We have a college age daughter who is wondering right now how to find her passion and purpose in life. She asked me recently how I found mine.
After lots of conversation, it really came down to the journey.
I think too many times we feel we should know right now what we are supposed to do. But even though writing and speaking are in my DNA, I still had to explore life a while before I settled into my focus and purpose.
So here I am in my mid-forties discovering the adventure of my own purpose while my college age daughter is beginning the search for hers. I had to tell her not to worry about finding it immediately.
It's important to explore, work in a few different interests, work if you must in a job you don't like in order to get the funds to explore. But consider that job a springboard into a search for the calling. As long as you have something to pay the bills, you will have the opportunity to search.
I think it is very important to have a positive mental attitude even in a job that isn't the place you want to be long term. Why? You never know who you will meet or how that particular situation comes into play later. You always want the people you work with and for to be glad they knew you. Besides, a job is a blessing and gives you the ability to bless others by doing that chore well.
We all have to do things we don't like. Things that look and feel like plain old boring stuff. But when you polish a plain old boring rock, you can make it shimmer and shine. So polish up that attitude and do what you have to do so you have the chance to do what you want to do in the future. Make people glad you are there so that you hear about those special ideas and possibilities that are just perfect for your personality. (I actually did get a different job that way once. Someone watched the way I handled customers at a very uncomfortable position. When a better one came open at a different company, they told me about it right away. Voila! I had a better, happier place to work because I did the best I could where I was at.)
So what if you don't know your purpose?
You explore, keep your mind in a positive place, do the best you can do right now in the situation you are in, and leap when the chance comes. But if you are negative, that chance may pass on to someone else.
Polish your plain old rocks and make them shine so they catch attention :-D
Angie
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wild Things by James/Thomas
Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James and David Thomas (Tyndale House Publishers, February 2009)
Playing off the themes in the Caldecott Medal-winning children's book Where the Wild Things Are, this informative, practical, and encouraging guide will help parents guide boys down the path to healthy and authentic manhood. Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of a boy, written by two therapists who are currently engaged in clinical work with boys and their parents and who are also fathers raising five sons. Contains chapters such as “Sit Still! Pay Attention!” “Deficits and Disappointments,” and “Rituals, Ceremonies, and Rites of Passage.”
From the Back Cover
Born to be . . . wild!
A boy’s endless imagination, hunger for adventure, and passionate spirit are matched only by his deep desire to be affirmed, esteemed, and loved.
Yet over the past few decades, our culture has adopted a model of parenting and educating boys that doesn’t affirm, celebrate, or embrace a boy’s hunger, passion, or wildness but rather seeks to tame it. As a result, many parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors find themselves frustrated, confused, and wearied by boys’ behavior.
The truth is, boys don’t need to be tamed—they need to be understood, loved, challenged, and encouraged.
Wild Things helps parents, teachers, mentors, and others understand and explore the hearts, minds, and ways of boys—and the vital role that parents and caregivers play on the journey to manhood.
Based on clinical research and filled with practical tips and suggestions, Wild Things gives fresh insight and much-needed encouragement on the road to raising boys.
Author Bios:
STEPHEN JAMES, M.A. is a private-practice therapist in Nashville, TN. He is husband to Heather and father to Emma Claire, Elijah, and twins Henry and Teddy.
DAVID THOMAS, M.S.S.W. is a therapist and director of counseling for men and boys at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. he lives in Nashville with his wife, Connie, daughter, Lily, and twins Baker and Witt.
Now you have a chance to ask Stephen and David YOUR boy parenting questions during their Virtual Book Tour on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd. Register now for this live event. You can hear Stephen and David answer your questions online or via your phone. You’ll get all the details when you sign up—along with two free chapters from their book!
A Virtual Book Tour lets you listen live while relaxing in your home. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
.
www.StephenandDavid.com
Angie's Take:
I've raised 3 sons and several other boys have been through my home, some staying for several months or longer. I think one of the most important things we can do is understand the nature of a young man and raise him with an understanding that being a boy is normal. I love that these authors are bringing out a book on raising boys! So needed in theses days and times. Please don't miss the pages at the back. There are several really quick articles that answer questions we all wonder about. Really, DON'T MISS THOSE!
I also loved the chapter on how to mother my son at different stages. It's very helpful even though my last and youngest son is nearly out of the nest. I still have grandsons that will need parenting (and hopefully, their mommies will keep them close
by :-)
Playing off the themes in the Caldecott Medal-winning children's book Where the Wild Things Are, this informative, practical, and encouraging guide will help parents guide boys down the path to healthy and authentic manhood. Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of a boy, written by two therapists who are currently engaged in clinical work with boys and their parents and who are also fathers raising five sons. Contains chapters such as “Sit Still! Pay Attention!” “Deficits and Disappointments,” and “Rituals, Ceremonies, and Rites of Passage.”
From the Back Cover
Born to be . . . wild!
A boy’s endless imagination, hunger for adventure, and passionate spirit are matched only by his deep desire to be affirmed, esteemed, and loved.
Yet over the past few decades, our culture has adopted a model of parenting and educating boys that doesn’t affirm, celebrate, or embrace a boy’s hunger, passion, or wildness but rather seeks to tame it. As a result, many parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors find themselves frustrated, confused, and wearied by boys’ behavior.
The truth is, boys don’t need to be tamed—they need to be understood, loved, challenged, and encouraged.
Wild Things helps parents, teachers, mentors, and others understand and explore the hearts, minds, and ways of boys—and the vital role that parents and caregivers play on the journey to manhood.
Based on clinical research and filled with practical tips and suggestions, Wild Things gives fresh insight and much-needed encouragement on the road to raising boys.
Author Bios:
STEPHEN JAMES, M.A. is a private-practice therapist in Nashville, TN. He is husband to Heather and father to Emma Claire, Elijah, and twins Henry and Teddy.
DAVID THOMAS, M.S.S.W. is a therapist and director of counseling for men and boys at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. he lives in Nashville with his wife, Connie, daughter, Lily, and twins Baker and Witt.
Now you have a chance to ask Stephen and David YOUR boy parenting questions during their Virtual Book Tour on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd. Register now for this live event. You can hear Stephen and David answer your questions online or via your phone. You’ll get all the details when you sign up—along with two free chapters from their book!
A Virtual Book Tour lets you listen live while relaxing in your home. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
.
www.StephenandDavid.com
Angie's Take:
I've raised 3 sons and several other boys have been through my home, some staying for several months or longer. I think one of the most important things we can do is understand the nature of a young man and raise him with an understanding that being a boy is normal. I love that these authors are bringing out a book on raising boys! So needed in theses days and times. Please don't miss the pages at the back. There are several really quick articles that answer questions we all wonder about. Really, DON'T MISS THOSE!
I also loved the chapter on how to mother my son at different stages. It's very helpful even though my last and youngest son is nearly out of the nest. I still have grandsons that will need parenting (and hopefully, their mommies will keep them close
by :-)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Are you interested in furthering your knowledge of the writing craft?
Ask a How-to Author! Margie Lawson's High Energy Interview Series
Don't miss these opportunities!
-- Win a how-to book from a writing expert.
-- Win a Lecture Packet from Margie Lawson.
