Category Archives: writing
Past Regrets
There are times I feel trapped, bogged down with responsibilities and obligations.
There are people I love who are depending on me. I can’t let them down. I can’t make a mistake.
We need an income to keep a roof over our head, food in our stomachs and clothing on our backs.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much of my time is given to a corporation. How my life really isn’t my own. How my time is given in exchange for a paycheck.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for a good job. I’m not complaining.
I’m just facing where I’m at in life. Who knows, I may even be going through a midlife crisis.
I’ve been ruminating on past regrets. In that, I chose a steady income instead of pursuing my dream.
Granted, things could be worse (and they have been).
However, there are those whom are not afforded the ability to ruminate, because all they do is work to feed their kids, barely making ends meet.
So… in the grand scheme of things, I am considered blessed.
But right now, I’m not talking about my job, I’m talking about a dream.
My friend Andi Cumbo wrote a thought provoking blog post entitled “To Quit or Not to Quit” which sparked this post.
A long time ago, I quit acting and singing. Why? For the very same reason I mentioned above. A job. A steady paycheck.
I sold out and forfeited my dream for the illusion of security. I can’t express how bad of a decision that was.
Which is why I’m proactive in reminding my sons to pursue their dreams and do something they love.
If you do what you love, then you don’t mind working twelve hour days. You will be investing your time doing something you believe in and are called to do.
This goes beyond simply working to get a paycheck.
When you work a conventional job, there are no guarantees. You can be there today and gone tomorrow. You can be offered benefits one day and then it be taken away the next.
In this day and age, you can’t invest in a job or put all your eggs in one basket.
You need to invest in yourself and in your dream. Dreams come from God.
When you work toward a dream, it’s yours for keeps. No one can mess with it or take it away, unless you let them.
So yes, I live with regrets and admit I’ve made some pretty bad mistakes. But does that mean it’s over for me? Should I just give up, throw in the towel and call it a day?
No, I’ve already done that, and all for the wrong reasons I might add.
I’ve made some mistakes, so what, you’ve probably made some too. We all do. But should that mean it’s the end of the world?
This is not our final chapter in the big book called life.
I feel like God is giving me a second chance … so I’m priming up for 2013.
I may have given up in the past, but I’m not now. I’m going full steam ahead, no matter what.
Won’t you join me?
Do you believe your dream isn’t attainable? Do you feel hopeless and want to give up?
Prophetic Epiphany
Many years ago, I traveled to different states as an amateur boxing official representing USA Boxing. I used to judge bouts on a National and Junior Olympic level.
I’m sure you are curious as to how I got involved in boxing. It’s a long story that I might share with you some other time.
One of the things I enjoyed on my free time between bouts was visiting churches and attending their services.
However, at that time, I was living a double life, which is another story.
Despite my living in disobedience, my heart longed for God.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
At the time, God used people I didn’t know to speak into my life. People would literally walk up to me and prophesy over my life.
I learned firsthand that God is real, He uses people and He is aware of every detail of our lives.
The reality of this made me feel convicted. I was in awe of God and shocked at how these complete strangers knew so much about me.
I would continue to get the same prophecy wherever I went. Each place I visited, someone would come up to me and say the same thing.
God was definitely trying to get my attention.
The last time I received this same prophecy was about two years ago at a prayer meeting.
However, I started getting cynical and inwardly questioned God about this prophecy.
I couldn’t understand why I was getting the same prophecy over the years, but yet nothing was happening in my life.
However, this past week while I was on the bus going to work and I had an epiphany.
I realized the same prophecy I received repeatedly through the years was true and I was floored.
God finally revealed it to me.
The prophecy is this, “You will be a prophet to the nations.”
Each time I heard it uttered, I would weep from the deepest part of my being. I felt so unworthy (if truth be told, I still do).
I kept telling God He made a mistake and chose the wrong person. I felt I had failed Him and disappointed Him too many times (and still do).
I conjured up an image in my mind of what I thought “a prophet of the nations” would look like or translate to. I thought I would have to sacrifice, give up everything and travel the world.
When I got married and had my boys, I was shocked I was still getting the same prophecy.
I told God, how am I suppose to give up everything now and leave my family behind (traveling with my son who has health issues and put him at risk).
Finally, God revealed the truth, in that, He had no intention of having me sacrifice, give up everything, leave my family behind and travel to serve Him in that capacity.
I was thinking inside the box, but God doesn’t.
He revealed to me that I am a prophet of nations by writing. It finally made sense and all came together. I felt such a peace come over me.
