Missouri Tornadoes

I am exhausted this morning. I'm so jittery that I don't think I can even take a nap. I thought about not posting today at all, but I am. We had tornadoes in SW MO last night. One mom of three confirmed dead, I heard. I rarely ever get worried, but something was different in my gut. There was a trailer park about three miles south of here. It was flattened last night. The storm shelter there was blocked with a tree or something I heard. One person was killed (as confirmed right now), several are injured.

I’m ok. My family members in SW MO are ok. I haven’t gone outside to look at the house, but the big trees that usually are a sign of something worse look ok from here.

School is cancelled because there is no power in town. There are power lines down on some of the roads.

If you’ve ever been to Branson, MO, you might remember Highway 76.  The news says, it was hit badly and the highway is closed for awhile

Many of the communities in Southern MO have been hit. Pray for us.

I plan to post my A-Z letter tomorrow and a blurb about Alex Cavanaugh’s  new book.

And Monday Rolls In....

On Writing

1.      I have my short story{mystery}for Write 1 Sub 1 ready to send out to find a home in the publishing world. I’ve never been so productive as I have these past couple of months.  In March, I will be working on another piece—a children’s story.

2.      Last week, last minute, I joined a blogfest. I had to work fast and hard, so I whipped up a very short short (200 words) called Lessons Learned for the First Campaigner Challenge at Rach Writes.

I got word Friday that my {little} story moved up to stage two of the challenge. If you haven’t, and wish to, you can read the story after scrolling down a bit here.  And then, if you would “like” to, you can “like” it here. I’m number 186.

Warning: It's kind of creepy.

On Work

I spent two very long days last week at a Drug Impairment Conference.  I’m telling you, never EVER do drugs. Ever. And if you have children, never let them out of your sight, implant them with cameras or GPS systems—anything, but help them stay off drugs. One time trying them and a person will most likely be hooked.

Just saying.

On Blogging from A-Z Challenge 2012

If you haven’t signed up for the A-Z Challenge, there’s still time. Go here to sign up. Here to read about it. All you have to do is come up with 26 posts. That’s all. IF I CAN DO IT, you can do it. You can write them before April or write them during April.

I promise if you accept this as your challenge for April, YOU will grow in whatever skill or craft you use for it. And you will meet tons of other people.

Come back Wednesday for a post about the A-Z, well actually it’s a letter to A-Z, a little tongue in cheek. But, for now, go read about the Blogging from A-Z Challenge and sign up.

See you Wednesday.

February- The Love Month

By the world’s standards, love is forever or love is brief. Take your pick. We do know that love is amazing and love is painful.

Did you know that God IS love (1 John 4:7-21)? And because of his great love we are saved through his son Jesus (Ephesians 4:2-4) for eternity. He sent his {own} son to die for what we’ve done in sin (John 3:16-17). Because of God’s love for us, eternity is an option. Heaven is our opportunity.

But there’s more to love. God said we must first love him with all our hearts and then love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22: 37-40). That’s huge but it’s what molds God’s children to be his.

Wait there’s more. We need to love like we want to be loved.

·         Love is patient, love is kind.

·         It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

·         It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

·         Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

·         It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

·         Love never fails.

(You can read all of 1 Corinthians 13 at BibleGateway.com here.)

Love should never be an afterthought. Love should be a {our} forethought.

Go show your love.

Have a great Sunday!

JW

Scripture Intenet Source: BibleGateway.com

First Campaigner Challenge

I saw a challenge that Lee at Tossing it Out is doing.

Now, I didn’t know who Rachael Harrie at Rach Writes was, but when I went to her site to read about the challenge and saw the first sentence, well…it made me feel creepy and I LOVE CREEPY.  So, she must be cool.

Here is the First Campaigner Challenge (due February 24, 11:59 p.m. EDT) blurb.

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:

• end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)

• include the word "orange" in the story

• write in the same genre you normally write

• make your story 200 words exactly!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lessons Learned

Shadows crept across the wall and the floor of the cave outlining hundreds of hairy tarantulas.  Beyond my reach, I could see freedom in a sunset of orange and yellow through the cave door.

“I shouldn’t be here,” I growled at my soon to be ex-husband.

“There’s no one else I’d rather see this migrating miracle with, before we part ways.”  He kissed my head as we sat side by side.

 “Did our last fling need to include arachnophobia?”

 “It’ll be hard for you, Debi, but make no knee jerk decisions,” he chuckled.

A moan stalled in my throat. “Bart, I’m freaking out. The spider fear is from my childhood. Remember?” Then I felt the tug on my sleeve as two youngsters attempted to climb over me to join the others.  

“Move back into the cave.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“You’re the idiot for leaving me.” He pointed to the arachnids above my head.

I couldn’t help it I screamed and scooted backwards with racecar speed, until—I fell. It was the pit in the cave floor and my soon to be grieving scoundrel of a husband that got me, not the spiders.

