Thank God for Creativity

Thank God for creativity, which keeps me sane. I escape into craftily written stories on pages worn by constant turning. They transport me to places where characters are observed without reciprocated scrutiny. Even villains fascinate. Escapism? Maybe, but when I'm through there is enlarged capacity to cope, to execute.

Sometimes I look at pretty things - fashion, vintage cars, beautiful landscapes and fabulous decor. Or, I write. Words tumble from my soul, and cascade down to fingers moving faster than my thoughts. Once captured on paper I shift phrases around, and erase sentences which I'd believed clever, yet needed more work. There is no drudgery in the process though. I love it, as much as I love music, another avenue to harmony.

Worship songs, soothing jazz, salsa, flamenco, blues, easy listening, or reggae (I am an Island girl), all have the same effect. They make my heart happy. It's easier to face the day, the issue, the person, the challenge, when you're filled with joy. Do I handle all things perfectly after these moments of beautiful? The answer is no, but my best efforts are easier and I'm grateful to a creative God who knows exactly what I need.

How Are You Living?

"What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived. You are going to give your life for something. What will it be—a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives. The Bible says, "Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body" (Romans 12:5 Msg) - Rick Warren.

Those words struck a deep chord as I sat in a memorial service where I'd been asked to sing. As I listened to the tributes being offered, I thought, "Wow. What a life." It wasn't perfect, but it was enviable. We were celebrating a man who had great vision and lived every moment positively impacting the lives of others. He was fearless in his expression of faith and boldly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone he could. Many said he'd left this earth too soon, but the way he lived and what he'd accomplished seemed like the product of many lifetimes. He was committed, and passionate. Purpose drove him.

Myles Munroe said, "Die empty." Leave nothing you are purposed to do undone. I find myself on a journey of epic proportions. Not just serving, worshiping, or teaching our youth, but writing and publishing books as well as promoting my first worship conference. It sometimes seems surreal. Mainly because I am just a vessel. I have to rely on God every step of the way.

One thing is clear, a God-given vision is never accomplished without God. It is larger than life. You face doubt. You battle fears, yet giving up is not an option. I have decided to live on purpose, to die empty. This resolve allows me to keep moving in spite of uncertainty. Fear becomes motivation, not discouragement or prevention. Whatever you are destined to do, do it scared. Don't stop. That's when you're living? That's how you live.

Constant Companions

Sweet words,
Constant companions.
They calm or stir,
evoke,
deride,
assault,
assuage,
force guilt,
or joy,
peace, anger -
fear.
Sweet words,
Constant companions.

Craftily woven
they create a
tapestry which
bends the ear and
draws the heart
unraveling tales,
triumphant,
woe,
Sweet words,
Constant companions.

Can I live
without them?
This I'll never know
When I wake up
or go to bed
They're always there
breathing, new life
Like Bible verses
truth rings clear -
Sweet words,
Constant companions.
I'll never let them go.

No Other Choice

I juggle daily.

When will I be able to get back to my manuscript? It is on my calendar, yet I struggle. Many writers understand this challenge. We have full time jobs, families and writing goals, among other things. The to do lists grow by the minute. To consistently persist until writing goals are reached is a constant choice. The journey from start to finish requires successful time management - and resolve.

The first thing which keeps me sane and moving is the fact that writing is my calling. The second, it is a passion that drives me. I will never give up, and I will become artful at making time. I have no other choice.

The Best Gift Ever!

I published my first book a few months ago, titled Pour the Oil. It feels great, and though the process had many challenges; I would not change anything about it. 

When I first began writing, it was amazing. There was an easy, continuous flow. I needed a tape recorder when I was driving, and ample sheets of paper and pen handy at all times.  Words flowed at a rate which created exhilaration.  It almost felt like someone else was having the experience. 

I kept thinking, "This is happening; I am really writing a book." As the writing progressed, I thought, "This is work. This is hard," but no matter how battered my spirit felt from the emotional journey, I kept going. It was an assignment from God. As relevant truths were revealed in the words I penned, I felt myself going through a transformation. 

