Masterpiece

 It's been quite a while since I have entered in a blog post. My usual excuse being my busy summer, but, in reality it is first and foremost my insecurity. The little voice that tells me I'm no good, and constantly throws the ingenious literature of others against my own error filled writing. *Sigh* But, God has been working on me these past few weeks. And though I continue to be a work-in-progress, the work IS in progress. Tearing down years, a lifetime even, of self-doubt and low self-esteem is not easy. Those voices still shout loud and clear, but God is showing me how to turn them off; How to call them out on their nasty lies, and to listen to the voice that only speaks truth.

This past Sunday at church they played a video of a skit and I want to share it with you. This for all of those, like me, who have at one time felt like junk and need that reminder that God does NOT make junk! We are each a masterpiece, incomparable to each other because we stand alone as a work of art. God's masterpiece.

God's Blessings,

Fresh Air

Fresh air. Just the sound of those words cause my lungs to expand. It brings to mind the rejuvenating air of spring, coming through my open windows, or the breeze that blows off the lake, carrying with it a light cooling mist in summer. It is a time of refreshing, a time of peace.

However, regardless of the above, it is in the clean air that follows a passing storm when I find it best; when the earth has been washed and the world around is at its greenest. The crash of the storm has stilled and the sun peaks through the clouds, taking what the storm has left and using it to make things grow. Rain plus sun equals life. Take away the rain and you suspend growth; take away the sun and rot sets in. Both elements are essential.

It is true with any storm in life. Though we pass through rough winds, hail that seeks to strikes us down, and the threat of destruction, when it is through, aren't our roots stronger, our leaves greener, and the air fresher for it? Is The Son peaking through? We are watered by trials and fed by The Son. Rain plus Son equals life. Take away the rain and you remove an opportunity to grow; take away The Son and the soul rots in the soaking waters of the storm. Both elements are essential.

Savor the fresh air that follows a storm, yet be thankful for the rain, knowing that it is during these times that The Son works best, bringing life, prompting you to grow.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~ James 1:2-4

This entry is a part of the Christian Writer's Blog Chain for the topic "Fresh Air". Please take the time to visit the other sites listed to the right. We have had so many wonderful entries already, and there's many more to come! Thank you for stopping by!

God's blessings,

Need Inspiration?

Or maybe a dose of motivation? Though there are many writers whose creative juices burst forth more material then they can use, there are some, like me, who sometimes need a little extra spark. Something to jolt that old brain into motion, to inspire creativity, or maybe encourage. Because, writing is an endeavor, and we do fatigue. Been there?

Here are some sites to encourage, prompt, and inspire you!

Writer's Desktop Wallpaper Collection - Maybe you'll find some encouragement with these free wallpapers. Or try creating your own. Take a favorite image and add the words that inspire you. Any painting program will work! Don't have a paint program? Try picnik.com. :)

Seventh Sanctum - Do you write fantasy or sci-fi? This site is full of generators! Struggling with names, weapons, need a story starter? It is all there! Just keep in mind - you need to leave the site to start writing. :) Don't stay all day!

Creativity Portal - Though this link takes you to the prompt page there are also many inspirational articles to browse through as well. Take a look around!

Christian Writers - And lastly for today, if you are a Christian writer I would highly recommend this site. The writing world can be a rough one, but it is much easier when you are surrounded with people who will be honest and encouraging. Have a question, need a critique? Prayer for family or friends? You'll find that and much more at Christian Writers!

If there are any specific sites you have found to be of help, please, let me know! I would like to do a posting every now and then with links to good writing resources. Your help in that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! :)

God's Blessings,

On Modern Luxuries...

My entire life I have lived in Central Wisconsin. Though our winters are amongst the coldest in the States, we also have our sweltering summers to make up for it. Sure, our temps may rarely breech 100 degrees (many other States are warmer), but the high humidity makes the air at times seem almost unbearable. In the past there have been many nights I've spent tossing and turning on a blanketless bed.  Sticky nights, sprawled, where not one limb was allowed to touch another. Just thinking about it brings about a renewed thankfulness for these modern luxuries - air coolant systems.

However, there is also a downside. As a child, the heat kept us out-of-doors where it was less stuffy. Families would sit together in the shade, enjoying a light breeze, or head for the cool waters of Robinson Creek. But today, as the heat rises, people go inside, where gaming systems and big screen T.V.s wait in the cool/dry, indoor air.