-- Crawl around inside a how-to author's brain!
Drop by Five Scribes Blogspot on the LAST WEDNESDAY of each month
to learn how-to author's factoids and funtoids -- and ask questions.
Each how-to author will respond to blog comments.
http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/
JANUARY 28th: James Scott Bell, Plot & Structure, Revision and
Self-Editing
James Scott Bell is the award-winning author of several novels of
suspense and historical intrigue. Booklist and the Los Angeles Times
compared James Scott Bell to Raymond Chandler and Dasheill Hammett.
WRITE GREAT FICTION: PLOT & STRUCTURE, 2004, is one of the
most popular writing books today. His 2008 how-to book,
WRITE GREAT FICTION: REVISION & SELF-EDITING, is equally strong
and a must-have for writers of all genres.
Feb. 25th -- Featured How-to Author for February: HALLIE EPHRON!
Hope to see you at the Five Scribes Blogspot on the LAST WEDNESDAY
of every month! http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/
Questions? Want to recommend a how-to author to be interviewed?
E-mail: Margie@MargieLawson.com
Don't miss these opportunities!
-- Win a how-to book from a writing expert.
-- Win a Lecture Packet from Margie Lawson.
-- Crawl around inside a how-to author's brain!
Drop by Five Scribes Blogspot on the LAST WEDNESDAY of each month
to learn how-to author's factoids and funtoids -- and ask questions.
Each how-to author will respond to blog comments.
http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/
JANUARY 28th: James Scott Bell, Plot & Structure, Revision and
Self-Editing
James Scott Bell is the award-winning author of several novels of
suspense and historical intrigue. Booklist and the Los Angeles Times
compared James Scott Bell to Raymond Chandler and Dasheill Hammett.
WRITE GREAT FICTION: PLOT & STRUCTURE, 2004, is one of the
most popular writing books today. His 2008 how-to book,
WRITE GREAT FICTION: REVISION & SELF-EDITING, is equally strong
and a must-have for writers of all genres.
Feb. 25th -- Featured How-to Author for February: HALLIE EPHRON!
Hope to see you at the Five Scribes Blogspot on the LAST WEDNESDAY
of every month! http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/
Questions? Want to recommend a how-to author to be interviewed?
E-mail: Margie@MargieLawson.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Organizing-the beginning
It's a funny word-organizing. I just imagine a three year old trying to pronounce it. It's a funny word.
Organizing is a concept that people understand, but don't really understand unless they are gifted with the ability. Some of us have to push through the lack of gifting ;-) I have to go down to spartan to build it into what I want or all I have is a mish-mash. You can't get any more spartan that the way my office looked last year before our Japanese exchange student stayed with us for 7 months.
Many people have mentioned to me that they think I am well organized. (Pssst, don't talk to my hubby because he just might laugh.) The truth? I have had to learn things that help me cope because I am more the "big picture" person and not the detail oriented type.
So if you are detail oriented and very organized, I invite you to share your tips on how to keep paperwork, kitchens, families or where ever your gifting lies for organization with me. I'm always looking for another good idea right down to cleaning out my bookshelves and reorganizing them.
Right now I'm tackling paperwork, insurance and recreating my office space on top of my duties as a volunteer officer for American Christian Fiction Writers and my Assistant Minister position at church (and on top of our family owned business.) I know, I know. sigh. I can't do it all at once. So I will take it one at a time. This week is insurance from 2008 which will lead to paperwork and then to creating my office environment in a now vacant upstairs bedroom.
The tips I can share?
Make a list and mark it off. I do this to remember or I am easily distracted.
Live out of my day timer. I do this because if I don't, lol, I don't remember. (The daily list goes right in my month at a glance.)
Work on one thing at a time. I do this because I am too easily distracted and otherwise can't finish.
If it is complicated I write it out until I "get it."
Once I have an idea of the steps I need to take, I delegate ruthlessly in order to be more effective. Luckily, right now I have an awesome office assistant/dispatcher. But what happens when she takes vacation or maternity leave? Ack!
So please, your turn to share :-)
Angie
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hello!
As we start a new year (and with Valentine's Day coming very soon!) I wanted to give you an opportunity to help the 21 children at Sanctuary of Hope #1 and #2 (homes for Kenyan children without homes or sustenance otherwise) through the purchase of Pamba Toto jewelry. In the past month they have added quite a few new pieces as well as handmade purses--some of which are pictured below.
"We appreciate your support so much as we continue the work of helping orphaned children in Kenya."
Please visit www.pambatoto.com for more information and to order.
Thank you for your consideration as this jewelry supports 21 children who would otherwise live on the streets!
Angie
.jpg)
As we start a new year (and with Valentine's Day coming very soon!) I wanted to give you an opportunity to help the 21 children at Sanctuary of Hope #1 and #2 (homes for Kenyan children without homes or sustenance otherwise) through the purchase of Pamba Toto jewelry. In the past month they have added quite a few new pieces as well as handmade purses--some of which are pictured below.
"We appreciate your support so much as we continue the work of helping orphaned children in Kenya."
Please visit www.pambatoto.com for more information and to order.
Thank you for your consideration as this jewelry supports 21 children who would otherwise live on the streets!
Angie
.jpg)
Hold Your Editing Horses!
Cognitive Style and the Editing Process
-- Guest Blog by Margie Lawson
Drop by the American Title V Finalists' blog on FRIDAY, JANUARY 23rd, and learn if you're Right-brained, Left-brained, or Whole-brained.
American Title V Finalists: http://loveconquers.wordpress.com/
Want to win a Lecture Packet from Margie Lawson?
One out of every 25 people posting a comment on the blog will win a Lecture Packet of their choice:
1. Empowering Characters’ Emotions (offered on-line in March)
2. Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices, and More (offered on-line in May)
3. Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist
4. Powering Up Body Language in Real Life:
Projecting a Professional Persona when Pitching and Presenting
5. Parts 1 and 2: Digging Deep into the EDITS System
6. Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors
www.MargieLawson.com
Cognitive Style and the Editing Process
-- Guest Blog by Margie Lawson
Drop by the American Title V Finalists' blog on FRIDAY, JANUARY 23rd, and learn if you're Right-brained, Left-brained, or Whole-brained.
American Title V Finalists: http://loveconquers.wordpress.com/
Want to win a Lecture Packet from Margie Lawson?
One out of every 25 people posting a comment on the blog will win a Lecture Packet of their choice:
1. Empowering Characters’ Emotions (offered on-line in March)
2. Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices, and More (offered on-line in May)
3. Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist
4. Powering Up Body Language in Real Life:
Projecting a Professional Persona when Pitching and Presenting
5. Parts 1 and 2: Digging Deep into the EDITS System
6. Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors
www.MargieLawson.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Coming To Grips With Genesis: Biblical Authority and The Age of the Earth
[Dr. Terry Mortenson and Thane Ury]
[9780890515488] Retail Price: $16.99
Web Price: $13.59
Angie's Take:
I have to mention how important it is to be curious. Too often we take someone's word for what we should really discover ourself. Think about the Bible. How often have you really challenged a speaker or even your own religious leader in the presentation of a certain verse or passage? Do you? Or do you just accept whatever they say as honest and true to the intent of the Word of God?