God wants to use the gift He’s placed in me to communicate to others through writing which is my reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
He wants to do the same with you in whatever He’s called you to do.
Do you know what God has called you to do? Are you living out His calling?
Guest Post: The Four F’s: What Sabotages Many Christian Writers
It’s a pleasure to be guest posting for Godly Writers today. I get to share about my writing journey and encourage other Christian writers as well.
Today I wrote about The Four F’s: What Sabatages Many Christian Writers. The four f’s are Fear, Focus, Frustration and Failure.
I would love for you to swing by and read more about it here:
www.godlywriters.com/the-four-fs-what-sabotages-many-christian-writers
Rainbows in the Midst…
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
I woke up with this scripture on my mind. I thought it apropos given the aftermath of the Allume Conference and Hurricane Sandy.
Courtesy of Kurt Wilberding
It was a blessing to be able to attend the Allume Conference and finally meet Tricia Goyer (who is an absolute sweetheart), Mary DeMuth, Sarah Markley, Sarah Mae, Jessica Heights, Christin Slade, Kelly Thorne Gore, Rachel Wojnarowski, Christy Stroud from Tyndale Publishers, Revell Publishers, Zondervan Publishers and so many other wonderful people.
We drove three hours to get to Pennsylvania, checked in and headed over to register. I was given a beautiful bag filled with goodies.
It was my first time attending this conference, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was definitely excited with the line up.
Darren Rowse (a.k.a. ProBlogger) and Ann Voskamp were on the top of my list. I never heard either one of them speak before.
I was really touched by what Darren Rowse shared at his key note. He didn’t speak about how to make money with your blog, but more about his testimony and faith.
I enjoyed listening to Sarah Mae and Jessica Heights key notes as well. I love their hearts.
My hat goes off to Sarah, Jessica and their entire team for all their hard work and pulling off such an amazing conference. It truly was a success.
After awhile, it began to feel more like a Christian woman’s conference than a blogger’s conference which was refreshing.
My favorite place was the Prayer Room which was sponsored by The Seed Company.
Courtesy of Laura Gish
Isn’t the prayer room beautiful? I spent my free time there to unplug, pray and write in prayer journals. The Seed Company blessed us royally.
The highlight of this conference for me was hearing Ann Voskamp speak for the first time. I never read Ann Voskamp’s blog or her best selling book, One Thousand Gifts. I only heard wonderful things about her through the grapevine. Now I know what they were all talking about.
Prior to her keynote, there were two videos shown by (In)Courage and Compassion International which moved me. I love to support causes helping disadvantaged children and Compassion International does amazing work.
After the videos, Ann Voskamp began to speak and tears rolled down my face. What she spoke about pierced my heart. I was riveted and touched by her every word. What an anointed woman of God. I pray I could get a copy of her key note, because I want to hear it again. I felt God used her to confirm what He was speaking to my heart throughout the conference.
Unfortunately, I had to abruptly leave right after she spoke due to Hurricane Sandy. We left and drove home to prepare for the impending storm. I do not believe I have to reiterate how devastating this hurricane was to our city. It was truly unprecedented. Please keep us in your prayers.
I am grateful the Lord is still in control and on the throne. Despite the devastation, I chose to see rainbows in the midst of the storm. I continue to pray for all those who were affected.
Please let me know how I can pray for you today. Please leave your prayers in the comment section below.
My Birthday Prayer
Courtesy of Creative Commons
You are probably wondering why I’m posting this photo on my birthday? Well, that’s a very good question…
In 1995, I had the pleasure of hearing Heidi Baker speak at my church, Times Square Church. She was a visiting missionary and spoke about her experiences on the mission field in Mozambique.
I was a baby Christian at the time. I remember my heart swelling with longing and tears streaming down my face. I also remember falling on my knees at the altar and telling God I would go.
Umm, it’s now seventeen years later and I haven’t gone. I mean, I’ve gone on a short term mission trip to Guatemala and other adventures, but I didn’t give it all up for God like I prayed that day at the altar.
Lately, I have been bombarded by the same theme.
It started out while reading Mary DeMuth’s book, Everything. Then Jeff Goins’ book, Wrecked to Kingdom Journeys by Seth Barnes.
It doesn’t stop there.
Last week, I watched Half the Sky and thought my heart would explode.
Last, but not least, I began reading a book last night for a blog tour on October 22nd called Tears Water The Seeds of Hope by Kim Lews. Yet again, the same theme.