Modern conveniences. They've taken over our dish and clothes washing, our hours long buggy rides, and high maintenance wood stoves, et cetera, et cetera. Good things, right? But then again, we no longer need our neighbor's help. There's no community barn raising, or community harvest. Instead of our neighbors being our closest companions, the ones who turn to us, and us to them, well - we may not even know them. Modern convience may have opened a world to us - but it has closed another. A good trade? What do you think?

God's Blessings,

Journey's End

I had not originally planned to work in the field of geriatrics. On the contrary, it was the last place I would have seen myself. It wasn't the end of life I wished to witness, but the beginning. However, God, having other plans for my life, orchestrated me instead, into a job as a charge nurse at a nursing home. Once again I found that He knows me better then I know myself.

Over the years I have been the traveling companion of many who have reached their journey's end. It is one thing we cannot choose, the one guaranteed stage of life. It must happen to all of us, regardless of which roads we take in life. For some it ends in fear, past regrets haunting their final hours. For others peace, after long anticipation. Some with fight, and some with quiet resolve. So different is each person's journey through that final valley of life.

In the past I had always thought of it as a time of reconciliation, a time where families let go of past hurt, cried together, and forgave one another. But it does not always happen that way. It would sadden, and perhaps surprise you to know how many times an aide or a nurse was the only person sitting at the bedside of a fading life. What events, in a life deemed successful, would lead to such a lonely end?

In the world we live in today, and in every past generation in history, there has been a desire for status, accomplishment, and wealth. We strive to be financially stable, to hold a respectable job. We idolize those with power and envy those with fame. We're proud of our looks, our clothes, and our possessions, because they say something about who we are. Money speaks to us, and too often we let money speak for us.

Funny, though, how silent it becomes in the end. Not one word does it speak on our behalf, though we may have given everything of true value to get it.

"He was a wonderful father." "He was a terrible father." "She was never there for me." "No one could have loved me more." Stories told, and a life's journey summarized. What will your summary be? What are you doing now in your personal journey that is truly going to matter? What are you in pursuit of? And more importantly, what are you neglecting that you shouldn't?

My husband's grandfather's return of cancer was sudden and aggressive. At the time his symptoms were recognized he was given two weeks to live. I will never forget that day in his hospital room. Joining hands in prayer and in song were countless children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No eye was dry as we celebrated the life of this poor, humble man. He left no great amount of money, but what he left was worth far more - a legacy of a love-filled, Christ-filled life, evidenced in the very lives that surrounded him that day. But, it wasn't the end that made the difference, it was the journey he took to get there.

It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end. - Ursula K. Le Guin

____________________________________

In memory of the adventures of Lewis and Clark the Christian Writers chose the topic "journey" for this month's blog chain. It has inspired some amazing thoughts and great posts amongst them all! Please visit the links on the side bar to read more!

May God  bless you!

Childhood Dreams

Growing up here in the Wisconsin woods I spent many hours of my childhood excavating my backyard (much to my mother's dismay), and dreaming of becoming an archeologist. I loved history, especially the history of Egypt. And even more specific, the history of King Tut. What drew me to him in particular was in part the incredible discovery of his undisturbed tomb, but also the mystery surrounding Tut's early death. There has been so much speculation surrounding this event. Yet, we will never really know the truth. It is an unsolved mystery that is over 3,000 years old. Witnesses are gone, and all that remains are small remnants, a mere fraction of a puzzle, to piece together.

As an adult, history still fascinates me. I love stories - and this earth has thousands and thousands of years worth of them to tell. But, as I have grown, my interests have slowly shifted away from ancient Egypt and it has been a long time since I have studied that period of time. This year, however, as part of my children's Christian Rancher's field trip we are heading to the Science Museum in Minnesota for, none other than, the King Tut exhibit. I can't help but feel a little bit of the childhood Sarah resurface. How she would have loved to go! Funny, I find I still really do! As corny as it may sound, I am finally fulfilling this childhood dream. I can't help but feel like a kid all over again!

Blessings!

In The News...

In the past few days the media has dedicated a lot of time to the recent announcement of Osama Bin Laden's death. He was a man who's actions affected our entire country with the shock of 9/11. And though this news brought closure, and a sense of justice to the families who lost so much it is difficult to know, as Christians, how we should respond. It's easy to feel relief, or even rejoice in this man's death. But, is it right?

