Blown Kisses

I've been sick this week. Feeling a little better today, I went to dinner with my son's family.
"No hugs & kisses!" I said as I washed my hands before leaving.
After a pleasant time together, we made plans for later in the week.
Then the 5 year old kissed me on the cheek & his little sister blew me kisses good-bye!
Sure beats all the medicine in the world seeing smiles & getting blown kisses.

If I could bottle them, I'd drop my insurance coverage.
Feeling better just thinkin' about it!

Muse Online Writers Conference

This was a unique experience. Nearly 1900 attendees from around the world came together, via computers, to a 7 day writer's conference. I attended 20 one hour live sessions & at least that many workshops. I have copied 2 notebooks full of handouts. Topics ranged from simple writing tips: "write everyday" to complex information on publishing and promotion. As I finish the last day of the conference, I want to tell you, my reader, that I will be putting to use many of the things I've learned about writing skills, websites, promotion, etc. because it it my heart's desire to encourage you wherever in life this finds you. As a Christian writer, I feel that it is my responsibility to do my very best, which includes continuing to stimulate these gray cells of mine with new, and appropriate knowledge.

Hectic Pace

What a week! I am "attending" a free online writers conference that is a week long. Over 1800 attendees from over 10 countries are there.
I signed up for 26 1 hour live sessions, but because life happens I have missed several already. But there are ongoing forums, which I actually like better than the live chats.

Just think- I don't even have to get dressed much less figure out what to wear, no hurry, hurry, wait at the airport, no huge hotel and food costs, & yet there are the perks: give aways & special pricing, a book store, networking, & free access to many of the presenters.

There has been a minor price to pay for ink. I've used up over half of an ink cartridge & filled one notebook with handouts & I'm only half way through the week.

The live sessions are one hour long and many follow one after another. Thank goodness that some folks are slow typists so I can sneak a bathroom break in once in a while. Oh, yeah, I've also broken my rule about no eating & drinking at the computer.

Manipulating my normal weekly activities around the conference has been a challenge at times, but well worth the effort.

I am learning about all phases of writing: writing specifics, marketing, self-promotion, publishing tips, funds/grants, how to have a book tour online, & more.

All this because a Canadian writer wanting to share the pluses and minuses of the writing-publishing world.

I will persevere & not quit because this opportunity is priceless!

Sorting buttons

I'm a bit on overload... can I be too blessed?

The website is nearly completed for the new e-zine. The writers will gain access today, but it will remain locked until Nov.17th for the public- except for the home page & the subscription page. As soon as the domain name is added, I'll let you know so you can subscribe & never miss an issue!

A new development... that means another blessing! On Friday I became the editor for "The Encourager." It is a printed newsletter that goes out to folks with chronic illnesses. 130 men & women in 30 states plus Canada, UK, Australia, & Israel receive it every other month. I already write a column for it & was e-mailing prayer requests so I have begun to know these precious people. Many are homebound so uplifting mail is a highlight for them.

Got to spend time with my son & gr'kids on Sat. That's them ( above)! Nothing like gr'kids to wear you out AND energize you at the same time! Love those little hugs & kisses, too!

Yesterday I was too wired (must be the hair in the small picture above) so I sorted buttons! Real buttons; you know, the kind you sew on? Sometimes you just a no-brainer to settle down all those thoughts that begin to run into themselves. Other no-brainers I've used include: the art of coloring books, playing solitaire or Scrabble, doing laundry, & filing papers. My theory is that when you change tasks to these repetitious, boring actions, it requires a different part of your brain to kick in. Thus resting the super-active area for a while. It works for me most of the time. The added benefit is I came up with a few simple Christmas projects to do while I was sorting the buttons.

So now I'm back to clickin' on the buttons & doing fine!

Will update you soon.

Shalom, Connie

From Blogs to Webs!

"I am not sure that I am ready for this!" As soon as that thought entered my mind, I just had to laugh. It hasn't been that long ago that I asked, "What's a blog?" Then I set out to create one.
Well, my first one is out in cyberspace somewhere. This one has been here a while & then I added another one in July. Although, I've still more to learn here, I have been "sent" to build a website.

