Writing From Home

I Am Not Afraid

I am often asked if I am afraid. I should be after sending my firstborn off to Africa where so many bad things can happen. Well, I’m not afraid of all those bad things. I’m not naïve, I’ve read the news and perused the web. I know a lot can happen. A lot can go wrong. But I’m not afraid.

I’m not afraid like that anyway.

This is what I’m afraid of.

See all those adorable children? They frighten me.

My biggest fear for Gabby in Uganda is that she will fall head-over-heels in love with those little darlings and make Africa her home. And that will mean I will miss her. Like I do now. Only for a really, really long time.

So, I appreciate your concern and am grateful for your prayers. Keep them coming. If God chooses to keep Gabby in Africa, I am afraid I will have to get over some serious selfishness.

Gratefully,

Beth

Dear Readers,

I’m sorry I’ve been MIA (missing in action) for several weeks. Maybe AWOL (absent without leave) is a better description. We have been unseasonably busy lately.

What I’ve learned about my blogging style is that I process, then I post. Some bloggers process as they post. Not me, I’ve got to work things out privately before I’m ready to discuss them publicly. And when I am feeling even slightly overwhelmed, I cut back on my activities. I retreat until I feel some sense of manageability creep back into my life.

For several weeks, my husband has been traveling constantly for work, my two grade-school darlings have been inundated with activities and my oldest daughter has been preparing for a long-term mission trip to Uganda.

All this added together has meant very little time for me to process my thoughts and feelings and share them with you, my dear readers. So now I’m back and I have much to share. Thanks for your patience. I know some of you have been praying for me and I appreciate it more than you will ever know!

 

Gratefully,

Beth

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Brain Drain

Attending Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference is like drinking from a fire hose. My mind is swimming in a whirl of post-conference thoughts.

For five glorious days, I learned fiction writing from Davis Bunn.  I took workshops taught by wonderful authors like Barbara Curtis, BJ Taylor, Brandilyn Collins, and many others whose names don’t start with B. I met agents and editors who are very intimidating by reputation, but very personable and encouraging face to face. Bill Butterworth taught every night. I laughed, I cried, it moved me!

I met several of my “virtual” friends from blogs, Facebook and Twitter. I enjoyed getting to know Mary Hampton, MelodeeMelodee (I never did learn her last name), Cheryl Ricker, Cheri Williams, Jan Kern, Tricia Goyer and Sharon Souza. It turns out they are all real people. And really terrific people.

Prayer was an important element in this year’s conference for me. I prayed with the Inspire writers constantly, even with one who didn’t come. We kept in touch by phone. I know the other members of Inspire were also praying for us.

I pitched my grief devotional book and received some very helpful feedback from one agent. She told me my writing was too safe and I need to put more of myself on the page. And you know, I did not take her words personally or feel defensive. I actually appreciated her comments and told her so. For those of you who know me well, you know this shows some growth on my part. So I will re-work the manuscript until it is permeated with my blood and re-submit it.

I also pitched a novel that I recently started writing and received a very favorable response from another agent. She wants to see the project when half the chapters are completed.

So, I have my marching orders. I will be a busy writer for the foreseeable future.

I’ll keep you posted.

Gratefully,

Beth

 

I’m Going to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

Very early tomorrow morning, I will be heading to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference with a group of writers from Inspire. I am so excited that I doubt I'll sleep much tonight.

Why am I so excited?

• Well, Mount Hermon is a gorgeous place, located a short drive from Santa Cruz and some beautiful Northern California beaches.

   

• I love spending time with Christian writers. These are my people. Really. Something amazing happens when a group of people who love Jesus and love to write come together to worship God, seek his will and improve their craft.

   

• I get to travel with several of the Inspire Christian Writers! We will be praying for and with each other throughout the conference.

   

• I can't wait to meet several online friends (from Facebook, Twitter, and ShoutLife) and connect with them in real life.

   

• I get to spend five days alone with Jesus. (As alone as I can be with hundreds of other writers.) Every time I attend a Christian writer's conference Jesus shows up. He speaks to me and gives me direction, affirmation and lots of love. I need that.

   

• The classes and workshops and keynote addresses are always fantastic. I learn and grow and am stretched in ways I never imagined each time I attend.

   

• And I'll be meeting with agents and editors to pitch my books.

So, now I'm off to bed to try and sleep. My next post will be from Mount Hermon.

Gratefully,

Beth

PS: Thanks to those of you who are praying for me, Dee, Joanne, Lori, Chris and Kelli. We really appreciate it!