I'm one who isn't satisfied with the answer just because someone says it is so. I like to explore and discover if that is the correct assumption.
What I like about this book, Coming To Grips With Genesis, is the in depth research presented to back up the debate about a young earth. Not only are modern arguments well presented, but so is the original man who introduced an idea-even if it is quite ancient. I had no clue how accessible some of our ancient religious scholars could be. I also was surprised at how many philosophers, scientists, orators and religious fathers could be found and quoted.
I began to understand more fully where some of the original erroneous ideology comes from and how circuoutus. I was stunned to learn some of the ancient knowledge about the creation of the earth and the formation of certain words in the original language. I was impressed by the chronological tracing through the thought processes of educated scholars from many sources including Greek, Jewish, and Christian as well as pagan up to the present scientific community.
In my opinion, this is an excellent teaching source on not only Genesis, but also excellent logic and speech and debate.
Do you want to expand your mind and ability to reason? Take the time to explore.
One draw back that is actually a benefit: I know, you are saying, "Huh? How can a draw back be a benefit?"
It's a technical read. You will need a dictionary for an occasional word. That can be daunting. But honestly, what's so bad about learning a new word now and then? What's so bad about being directed to the source the information is pulled from? It's not the easiest book you'll ever read, but it is one that holds a wealth of research at your fingertips.
So who would enjoy reading this? I think people who are open-minded and enjoy tough debate, especially methodic and precise personalities, and those that would like a great resource to help sort out the old versus new creationism. I think students who are in high school and college would learn well with a mentor/teacher guiding them through, but if speech/debate teams studied the words of the master debaters through the ages, I think they would excel in competitions. Think about it, the great minds down through the centuries are all willing to engage in healthy debate. Many of those "conversations" are in this book. The editors have included many great thinkers and their use of logic through excellent written debate and oration.
The book blurb:
Fourteen theological scholars address key topics related to the age of the earth, which is the crucial issue of debate in the church today regarding origins. Bringing to bear rigorous biblical, theological, and historical arguments in favor of a six-day creation, the global Flood, and a young earth, they also provide much-needed critiques of a number of contemporary old-earth interpretations of the book of Genesis.
This fresh defense of the literal history of Genesis 1-11 nicely complements other studies which focus more on the scientific evidence of young-earth creationism. As such, this book can serve as a versatile supplement to other works, but is also designed to be used as a standalone text for seminary and Bible college professors and students, pastors, missionaries, and others who want in-depth apologetic resources.
Coming to Grips with Genesis: Biblical Authority and the Age of the Earth includes:
Forewords by Dr. John MacArthur, President of the Master’s Seminary and Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA; and the later Dr. Henry Morris, Founder and President Emeritus, Institute for Creation Research, Detailed analysis of the verbs of Genesis 1, A defense of the Genesis 5 & 11 genealogies as strict chronologies, Reasons for rejecting millions of years of death and natural evil before Adam’s sin, Careful reflection on Jesus’ teachings regarding a young earth.
6 x 9 • 450 Pages • Paperback
Buy it here
or by calling New Leaf Press at: 800-999-3777
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hi all--
One of our RomVets members is currently deployed to Iraq. (Romvets is a group of women who are military veterans and also write romance. We have a few who are still on active duty as well). Anyway, Jess has asked for some help through Theresa Bodwell, a member here in Missoula, and she passed this on to other willing participants like me even though I was not an active duty military veteran, I am interested in helping.
Here is her note:
Hi Y'all,
Y'all have been fabulous your continued support and I"m really grateful. I've got a mission
and I need some help.
See, there are schools over here and some of them have like 800 kids, 4 teachers and 10
books (this is a number from an actual school and I'm sure these numbers are reflected
across our footprint). Anyway, can you all round up pencils, crayons and kids books (text
books, abc's, learn to count, coloring books, anything at all) (not sure if you can find any
in Arabic but that would help tremendously, too, as the literacy rate is abysmal).
The only way we have a chance in changing the hearts and minds is through education
and showing the children that there is a better way. I figure we can start small with
coloring books of kids playing instead of throwing rocks, you know? Soccer balls, stuffed
animals, all of that sort of thing would be greatly appreciated.
So can you all pool together and ship as much of those types of things as you can? I'll get
them out to our commanders.
Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Jess
www.jessdawson.wordpress.com
If you'd like to be involved, please contact me so I can connect you to the package set being put together here in Montana.
Thank you,
Angie
PS If you know my email, go ahead and use it. If you don't, you can contact me through www.angelabreidenbach.com on the contact me page and it will go to me right away.
One of our RomVets members is currently deployed to Iraq. (Romvets is a group of women who are military veterans and also write romance. We have a few who are still on active duty as well). Anyway, Jess has asked for some help through Theresa Bodwell, a member here in Missoula, and she passed this on to other willing participants like me even though I was not an active duty military veteran, I am interested in helping.
Here is her note:
Hi Y'all,
Y'all have been fabulous your continued support and I"m really grateful. I've got a mission
and I need some help.
See, there are schools over here and some of them have like 800 kids, 4 teachers and 10
books (this is a number from an actual school and I'm sure these numbers are reflected
across our footprint). Anyway, can you all round up pencils, crayons and kids books (text
books, abc's, learn to count, coloring books, anything at all) (not sure if you can find any
in Arabic but that would help tremendously, too, as the literacy rate is abysmal).
The only way we have a chance in changing the hearts and minds is through education
and showing the children that there is a better way. I figure we can start small with
coloring books of kids playing instead of throwing rocks, you know? Soccer balls, stuffed
animals, all of that sort of thing would be greatly appreciated.
So can you all pool together and ship as much of those types of things as you can? I'll get
them out to our commanders.
Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Jess
www.jessdawson.wordpress.com
If you'd like to be involved, please contact me so I can connect you to the package set being put together here in Montana.
Thank you,
Angie
PS If you know my email, go ahead and use it. If you don't, you can contact me through www.angelabreidenbach.com on the contact me page and it will go to me right away.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Trying something new in exercise
Alrighty then, can I just say--OW!
I tried Yoga in a free class offered by our church's office manager. It was very gentle and we had a break to oogle a new baby. Well, she had to take the break as we all left our mats and oogled, lol.
I liked Yoga.
So I took a class from my gym yesterday. I did like it, but I sure feel it today. In fact, I felt it last night only a few hours later.
I've been hearing how good it is for the body. I would have to agree. I learned just how weak my muscles are from all the shaking I did while trying to pose.
For those of you afraid to make a fool of yourself in front of people, do what I did. Laugh about it. I couldn't hold many of the poses without falling over. I'm reasonbly fit from cardio and regular exercise. But I did not even know there were muscles in . . . yeah, we aren't going to mention those.
I did learn that yoga is an awesome help to posture. That makes me excited. I need better posture being a writer. I hunch too much and get neck/head aches from it. I am enthusiastic about learning something new too. I'd gotten bored with weight lifting and treadmill. (Although I do love reading while on the treadmill and eliptical!)
I'd also gained a few pounds over the holiday. I had to quit working out as I'd caught the Norovirus and was honestly not up to it. So the few pounds and the weakness is getting kicked out! Back on track, not because of the New Year or anything, because I have a long term plan for health and wellness.
