Tuesday, May 26, 2009
This I Believe
The word believe means “to accept as true or fact.” The concept of faith goes one step further as it is “a confident belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.” Both of these words involved a conscious decision to accept or reject. When people ask me what I believe, I always think about my faith.
Over the years my faith has become an inseparable part of me. Just like my eye color, somewhere along the course of my life my faith has become a distinguishing characteristic that defines the very woman I strive to be. On first blush, you might see me as a wife or a mom, perhaps a friend or a teacher. Lately I’ve been trying very hard to get people to see me as a writer. But what I need for you to really see is that I am a woman after God’s own heart at my very core. (I Samuel 13:14)
Explaining faith to people who don’t have it is just about impossible. It’s like showing a frustratingly inadequate photograph of an indescribable, awe-inspiring vision. You cannot appreciate the scope of faith’s majesty, unless you’re there to actually experience it for yourself.
My faith is uniquely personal. You cannot have your mother’s faith or your friend’s or even your church’s. Over the course of this life’s laughter, tears, tragedies and joys, my faith has become a unique representation of what blessings the Lord has given me and what sorrows the Lord has seen me through.
My faith is vibrantly alive. You’re not done until you’re in the box. I like to ask questions about stuff I don’t get and do extensive research about stuff that intrigues me. I am responsible for nourishing and tending this garden and I work hard at it.
My faith knows no limits. I believe that while God delights in my strengths, His greatest plans are for my weaknesses. It took a long time for me to understand that whenever I said, “I can’t” I was limiting God, not myself.
My faith is a trusting choice. It is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith makes an ordinary life extraordinary. Without God, I am a shy, introverted, insecure woman who feels that she's never pretty enough, smart enough, clever enough, or strong enough to be much good to anyone. But God doesn’t make mistakes. That has to mean that I’ve got everything I’m supposed to have in order to succeed according to God’s plan for me. Stunningly, I have the capacity to make God smile. How amazing is that?
In this I believe.
More importantly, in this I have faith.
Over the years my faith has become an inseparable part of me. Just like my eye color, somewhere along the course of my life my faith has become a distinguishing characteristic that defines the very woman I strive to be. On first blush, you might see me as a wife or a mom, perhaps a friend or a teacher. Lately I’ve been trying very hard to get people to see me as a writer. But what I need for you to really see is that I am a woman after God’s own heart at my very core. (I Samuel 13:14)
Explaining faith to people who don’t have it is just about impossible. It’s like showing a frustratingly inadequate photograph of an indescribable, awe-inspiring vision. You cannot appreciate the scope of faith’s majesty, unless you’re there to actually experience it for yourself.
My faith is uniquely personal. You cannot have your mother’s faith or your friend’s or even your church’s. Over the course of this life’s laughter, tears, tragedies and joys, my faith has become a unique representation of what blessings the Lord has given me and what sorrows the Lord has seen me through.
My faith is vibrantly alive. You’re not done until you’re in the box. I like to ask questions about stuff I don’t get and do extensive research about stuff that intrigues me. I am responsible for nourishing and tending this garden and I work hard at it.
My faith knows no limits. I believe that while God delights in my strengths, His greatest plans are for my weaknesses. It took a long time for me to understand that whenever I said, “I can’t” I was limiting God, not myself.
My faith is a trusting choice. It is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith makes an ordinary life extraordinary. Without God, I am a shy, introverted, insecure woman who feels that she's never pretty enough, smart enough, clever enough, or strong enough to be much good to anyone. But God doesn’t make mistakes. That has to mean that I’ve got everything I’m supposed to have in order to succeed according to God’s plan for me. Stunningly, I have the capacity to make God smile. How amazing is that?
In this I believe.
More importantly, in this I have faith.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I've Lost A Book!!!!!
I'm the proud author of ten books, but if you look to the right you'll see only nine books featured. Who would have thought that progress in my writing career would have meant that I’d ‘loose’ a book? The missing book is Rosamund’s Bower my historical fiction story set in the 12th century.
Last year, to my great delight, Rosamund’s Bower won the 2008 Golden Rose award in the category “novel with romantic elements.” (http://www.rosecityromancewriters.com/2008contest-winners.html). What excitement! Oh what uninhibited screaming and dancing with joy in the privacy of my office!
Last year, to my great delight, Rosamund’s Bower won the 2008 Golden Rose award in the category “novel with romantic elements.” (http://www.rosecityromancewriters.com/2008contest-winners.html). What excitement! Oh what uninhibited screaming and dancing with joy in the privacy of my office!
But things have gotten even more exciting! The agent responsible for judging that contest category asked to see my entire manuscript. (The contest only allows you to enter your 1st fifty pages.) After almost three months, my writer dreams have come true! Paige Wheeler of Folio Literary Management, (http://www.foliolit.com/) has offered to represent my stories and me!!! Consequently, the self-published edition of Rosamund’s Bower needs to be withdrawn for the time being while this wonderful story of faith, love, and hope gets shopped around to publishing houses.
Who would have thought that ‘loosing’ a book would be such a wonderful thing? Not me … until now.
What’s next for me? Only the Lord knows. Seriously. I’m praying for Big Black Arrows (God’s clear direction). I’m determined to be known as a ‘woman after God’s own heart’ (I Samuel 13:14) which means my primary goal is to make Him smile in all I say and do.
It’s a fascinating journey. I’ll keep you posted!
My Theme:
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:20-21 TNIV
In the course of my research on Rosamund Clifford, I discovered this glorious painting of Rosamund and Queen Eleanor. It's currently on display at The Bridgeman Art Library in London. They were kind enough to give me permission to use the picture on the cover of my self published book.
Cover Art Credit: Queen Eleanor and Fair Rosamund (WDM27988)
by Morgan, Evelyn De (1855-1919)
© The De Morgan Centre, London/ The Bridgeman Art Library
Nationality/copyright status: English/out of copyright
Used by permission.
Friday, April 17, 2009
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