News from Across the Web: Baby Stellan, Montana Plane Crash, Red Envelope Abortion Protest, Tea Party Rallies, and a Luscious Lemon Pie

I've been a busy girl this week and have so much to share with you that I thought it best to condense it into one quick post. You can learn more about each item by visiting the links.

Please pray for baby Stellan and his precious family.

Here's the side of the Montana plane crash story you won't see on network news or in the newspapers. I hope it spurs you to prayer like it did me.

And while we're talking about abortion, have you purchased red envelopes for the abortion protest yet? I found some at Tuesday Morning (yes, real cheap!) They are also available at Kinko's and craft or stamp stores. Check here for more info. Then mail out those envelopes on March 31^st.

And since we're in the mood to protest, why not participate in a national tea party (Taxed Enough Already) protesting our government's economic stimulus plan, the mounting national debt and the forced redistribution of wealth. The Tea Party Rallies will take place on Wednesday, April 15, in cities all across the country. You can find out details for the rally in your area here: http://www.teapartyday.com/

Okay, I know these are all heavy issues. Once you've followed those links and learned what you can do about some of the more serious things going on around us, stop by 4 Reluctant Entertainers and be encouraged to open your home and your heart to others during this beautiful Spring season. Sandy provides great entertaining advice and delicious recipes like this one for Creamy Lemon Pie. Yum!

Okay, that's enough information for today. I hope you will join me in prayer for Stellan and for our nation. I also hope you will stand up for the unborn, and for the next generations, who will bear the consequences of decisions made in our generation.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Gratefully,

Beth

Too Many Books? Donate to Christian Library International

For the record, I don't believe you can have too many great books. However, during my recent home office renovation, I decided to part with some titles because I need the space. Heartbreaking, I know.

Here's the good news: I found this great organization that distributes Christian books to more than 900 prisons and jails in 49 states. So, I'm boxing up the books I am not likely to read again and shipping them off to Christian Library International.

Now my books will have the opportunity to impact the lives of inmates, bringing them hope, encouragement and the truth about how much God loves them. Isn't that wonderful?

If you have books that need to find a new home, go to www.christianlibraryinternational.com for shipping information.

 

Gratefully,

Beth

Share a Little Spring: Daffodils in a Vase

I have a confession to make and I might as well tell you before these bulbs rat me out. I am a procrastinator. I know, I'm working on it. Well, at least I plan to work on it. Soon. Really, I will.

But meanwhile, I bought these gorgeous daffodil bulbs with every intention of planting them around my yard. I love daffodils and was excited to find them at such a great price at Costco many weeks ago.

The time for planting them came and went. They sat in my garage, taunting me for my negligence. Every time I pulled into the garage their presence reminded me of yet another un-done task.

Then a couple of days ago, I visited 4 Reluctant Entertainers and found Sandy's suggestion to make gifts of them. I loved her idea so much, I copied it. And voila!

 

So, if you have a bag of bulbs hanging out in your garage, and want to share a little Spring joy with a friend, neighbor or your child's teacher…here's a quick and easy way to do it.

Step 1: Gather (or purchase) several glass vases (or glass jars), smooth stones and some daffodil bulbs. I purchased these vases and the stones at the Dollar Tree store. (Don't have any bulbs? Leave me a comment and I'll send you some. I have about 50 left! Just hurry, they're sprouting.)

 

Step 2: Wash the vases or jars. Add a handful of stones.

 

Step 3: Nestle in the bulbs, pointed ends up.

 

Step 4: Attach a pretty ribbon. Add water to the vase, so the bulb roots are sitting in water, but most of the bulb sits above the water.

Step 5: Deliver to someone you want to bless with a little touch of Spring. (Be sure to keep at least one for yourself.) Place in a sunny spot and wait for Spring to magically appear.

Don't you love it when procrastination turns out so well?

Now go share a little Spring.

Gratefully,

Beth

Beyond the Call to “Pray for Your Enemies”

This morning I read a great article written by my friend Norris Burkes and I want to share it with you. Norris is a chaplain in the California National Guard, currently serving in Balad, Iraq. He is also a syndicated columnist and author of the book No Small Miracles.

Here's the article: Enemies Need Prayer, Care, Too.

Go ahead, click over and read it, then let me know your reaction to it.

Gratefully,

Beth

Valentine’s Day Ox

How cute is this?! This ox was born nineteen days ago near Tokyo, Japan. Just in time to celebrate Valentine's Day. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

 

Enjoy,

Beth

Why is Kissing So Much Fun?

Scientists have discovered why kissing feels so good. You can read about their study at Telegraph.co.uk

After you have read up on the pleasures and benefits of kissing, why not grab your Valentine and do your own research!

Happy Almost Valentine's Day!

Beth