Francine Rivers's Blog, page 15
August 16, 2015
Getting a Second Wind
Writing sometimes feels like a race to the finish line. Especially when working on a deadline. I’ve learned over the years to ask for plenty of time, but even so, I begin to wonder about halfway through if I’m going to finish at all. The characters by this time are real and they don’t always like what I have planned for them. They talk back. They dig in their heels. It doesn’t help to grumble and say, “Who’s in charge here?!” Actually, this is the best – and worst – part of writing.
August 11, 2015
What Keeps a Marriage Together?
Divorce was unusual when I was growing up. As far as Rick and I remember, none of my friends’ parents divorced. Fast forward, and our best man said we were one of the few couples he knew who had stayed together. It does make one wonder what happened to bring about the change. Maybe it was the 60s when so many bought into the free love movement. Rick’s grandmother had an old world saying: “Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?” Sometimes I think women sold themselves a bill of goods, especially when I’m reading so many articles late
July 31, 2015
All in a Day's News
Sometimes I take a break from reading the newspaper. I can become very confused and emotional over what I read. I’ll read one story and then another and another and think: Isn’t there a connection here? Or rather -- a disconnect?
July 24, 2015
Scientists Applaud New Treatment
A few weeks ago, Rick received an article from the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation regarding a stem cell treatment pioneered in Sweden 28 years ago. It offered hope of recovery of full control of movement in a period of a few years. The US tried, but abandoned the Swede’s treatment in favor of deep brain stimulation. But that’s changing now. Good news. Right?
July 17, 2015
The Joys of Home Ownership
I know it is part of the American dream to own a home, but sometimes it can be a nightmare. I’m not just talking about the economy turning homes upside down so they are barely worth the down-payment and not the whopping mortgage. I’m talking about the little things that can happen, the small surprises: dry rot, broken pipes, faulty electrical wiring, leaky rooves, dying trees swaying in the wind and ready to fall through your living room.
My children are learning about these things.
July 10, 2015
ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award
The announcement was made recently that I will be receiving this award at the upcoming conference in Dallas. When I first received the call from a friend, I didn’t know what to say. I’m still trying to find the words to express what I’m feeling. Honored - yes. Aware there are others more deserving – absolutely. Scared – oh, yeah.
July 3, 2015
31 Days in Proverbs
For the past couple of years, our pastor has issued a challenge to read through Proverbs during July. Thirty-one days in the month, thirty-one chapters in the book. It is a very straight-forward, practical book about living out faith – and the consequences that come when we don’t.
Here’s what I have gleaned so far:
I can learn wisdom and discipline from God’s Word. It is available to all.
I can gain insights through the instruction of the Holy Spirit. If I am willing…
In order to gain wisdom, understanding and knowledge, I must first:
June 24, 2015
Father's Day
Sunday, our children and grandchildren spent the day with us in celebration of Father’s Day. The house was rockin’ and rollin’. Boys love to wrestle and box. One of the older cousins stuffed his tee shirt with pillows for the battle with his six year old cousin. The house was full of laughter – not that we didn’t have quiet conversations, too. Part of the time, the guys were glued to the Oakland Athletics baseball game. The girls sat outside and talked.
June 12, 2015
KLOVE Fan Awards
Many years ago, when Rick and I moved to Sebastopol, California, there was a small start-up non-commercial radio station, KCLB-FM, offering “positive alternative” broadcasting. I started listening and never stopped. The music was important to my state of mind and helped me in my writing. I listened to it at home and every time I got in the car. Rick and I became donors. How can you not when $40 a month paid for an hour of broadcasting.
June 4, 2015
Graduation Day
I can’t believe I have a grandson old enough to graduate from high school. But there he is. I remember Shannon telling me on the telephone that her water broke. Early. Off she and Rich went to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore while the family waited nervously on the west coast. Our grandson arrived safely on September 11 and spent a week in the NICU. He came home shortly before Granny Frani arrived on the doorstep, and Shannon handed him to me. I was terrified. I’d never held a baby that small. Mine were several pounds bigger than my grandson.