Now, I'm not technically inclined, but I am determined... or maybe, stubborn? Or maybe, it's because my Boss does His best work in my areas of weakness. Well, you better believe I am outside of my comfort zone! Yet, it is exciting to be birthing a new online magazine. Who says you can't be expecting when your 63 years old? Sarai laughed when she was in her 90's- God changed her name to Sarah & she gave birth to Isaac. Then there was Moses. He was nearly 80 when he had a "career" change- from shepherd to God's spokesman to the pharaoh.
So here I am- in good company- going from writer to publisher/editor/writer of 4Him2U!

Forgive me, if I'm not blogging like I should. I'll keep in touch! Right now I have to learn about RSS feeds and buttons and bows... and thingamajigs.

Shalom, Connie

The Garden Photo

Gotta set up a photo shoot.Where? How should I pose? Do I want it to tell more than just my face?
Those were the thoughts I had. Then an idea popped in, "Go to the hospital!"
Don't laugh, we have a lovely hospital. Healing permeates its decor from the moment you walk in. As you enter through the revolving door, you stand among trees and plants. Then you see a wall with water slowly flowing down several panels; to the right is a fireplace with overstuffed chairs that welcome you to rest awhile.
In fact, all of the waiting areas are restful, filled with greenery and soft music; and almost all of the patient rooms have mountain views.
On the second floor is a small, lovely chapel with a nearby outdoor garden. That's where I am in the photo- seated on rocks near a small waterfall with the statue of a reader. What a better place for a Christian author!
So ignore the warm breeze that's blowing my hair... listen to the babbling sound of the water as it slowly falls across the rocks into the pond... consider The Reader. Maybe, she's you sitting on the rock ledge! Maybe, she's reading my story!

Keepin'On Keepin' On!

This gramma is having a hard time keeping up lately, but have you ever tried telling God, "Whoa!" He just says, "Keep moving, Child."

Now when He calls me Child, I just have to remember that my earthly body is temporary; and wearing it out for Him is okay. Erma Bombeck once said,"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say "I used everything you gave me.'" Me, too! But I also must add it is only because He said, "My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness." (2Cor. 12:9 NIV)

So, how is God moving in my life? I'm glad you asked.

I'm learning how to design a website for a new e-zine coming this fall. And you just gotta know, that's Him 'cause I'm technically -0 on a scale of 1-10. A trial site is at www.4Him2U.highpowersite.com, if you want to take a peek- comments welcomed.
I'm preparing to hold a writer's Bible study on-line with Christian writers living in different zones. Technical stuff again...
My new columns are blessing me as I write them- isn't it amazing how God ministers to us as we go about His work!

Wow, my little gray cells are mighty busy and so is my Prayer Team. Thanks, my friends!

Stop by again soon; I'll keep you posted.

Shalom, Connie

Crossroads

Confused where to go? What to do? When? Why? How?

Me, too! Politics confuses me. Technology confuses me. Business tactics confuse me.
Dwelling on the things that I do not know or wish I knew yields confusion that can spiral into depression. But we were not meant to know everything well. Each of us has knowledge, skills, and talents unique to us plus, hopefully, some commonsense.

What's the key to this dilemma of what, where, when, and how? I believe it is relationships and networking. Through the building of positive relationships we learn what people know, who we can trust and depend upon. They in turn have their network of people who know and people that can be trusted. Another term may be "word of mouth."

We are all looking for answers to simple and complicated issues: Who is honest when it comes to insurance? Who is the best doctor for you? When is the right time to buy or sell a car or a house? What school system is good or should we home-school? Which computer system will meet your needs? How to pick a tomato that will actually taste like a tomato? And on it goes...

Recently, I watched a mother teaching her young daughter how to shop for groceries. She demonstrated how to pick the good plums, explained the difference between "each" and "by the pound," when to buy brand names versus cheaper store brands, and how to have a balanced diet. Her trip to the grocery store probably took twice as long, but the benefits will last for years. We need to do more of that!

Older women need to mentor younger women, boys need to have men in their lives to look up to, teens need safe places to go where guidance isn't a threat, all of us need to become better listeners.