This coming Friday starts the 25th Anniversary and Missions Conference at Times Square Church. I am looking forward to catching up with all my missionary friends who are serving overseas. I was suppose to be one of them. But chose a different course.
God isn’t over with me yet. I believe He is directing me somewhere. I’m not a hundred percent clear on what it is yet. But, I have been so convicted and burdened lately. The more I read, the more I see, the more I want to help.
Today is my birthday. I am grateful to God for another birthday. He has been amazing and wonderful to me. He has blessed me and my family in tremendous ways. I am truly thankful.
But, somehow the words of Nicholas Kristof echos in my mind and heart…
“Talent is universal, opportunity is not.”
This statement haunts me because it is true.
Again, this same theme/concept jumps off the pages of Tears Water The Seeds of Hope, which is… What are we going to do with what God has given and blessed us with? Are we going to just sit on it, use it for ourselves or give back and help?
I yearn to make a difference in this world. I don’t enjoy seeing starving children, nor girls stuck selling themselves in the Red Light District.
It hurts that poverty is rampant and children are dying from starvation or from diarrhea because parents are so poor to afford antibiotics.
It is despairing that here are multitudes of people around the world who don’t have access to clean water.
I repent of ever complaining, especially when there are so many living in sordid conditions around the world.
So the question remains, what am I going to do about it? I can’t simply talk about it, but I must DO something about it.
I’m realizing if the Christian community chips in, we can make an enormous impact and difference in this world. Yes, the need is great, but if we each did our part, imagine the ripple effect it can have?
In my humble opinion, Christianity is more than going to church on Sunday, reading your bible and paying your tithes.
Christianity is this, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27
The verse the Lord keeps reminding me of again and again.
Today, my birthday prayer is to give and make a difference to those less fortunate than myself. I want to help the poor, needy and hungry. Those who have nothing, who need food, medicine and clean water.
I am not sure what this is going to look like, but this is my real ‘dream’. Yes, I want to write and use my gifts to the glory of God and bless others. However, my biggest desire is to make a difference, not for myself, but for the children around the world.
Does this resonate with you? Do you have a burden for the poor? Do you want to use your gifts to make a difference in other people’s lives? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
Guest Post: Did You Miss The Boat?
I wrote a guest post today for my friend Tammy Helfrich, who is enjoying a much deserved vacation right now. I met Tammy on line and then in person at the Quitter Conference a couple of weeks ago. We developed a quick friendship, she is one of the nicest people I know. I’m so blessed to have connected with her and become her friend.
I had the pleasure of attending my first Quitter Conference last week. I admit, I didn’t have high expectations. I actually went to meet all of my new Quitter friends.
I had become a cynic with regards to dreams.
I remember years ago when I first met my husband, he started telling me about his dreams. I would scoff at him. I would tell him things like, “Oh come on, give me a break, dreams are for kids,” or “Dreams are not for grown ups.”
Through the years, as I “matured”, my dreams began taking the back seat. I would hear someone talking about their dreams and I would think to myself, “Oh boy, here’s another ‘rainbow in the sky’ person.” I would politely smile as I listened to their banter on ‘dreams’.
Then I met these Quitter dreamers on line. I started to watch and observe them interact with each other. I loved how they were supportive of each other’s dreams. I liked them because they were all positive and encouraging people.
To read the rest, please click here.
Insecurity, The Bully
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
Do you know her? Insecurity? If you do, then you know she’s a possessed bully.
Insecurity has an uncanny way of showing up even when she’s uninvited. She is obnoxious and rude. She is no friend of mine. No siree.
Insecurity annoys me to the utmost. Every time I think I’m going to beat her at her own game. She winds up winning.
What makes matters worse is that she’s always laughing at me. You know the sinister kind you hear in a horror flick. Infuriating.
I want to kick her in the butt, like “Karate Kid” or “Rocky”.
Insecurity has been bullying me all my life. Every time I would get on stage to sing, I would hear her cackling and saying, “Ha! She thinks she can sing. Watch her crack or forget her lyrics. It’s hilarious.”
I start to recite scriptures to myself to drown her out. Nothing works, I could feel my throat constrict, heart race and palms sweat. Insecurity wins again.
Insecurity always sneaks up on me unawares as I sit staring at a blank page. She howls, “You can’t write, just like you can’t sing. There are so many other talented people who can really sing, write and do everything much better than you. Haven’t you realized you don’t matter? Nobody is even remotely interested in what you have to say. Look at you, what have you accomplished in your life? You are going to be 46 years old and you’ve done nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. You know why? Because you are a loser with a capital ‘L’.”
