God Breathed

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,

and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Timothy 3:14-17 (New International Version)

JW's thought: 

A Little Inspiration, A Little News

Growing up, I saw adults working at the same job or the same company all their life. Then, they either retired, or died, or both. That's how it was done, good or bad. It’s not so much that way any longer. People don't remain with companies for long periods of time, today,  for whatever reason. 

Maybe it's because I saw long term work ethics around me, or maybe it's because I don't like change, or maybe just maybe it's because I like the school district where I've been employed for almost 20 years, but I'm still there. I’ve worked in our tiny IT department for nine of those years and it's been my best growth years.  It's been rewarding. I'm a geek in my heart and brain and I wear the badge proudly. I love most technology and crave that knowledge. One of my favorite conferences was the MoreNet conference this last March where I sat next to...geniuses, I kid you not. And every day I get to work with two brilliant people.

But, sometimes you stop growing and you desire something new because you feel the death of your brain coming on and your soul is crying to do something else.

 Last year, I desperately needed a change and oh what a change it would be.  I interviewed for a social work position within the school district and although I was considered, my district said no. I was disappointed, but knew it wasn't God's timing. During the summer, a friend of mine resigned her position as another of our school social workers. A month or so ago, I interviewed for that position. I was offered the job. I took it.

Social work is something I've never done before except through internship and practicum. But it feels right and I'll get to work with students again.  Administration is confident I can do it. Others in the district believe I can. Down deep inside, I believe it. And really, have I ever taken a job and known how to do it right out of the gate. No and Never. I had to learn.

I'm willing.

It’s complicated, but I won’t be in the new job for a few more months. My tech job (not to make me sound important) is crucial to the district.  The transition must be as smooth and as painless as possible. It could mean money loss if it is not a good transition. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but to be a smooth. We hired someone to take my place, but they are employed within and can't leave their job until we find someone to fill their spot. Like I said, it's complicated.

I'm a little anxious. Maybe a lot.

Today, as I confess my new place in the work world, I want to encourage you. If you have been thinking of doing something far from your norm, why not? I'm not a jumper, I'm a tiptoer. I'm not saying in these economic times to jump without a net, but start looking outside the net.  It's possible something new is waiting for you that will be challenging and fulfilling.

Change whether good or bad always mean growth. I promise.

~Teresa

Writing and Things

You may not have noticed, but I haven’t been blogging much? Why? Well... here are your choices:

1. I had a birthday and am very depressed because I have just turned 30 and my kids ages 28 and 33 aren’t buying it? Even my little ones are giving me the eye.

2. George Clooney finally asked me to marry him and I’m packing to move to Italy.

3. I am working for the CIA (Chicks in Action) and haven’t made it back to MO yet.

4. I have writers block and blogger’s block and cannot write anything of interest no matter what I try: prompts, unfinished stories, my dad’s birthday card, and self-threats. Nothing works. It took me two weeks to complete this post.

If you guessed number 4 then you are correct. If you guessed any of the others, then I’m worried about you.

I'm blocked—my brain that is. No matter what I try to do, writing is not coming easy…me who writes on napkins and the back of anything wherever I am. I thought I would let you in on this because I’ve kind of been missing. And even though you have plenty other blogs to read and won’t miss one absentee blogger you might be wondering. It’s unusual for me not—to have words in me trying to escape through my fingers. .

Why is this happening, you might or might not be asking? My friends and family have mentioned it could be anxiety over the pending new job.  Normally, writing is my way to calm down, to uplift me, and to entertain me. Writing is an old friend that never abandons me.

I’m a little better and have worked on some writing this past week. But the real danger in not writing (because it’s not my source of income) is the free time not being used for writing. If I can’t be creative (i.e., write, draw, sew, photograph) then I have to do something else and that’s when I turn to my house. Do I clean? Do I purge? Do I redecorate?

Two weeks ago, I turned to what I know—not drinking, fishing, or bungee jumping—no not those.  I looked for something I could pick on. I marched to my kitchen and looked at the wallpaper that has been there for at least ten years (and have it wanted down for a few), found a small unattached corner and started pulling it down. That sounds simple enough except it’s not. I had to take things off the walls, off the fireplace, off the pie safe (don’t worry no pies were harmed) and moved furniture here and there. The whole house became a mess.

Oh, oh and there are so many problems with taking down wallpaper. If you could just pull it down and then paint…then great. No, it never works out like that. You might be left with the backing on the wall and or glue and gouges from the wallpaper getting too happy coming off the wallboard. Then you have the choice of steamers or strippers. Mine peeled…in places. I didn’t want to use a stripper (no remarks please). After standing back in all the mess, I decided to prime it and texturize the walls where my sins would be hidden.

Woot. All I need to do now is slap on the paint.

I need to get back to writing. It’s safer for my house that way.

CassaStar

There is nothing like the experience of birthing a baby or birthing a book (of which I don't know about--yet), but Alex Cavanaugh knows. He is the proud author of a new book titled CassaStar.  He is a self-professed lover of all things Sci Fi and has been diligently working on this new book.  Sit back and learn a little about awesome Alex and his awesome new book CassaStar.

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.

Much to Byron’s chagrin, the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.

As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?


Library Journal Review

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Who is Alex?

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He’s experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Where can we purchase CassaStar?

Click on the links below to purchase from:
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
BAM (Books a Million)
Also available in eBook format for Kindle, iPad, Nook, and others

ISBN 9780981621067 Dancing Lemur Press LLC

Alex runs a very successful  blog at Alex J. Cavanaugh. Go visit him. He's a cool dude.  Now, may I point you to Alex's book trailer on YouTube? It is very science fiction and totally great and makes you want more. 