I know I am rambling. I am frustrated that I live in the richest country in the world, but children go to bed hungry. That politicians spend billions of dollars campaigning, but millions cannot afford health care. That people can work for 40+ years then, when they retire, they have to decide between buying medicine or food.

Are you at a crossroad? Are you looking for answers?

Here's where I am suppose to say, "Look to God, He has the answers!"

I love the Lord with all my heart. He does guide me in my decisions; He does answer prayers. But God gave man the knowledge, emotions, skills and talents needed to responsibly care for this world. Have we fulfilled that responsibility? When are we going to look away from our needs to the needs of those around us? When are we going to really listen to one another?

Selah-

Think on these things-

Each of us are at a crossroad, what choices are you going to make? What will the ripple effect of those choices be?

I am going to ask my Heavenly Father, what choices He wants me to make. I am going to ask Him for a peek at the ripple effect of my actions so I will understand that what I do can change this world.

" I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and what I should do and can do, by the grace of God, I will do." How about you?

Shalom, Connie

"I'll be praying for you" is the greatest gift anyone can give IF they are sincere. I have mentioned previously that I never say those words unless I mean them because I feel that they carry a huge responsibility. After all, Revelations 5:8 tells us that the prayers of the saints are kept in golden bowls as a sweet fragrance to God.
That said, I am asking for some prayer warriors- folks serious about praying.

New opportunities have come my way and, with each one comes the possibility for opposition. Lucifer will use any barrier he can to keep me from fulfilling God's plan.

Over the years I have learned several things about the evil angel, who was cast from heaven & God's presence. He is real. He is angry at God & constantly challenging Him- even though he knows he cannot win. He isn't very smart, but he is sneaky. He uses our weaknesses to create stumbling blocks, potholes, & rough roads so we will detour from the path to God. The more God asks of us, the more Lucifer will try to distract us- the aim is to keep our focus off of God. Most important is that he hates the name of Jesus & the sweet fragrance of prayer is offensive to him.

Selah-

As I strive to please God through my writing, I need the protection of prayers. I will be publishing & editing a new on-line magazine, writing a monthly column for Positively Feminine (www.Positively Feminine.org.) and a bi-monthly column for The Encourager. I have also been given the opportunity to be the Assistant Editor for The Encourager; my main responsibility will be their prayer ministry. In addition to these new tasks, I continue to lead a Bible Study for writers & a support group for those who are chronically ill or have chronic pain.

Join in ministry with me through daily, supportive prayer. Leave a comment & let me know a bit about yourself so I can pray for you.

Shalom, Connie

Updates

My cardiac tests were within normal. I am jumping for joy! Waiting wasn't easy, but I am relieved & ready to increase my activity & exercise.

Have just learned some new things about blogging so you will be seeing some changes in the near future.

Meanwhile, I am writing & preparing... Expecting! A new e-zine 4Him2U is coming this fall, near the holidays. This is an exciting new, adventure for me & the Sonrise Writers. More details soon.

Shalom, Connie

Fatigue Can Overwhelm

I love the cartoon Maxine; she says things... well, in a way I wouldn't. There is one where she's resting in a hammock & just letting the world carry on without her. I have had to try that lately because I tire very easily & get short of breath with exertion, I am pacing myself better & prioritizing my needed activities. I make sure I have rest times in between all that I do.
The cause is unknown at present. I am having a cardiac Stress Test tomorrow to rule out the heart as the cause.

Meanwhile, I haven't posted so I can use my computer time to prepare for my next God-Event. More on that later as it falls into place with His timing. 2 Corinthians12:9 never meant more to me than now. And Habakkuk 2:2 is my goal.

Today I want to recommend 2 novels by Brenda Rickman Vantrease: The Illuminator and The Mercy Seeker. Although they can be read as stand alone books, The Illuminator is first & sets the scene & characters for The Mercy Seeker. Although not sold as Christian books they truly are and I guarantee that you will never view the Bible the same after reading them Yes, they are fiction, They are based on historical fact, are well researched, & expertly writing. You can find them at bookstores & through Amazon. My little local library has them so check out yours because they are hardcovers.

Shalom, Connie

Enjoy!