So I shake. Yep. I shake while trying to balance and fighting to stretch very tight hamstrings. But instead of putting my mind on the early, painful signs of growth, I'm setting my mind on the goal. A couple of months down the line, I'm not going to be shaking and fallilng over. I'm going to be stronger and healthier.
In the meantime I am going to enjoy making my instructor smile as we giggle together about my clumsy ways. It's actually fun to make someone else smile. Not a bad thing at all.
Revamping my exercise plan has given me a new interest in the health of my body from an entirely new direction. Cool. It's pretty relaxing too. A very good thing for me. I've already lost 2 pounds!
I did discover that I don't really like ylang ylang oil. A bit too cloying for my sniffer. But how fun it is to try it once when the instructor offered it as we relaxed at the end.
Have you tried something new for the health of your body recently?
Are you afraid of making a fool of yourself?
Could you try anyway?
Angie
I tried Yoga in a free class offered by our church's office manager. It was very gentle and we had a break to oogle a new baby. Well, she had to take the break as we all left our mats and oogled, lol.
I liked Yoga.
So I took a class from my gym yesterday. I did like it, but I sure feel it today. In fact, I felt it last night only a few hours later.
I've been hearing how good it is for the body. I would have to agree. I learned just how weak my muscles are from all the shaking I did while trying to pose.
For those of you afraid to make a fool of yourself in front of people, do what I did. Laugh about it. I couldn't hold many of the poses without falling over. I'm reasonbly fit from cardio and regular exercise. But I did not even know there were muscles in . . . yeah, we aren't going to mention those.
I did learn that yoga is an awesome help to posture. That makes me excited. I need better posture being a writer. I hunch too much and get neck/head aches from it. I am enthusiastic about learning something new too. I'd gotten bored with weight lifting and treadmill. (Although I do love reading while on the treadmill and eliptical!)
I'd also gained a few pounds over the holiday. I had to quit working out as I'd caught the Norovirus and was honestly not up to it. So the few pounds and the weakness is getting kicked out! Back on track, not because of the New Year or anything, because I have a long term plan for health and wellness.
So I shake. Yep. I shake while trying to balance and fighting to stretch very tight hamstrings. But instead of putting my mind on the early, painful signs of growth, I'm setting my mind on the goal. A couple of months down the line, I'm not going to be shaking and fallilng over. I'm going to be stronger and healthier.
In the meantime I am going to enjoy making my instructor smile as we giggle together about my clumsy ways. It's actually fun to make someone else smile. Not a bad thing at all.
Revamping my exercise plan has given me a new interest in the health of my body from an entirely new direction. Cool. It's pretty relaxing too. A very good thing for me. I've already lost 2 pounds!
I did discover that I don't really like ylang ylang oil. A bit too cloying for my sniffer. But how fun it is to try it once when the instructor offered it as we relaxed at the end.
Have you tried something new for the health of your body recently?
Are you afraid of making a fool of yourself?
Could you try anyway?
Angie
Monday, January 19, 2009
Little White School House Archeological Project
One of the projects I've had the pleasure of talking about on the radio in 2008 is the Little White School House. A boy scout troup in our town is renovating this building to save it from destruction, preserve the history of our area and to provide a new community center for public use. I'd like to introduce Kris Crawford, the project director, and a need they have for the Missoula, MT historical records. If you happen to have other information, I know the scouts and Ms. Crawford would be more than happy to accept it.
In my opinion, this is as much a mission field opportunity as any other.
Please feel free to contact her with your responses.
Thank you,
Angie
I need help with some research at Target Range Historic school house. We have several archeological areas that we need help with.
Our project is run on donations of time and services alone. So we have no funding. I am applying for grants this winter.
Right now we are researching an old Great Falls Montana potato gunny sack that was found in the wall for insulation. We believe it to be from the 1940's.
I am having a heck of a time finding information on this. Can you join our project and help?
Sincerely;
Kris Crawford
project director
406-549-9665
546-6412
In my opinion, this is as much a mission field opportunity as any other.
Please feel free to contact her with your responses.
Thank you,
Angie
I need help with some research at Target Range Historic school house. We have several archeological areas that we need help with.
Our project is run on donations of time and services alone. So we have no funding. I am applying for grants this winter.
Right now we are researching an old Great Falls Montana potato gunny sack that was found in the wall for insulation. We believe it to be from the 1940's.
I am having a heck of a time finding information on this. Can you join our project and help?
Sincerely;
Kris Crawford
project director
406-549-9665
546-6412
Saturday, January 17, 2009
First Fruits
Last night I was reading one of my favorite authors before bed: Tosca Lee's Havah: The Story of Eve. Something she wrote really made me think about how I spend my time with God.
She wrote a simple line about an observation Havah has concerning a sacrifice her son, Kayin, made. "It wasn't his first fruits." Simple. She went on to describe the beautiful and lush offering. That it was his best work that he gave. But it wasn't his first.
I wondered why. Why did it matter that it wasn't his first if it was his best?
It struck me why this morning that the first fruit is something God asks us for in our lives. It's putting Him before all the rest. Our best can never meet His best. It's all a pittance compared to His best. I imagine it's something like a kindergartener coming home with a scribble drawing that we display and praise. We go nuts over it because it is the joy in the gift that the child has done, not the skill in it or the beauty.
It struck me also that when I wait to spend time with God, my mind has not been with Him until that time. I start off with my mind wandering around the wilderness.
But if I offer Him my first fruit of my time, then it would be when I first wake. Hmm. Is there anything wrong with doing devotions at night? I don't think so. But now I am changing to understand (maybe He's nudging me to understand a concept) that my first fruit is in every part of my life and not just my tithe.
So here I am on this journey to understand and I think I'll change a little to give God the time to bring to fruition what He means by First Fruit. I'm going to try making the start of my day an offering of First Fruit.
I'm curious where He will lead. How about you?
Angie
She wrote a simple line about an observation Havah has concerning a sacrifice her son, Kayin, made. "It wasn't his first fruits." Simple. She went on to describe the beautiful and lush offering. That it was his best work that he gave. But it wasn't his first.
I wondered why. Why did it matter that it wasn't his first if it was his best?
It struck me why this morning that the first fruit is something God asks us for in our lives. It's putting Him before all the rest. Our best can never meet His best. It's all a pittance compared to His best. I imagine it's something like a kindergartener coming home with a scribble drawing that we display and praise. We go nuts over it because it is the joy in the gift that the child has done, not the skill in it or the beauty.
It struck me also that when I wait to spend time with God, my mind has not been with Him until that time. I start off with my mind wandering around the wilderness.
But if I offer Him my first fruit of my time, then it would be when I first wake. Hmm. Is there anything wrong with doing devotions at night? I don't think so. But now I am changing to understand (maybe He's nudging me to understand a concept) that my first fruit is in every part of my life and not just my tithe.
So here I am on this journey to understand and I think I'll change a little to give God the time to bring to fruition what He means by First Fruit. I'm going to try making the start of my day an offering of First Fruit.
I'm curious where He will lead. How about you?