Writing is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be completely committed to your work. Without that commitment, you wind up with unfinished manuscripts. There came a point when it seemed like the journey was a daily uphill climb, fighting for time and space; yet I could not still my mind. It took fourteen months to complete the first draft of Pour the Oil, and another seven months before I was done with editing, cover design, manuscript formatting and publication. I healed, I learned, I understood, I grew. 

The rewrite process was an eye opener. By the second draft I'd shaved more than twenty thousand words from the manuscript and another few thousand by the third draft. When my Editor was done, there was still more shaving to do. I never felt like giving up, but I felt every bit of the effort required to get to the finish line.

The process was my best gift. I also benefited mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  I am looking forward to more growth as I continue to live this arduous and fulfilling journey as a writer. Be encouraged. Don't give up in the process. Your best gift is on its way.

  

Bitten By The Bug

I have been bitten - by the writer's bug that is - and I cannot shake the symptoms of this windfall. My fingers will not stay still for a minute. My mind has created a folder of thoughts and concepts not yet typed. They are being stored at a rapid rate, and have reached a capacity that is threatening to overflow if I don't do something about it.

The Editor has been working on the "Pour The Oil" manuscript for exactly 6 days and I am itching to get back to writing. Clearly this is the season to accomplish this part of my purpose - to pen stories and principles that are destined to help those who are hungry for and have been prepared to receive them. I am ready for the words to begin pouring onto a page.

Today, I started the companion book to "Pour The Oil". It is a forty day Devotional. I am pretty excited about it. Stay tuned for more updates.

I love Dr. Seuss

I love Dr. Seuss. Oh yes, I do. Some of his quotes gave me the greatest joy today; starting with, "I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” The last line was my favorite. I felt invincible.

There are other Seuss quotes in my happy place. The next was encouraging and so true. “If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too.”  Those words evoked emotions and I could not contain them. Supernatural bursts of energy infused me - to keep moving, keep dreaming, keep doing, until I actually 'start happening'. 

I bounced right from that quote to, “You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting,  So... get on your way!” You know what? I believe. I am off to great places. My expectations have risen 1000%.

By the time I got to the next quote - “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try” My brain had moved into overdrive... creativity stretched, yawned and said, "I am here, I am up, and I am ready. Let's go!"

I was having a ball; then I saw, “If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.” I made a decision to lighten up even more. I promised myself that I would do spontaneous and joyous things. For me that could be as simple as a long walk on the beach right before the sun begins to set. I actually envisioned myself there as that beautiful ball of orange slowly sinks below the horizon. I am sitting on the sand, water gently lapping at my toes, banana split in hand, and a languid smile on my face. 

With his words, Dr. Seuss reminded me that,  “It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become.” I believe I will hold on to that perspective and begin again tomorrow full of hope, determined, armed with a bat and a great attitude. 

The end quote? “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”  I strive to make this my perpetual perspective. After all "It is fun to have fun.” 

My bond with Dr. Seuss has been renewed. Who knows what is in store tomorrow, yet somehow it does not matter, I will make it an awesome day! I know - it's up to me.

Today, I Write

Today I write, 
like every other day. 
Sometimes I pen the journey
on vacant, ready, reams
sometimes it's only written 
in my memory, it seems
But today, I write, 
like every other day.

On The Edge...

I am on auto pilot - at least that's how it seems.  God's ways are just phenomenally wonderful. They keep me on the edge - you just never know what He's going to do next until it begins to unfold like soft petals on a rosebud, and the finished product is greater than anything you could ever imagine - simply beautiful.

There is this excitement in my spirit - like when you get the hint that a surprise is coming but you don't know what or when - because the organizers are really good at keeping a secret - that kind of excitement. You become acutely aware of everything going on around you, and so there is very little that you miss.

I am pleased with the evolution of creativity - songwriting, artistic views, innovative ideas - and that has caused the greatest expectation for the project I am working on.

Everyday God brings someone or something to my attention, and I add it to the growing list that is slowly becoming a plan - His plan.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am "sitting on the edge of life" - enjoying the view, knowing that the best is yet to come.