Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 104
January 13, 2014
January 12, 2014
One Page at a Time: Unexpected Places
Several times this week, I have encountered the theme of “space” and “place.” My post from January 3, 2014 focused on the space and place set aside for writing. These quotations help me consider my writing and how it affects the world outside my personal space and place. The imagery evoked by them excites me rather than frightens me. I hold tight with all my might to my
“corner” of this writing ride!
“…have you ever found yourself in an unexpected place but where, deep down, you knew you were supposed to be?” from A Year with Aslan
“The approach of a man’s life out of the past is history, and the approach out of the future is mystery. Their meeting is the present, and it is consciousness, the only time life is alive. The endless wonder of this meeting is what causes the mind, in its inward liberty of a frozen morning, to turn back and question and remember. The world is full of places. Why is it that I am here?” from The Long-Legged House by Wendell Berry, as quoted in Poem a Day
“I see the terrifying spaces of the universe that enclose me, and I find myself attached to a corner of this vast expanse, without knowing why I am more in this place than in the other, nor why this little time that is given me to live is assigned me at this point more than another out of all the eternity that has preceded me and out of all that will follow me.” from Thoughts on Religion by Blaise Pascal, as quoted in Poem a Day
“The essential question is, ‘Have you found a space, that empty space, which should surround you when you write?’ Into that space, which is like a form of listening, of attention, will come the words your characters will speak, ideas–inspiration.” Doris Lessing, as quoted in A Year of Writing Dangerously
January 11, 2014
One Good Thing Every Day: January 11, 2014
“When you encounter trouble of any kind, reach into your arsenal of prayers and speak one or more of them boldly. The enemy will retreat, and I will draw near.” from Sarah Young’s Jesus Today
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
January 10, 2014
One Good Thing Every Day: January 10, 2014
“We’re following a guide we know nothing about. How do we know which side the bird is on?” From The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as quoted in A Year with Aslan
Edmund, following Robin with his siblings to find Mr. Tumnus, voices his doubts about their guide flitting from tree to tree in a frozen fantasy land. He is still trying to comprehend how a beaver can talk and has already tasted the Queen’s Turkish Delight. The familiar comfort of sweet indulgence and the promise of potential power have clouded his vision. He is suspicious of everyone, even his brother and sisters whom he knows so well. Why not doubt an unknown bird in a strange land?
I don’t blame Edmund for his doubt anymore than I admonish Lucy for her trust in Robin. Lucy already believes in the magic of Narnia, and Edmund has the furthest to go toward believing. Although neither have met Aslan, they sense Him. Lucy searches eagerly. Edmund clings to skepticism.
Perhaps Edmund’s concerns are not unfounded. It is important to watch for wolves among sheep. Robin is, after all, leading them to the wolves who guard the Queen’s statuary including a friendly, but fallen, Faun.
But, better to be Lucy–even courageous Peter and cautious Susan–who walks by faith, who enters wardrobes and discovers her destined purpose, who seeks the One guiding them from the beginning.
“The jungle is thick, and you cannot clearly see what is before you, behind you, or beside you. Cling to My hand as you follow this trail in shadowy darkness. Although you cannot see Me, My Presence with you is rock-solid reality. Find hope in Me, beloved, for I am taking care of you.” From Sarah Young’s Jesus Today
Who is among you that fears the Lord,
That obeys the voice of His servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
January 9, 2014
January 8, 2014
January 7, 2014
One Good Thing Every Day: January 7, 2014
“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill.
“Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion.
“Oh, dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.”
“There is no other stream,” said the Lion.
from The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis, as quoted in A Year with Aslan
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
January 6, 2014
One Page at a Time: Brain Freeze Prevention
Wind-chills and below-zero temperatures caused Minnesota’s governor to close schools today, January 6. This announcement came Friday, January 4. The Daily Poet prompt for Friday quite appropriately matched the weather, and my discussion about writer’s block with my young poetry group. Here is the prompt to provide a winter’s day warm-up and to prevent any writer’s block brain freeze.