At this point, I’m either going to do “Moves like Jagger” or go “Rambo” on her. Or better yet… shoot her! Metaphorically speaking, that is. I shalt not murder. So, get thee behind me… Insecurity.
I’m sick of listening to her go on and on and on. She’s incessant and never shuts up. I’m tired of her already. I want to be free of Insecurity, once and for all, whatever the cost.
Do you struggle with insecurity? Are you ready to kick her in the butt and tell her where to go?
Reborn Dreamer
This is Jon Acuff. He was kind enough to pray for me while I was dying of laughter. I was laughing so hard they were going to have to carry me out on a stretcher. I kid you not.
Anyone who can make me laugh and cry in one sentence is seriously gifted. I tried to hold back (as I was sitting in the front row) but to no avail. I couldn’t help myself. I do not remember laughing and crying so much in a long time. My stomach still hurts days later from attending the Quitter Conference.
I believe the Lord wanted me at this conference. I had all the excuses in the book not to go, but yet and still, I felt the nudge of God telling me to go. The week leading up to the conference all hell broke loose. I can see why now, I was blessed beyond measure.
I have to be honest and admit that initially I did not have high expectations. I was even wondering if I was wasting my time and money by going. Also, leaving my family behind was definitely not my comfort zone. My boys were not feeling my leaving them.
As as matter of fact, my eldest son told me to never to do that again. He said next time I have to take him with me so he can make sure I am ok. I guess next time we’ll have to make it a family vacation.
Initially, I thought the Quitter Conference was just a lot of hype. But I was so wrong. This conference was unlike any other conference I have been to in my entire life. I am not exaggerating.
I can see why everyone makes a big deal about Jon Acuff. He is such an authentic, down to earth and great guy. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him a couple of times at the conference.
Let’s just say this conference made me believe in my dreams again. Hello world, my name is Pilar and I am a reborn dreamer.
Besides hearing Jon Acuff, I also got to hear wonderful speakers such as Al Andrews, Matt Chambers, Jeff Goins and Alli Worthington. What an amazing line up.
Last but not least, the absolute treat of this conference was listening to Jon Acuff’s favorite band, Seryn. They are now my favorite band. I want everyone to know about Seryn because I had a spiritual experience listening to them. I have never felt so much joy listening to a band in my life.
I have been a lover of music my entire life. I am also a singer, so I have been exposed and my ear trained to know good music. This band is simply amazing. You must see them live to get the full effect. Each band member knows how to play several instruments extremely well. They are virtuosos.
Seryn’s lead singer Trenton Wheeler (isn’t that a cool name), absolutely poured himself out. He is an exceptionally talented artist. His voice is unique, his sense of rhythm impeccable and his gift of playing several instruments is out of this world.
I guarantee you if you see them play live, you will be mesmerized and left in a trance. Since hearing them, all I’ve been doing is talking about them. I am hoping they will come play in New York City.
Thanks to my dear Quitter friends, Jon Acuff and the Quitter Conference, I am a reborn dreamer. I have renewed hope to pursue my passions and dreams. I was able to reconnect with my deep love of music and singing by going to this conference. I am not too old and I haven’t missed the boat either. I am right where God wants me. So I am no longer dreading turning 46 in two weeks.
If there is one thing I took away from this conference is our dreams are not ours, but for others. I was deeply moved and inspired by this concept and it helped change my view of dreams.
In conclusion, I want to share a link of one of my favorite songs by Seryn. If you like their music, I encourage you to buy their latest CD on ITunes. You won’t be disappointed.
Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Bantam (October 1, 1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0553347756
ISBN-13: 978-0553347753
Price: $17.00
Purchase: Amazon | BN
Description
Natalie Goldberg, author of the bestselling Writing Down The Bones, teaches a method of writing that can take you beyond craft to the true source of creative power: The mind that is “raw, full of energy, alive and hungry.”
Here is compassionate, practical, and often humorous advice about how to find time to write, how to discover your personal style, how to make sentences come alive, and how to overcome procrastination and writer’s block — including more than thirty provocative “Try this” exercises to get your pen moving.
And here also is a larger vision of the writer’s task: balancing daily responsibilities with a commitment to writing; knowing when to take risks as a writer and a human being; coming to terms with success and failure and loss; and learning self-acceptance — both in life and art.
Wild Mind will change your way of writing. It may also change your life.
Review
I started reading a chapter a day of Wild Mind at the suggestion of Andi Cumbo. Andi is a friend and gifted writer I have come to respect and admire.
