Francine Rivers's Blog, page 31
May 19, 2012
Offensive Words
A report came out that the New York City Department of Education wants offensive words deleted from tests because they might make students uncomfortable. Say what? The fear is certain words might cause students to be distracted. Students might actually think about what the words mean, not just how to spell them.
The following is a short list of proposed words these teachers want banished and questions they (the teachers) might find distracting (or offensive):
May 11, 2012
Descriptive Writing
Her thoughts tumbled like sneakers in a dryer.
Despite her college degree, she had a limited vocabulary, like, whatever, Dude.
She hurled epitaphs at him as he went out the door.
She threw up her hands while he shoved his in his pockets trying to get ahold of himself.
He grew on her like a germ culture in a petri dish.
The boy and girl in the coffee shop were made for each other. She had a laugh like a hyena approaching a carcass; his was a more refined bray.
May 4, 2012
Routine
Some people have asked what my normal day looks like.
Get up when I wake up, anywhere between 5 – 6:30 a.m. Make the bed. (Rick’s already been up for a couple of hours, reading in the living room. Coffee is ready when I appear, bleary eyed.)
Read the One Year Bible.
Read devotionals. Rick and I read devotionals to one another – four in all, every one very interesting. We search for different ones each year. After reading, we pray together.
April 27, 2012
The Holy Spirit
I will spend my life learning about God, from His Word, from His creation, from teachers, and those who teach without even knowing it. For me, writing is all about learning more about Him, what He wants from me personally, how I can live to please Him, and walking this life knowing there will be a day when I, like every other human being on the planet, will meet Him face-to-face.
April 20, 2012
Finding Inspiration
There are days when the creative juices just aren’t flowing. I stare at the computer screen and wonder, “What now? Where do I go from here?” I just don’t know. The characters are having a hissy fit and not talking to me or each other. I have an inkling of an idea, but can’t find the words to start the scene and have it move with any sense of reality. Fiction should make sense even if it is fiction. Right?
How often does this happen? Too often for comfort.
So what do I do?
April 14, 2012
Working Wives
Hilary Rosen definitely stuck her foot in her mouth when she said Ann Romney isn’t qualified to discuss the economy because she “hasn’t worked a day in her life”. Having stuck my foot in my mouth numerous times, I can imagine how Ms. Rosen feels. In fact, there were years when I opened my mouth only long enough to change feet. (During my women’s libber years.) Even now, I catch my thoughts and realize I’m doing it again – people just can’t hear me or see me kicking myself.
April 6, 2012
Sailing on High Seas
A couple of tall ships are visiting Bodega Bay. I keep thinking about going out and standing on the dock to see them close up and maybe even get a tour.
But then, I have work to do.
March 30, 2012
Ideas on Governance
If I could be a harbinger of change, what changes would I want to see?
1 – Every incoming president must write the Bill of Rights and the entire Constitution in his own hand-writing and carry it with him during his term of office. He is required to read it at least once a week.
2 - The president shall serve one six year term in office. Hence, the president will not waste taxpayer time and money campaigning, but will focus entirely on his duties as president.
March 23, 2012
Old-time Humor
Someone forwarded me an email on Bob Hope. Many of you are probably too young to remember him. He was an actor and comedian who could keep an audience laughing for hours and never be obscene or use foul language or gestures. He entertained troops in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. He had one wife (Dolores) and was happily married to her for 69 years. He was still telling jokes at age 100: "I don't feel old. In fact, I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap."
March 19, 2012
Damaging Lies
"There is nothing so absurd but that if it is said often enough people will believe it."
William James
The following are some of the lies we are told, sometimes on a daily basis:
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.
What I don't know can't hurt me.
If I don't believe it, it isn't true.
I believe it; therefore, it is true.
There is no such thing as absolute truth.
Being good gets you into heaven.
There is no God.
There is no hell.