The Author of The Outdoor Wife addresses this question in her post, 'On Enemies,' at A Deeper Story. Please visit the link and read her awesome take on this!

Seeking Him,

A Lesson From A Fire Ant

Have you heard the story of the ant and the grasshopper? Well, there's more to being an ant then just being prepared. What happens when tragedy strikes?

Take a look at this post, I discovered today, and find out what fire ants do when their life depends on it! Visit  The Up Beat and see what you can learn, from this tiny, sometimes annoying, piece of God's creation!

God Bless!

Why Easter?

This Good Friday I want to share a poem written by a very special woman - my husband's Grandmother. I couldn't say enough about this amazing woman, whose unfaltering faith in Christ has set the example for our family over and over again. She has been a willing instrument for Christ and has blessed so many and continues to do so as, even in her nineties, she ministers to and cares for all those that come in contact with her. I hope you enjoy one of the many poems that has overflowed from this tender and full heart!

Why Easter?
by Anna Anderson

Things were going on as usual
The day that Jesus died
The world was hustling all about Him
But He was alone denied!

He was just another criminal
To the throng that saw Him there
They saw -- But shunned involvement
Who was He, that they should care?

Some were sad to see such treatment
And they wondered what He'd done,
His face was sad, His eyes so lonely,
Could He really be God's son?

his face showed anguish pain and heartache
His form was stooped beneath the load
But no one cared enough to help Him
As blood dripped freely on the road.

Where were Peter, James and John
As he trudged this path alone.
Surely someone would stand by Him
Surely someone -- but there was none!

Where were the blind, the lame, the lepers
That were so thankful He'd passed by?
It's been only days since He healed them
He had listened to their cry.

Then I heard the blow of a hammer
Then I heard a sudden thud
Then it seemed I heard faint moaning
I saw blood stains in the mud

Then a loud cry resounded
As the thunder shook the sky
As the whole world, trembling in darkness
Saw our lovely Savior die.

Some thought that it was over
When He hung His head in death
But it was only the beginning
When He ceased His earthy breath.

And so, our life is just beginning
When we are laid away
Our soul goes to God who gave it,
Our body goes back to clay.

But our soul lives on forever
That's why Jesus came
He made it so simple, that none need to be lost.
We are "His" by just taking His name!

God Bless, and may you all have a beautiful Easter as you reflect on God's most precious and merciful gift.

Mommy Dementia

Well, I suppose you are wondering if this is an actual diagnosable illness. Well, it's not. Do I believe it's real? Yes, I do.

Up until I became pregnant with my first beautiful child I was a smart woman. Yes, it's true, I was. And then it started. The drain on my short-term memory began. It didn't creep up unexpectedly, working it's damage on my mind unnoticed. No, it hit - like a two-by-four - leaving a permanent hole where random information comes and goes as it pleases.

It turns out there are many triggers for the instant flare of forgetfulness. A room change sends errands to the abyss, and talking ensures the use of unrelated words, or, God forbid, the combination of those same words. And, my children's names? I shan't even go there!

And then, after blundering through several mis-corrections, the information seeps back only to embarrass all the more! Am I right? I know I'm not the only one who suffers with this! I've heard you mommas talk!

So, is there hope? Well, no. Not really. But there IS comfort in numbers. So who's with me?

Wait... what was I talking about...?

Easy-Peasy, My Non-Secret Recipe

I've mentioned in a previous post my aversion to cooking. Definitely not my choice of hobbies, though I do wish somewhere deep inside I could pull out a tiny shred of interest. For my family's sake, of course. Yes, I do cook; not well, and not much, and in as little time as possible.

Now baking is a little different. I'm not even sure why. Maybe I prefer baked goods to cooked goods (they sure do smell good cooking). Or maybe it is because I seem to have much better luck with something that cooks SSLLOOWWLLYY?

Well, whatever the reason, one of my favorite recipes (and one that gets the most raves) is my banana bread. It is easy (bonus!) and delicious! And best of all, I am willing to share! Are you ready?

Easy-Peasy Banana Bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat together:
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup Sugar

Add and beat in:
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (about to medium bananas)
1 cup flour
1 cup Bisquick (you can also substitute the flour and Bisquick for 2 cups Jiffy Mix.)