An incredible thing happened when I heeded Andi’s advice, I actually looked forward to getting up in the morning to read this book. For anyone who knows me, this is a major accomplishment, because I am not a morning person.
This morning, I read five chapters and finished Wild Mind. I was immersed in Natalie Goldberg’s writing. I love this woman. Her writing is rich and beautiful. She is really a gifted writer. Each chapter brought to life an analogy or personal reflection. I enjoyed gleaning the nuggets she shared throughout the book.
Now, I’m eager to start her first book called Writing Down The Bones.
What I also find interesting is years ago when I was counseling with a particular therapist. I believe it was in my early twenties, she asked me this question, “What do you enjoy doing?” I remember blurting out, “I want to be a writer.” I even surprised myself with that response. She recommended two books by Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down The Bones and Wild Mind.
I bought both books and they’ve sat on my bookshelf untouched for years.
I’ll be turning forty six in three weeks. Yep, I’m an old foagie. You are probably wondering (much like I am), what in the world happened? Why didn’t I become a writer?
Life happened. I don’t know. I guess deep down I didn’t think or believe I was a writer.
Until I met the brilliant writer Jeff Goins who taught me otherwise. I have no idea how it happened, but I walked into an amazing writing community on Twitter.
I started reading Jeff Goins blog, but it wasn’t until I read his book called You Are A Writer (which is free today only), I came to accept that I am a writer. I will always have Jeff Goins to thank for this. (If you haven’t read his book, I highly recommend it).
Jeff Goins will be coming out with another resource in a week, which I’ve been blessed to get a sneak peak, called Tribe Writers. Seriously, you don’t want to miss this online writing course. It’s going to be awesome.
I read another amazing book recently (which I also reviewed) called Let’s Write a Short Story! by Joe Bunting. He is a deep, distinguished and gifted writer. His writing is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. He has a great website which is also an excellent resource for writers called The Write Practice.
I am thankful the Lord opened doors for me to meet these wonderful people who are great writers and read their amazing books. I have been blessed to learn and grow as a writer.
Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg is a great book which I highly recommend to all writers on any level. There is something for everyone in this book.
Book Review: Let’s Write A Short Story! by Joe Bunting
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Description
Let’s Write a Short Story! is an eBook about the process of writing and publishing short stories. The book will guide you through the process of researching publications, writing your story, editing, and submitting your work to literary magazines.It’s also a primer in how to make a career in fiction writing. If you’ve ever wanted to be a writer, this book will help get you started.
- Why all the great writers started with short stories, and why you should, too.
- How to build a fiction platform with short stories rather than just another blog.
- How short stories are structured differently than novels.
- What theme to write about to give you a greater shot at being published.
- How to break through your writer’s block when you get stuck.
- How to submit your short stories to literary magazines (and which ones you should submit to).
Let’s Write a Short Story! won’t just give you the information you need. It will challenge you to take the next step in becoming a writer and help you get your writing published.
Review
I have had the pleasure of following Joe Bunting’s work on his amazing website called Write Practice. I have really grown to appreciate him and his talent. He is also kind, generous, helpful and very intelligent.
If you are serious about learning how to become a better writer, I highly recommend Write Practice.
Have you ever wanted to write a short story, but thought you couldn’t do it? I admit, I didn’t think I could write a short story until I read Let’s Write a Short Story!
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have come across this gem of a book, because I learned so much. This is the kind of book you’ll want to keep referring to throughout your writing career.
Joe Bunting is a brilliant and prolific writer who takes difficult concepts and makes them easy to understand. He is generous and offers a variety of pointers too.
In Let’s Write a Short Story!, Joe Bunting goes step by step explaining how to build a well-written short story from scratch. Not only that, he gives you resources and tips on how to submit your stories to literary journals, etc.
I have read many books on writing and found some of them to be boring. But not this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I found it informative as well as inspiring.
Let’s Write A Short Story! is valuable resource to any writer, whether novice or seasoned. This book contains everything you ever wanted to know about writing short stories and more.
I highly recommend this book. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
My name is Joe and I write novels, articles, and, of course, short stories. I want to help you write stories, too. I wrote Let’s Write a Short Story! to create a community of writers who want to help each other write short stories and get better at the craft of writing.
Guest Post: On The Tablet of My Heart
Today I have the pleasure of guest posting on my friend and awesome writer Sundi Jo. If you don’t know who she is, I encourage you to follow her blog, she is an inspiration.
I’m new to this whole guest posting scene, but I made a commitment to God that I would write, despite the fears, doubts and insecurity. You can read more about it here.
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