Writing From Home

Lamenting Limitations

I've never liked limitations. Diets, budgets, schedules. I despise them all. For some reason I think I should be able to do it all: eat what I want and be thin, spend what I want and have money in savings, do what I want and have time and energy to spare. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way.

Barbara Curtis said something at Mount Hermon that has stuck to me like poison oak, making me uncomfortable until I do something about it. She said, “As a writer, your life will not look like the life of other mommies who do not share your call.”

That’s true I thought, in addition to all the things my "normal" mommy friends do, I write, edit, lead a writers group, attend conferences, submit articles and book proposals, receive rejections and encouragement and spend a lot of time improving my craft. I write blogs, read constantly, critique other writer’s work and learn everything I can about the Christian publishing industry. Wow! No wonder I sometimes feel overwhelmed.

What I think Barbara was telling me was that if I am going to take my call to write seriously, I must do all of the above instead of some of the things my mommy friends do.

If I am going to be a fully-engaged mommy and fulfill my call to write, I have to take some things out of my life. That’s the part that itches and then hurts when I scratch it.

I’ve been wrestling with what to take out of my life.

Maybe I could cut out some of my daily chores. Did you know it takes about 24 hours a year to make my bed every morning? It’s true, I did the math. That’s a whole day! Just think of the time I could save by not making dinner and not doing laundry? Wouldn’t that be something? Right. That'll never work.

So, I have to look elsewhere for things to cut. And I’ve started by saying “no” to all new opportunities that do not directly benefit my marriage, family or writing. That’s right, “no” to watching TV--unless I’m ironing or cooking. “No” to going out to lunch with girlfriends. “No” to selling hot dogs at my son’s baseball games.  

Don’t worry, I’m not going to go overboard and live like a monk. I will still get the occasional pedicure and celebrate birthdays with friends. I’m not going to be legalistic about it, I’m just adjusting to make more room in my life for my writing. Without taking time away from my Jesus, my husband and my children. I’m learning to live within my limitations of time and energy. How about you?

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

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

Pulled from the Web

I am going through my emails and peeking at websites others have alerted me to. I wanted to share some of the fun things I've found with you.

 

Here they are:

 

What is your Birth Verse? Find out at www.birthverse.com/mybirthverse.cfm

 

Want to know how your state ranks on religion? Find out at USA Today

 

Would you like to see a really cool birthday surprise? Check out What's in the Box.

 

Enjoy!

Beth

To the Rescue?

What would you do if a family you knew suddenly became homeless? It is a question requiring some prayer, some thought and some action.

It is a question I was confronted with this past week when Brandilyn Collins posted an urgent prayer request on Facebook for Liz and Katy (a widowed mom and her 16 year old daughter) who had just been evicted from their home and were living in their car. The story captivated my attention. Liz and Katy put names and faces to the fears we have for ourselves and our loved ones in these painful economic times.

I prayed immediately for Liz and Katy while my husband searched the internet for support organizations in their area. They live in Campbell, CA. I forwarded the information, but knew that wasn't enough and continued to pray.

About the same time, Brandilyn began using her PayPal account for donations to help Liz and Katy. Money started to trickle in. I knew that would help, but only until the funds run out. I continued to pray. I know from reading Brandilyn's blog and Facebook page that many, many people are also praying.

Through Brandilyn's PR connections, the media became involved. ABC and NBC both interviewed Liz and Katy. CNN picked up the story and now Good Morning America will interview them next week.

Liz and Katy will get the help they need, but that's still not enough. Many others are teetering on the brink of homelessness. So, I continue to pray.

I believe that as the Body of Christ we are charged with the responsibility and privilege to help those who are in need. We cannot wait for the government to step in, or for someone else to help them. It is our job!

Now back to my original question: What will you do if a family you know suddenly becomes homeless?

I hope we will all follow Brandilyn's example and use our networks, our influence, our finances, and our prayers to help those in need.

We must jump in and take hold of those who are swimming in the dangerous waters of homelessness and help them to shore.

 

If you want to help Liz and Katy or learn more about their story, go to Anywhere but Here. To help others in distress, pray for a sensitive heart and I'm sure God will provide opportunities.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned at Christmas

We can miss our wonderful life while striving for something more.

--George Bailey taught me this in It's a Wonderful Life.

 

Childlike faith is infectious.

--Learned from Buddy on Elf.

 

If we hide our light so that we fit in, we cannot be used by the Big Guy to do wonderful things.

--Lesson learned from Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer.

 

If I always have a song in my heart, I will never show up without a gift to give.

--I have this firsthand from The Little Drummer Boy.

 

Christmas magic eludes those who do not believe.

--If you are not convinced, climb aboard The Polar Express.

 

When you help the persecuted, amazing things happen.

--I learned this from Miracle on 34^th Street.

 

My destiny and legacy are decided by the choices I make today.

---The Ghost of Christmas Future while watching A Christmas Carol.

 

Skipping Christmas sounds like a great idea. If Christmas consists only of shopping and eating and spending—might as well skip it. But Christmas is so much more!