Christian MySpace Graphics

HopeKeepers

Rest Ministries* was founded by Lisa Copen & is affiliated with Joni and Friends to encourage those with chronic illnesses & chronic pain to live a full, quality life regardless of barriers. All members have at least one chronic illness &/or chronic pain, including myself. (I am a diabetic with hypertension, arthritis, degenerative joint disease & chronic depression.)

Today, I am facilitating the first HopeKeepers support group at the retirement center where I live. First we will get to know one another and exchange phone numbers. On bad days- days of not feeling well, of no energy, of increased pain- we can call each other to chat or to ask for prayer. Because of our bond via our chronic illnesses- often invisible to others- we will have an understanding that requires few words.

Outdoors the temperature is expected to rise near 100 degrees; inside, we'll be cool & comfortable as we share a poem, "Shelf Life," by Mariane Holbrook & discuss one of my devotionals, "Soaring Above Adversity."

It is with great joy that I begin this new opportunity of hope!

Shalom,
Connie

* "Rest Ministries, Inc. exists to serve people who live with chronic illness or pain by providing spiritual, emotional, relational and practical support." HopeKeepers Magazine and Rest Ministries Website are the foundation of their outreach.

Fireworks: A Celebration

The fireworks just ended & I had my choice of VIP seating. I live one mile from the Butte where they are traditionally displayed. I could sit on my patio or walk next door to the church's parking lot. I chose the latter; & had an unobstructed view of our country's birthday celebration.

Popcorn, lemonade, & other goodies were passed around during the oohs & aahs. A nice way to end the day with friends & fellow believers.

Sadly, conditions here in Central Oregon are very dry & resulted in several fires on the butte. Extra fire trucks came & the fire was controlled, but it is always sad to see trees burn. Thankfully the fire was going uphill. (Many businesses, apartments, & homes are at the bottom of the butte.)

The most important part of my day was earlier during a conversation with my 5 year old grandson. We talked about being free to be Christians, free to go to church, free to speak about God. He, of course, couldn't comprehend not talking about Jesus. And, you know, I really don't fully understand it either as I have never been in a country where it wasn't safe. The closest I have come is when writing to friends in Nigeria. They advised me what I could write & what to avoid so that my letter did not put them into any danger.

Yes, I was blessed to sit outside in the churchyard watching the amazing colors burst overhead with patriotic music playing through speakers behind us. I can think of no better place to say "Thank you, Lord, for the U.S.A.! Help me to understand the freedoms I have and to fully use them to worship, praise, and share Your Word."

Tomorrow & next few days will be 96-100 degrees with possible thunder & lightning- a very dangerous time for wildfires. Pray that homes & lives will not be lost. (Several acres burned today- one a few miles from me.)

Mask Removal Time

I told you that I would take off my mask and be honest with you, my readers.

Today, I remove the mask of deception.

I wanted to enter a competition for an Oregon Literary Art Fellowship even though the timing was short- only two days. (It was in our local newspaper on Tuesday and the deadline was Friday at 5 p.m.)

I filled out the form answering all the questions for the Non-Fiction Literary Award and for the Women Writers Award. Then I set about editing the first 20 or so pages of my book.

It was time consuming because the original was on my computer that crashed; thus I had to retype it as I edited it. On page five I lost it all!

The rules stated emphatically that no late entries would be accepted. If I could complete it by 4:30 p.m., I could mail it via overnight delivery; but I am not a fast enough typist to retype and edit the lost five pages plus 15 more to meet that dateline.

I was angry and thought I would write a letter to the Literary Art stating that Central Oregon writers were not allowed enough time to enter... but I didn’t.

Why not? Because I had taken all mention of God out of my story so I would have a better chance of winning the fellowship.

As a Christian writer, I write to glorify God, who called me to write. Ethel Herr wrote, “We tend to think we are first ministers with a pen. However, before we can minister, we must learn to worship and regard all our writing as an act of worship, done for God’s pleasure.”

I am thankful that I lost those pages. I am sad for the loss of a possible $2500 as it could have paid for additional writing lessons through The Christian Writers’ Guild and for their annual conference plus supplies, like ink cartridges, paper, and research.

Being “called to write,” I have a responsibility to glorify and please the One who called me. I cannot and will not wear that mask of deception again. By next year, I’ll be a better writer and I’ll enter The Literary Arts competition with a clear conscience.. As Ethel Herr puts it I must share openly and honestly what represents my genuine self or how can I show others how to face tension and solve problems.