Pour into greased and floured bread pan
Bake for 50-60 minutes.
For muffins: Makes 12. Grease or paper line muffin tin. Cook for roughly 22 minutes. Insert toothpick to check. 

That's all there is to it! Well, I've got to go get mine out of the oven! Enjoy! :D

Stylish Blogger Award

What a surprise to turn on my computer a week or so ago and find that I received the Stylish Blogger Award! I would have never expected it since I have always felt myself lacking in the department of style. And even more of a blessing to me was to receive it from someone I look up to, author Tracy Krauss. You can view her own blog at Expression Express. Please stop by and visit her!

Well, the next step in accepting this award is to pass it on to seven other bloggers and list seven random facts about myself. So lets start with the latter since it will be the most difficult for me. :)

1. I love fog. No matter which season brings it, fog is magical.
2. My hair is actually curly, though few have been unfortunate enough to see it. :)
3. I was married at the very young age of 19.
4. I don't like to cook... at all. But I still do. I consider it a labor of love. :)
5. I think the best Robin Hood movie ever made was the 1938 version with Errol Flynn.
6. I've always had a love for history and carry a secret desire to become an archeologist. There, I spilled it!
7. Lastly, I am a morning person and am up between 3:00-5:00am each morning. I've been called crazy for it, but I love the peace...

So there you have it. :)

Now the following list are some of my favorite blogs. I am sure you will like them as well! Stop by and congratulate them! These are in no particular order.


1. A Few More Pages - Katy is a college teacher, mother of two young children, excessive reader, and manages to keep up a great blog in the midst of all her busyness. She also has a nice, simple, yet pleasing to the eye, style to her blog. Go check her out! She writes some great book reviews!

2. Our Journey to Ella - This is a blog by Greg and Karmen Bernacchi. They are both in ministry performing skits and singing to help reach people for Christ. They are currently in the process of adopting from China. It has been a long process, so in the meantime they have kept up a blog. They are both people of incredible sense of humor and they write amazing posts, not to mention have a very neat looking blog!

3. browneyedbaker - So, as I said above, I don't like to cook. But, I do like to bake! And this blog is teeming with delicious recipes! A nice looking blog, though I have to admit, the photos of all the goodies sure do help!

4. Choosing Joy - A truly beautiful blog by an Air Force Chaplain's wife and mother of nine children. Their family is currently stationed in Misawa, Japan. It has been a blessing to read their blog! A family who passionately and actively loves the Lord!

5. Sharlene MacLaren -I love this blog! Sharlene MacLaren is an author of Christian Romance. I picked up a book of hers one day at our local Wal-Mart, well,  because it had my name on it, literally. :) Since then I have read, and now own, every one of her books. Her posts are inspirational and fun and her blog has a very welcoming appearance.

6. Write Expressions - Here is a great blog, by Holly Browne, for all you moms. A cute blog and a very talented writer! I enjoy reading her posts. Her last one regarding dressing like a mom had me busting out laughing over the imagery she created.

7. Delightful Dots - Since we are on the subject of style... this is a blog right here on blogspot whose owner creates amazing blog backgrounds. If you are looking to add style to your own blog, go spend a few moments looking through her creations!

So there they are! Don't forget to stop and visit each one! I am sure you will enjoy them just as much as I have!

God's Blessings,

No Matter What Winds Prevail...

It doesn't have to be a major storm to bring about disruption in life.  It seems at times, that all which is needed is the busyness, and stress that comes with just living day to day and sailing that rolling sea we call life. Especially when we find that all we're riding in is the patched up dinghy of human effort.

Yet, when life gets in the way I find myself trusting in my own self-preservation (my sinking dinghy) over the never faltering safety of God's preservation. His ship is unbreachable and most definitely, unsinkable. It couldn't be otherwise with His adept hand on the helm and His heavenly wind in the sail.

Oh, set your sail to the heavenly gale,

And then, no matter what winds prevail,

No reef can wreck you, no calm delay;

No mist will hinder, no storm will stay;

Though far you wander and long you roam

Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam,

No wind can blow but that will speed you Home.

- Annie Johnson Flint

Set sail with Him on this sea of life. The waters are rough and the weather unpredictable, but whatever comes, God remains a refuge for those willing to give up life's dinghys and allow Him control of the helm. And with Him as the Helmsman, what would there be to fear?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3,7

Put your trust in His very capable hands! No more fear!
God Bless!