--Just ask the Kranks. (Christmas with the Kranks)

Goodbye 2008!

For a fun recap of 2008, check out Dave Berry's The Year in Review.

 

Packing Up Christmas

Packing Up Christmas

By Elizabeth M. Thompson

 

It is time to clean up after a fun and somewhat chaotic Christmas. As I pack up all the remnants of our celebration, I am reminded of Mary's reaction to the blessing of the first Christmas. After Jesus Christ was born and the shepherds came to see Him, and then left to spread the good news, Luke 2:19 tells us, "…Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

There are a few things I will treasure up and ponder in my heart as well.

The Christ Child

As I pack my nativity set into its box for safe-keeping, I want to keep the birth of Christ tucked safely into my heart. I want to remember always that the God who created the universe and spoke all life into existence, humbled Himself and came into the world as a little baby. Not the warrior His people anticipated. He did not come with the armies of Heaven to set the world straight and create peace. No, He came gently, humbly and set a pattern for living and for dying for all of us to follow. He did bring peace, but not through the sword. His peace is inside our hearts, though the wars rage around us. I want to keep His peace in my daily life.

 

Unexpected Gifts

I have often wondered if a certain family member had any faith. We have walked down some dark and painful paths together and I have never heard him express a faith in God. I hoped. But I didn't know. This year, at one of our many family gatherings, this family member led us in prayer. Not just any prayer, but a heartfelt prayer to a very personal God. Wow! That was one of my unexpected gifts this Christmas. I will treasure it in my heart.

 

Forgotten Gifts

While organizing my closet—the secret place I always hide the Christmas gifts—I came across two presents that somehow eluded my midnight wrapping session on Christmas Eve. They sit on the shelf next to my summer shoes as a reminder to give all that I have to give. I don't want to hold anything back in this life. If I die with my song still inside me, it will be a great tragedy. This year, I want to give my gifts their full voice and leave nothing sitting on the shelf to collect dust.

 

Joyful Chaos

I'm a go-with-the-flow kind of girl. I have never thought of myself as a control freak. Sure, I have friends who are, but I have never placed myself in that group. I'm pretty easy going—to a point. I hit that point on December 21st this year.

 

Our plans to get together with the Thompson clan were thwarted when two of the six families could not meet as planned Christmas day at my brother-in-law's house. My husband and I really wanted everyone to be together, so we committed to an impromptu gathering at our house on the 21^st. We had only a week to buy and prepare all the food, set up extra tables, find eight more chairs and wash and iron eight table cloths. Everything came together flawlessly except one small thing: my attitude! I was exhausted and I wanted everything to be perfect. I had a difficult time relaxing and enjoying the family. I expected perfection and got …well…

Children laughed and ran around inside my house like it was a playground, leaving trails of chocolate fingerprints and half-emptied glasses everywhere. The dogs were in the kitchen, licking feet and looking for scraps. Gift wrap flew around the living room like hurricane debris, threatening to ignite on contact with my candles.

 

My house was a mess. I was exhausted, but in the end I surrendered to the mayhem and enjoyed my company in spite of myself. I treasure my extended family and the memories we made. I look forward to doing it again next year, hopefully at my brother-in-law's house.

Lights

At Christmastime I line the driveway and sidewalks leading to my front door with 156 luminaries. I love the soft glow they give off and the warmth they add to the cold winter nights. They speak of hospitality saying, "This is the way to a warm home, good food and friendly conversation."

I could never get away with lighting them year-round, but I want to keep their hospitable message long after I have packed them into the attic. I want others to find comfort and blessing in my home. You won't see my luminaries again until the day after Thanksgiving next year, but I hope you will feel their essence if you visit my home.

Stockings

Christmas stockings are such amazing things. You hang them up empty and the next morning they are filled! I am packing away our stockings, but I want to become like my stocking. Every night I will empty myself of my concerns and ask God to fill me with His Spirit, His gifts, His presence. And in the morning, I will anticipate good things as the day unfolds. Just like opening my stocking on Christmas morning.

The Promise of Future Gifts

This year my wonderful husband bought me the gift I wanted most—a Kindle. He did not realize that Kindles are back-ordered or he might have made his decision a little sooner. As it is, I have several weeks of anticipation ahead of me. When Jesus came into my life, one of the gifts He promised me is eternal life with Him. Though I know someday I will experience the ultimate fulfillment of that promise, today I have the joy of anticipating it.

 

Gifts to Those in Need

Each year we adopt a family at Christmastime. Each year we provide Christmas dinner and a few modest gifts. This year, after all the excitement of Christmas recedes to memory and we settle back into our routines, I want to keep giving to this family. I want to help the mom learn English and mentor her. I want to encourage her as a parent and a wife. I want to share with her the Savior whose love compels us to reach out to her family. I hope she will visit my church and maybe make it her church home, too. I want to give more to her than a once-a-year handout. I want to invest in her family through friendship.

 

Now that Christmas 2008 is a memory and all the trimmings are packed away for another year, I have much to be grateful for, much to learn from and much to treasure away in my heart.

 

Gratefully,

Beth