A lesson learned too late before everything faded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After reading my short story/flash fiction of 200 words, if you want to vote for it you can pop over to Rach Writes and Like my entry.  I'm #186-I think.

Happy Weekend!

Teresa

Monday--the beginning

Hey there. Come close, I’ve something to tell you. Closer. A little closer. Ok that’s close enough.

It’s Monday. That’s all I wanted to say and this:

A-Z Talk Again

On a shopping trip with my daughter this weekend, we I talked about the A-Z Challenge coming in April. I mentioned [again] how I wish I hadn’t signed up for the challenge nor told the world I was committing to it.

She said, “It’s good for you.”

I said, “I know. The A-Z is definitely challenging me as a writer.”

There was much more, but I won’t bore you except to add, I quit every week—the Blogging from A-Z Challenge and, it hasn’t begun, yet.

The good news is that writing the 26 posts for the April A-Z challenge has benefitted me by:

1.      Moving my laziness out the back door. He still tries to get my attention by slobbering and tapping on the window. He wants to move back in ASAP.  

2.      Helping me with communication. This is also called talking to myself. I have 26 posts to perfect. I’ve gotta talk it out, Bloggers.

3.      Giving me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Ok, ok, I was already getting out of bed because I have job to go to. I need to be paid.

Finally, writing for the A-Z Challenge is helping me:

4.      Become a better writer.  I believe it!

There’s still time to sign up if you want to. Go here to sign up and read all about it.

Write 1 Sub 1

I haven’t forgotten my pledge to write one short story a month and send it out to find a home. I’m in the editing stage of a mystery.

What’s new in your world?

When Babies Fall

My 17-month-old Indiana Jones grandson is a bundle of energy and a tumbling-tumbleweed. Between Christmas and the New Year, his babysitter took time off.  I took care of my little man for a day. Little IJ roams his world with fearlessness. A million times, it seemed, he climbed up the two steps between my kitchen and family room. A million times he stepped back down using my TV bureau, as his crutch.  

At some point, I saw his daddy’s determined look and knew at that moment he was going to try it without holding on. He pulled his little hands in on his chest and stepped down. The first foot went down great. But, I held my breath. When the other foot came in for a landing it became tangled and he went air bound.  With head tucked under, he came down in a summersault position and landed on his back. He cried a little. I comforted him. Ten seconds later, he was wriggled free to try it again.

He didn’t let the fall discourage him. He didn’t let the stumble keep him down. The older I get, the easier I get discouraged. And, with discouragement comes the opportunity to abandon my goals and dreams and leave them all behind.

Do you ever do that?

Abandon dreams?

Give up on your art?

Wash your hands of the mission?

Think you’ve messed up for the final time?

Believe there’s no going back?

            Sit down in the tired rut and stay there?

We ARE to be quitters of things that are not beneficial to our mind, body and soul. Reckless living puts a barrier between us and God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

But, what of those passions worthy of determination, dreams worthy of persistence, and a life worthy to live? We remain committed {even} when it becomes difficult and unpleasant.  

Giving up is never an option because it may be a part of the big plan.

(Jesus said) “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

If we give up, we might miss out on the awesome experiences and blessings God has planned for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

When babies fall, they get back up.

Holy Bible source: Biblegateway.com

Wednesday Inspired

I have nothing to say except this. Because I want to inspire you in whatever you are doing right now, right this moment, I'm posting photos of some of the projects I've been working on that are non-writing.  I don't want you to think I'm a slacker.

Remember the cabinets I've been painting on?  I'm still working on them.

Psychologically, painting the innards of my cabinets has been a calming experience. Not really.  I spilt the paint once. And I dropped the roller once. It hit the microwave then the counter then the floor. I had a little bit of cleaning up to do.

 My arms hurt from the painting, but I'm ok--don't worry.

I'm not painting them white--no, no, I'm using an off white-beige of sorts. I love tone on tone.

Yes, there are different colors of white. Don't argue with me, I'll win.

This is a little black mirror I found for five bucks. I liked it painted black, but I like it better --painted white.  Surprised? I thought so.

 

Here it is propped against a vase filled with my collection of knobs. 

Then there's the shelves I built for each side of my fireplace. (I may have told you this already.) I'm not sure why I can't take a picture without it being tilted.  

Finally, and it's not finished yet...

is a little table, with a drawer, for my daughter. I found it at a flea market. I had to fill in the places that needed wood filler and I had to reglue it. I will sand the top and finish it. My daughter and I (mostly I) talked about painting it an off white. She said no.

I don't understand people who disagree with my bringing white painted things into their homes.

There you have it, my projects. Wednesday is a day to be inspired. May whatever you are working on be inspired and blessed.

A Snowy Monday

Not much going on but this:

1. It's a snow day here for the school. Believe it or not, I'm not a fan of them. Today, I will write and nap after I drink my two pot limit of coffee. Of course, I may have trouble napping after my coffee.