Christian Writers Blog Chain: Swirling

I couldn't think of much else this week except the swirling waters of Japan. A terrible tragedy. There are no words to describe it and really no way of fully understanding, short of first hand experience, what the people of Japan are going through. To be honest, it frightens me a little knowing I am not exempt from tragedy. Though I may never experience a tsunami there are countless other disasters, natural and created, I may some day be unfortunate enough to encounter. In this world there seems an infinite number of ways in which to die or suffer loss.

However, though the loss of Japan has touched me I am affected even more by the swirl of emotion mixed with the swirl of human goodness that always seems to come out in times of trouble. People helping people, the way it should always be. Why, for some of us, does it take a hardship to bring it to light? Maybe when we are faced with the instability of our lives, and everything we held dear is gone, we realize there is more. We become one with those who share our circumstance. Caring for them is caring for ourselves.

For us, still here in the perceived safety of the United States, does it wake us just a little to the fragility of human life? Or are we so detached from the situation that we just don't care, or really take notice. Then again, who have we noticed today?

With all the comments floating around the web you may have seen a few "help vs. don't help" discussions. I have, and they all brought to mind the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Who should I love as myself? Jesus' response to this question, when voiced by an expert of the law, was a parable. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

You may have heard the story. A man beaten and robbed, left at the side of the road. He was dying and yet ignored even by those of the church, too busy going about their daily lives to care. But then a man, one who would have probably been spit upon by the beaten gent had he had the strength, stopped, and yes, lent a hand. He did so when no one else would. So Jesus, in his normal manner, ended the story with a question.

vs. 36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

Did you catch it? See how Jesus worded it? "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?" Being a neighbor doesn't mean you live next door or even in the same town, or state, or country. It isn't even about who your neighbor is, but it is all about who you have been a neighbor to.

vs. 37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Mercy, and we see it in the faces of those who though losing everything, still continue to give. It is the little bit of God that swirls out, regardless of our beliefs. It is the part of Him, whose image we are all created in. And the good news - you don't need to wait for tragedy to be a neighbor. Look around you, opportunity exists everywhere. A neighbor is not only a state of being, it is a state of having done. So maybe "neighbor" is a verb too? :)

So, using the phrase I learned last month... Go verb your noun!! :)
God Bless!

This post was part of the Christian Writers Blog Chain! Please visit the links to the right for more amazing posts on the topic of  "swirling"!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Many people celebrate St. Patrick's Day. But, how many know the story behind this special day? Here is a video that tells this tale in a fun way! Enjoy! Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Who Am I?

No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

Love is a Verb

When I was growing up my favorite Christian music group was DC Talk. I grew up with songs like, Free at Last, Jesus Freak, What if I Stumble, and one particular song that has been on my mind this month as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. That song is, ‘Luv is a Verb'. Most of us know that a verb is a word of action. Well, love, is an action.

It seems though, today, that Love tends to be more nounish*. An object that one wishes to possess, or acquire. But it is a selfish love, and easily lost. It is of the kind that desires the benefits of love with out the giving. Love then ceases to be a verb. And when love no longer bears action, it no longer exists.

At Mark’s and my wedding 10 years ago the pastor read a story about a man and his wife. This wife, angry with her husband for his lack of love, went to a lawyer. She wanted a divorce. Not only that but she wanted it to hurt him as bad as He had hurt her. The lawyer leaned forward.
“You really want to hurt him?”

She nodded.

"Then here’s what you should do. Go home. For the next six months treat him like a king. Do everything you can to make him feel loved, and then at the end of the six months, go through with the divorce.”
So she went home, determined to carry it out to the fullest.

Six months later the lawyer called. “Well, are you ready to finalize this divorce?”

“Are you kidding?” she replied. “Our marriage is the best it has ever been!”

Love is a verb. Don't wait for someone else to move. Put your love into action!

The greatest act of love throughout all of history was carried out on a cross over 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ did not stand by and merely offer words, He proved His love, and He proved in eternally. John 4:10 – “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Did you hear that? He didn’t wait for us to love Him. He chose to love us first. And He acted on it. What an awesome God we serve!