What mask are you wearing today? Is it time to remove it?

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

Needling

My thumb is pain free & I am able to knit, embroider & do counted cross-stitch once again.

I am embroidering a floral picture for my niece's wedding in Sept. & the following gave me a giggle that I thought I'd share with YOU!




Sew Forth & Sew On

My needle vanished in thin air--
Most likely on this couch.
It's sure to reappear some where
If I keep looking.... OUCH!

-Mary Hamlett Goodman

Shalom, Connie

What Am I?

It's hard to imagine the life I've lived. It's been hard and rugged- not fit for any thing.
From the moment it began, my agony started- little boys throw me, cars forever run me over, people walk all over me, sweet little girls collect me, the snow buries me.
Everyday is just plain misery.
But, I know a secret! I am not very big- that's true- and, if I am thought about at all, I am considered useless.
Yes, I know a secret. I am needed even if am a __________________.

Fill in the blank via Comments & I'll share your answers.

Shalom, Connie

When Needlework Isn't Work

My grandson calls it "threading" when you make a picture using colored threads, yarns, beads, and other embellishments.

To me it is love in action as I stitch a picture of a basket filled with summer flowers for my niece's wedding.
To me it is an act of love when I knit a sweater for my grandchild.
To me it is privilege to finish the counted cross-stitch bookmark for a friend.
To me it is a passion fulfilled when I knit a prayer shawl for someone who is suffering.

Each stitch is completed with love and a prayer intertwined- they are my way of saying "I care!"

What do you do well that you can share?

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

Cans of Adventure

As a child, my favorite place to go was to the Boreman's* house. The 6 children had a list of chores and responsibilities that had to be completed before playtime. Although lacking money, the Boerman's were rich in togetherness, creativity, encouragement and love. Talents were encouraged & there was an old upright piano for sing-alongs.

Mealtime at the Boerman's was always adventure as the pantry was filled with unlabeled cans, which a nearby grocery store saved for them at a very low cost. Each meal one child was designated to pick out whatever number of cans were needed for that particular meal. The older girls and/or their mother- me, too, when I was visiting- made a meal out of whatever was in the chosen cans. We would shake them to guess their contents, but often we were wrong. Sometimes we ended up with unique soups filled with various vegetables. Other times we put together a casserole or a meal in-a-dish. Many laughs, sighs, and "ooh,no!'s" were heard as each can was opened. What we thought was soup may have been cranberry sauce or a can of fruit would turn out to be carrots. Somethings went together well; others... well, let's just say there were unique flavors at some meals.

I have to say that I never had a bad meal there for Mom Boerman was good with spices and herbs, and very innovative. We never left their table hungry for there usually was plenty of flour, sugar, eggs, and oil to make bread, muffins or other tummy fillers. We often played hide-and-seek or chased fireflies after the dinner dishes were done. And on weekends we'd play Michigan Rummy around the huge oak dining room table as we nibbled on popcorn or caramel corn, and drank kool-aide while our parents played cards in the kitchen or talked about homesteading in Alaska.

Those were special times. I saw the saying, "If there's a will, there's a way" in action. People have called me creative, and innovative, but I am not. I rarely come up with a new idea, but I am great at adapting ideas to whatever is available. Missing a couple ingredients for a recipe? Using what I have, I'll come up with a variation of that recipe. Working on a new craft project, I'll substitute the materials on hand or ones that I can afford, and I'll end up with a alternative craft project.

I don't think I realized how much of an influence Mom Boerman was in my life. Now it is too late to tell her.
Tomorrow I am going to send some notes to some of the other special people in my life.

Who do you have to thank? Don't wait... let them know they made a difference in your life!

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

* name changed for privacy

Oh, no!

I don't believe I did it! Worse, I don't know what I did.

But I injured my right hand- yep! the one I surgery on.

Today the x-ray was fine. Whew, I didn't mess up the surgical repair. My hand hurts a bit, but that's probably a good thing as it reminds me to be careful.

So I will rest it for another day or two then begin my next needlework project. That's all for today...

Shalom, Connie