Angie
Friday, January 16, 2009
2009 ACFW Book of the Year Contest!
Many people love writing contests. This one is no exception. As the new ACFW publicity officer, I get to share in promoting the 2009 ACFW Book of the Year contest. So here to introduce the details, I'd like to turn it over to the contest coordinator, Ronie!
Howdy, y'all! Well, I'm absolutely thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the ACFW 2009 Book of the Year contest. The contest officially launches Monday, JANUARY 19, 2009 and will receive books through March 31, 2009. The various Boards have discussed and implemented several considerable changes to the contest this year, so if you plan to enter, please be sure to read this email (or those posted online at acfw.com/boty.shtml later next week) in its entirety. Let's also remember not to discuss the contest or guideline changes on the loop as this is not appropriate loop discussion. Direct all questions to me, privately, please.
Also, I will send out an official launch email and FAQ on Monday. PLEASE be patient and wait until I've posted the FAQ before emailing any questions. Hopefully, your questions will be answered in the FAQ email. We're still crazy-busy getting things tidied up and ready for your precious babies! :-D If you don't see your qeustion answered Monday with the FAQ, please feel free to email me at boty@acfw.com.
What follows is the full text of the 2009 official guidelines, but I will first highlight a few changes.
**PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED***
ELIGIBLE PUBLISHERS
I am delighted to announce a change that will be good news for many. We are opening our contest to small presses that in the past have not qualified! Here is the criteria this year regarding publishers that qualify:
Books must be written from a Christian worldview in any genre, and the publisher must:
1) not offer subsidy contracts in any form,
2) offer advances, AND
3) be a royalty-paying publisher.
SCORE SHEETS
Second, after much discussion among the Boards and myself, the scoring system has been changed. Judges will no longer fill out lengthy score sheets but will fill out a tally card on which they'll place their score for each entry. These tally cards will NOT be returned to the entrant at the end of the contest.
PAYMENT
We are now allowing electronic payments in addition to checks and money orders. On Monday, the entry form can be found online, along with the address to send the books to (please be aware that the address changed from last year) and a link to make your payment online. If payment is made online, please be sure you send your application/Contestant's Agreement and books to the coordinator. Your title is NOT entered until all three items (books, fees, entry form/Contestant's Agreement) are received by Ronie Kendig, the coordinator.
Please note: the online payment link is not active since the contest is not yet open.
WINNERS
This year at the Gala Awards in Denver (you are coming, aren't you?) while we will announce the top five finalists in each category, only the first-place winner will be announced and recognized. This decision was borne out of the significant increase in entries we received, and as a result, the number of finalists (many categories had ties) made the ceremony too lengthy. As usual, we will recognize the editor of the winning entry.
DEBUT AUTHOR
Last year was the first time we offered this category to recognize up-and-coming authors who had their first book released. I love this category and was delighted that we had roughly two-dozen entries. How awesome! However, we quickly realized a necessary change--if you enter a title in both Debut Author and a genre category (the only exception to a title being in more than one category), then you must pay for both category entries (in other words, $35 for each category, for a total of $70 for that title). This is because I still have to secure judges, which means we incur the costs of mailing additional books.
2009 ACFW Book of the Year
Rules and Guidelines
a.. The contest is open to published ACFW members in good standing. An author can join ACFW at the time of entry by filling out a membership application and submitting the application along with the membership dues.
b.. Books must be written from a Christian worldview in any genre, and the publisher must: 1) not offer subsidy contracts in any form, 2) offer advances, AND 3) be a royalty-paying publisher.
c.. All contest entry information and appropriate fees must be received by the contest coordinator no later than March 31, 2009. Failure to meet the appropriate deadline shall result in disqualification, and the entry fee shall be forfeited. The author is responsible to make sure all materials (books, fees, and application) are submitted on time to the contest coordinator.
d.. All deadlines are final.
e.. Fee of $35.00 per title entered must be paid online via PayPal, credit card, money order, or check (online payments made through the ACFW website www.acfw.com/boty.shtml). If entering a title as both Debut Author and a genre category, this is considered two entries and two fees are required (for a total of $70 for that title).
f.. The author shall select the appropriate category for entering the work. However, the work shall be disqualified if the word count does not match the category requirement (see "Categories" below for established word count requirements).
g.. No single entry shall be entered in more than one category (with the exception of the Debut Author category, in which case the book may be entered in BOTH Debut Author and the entry's genre category).
h.. There is no limit to the number of eligible books an author may enter in each category.
i.. In any category, if fewer than seven (7) entries are received, the category shall not be judged as General Fiction category of the contest and judged therein.
Exceptions:
1. If fewer than seven (7) entries are received in the Short Contemporary Suspense category, the category will dissolve, and these shall be entered into the Short Contemporary category of the contest and judged therein.
2. If fewer than seven (7) entries are received for the Mystery category, this category will dissolve, and these shall be entered into the Suspense category of the contest and judged therein.
3. If fewer than seven (7) entries are received in either the Long Contemporary or the Long Contemporary Romance categories, the two categories will be combined.
a.. Books entered shall not be returned.
b.. Entrant shall understand and agree that all scores are final once returned from the judge and entered into the database. Scores are assessed by individual judges who score according to an established score card. There will be no discrepancy judging or altering of scores submitted (unless there has been a computational error in determining the final score). Score cards will not be returned to the entrant.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
a.. Entry must be a work of original fictional narrative prose that is offered for sale to the general public through print media. The author must not participate financially in the production or distribution of the work.
b.. Entry must have an original copyright date (printed on copyright page) between January 2008 and December 2008.
c.. Books must be written from a Christian worldview in any genre, and the publisher must: 1) not offer subsidy contracts in any form, 2) offer advances, AND 3) be a royalty-paying publisher.
d.. Entry may NOT have previously been entered in the Book of the Year contest.
e.. Entry must be an English-language edition.
f.. Electronic and audio books may not be entered.
g.. THREE copies of the book must be submitted (unless entrant is a first-time author and eligible for the Debut Author category, then SIX are needed).
h.. All entrants are required to sign the Contestant's Agreement located on the entry form indicating their acceptance of terms.
PROJECTED CATEGORIES
a.. Contemporary Novella (between 15K and 35K)
b.. Debut Author (at least 50k)
c.. General Fiction
d.. Historical Novella (between 15K and 35K)
e.. Lits (includes chick-lit, mom-lit, lady-lit, lad-lit, etc.)
f.. Long Contemporary (70K+)
g.. Long Contemporary Romance (70K+)
h.. Long Historical (including all sub-genres)
i.. Mystery (judged in Suspense if fewer than 7 entries)
j.. Short Contemporary (Includes series/category, 45K-65K)
k.. Short Contemporary Suspense (Includes series/category & cozies, 45K-65K)
l.. Short Historical (45K-65K)
m.. Speculative (includes science fiction, fantasy, allegory, etc.)
n.. Suspense (includes thriller and romantic suspense,**excluding series/category suspense unless series word count exceeds 65K**)
o.. Women's Fiction
p.. Young Adult
PROJECTED TIMELINE
a.. January 19, 2009 - Contest officially opens.
b.. March 31, 2009 - ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED (not post-marked) by the contest coordinator. Entries must have an entry form, entry fee, and three copies (or six if entering in the Debut Author category) of the entered book.
c.. April 15, 2009 - Books sent to judges.
d.. July 15, 2009 - Score cards due back to contest coordinator.
e.. August 01, 2009 - Finalists Announced. Score cards will not be returned to the entrant.
f.. September 2009 - Winners announced at the ACFW Conference Denver, CO.