2.  I love and hate my Blogging from A-Z Challenge posts. I love them—well, because I hatched them and am watching them grow—slowly. I hate them because they won’t evolve into perfection. “Grow my children, take flight. Become what I think you can be.”

3. I watched the Star Trek movie (2009 I think) again and had forgotten about the action. Whoa. Give me a hand to hide my face behind. Oh wait, I used two.  I forgot that young Jim Kirk gets kicked off the U.S.S. Enterprise and podded to a frozen planet where he meets up with the "real" Spock. After he opens the pod ship he's in,  he gets chased by one creature that runs fast, looks kind of like a bird and has a beak. Jim runs.  The bird creatures gains on him then WHAM another much larger creature (dinosaur with ugly sucky face) kills the bird like creature. The chase is on again as sucky face creature chases Jim Kirk. He runs like he’s never ran before, or so I say. He barely escapes into a cave where Spock kills the creature. I want to write action like that.

4. I had a pizza night with my folks Friday. I always have the best time. If you want to know what perfect parents should be, go visit them. You can visit, but you can't stay. OK?  I got to see my dad's newest paintings, too.

5. I was turned down for adopting a rescue Brussels Griffon. I've always wanted one of the Ewok looking dogs. The lady I talked to said she'd rather the dog be adopted by someone who didn't work. I understand that. Really. The dog was a puppy mill dog and she needs a lot of reassurance. Besides, I think I want a puppy. I think. I can't seem to commit to finding a dog.

Those darn commitment issues.

Have a great Monday.

~~JW

WORDS

Words can make or break a relationship. Words can crush. They are powerful, but become weak when tossed out without meaning. With words our lips can spew love and hate. With the same mouth we build up and tear down.

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” James 3:9-10 (NIV)

Our words may change with mood and circumstances. The words of humankind are not always reliable.

But, God’s word is dependable. His word is a powerful tool.

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

Believe it or not, we are known for our choice and use of words. Are our words encouraging? Are they complaining? Harsh or kind? And, we are held accountable for what we say to others.

We represent God and His Word.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4: 12-13 (NIV)

Words are a powerful tool. We need to use words wisely.

Scripture source of the Holy Bible: Biblegateway.com

It's Monday and I'm OK with that

Here’s what’s been going on in my world.

In the News

There was a story in the news last week in a neighboring county. A man and woman were arrested because their house was so horribly filthy that someone thought they needed to be arrested.  Here was the problem. Their children had flea bites (and other insects) all over them so much so the children’s health was affected. The children were dirty. And there was animal feces all over their house.  

I don't judge anyone's housekeeping skills. That’s not my way.

Some people like it clean (their house), some not so much. I’m for the freedom to choose either/or. But, if you have children, you need to provide a clean and safe environment for them.  CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF RESPONSIBLY.

And that’s all I have to say about it.

On Paint

Clearly, I don’t feel like a complete woman unless I’m inhaling paint fumes because I'm always painting something. So, I have started a new project of painting the inside of my kitchen cabinets and pantry. They need to be painted—inside.  So, this weekend I started painting the innards of my cabinets plus…I painted a bench.  They're not finished.

I love painting.

I wish I didn’t love painting.

I wish I'd stop saying--painting.

On Sewing

I  sewed a curtain for my office (work).

On Writing

I wrote 500 words last week on a new short story, because my goal is to Write one Submit one each month.  Now I know that doesn’t seem like much, but also…

I wrote on my posts for the A-Z Challenge in April. I’ve written A-N. They’re babies and need to grow up, but they’re born. When I wrote this post there were 496 blogs entered in the blogfest. You can sign up too here.

I have a theme. I have a post about my theme which I will share in March.  

I have questions that came from personal reflection and observation this week.

1.      Why are people mean to each other?

2.      Why do people forget who they are when they fall in love?  Is it love amnesia?

3.      Why is chocolate not our U.S. Thanksgiving meat of choice?

4.      And why isn’t turkey (the bird) a Valentine's Day gift choice?

5.      Why are you guys so awesome?

It's Monday and...I'm OK with that. How about you?

Love

“Love you!”

We all say it, but what IS love? Is it complicated or is it simple? If you asked 10 people to define love, you’d probably get 10 different answers.  However, we can all agree that nothing compares to the experience of giving and receiving love.  

When we experience it, we say we feel complete. When we lose love, we feel empty.  

I prayed one day, “Lord, help me love you like you deserve.” I wasn’t sure how to do that—love like he deserves.

Then I knew the answer. A love relationship cannot be nurtured nor experienced until we abide in love.

(Jesus said) As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:9-17 (NIV) (parenthesis mine)

Abide in love.

Question

I ask you.

Why is a sitcom only 30 minutes instead of 60 minutes? Is laughing an hour over a half an hour hazardous to one’s health? Is it wrong to want that much laughter?

Laughter is a good thing.

“From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend reading it.” Groucho Marx

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin

“Just about the time I get my lungs cleared of life’s grime, from the laughter, the sitcom ends and the laughter goes away. That's not funny.”  Me (surprised?)