GOOD LUCK, ALEX, MAY YOU SELL MILLIONS. 
~Teresa

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for October 19 when I will showcase Alex Cavanaugh's new book CassaStar.

I learned

I try on Wednesdays to inspire you...and me to keep on going--no matter what we are walking through. Life seems to get more challenging by the minute and frankly I'm too tired to participate. However, since I wish to continue living, I must participate in my life. That's a rule of mine. I'm pretty strict about it.

Yesterday, I learned  I don't like being the interviewer anymore than I like being interviewed. (I'm helping choose someone new for my IT position.) I learned I would rather give noone the job than just one person and send the others packing. I learned that the times that we are most vulerable, we are most precious. We are all walking the same road trying our best to keep on going and not get lost.

Everytime I do anything--somehow that thang turns into a comedy. That's my life, no dignity here. So yesterday we were on the next to the last interview and I was to read a scenario. I started to do so, but realized I needed my glasses that were on the top of my head. I said something about needing my specs, put them over my eyes, and proceeded to read the question. But, the print was really blurry. I squinted which seemed to make it worse. I stumbled over the words not sure what they were, but finished. I took off my glasses and laid them on my lap and listened to the person answer. Then the next question was asked.

It was at that moment, I realized my first finger was laying through the opening where the lens had been.  The lens was missing and the frame was broken. Where did it go? I patted my head to see if it was there. I glanced at the floor while listening to the interviewee. After the person left I found the lens in my lap. The funny thing was that I thought my vision was doing some serious degrading. The really funny thing was that after I finished reading the question, I looked the person straight in the eye with my glasses on. Did he/she notice the empty frame?

I wonder.

I wonder how I ever get through my days.


FYI: I won't be posting Friday-Sunday. Got some things going on.



photo sources: http://fawnahareo.com/; http://www.adcet.edu/

This and That on Monday

Spiders

I know, I know, I talk constantly about my phobias. My most extreme fear is of spiders a.k.a arachnophobia. Yesterday, Gail At the Farm, profiled an Arkansas Tarantula. If you know ANYTHING about me you know that even looking at photos brings it back.  So blame her, not me.

I became fearful at the age of three when I awoke from a nightmare and on my bed were hundreds of spiders... except, they weren’t spiders, but quilt tacking. My mom "killed" them (thanks, Mom), I went back to sleep just to be found sleeping behind the chair the next morning.

My spider fear has stayed with me through the years.

Fast forward in your time machine to 2003, please. It was 2 a.m. Sunday morn when I awoke with a bed mate, a brown recluse spider. Actually, after I captured that one (he bit me behind my knee), I found its mate hiding under one of the six bed pillows on my bed.

It’s a complicated story that involves steroids, sleeping with the lights on in my bedroom for one year, and a population under my house that decided to find its way into my house. But, enough of that....

Woman’s Day online magazine posted 10 Fascinating Phobias.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Arachibutyrophobia—Fear of Peanut Butter Sticking to the Roof of One’s Mouth (I would say to these people--not to worry. Peanut Butter stuck to the roof of the mouth is an opportunity for a snack later.) 

Mnemophobia—Fear of Memories (I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about this one. No memory here to fear.)

Optophobia—Fear of Opening One’s Eyes (I only have this phobia when faced with looking at myself in the mirror.)

Lastly (and we all knew this would happen one day): Nomophobia—Fear of Losing Cell Phone Contact (I can name at least five hundred people that would have a breakdown if they lost their CP contact).

I’m changing jobs.
 
There I said it. I don’t think there is any turning back now, since we will be interviewing for my IT position in the next week. I interviewed a few weeks ago for a new position and they gave me the position. I guess I didn’t think they would. I hope it’s the right decision to take a position I’ve only had general training for (a few years ago) but have no experience with, but when did that ever stop me? Oh…and no one to show me the ropes.

More later….

Lost

I know you want to know this...I lost a tooth filling Sunday while driving to my daughter’s house after church. Gum…chomp…dislodged entire filling. It's now a crater. But tell me this, how in the world can I make my tongue stop playing tag with the tooth? It’s driving me crazy.

That's my rambling for this Monday. Let's hear from you.

Spiritual Blessings

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6 (NIV)



JW thinks:

Character writing, therapy or both?

I’m learning what makes a character real. I fill out character sheets on each character. I think about them when I'm driving. I watch and listen to strangers for ideas.  But now I have found a new source for character building--my emotions.

This week has been a roller coaster ride of emotions for me that literally drained my body and brain.  I didn't want my experience to go to waste so I decided to chart my emotions in a spreadsheet (oh how I love spreadsheets). I wanted to take a closer look at my "feelings". 

After seeing my emotions on paper (or computer screen) I learned two things: I'm an emotional person AND I can use this chart to create more complex characters. A little pain, a little gain.

This is what I did:

1. Opened a spreadsheet 
2. Created headings:  Emotion, cause, my reaction and other people's response to my emotion
3. Filled in the blanks at the end of the day
4. Studied the spreadsheet and used the information to help my characters

You can use a chart like this to determine how your character's emotions might push he or she closer to a goal or hold them back. Charting your own emotions can be a reference tool to help you understand and build your characters. It's fun, productive, and also great journaling therapy.

Do you use a spreadsheet for writing? How?  

First image source here