AWARDS
a.. Winner in each category receives a plaque.
b.. Editors of all winning entries receive a certificate.
E-mail Coordinator Ronie Kendig at boty@acfw.com.
Mail books and signed entry form to: (can be found the on the entry form online)
So, fabulous loopers, there you have it. REMEMBER: The contest officially launches January 19, 2009. DO NOT send books before then, please. If you have any questions, please contact me offlist at boty@acfw.com.
Blessings, y'all!!
:-)Ronie Kendig
BOTY Coordinator
Dead Reckoning (Abingdon Press, March 2010)
www.roniekendig.com
http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com
Howdy, y'all! Well, I'm absolutely thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the ACFW 2009 Book of the Year contest. The contest officially launches Monday, JANUARY 19, 2009 and will receive books through March 31, 2009. The various Boards have discussed and implemented several considerable changes to the contest this year, so if you plan to enter, please be sure to read this email (or those posted online at acfw.com/boty.shtml later next week) in its entirety. Let's also remember not to discuss the contest or guideline changes on the loop as this is not appropriate loop discussion. Direct all questions to me, privately, please.
Also, I will send out an official launch email and FAQ on Monday. PLEASE be patient and wait until I've posted the FAQ before emailing any questions. Hopefully, your questions will be answered in the FAQ email. We're still crazy-busy getting things tidied up and ready for your precious babies! :-D If you don't see your qeustion answered Monday with the FAQ, please feel free to email me at boty@acfw.com.
What follows is the full text of the 2009 official guidelines, but I will first highlight a few changes.
**PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED***
ELIGIBLE PUBLISHERS
I am delighted to announce a change that will be good news for many. We are opening our contest to small presses that in the past have not qualified! Here is the criteria this year regarding publishers that qualify:
Books must be written from a Christian worldview in any genre, and the publisher must:
1) not offer subsidy contracts in any form,
2) offer advances, AND
3) be a royalty-paying publisher.
SCORE SHEETS
Second, after much discussion among the Boards and myself, the scoring system has been changed. Judges will no longer fill out lengthy score sheets but will fill out a tally card on which they'll place their score for each entry. These tally cards will NOT be returned to the entrant at the end of the contest.
PAYMENT
We are now allowing electronic payments in addition to checks and money orders. On Monday, the entry form can be found online, along with the address to send the books to (please be aware that the address changed from last year) and a link to make your payment online. If payment is made online, please be sure you send your application/Contestant's Agreement and books to the coordinator. Your title is NOT entered until all three items (books, fees, entry form/Contestant's Agreement) are received by Ronie Kendig, the coordinator.
Please note: the online payment link is not active since the contest is not yet open.
WINNERS
This year at the Gala Awards in Denver (you are coming, aren't you?) while we will announce the top five finalists in each category, only the first-place winner will be announced and recognized. This decision was borne out of the significant increase in entries we received, and as a result, the number of finalists (many categories had ties) made the ceremony too lengthy. As usual, we will recognize the editor of the winning entry.
DEBUT AUTHOR
Last year was the first time we offered this category to recognize up-and-coming authors who had their first book released. I love this category and was delighted that we had roughly two-dozen entries. How awesome! However, we quickly realized a necessary change--if you enter a title in both Debut Author and a genre category (the only exception to a title being in more than one category), then you must pay for both category entries (in other words, $35 for each category, for a total of $70 for that title). This is because I still have to secure judges, which means we incur the costs of mailing additional books.
2009 ACFW Book of the Year
Rules and Guidelines
a.. The contest is open to published ACFW members in good standing. An author can join ACFW at the time of entry by filling out a membership application and submitting the application along with the membership dues.
b.. Books must be written from a Christian worldview in any genre, and the publisher must: 1) not offer subsidy contracts in any form, 2) offer advances, AND 3) be a royalty-paying publisher.
c.. All contest entry information and appropriate fees must be received by the contest coordinator no later than March 31, 2009. Failure to meet the appropriate deadline shall result in disqualification, and the entry fee shall be forfeited. The author is responsible to make sure all materials (books, fees, and application) are submitted on time to the contest coordinator.
d.. All deadlines are final.
e.. Fee of $35.00 per title entered must be paid online via PayPal, credit card, money order, or check (online payments made through the ACFW website www.acfw.com/boty.shtml). If entering a title as both Debut Author and a genre category, this is considered two entries and two fees are required (for a total of $70 for that title).
f.. The author shall select the appropriate category for entering the work. However, the work shall be disqualified if the word count does not match the category requirement (see "Categories" below for established word count requirements).
g.. No single entry shall be entered in more than one category (with the exception of the Debut Author category, in which case the book may be entered in BOTH Debut Author and the entry's genre category).
h.. There is no limit to the number of eligible books an author may enter in each category.
i.. In any category, if fewer than seven (7) entries are received, the category shall not be judged as General Fiction category of the contest and judged therein.
Exceptions:
1. If fewer than seven (7) entries are received in the Short Contemporary Suspense category, the category will dissolve, and these shall be entered into the Short Contemporary category of the contest and judged therein.
2. If fewer than seven (7) entries are received for the Mystery category, this category will dissolve, and these shall be entered into the Suspense category of the contest and judged therein.
3. If fewer than seven (7) entries are received in either the Long Contemporary or the Long Contemporary Romance categories, the two categories will be combined.
a.. Books entered shall not be returned.
b.. Entrant shall understand and agree that all scores are final once returned from the judge and entered into the database. Scores are assessed by individual judges who score according to an established score card. There will be no discrepancy judging or altering of scores submitted (unless there has been a computational error in determining the final score). Score cards will not be returned to the entrant.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
a.. Entry must be a work of original fictional narrative prose that is offered for sale to the general public through print media. The author must not participate financially in the production or distribution of the work.
b.. Entry must have an original copyright date (printed on copyright page) between January 2008 and December 2008.
c.. Books must be written from a Christian worldview in any genre, and the publisher must: 1) not offer subsidy contracts in any form, 2) offer advances, AND 3) be a royalty-paying publisher.
d.. Entry may NOT have previously been entered in the Book of the Year contest.
e.. Entry must be an English-language edition.
f.. Electronic and audio books may not be entered.
g.. THREE copies of the book must be submitted (unless entrant is a first-time author and eligible for the Debut Author category, then SIX are needed).
h.. All entrants are required to sign the Contestant's Agreement located on the entry form indicating their acceptance of terms.
