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,