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

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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,