PROJECTED CATEGORIES
a.. Contemporary Novella (between 15K and 35K)
b.. Debut Author (at least 50k)
c.. General Fiction
d.. Historical Novella (between 15K and 35K)
e.. Lits (includes chick-lit, mom-lit, lady-lit, lad-lit, etc.)
f.. Long Contemporary (70K+)
g.. Long Contemporary Romance (70K+)
h.. Long Historical (including all sub-genres)
i.. Mystery (judged in Suspense if fewer than 7 entries)
j.. Short Contemporary (Includes series/category, 45K-65K)
k.. Short Contemporary Suspense (Includes series/category & cozies, 45K-65K)
l.. Short Historical (45K-65K)
m.. Speculative (includes science fiction, fantasy, allegory, etc.)
n.. Suspense (includes thriller and romantic suspense,**excluding series/category suspense unless series word count exceeds 65K**)
o.. Women's Fiction
p.. Young Adult
PROJECTED TIMELINE
a.. January 19, 2009 - Contest officially opens.
b.. March 31, 2009 - ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED (not post-marked) by the contest coordinator. Entries must have an entry form, entry fee, and three copies (or six if entering in the Debut Author category) of the entered book.
c.. April 15, 2009 - Books sent to judges.
d.. July 15, 2009 - Score cards due back to contest coordinator.
e.. August 01, 2009 - Finalists Announced. Score cards will not be returned to the entrant.
f.. September 2009 - Winners announced at the ACFW Conference Denver, CO.
AWARDS
a.. Winner in each category receives a plaque.
b.. Editors of all winning entries receive a certificate.
E-mail Coordinator Ronie Kendig at boty@acfw.com.
Mail books and signed entry form to: (can be found the on the entry form online)
So, fabulous loopers, there you have it. REMEMBER: The contest officially launches January 19, 2009. DO NOT send books before then, please. If you have any questions, please contact me offlist at boty@acfw.com.
Blessings, y'all!!
:-)Ronie Kendig
BOTY Coordinator
Dead Reckoning (Abingdon Press, March 2010)
www.roniekendig.com
http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Genesis-The Beginning Contest for the unpublished
As the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) new publicity officer, I have the distinct honor or getting to do this today :-) Angie
The Genesis Contest for unpublished authors is now open!
So what are the rules and how do you enter?
Please be aware that there may be a few bugs in the website system, so please be patient as we work through them. But hey, we are open earlier than we would be otherwise and with very small tweaks needed.
All the information on the contest is on this webpage:
http://www.acfw.com/genesis
and the Frequently Asked Questions page has probably every question you thought to ask:
http://www.acfw.com/genesis/FAQ.shtml
If you have any other questions not answered on those pages, please email Camy Tang at genesis@acfw.com.
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL THE ACFW LOOP WITH YOUR GENESIS QUESTIONS.
I'm looking forward to a terrific year for the Genesis contest! Polish your manuscripts and enter today!
Camy Tang
Genesis Coordinator
The Genesis Contest for unpublished authors is now open!
So what are the rules and how do you enter?
Please be aware that there may be a few bugs in the website system, so please be patient as we work through them. But hey, we are open earlier than we would be otherwise and with very small tweaks needed.
All the information on the contest is on this webpage:
http://www.acfw.com/genesis
and the Frequently Asked Questions page has probably every question you thought to ask:
http://www.acfw.com/genesis/FAQ.shtml
If you have any other questions not answered on those pages, please email Camy Tang at genesis@acfw.com.
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL THE ACFW LOOP WITH YOUR GENESIS QUESTIONS.
I'm looking forward to a terrific year for the Genesis contest! Polish your manuscripts and enter today!
Camy Tang
Genesis Coordinator
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Do you like to read?
I love to read! I read all over the board from self-help non-fiction to how-to and a huge variety of fiction. I read because I grow when I read. I've read parenting books to be a better mom, relationship books to have a better marriage and even speculative fiction that has helped me grow spiritually.
The speculative fiction surprised me. It was Demon-A Memoir. Short version, a fallen angel wants his story told and he finds a way to show how his job is to cause destruction in one person's life. LOVED IT!
Now I'm reading three books at a time. I'm reading a biblical fiction book, Havah: The story of Eve (also by Tosca Lee and I adore her writing) and Coming To Grips With Genesis which is a non-fiction apologetics book that I will be posting a review on in about a week. The third is a critique for a fellow writer and it's romantic inspirational fiction.
I hear other people like to read a variety of books too. I do it because one is to relieve stress, one is for work, and the third is returning a gift that has been done for me. But I regularly read 3-5 books at a time. It's just the eclectic way I live my life.
The thing I most love about reading is that I can find something to meet my mood, curiosity or relaxation any time. But I also like what I've learned from books. I feel like I've gained an entire world of knowledge that I use every day. It's such an amazing gift, reading. I feel like I'm a better person for all the gems of wisdom that other people have poured into me through their writing.
Are you eclectic? Do you recognize personal growth when you look back at who you were 2, 5, or 20 years ago? Do you read one book start to finish or do you read eclectically?
Today, I'm feeling very thankful. I'm thankful that God created the desire to write so that people like me who love to read could enjoy such a talent.
Angie
The speculative fiction surprised me. It was Demon-A Memoir. Short version, a fallen angel wants his story told and he finds a way to show how his job is to cause destruction in one person's life. LOVED IT!
Now I'm reading three books at a time. I'm reading a biblical fiction book, Havah: The story of Eve (also by Tosca Lee and I adore her writing) and Coming To Grips With Genesis which is a non-fiction apologetics book that I will be posting a review on in about a week. The third is a critique for a fellow writer and it's romantic inspirational fiction.
I hear other people like to read a variety of books too. I do it because one is to relieve stress, one is for work, and the third is returning a gift that has been done for me. But I regularly read 3-5 books at a time. It's just the eclectic way I live my life.
The thing I most love about reading is that I can find something to meet my mood, curiosity or relaxation any time. But I also like what I've learned from books. I feel like I've gained an entire world of knowledge that I use every day. It's such an amazing gift, reading. I feel like I'm a better person for all the gems of wisdom that other people have poured into me through their writing.
Are you eclectic? Do you recognize personal growth when you look back at who you were 2, 5, or 20 years ago? Do you read one book start to finish or do you read eclectically?
Today, I'm feeling very thankful. I'm thankful that God created the desire to write so that people like me who love to read could enjoy such a talent.
Angie
Friday, January 09, 2009
Looking for Self-Respect
Oh my goodness, I was just sitting there today. Just a sittin'.
Inside the smallest cubicle of a Jiffy Lube, sat two teen girls, a young man, my husband and me. We could not NOT hear any and all conversation around us. But what happened to self-respect and discretion?
I am actually astounded at the conversation between the two girls. These young ladies spoke freely in front of strangers about their drug and sexual choices and one decided she was not going to college. O-k-a-a-a-y. Her friend asked if she was afraid of being kept out of college if she were to get a drug charge on her record. The language moved into the obscene.
The response? Nope. Didn't bother her at all because she didn't plan on going. But, don't ya' know, if she did want to go to college, her parents would just pay for it.
The manager popped his eyes in surprise at the sounds coming from a "lady."
But then the one gal decided to impress the other with her prowess at manipulation. She confessed quite proudly that she had intentionally enticed her boyfriend to the dark side. She scowled that he had been a good one (that believed in no sex before marriage) and that she'd taught him how to smoke. She went on to say that he no longer believed in no sex before marriage because she'd made sure of that. She was so happy to have given him his first cigarette and stood there watching him become addicted.
What?
What??
In all this, she didn't notice the employees behind the counter, or the other people in the tiny room. She didn't see the disbelief or worry in the expressions. Neither girl noticed how horribly uncomfortable the conversation was for all the hostages to it.
