards, who was a contemporary version of Abigail, the all time “peace maker” who was rewarded in the end for her efforts and hard-won victory. It’s interesting that the Gospel writers Luke and Matthew wrote different versions (Luke wrote “Blessed are the poor” and Matthew added “…in spirit.” I always wondered what Matthew meant by that. On its face it doesn’t seem like we should be blessed if we are “poor” or lacking in spirit, but I think what he probably meant was those who are humble and teachable, who go through a lot of pain and suffering or who sometimes fall short but hold onto their faith – like Job, for example. (the subject of my other novel, The Faithful One!) Just writing this blog, knowing that despite my failings, frustrations and hardships, I am called by God to a purpose of writing modern-day books based on Bible stories, makes my heart rejoice and makes me feel blessed! And so I believe we are all blessed and need to remain humble, teachable and most of all grateful.

But instead of writing any more, I’d just like to repeat these beautiful words for you to meditate on as a Monday pick me up…

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

(Matt 5:1-12)

Feel better? I do – and hope and pray you do too!