“Back in the day there was a man

Who stepped out of Heaven and he walked the land

He delivered to the people an eternal choice

With a heart full of love and the truth in His voice

Gave up His life so that we may live

How much more love could the Son of God give?

Here is the example that we oughtta be matchin’

Cause love is a word that requires some action.”

- Luv is a Verb, DC Talk

Once again, I feel very blessed to be participating in the Christian Writers Blog Chain. We have had so many great participants this month! You will find their links to your right. :) Please stop in and visit them! Beautiful posts on love! By far the best topic one could write on (in my opinion)! :)

God Bless!

*Sorry. This doesn't appear to be an actual word. But, I kind of needed it. Lol! :)

The Flylady

Want to declutter and organize your home and your life? I think we all could use some of that! It is hard as a writer, homeschooling mom, and job holder to keep my home clean and not feel overwhelmed. And not to mention, difficult to feel satisfied with myself and my productivity in any area of my life.

Well, there is a site online that has been proving it all possible, regardless of the different directions the pieces of your life are pulled. Visit The Flylady! She came highly recommended to me and I will be starting the BabySteps to get my self organized and develop new - good - habits! :) Join me?!

Blessings,

Time Wasters, aka This Stupid Computer!

It is amazing how many times I hear people, including myself, talk about the lack of time. It seems that time has almost become non-existent in this fast-paced world we live in. We have jobs, and families, and hectic running back and forth only to find ourselves still short on accomplishment at the end of the day. Our children lack for attention, our homes as well, yet we fling ourselves on a couch for some TV or before a computer to type out our frustrations on Facebook, or Twitter. It will be quick right? And then a video on Facebook directs us to Youtube and Youtube suggests a video that gets us searching and before long an hour (maybe two) has passed. An hour wasted in a world short on hours.

What is your biggest time waster? Mine? The computer. It is too easy to allow the time to pass and things around the house to go undone. My scheduled writing time frequently turns into internet time, and I leave the computer feeling very unaccomplished. But it is my fault. I lack self-discipline. How do you gain it? Practice! Self-discipline is a habit that needs to be developed, and practiced. It's a conscious decision to limit yourself, and you must! Turn those hours of wasted time into productive time and I guarantee you will find that God, in fact, did create enough hours in a day.

It's not to late to make that New Year's resolution. Set some limits and gain some hours!

Blessings,

Tom-Boys and Writing...

After days of searching for a blog background I think I have finally found one that I am satisfied with. My previous one I liked, but was too dark, and everything I searched through was too girly. Don't get me wrong, I love flowers and pink swirls and things like that, but the plethora of girl bling just doesn't scream "me". I'm a country girl to the core. I love the dirt and grime that comes with outside work. I love t-shirts and jeans, hoodies, and tennis shoes (or work boots). I am a tom-boy. But a tom-boy who loves fairytales (I'm a hopeless romantic). Strange combination? Yeah, I think so too.

So, what does this have to do with writing? Well, I've always wondered if it was the tom-boy in me that found it easier to write from a male perspective. I struggle with my female points of view. I struggle with being the girl that needs rescuing or protection. I like to be the one wielding the sword, taking on the bad guys, being the leader. Though I like girly-girls, I find it hard to be one. And yes, I do want characters that are girls, the way most girls are. Like I said, I love fairytales. You know, boy saves girl kinda thing... Not girl saves boy.

So what do you do when you find it hard to fill a role? Do you eliminate the character's point of view? What if it is crucial? How do you fit yourself into a character that just doesn't want to fit you?

Hmmm... any good advice on this subject? Let me know!

God bless and happy writing!

Wisconsin Winters

Ahhhh... Wisconsin winters. Cold, cold, and COLD. To add to this year's extreme temps there is the snow. Mounds of it. Cold and snow and the incubating germs that come with confinement, and close contact. Those are the very reasons my blog has remained untouched this past month. *Sigh* January and February are the worst months of the year for sickness, snow, and did I mention, cold?

Yet, though I look forward to spring I am still in awe at the beauty of falling snow. Even in the dead of winter when everything is lifeless and cold, God paints His canvas. He is an amazing artist, and during those times when everything is plastered with white and frost clings in crystal patterns on the windows, I am reminded of this fact. And so, I guess I will bear the cold for the chance to view this special gift, being reminded of the infinite uniqueness that is God, proven in each tiny flake. No two are alike. How amazing is my God...