My heart broke for her. In all her proud bravado, she didn't know she had caused harm to another soul. She didn't even recognize the harm she did herself. And her friend chortled along with her, encouraging further damage.
Truly? I wanted to say something, but what?
These young ladies seemed like they'd never learned discretion, but worse, they really did not have a love for themselves or others. They seemed so lost in the chase for pleasure even at the expense of others.
As a stranger, I wasn't in an appropriate place to intervene. Nor did I want to escalate the scene. I have to say I was honestly stumped. Had it been just the two girls and me in the room, I might have entered the conversation gently. Smiled and showed interest and drawn them out. But when there are several men around, it puts a different dynamic on the situation.
Tonight I will be praying for her. But I'm also going to pray for the young ladies of our country who have been led to believe that this kind of behavior is somehow okay.
I wonder, what would you do?
Angie
Inside the smallest cubicle of a Jiffy Lube, sat two teen girls, a young man, my husband and me. We could not NOT hear any and all conversation around us. But what happened to self-respect and discretion?
I am actually astounded at the conversation between the two girls. These young ladies spoke freely in front of strangers about their drug and sexual choices and one decided she was not going to college. O-k-a-a-a-y. Her friend asked if she was afraid of being kept out of college if she were to get a drug charge on her record. The language moved into the obscene.
The response? Nope. Didn't bother her at all because she didn't plan on going. But, don't ya' know, if she did want to go to college, her parents would just pay for it.
The manager popped his eyes in surprise at the sounds coming from a "lady."
But then the one gal decided to impress the other with her prowess at manipulation. She confessed quite proudly that she had intentionally enticed her boyfriend to the dark side. She scowled that he had been a good one (that believed in no sex before marriage) and that she'd taught him how to smoke. She went on to say that he no longer believed in no sex before marriage because she'd made sure of that. She was so happy to have given him his first cigarette and stood there watching him become addicted.
What?
What??
In all this, she didn't notice the employees behind the counter, or the other people in the tiny room. She didn't see the disbelief or worry in the expressions. Neither girl noticed how horribly uncomfortable the conversation was for all the hostages to it.
My heart broke for her. In all her proud bravado, she didn't know she had caused harm to another soul. She didn't even recognize the harm she did herself. And her friend chortled along with her, encouraging further damage.
Truly? I wanted to say something, but what?
These young ladies seemed like they'd never learned discretion, but worse, they really did not have a love for themselves or others. They seemed so lost in the chase for pleasure even at the expense of others.
As a stranger, I wasn't in an appropriate place to intervene. Nor did I want to escalate the scene. I have to say I was honestly stumped. Had it been just the two girls and me in the room, I might have entered the conversation gently. Smiled and showed interest and drawn them out. But when there are several men around, it puts a different dynamic on the situation.
Tonight I will be praying for her. But I'm also going to pray for the young ladies of our country who have been led to believe that this kind of behavior is somehow okay.
I wonder, what would you do?
Angie
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
The Perfect Match
The Perfect Match by Susan May Warren
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
The Perfect Match
(Tyndale House January 1, 2009)
by Susan May Warren
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.
The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.
You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ellie Karlson is new to Deep Haven. As the town’s interim fire chief, she is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life. Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews. As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can’t fight—the one Dan has set in her heart.
(This book is the repackaged edition published in 2004)
Awards:
2004 American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year
A Romantic Times Magazine TOP PICK – 4½ stars
Review:
Romantic Times Magazine:
Vibrant characters and vivid language zoom this action-packed romance to the top of the charts. This is a one-sitting read –once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
The Perfect Match
(Tyndale House January 1, 2009)
by Susan May Warren
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.
The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.
You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ellie Karlson is new to Deep Haven. As the town’s interim fire chief, she is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life. Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews. As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can’t fight—the one Dan has set in her heart.
(This book is the repackaged edition published in 2004)
Awards:
2004 American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year
A Romantic Times Magazine TOP PICK – 4½ stars
Review:
Romantic Times Magazine:
Vibrant characters and vivid language zoom this action-packed romance to the top of the charts. This is a one-sitting read –once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Building Goals
I know, you are all wondering where I've been all week. Well, like many of you, I've been cleaning up the loose ends and preparing for the future.
After finishing my book, Insanity Rules: Gems of Wisdom, I had to write the proposal. Only 38 pages compared to the 188 pages of the book, but it did take me 3 or 4 days to get it done. I'm exhausted but very happy.
I've been working hard at setting up my plan for 2009. As the new ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Publicity Officer, I will be serving a two year term. In the meantime, I have to learn the new position. Holy Cow! There is a lot to learn and do.
So over the last several days, I've been reading and reading and reading!
Then there have been a few long breaks to go see my son's varsity basketball games and send kiddos off to places around the world.
On New Year's Day, we sent off my step-daughter to New Zealand for a six month position for a kid's camp. She has a degree that includes running outdoor education programs and extreme sports. What a cool job to travel around the world teaching people survival skills and wilderness experiences.
Then we sent off another kiddo back to college.
In between each of these rather large life events, I kept on reading. And reading :-) Good thing I like reading, lol.
So this month, I will be preparing for the next year by taking classes and cleaning up loose ends. I'm also going to do a little planning on not only my blog but also the new ACFW blog. Goodness, I think I like to blog :-)
Tonight, I feel like things are starting to get pulled back together from the holiday, company and finishing my book. Now it's time to face forward and start the new goals. I think I'll post them tomorrow. Tonight is for a little more pondering.
Have you set goals yet? (And no, I don't do New Year resolutions.) I only set goals that I plan for and create space in my schedule for them. No resolutions. To me, those are just wishes. I want achievements. How about you?
Angie
After finishing my book, Insanity Rules: Gems of Wisdom, I had to write the proposal. Only 38 pages compared to the 188 pages of the book, but it did take me 3 or 4 days to get it done. I'm exhausted but very happy.
I've been working hard at setting up my plan for 2009. As the new ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Publicity Officer, I will be serving a two year term. In the meantime, I have to learn the new position. Holy Cow! There is a lot to learn and do.
So over the last several days, I've been reading and reading and reading!
Then there have been a few long breaks to go see my son's varsity basketball games and send kiddos off to places around the world.
On New Year's Day, we sent off my step-daughter to New Zealand for a six month position for a kid's camp. She has a degree that includes running outdoor education programs and extreme sports. What a cool job to travel around the world teaching people survival skills and wilderness experiences.
Then we sent off another kiddo back to college.
In between each of these rather large life events, I kept on reading. And reading :-) Good thing I like reading, lol.
So this month, I will be preparing for the next year by taking classes and cleaning up loose ends. I'm also going to do a little planning on not only my blog but also the new ACFW blog. Goodness, I think I like to blog :-)
Tonight, I feel like things are starting to get pulled back together from the holiday, company and finishing my book. Now it's time to face forward and start the new goals. I think I'll post them tomorrow. Tonight is for a little more pondering.
Have you set goals yet? (And no, I don't do New Year resolutions.) I only set goals that I plan for and create space in my schedule for them. No resolutions. To me, those are just wishes. I want achievements. How about you?
Angie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)