In my blogs this year I’m going to keep with the theme I started in the one I sent December 31. Some of you may remember from that entry I proclaimed, “The only way to get started is to BEGIN.” And that’s exactly what I did. . . on January 5.
Now you’re probably wondering what happened to the first four days of the New Year. Let’s just say I excluded them because I had other important things to do. First, I had to get ready to celebrate my birthday on January 3, and then it took me one whole day to get over the fact that I’m OLD.
Anyway, back to my theme for 2010. To begin I knew I needed something to jumpstart my writing. And PROMPTS (which you know I love) would do the trick. With them, the possibilities are endless. They give me the freedom to write whatever pops into my head.
Without delay I went to my bookshelf and picked up A Writer’s Book of Days (thanks SW) and found the prompt for January 5. The entry read: Write about a day moon. A day moon? Not exactly the subject I’d have chosen to inspire me, but if anything could get my creative juices flowing—this would. Only one problem, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen a day moon. Guess I’d have to make something up (oh, isn’t that what writers do? HA!).
Here’s the little snippet I came up with:
The bright morning revealed an unexpected surprise. The almost translucent moon sat high above me. Not yet settled in the western sky. Not ready to dip to its final resting place. Not visible unless one took the time to glance heavenward. . .
My fingers continued to type. In the end, I wrote a devotional about my Heavenly Father's handiwork. His creation we sometimes miss because we are in such a hurry to see what's next.
Well, gotta run and see where the next prompt leads me. Maybe another devotional. A poem. A short story. I don’t know, but whatever it is—the Lord never ceases to amaze me on this journey called writing.
Bon voyage,
nettie
PS: Take it from me - prompts can jumpstart your writing too. Why don't you give them a try today.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
FRESH START - 2010
I’ve finally figured it out. The only way to get started is to BEGIN. What a profound concept. And, January 1, 2010 seems the apropos time to kick my life in the rear end and do just that.
Yes, you’ve heard me say those same words a thousand times, but I’m serious this time. If I’m going to succeed at anything, I have to DO SOMETHING. So, here are the EIGHT things I’m going to do to make it happen in 2010:
1. Pray fervently and BE STILL (which will be difficult for me since I like to talk so much). But we do know the Lord God Almighty can do the impossible. Remember, He DID part the Red Sea. So I guess He can shut my mouth long enough so I can hear the plans He has for me.
2. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Without these three things going hand-in-hand, how can I expect to accomplish anything?
3. I’m going to quit procrastinating. Oh how I hate to even bring up that subject, but it’s a glaring problem in my life. I like what Edward Young (whoever he is) says, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Amen and pass the potatoes, brothers and sisters. So, starting today, I’ll not put off until tomorrow what I can do today.
4. Decide someone else’s bad attitude is not always my fault. The only attitude I have control over is my own. When I realize this fact, then my mind will be free to pursue what the Lord intends.
5. Market myself (i.e. send out more queries, do extra speeches, offer to speak at Toastmaster contests and/or other functions, find more editing jobs, etc.).
6. Keep on learning, listening and letting the Lord have more control of my life.
7. Remind myself to only think of whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with me. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
8. And above all – start my day with PRAYER! Only then can I get busy!!
Dear Family and friends:
As 2010 begins - May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26).
Happy New Year,
nettie
PS: And anyone who wants to hold me accountable on the above mentioned items – BRING IT ON!!
Yes, you’ve heard me say those same words a thousand times, but I’m serious this time. If I’m going to succeed at anything, I have to DO SOMETHING. So, here are the EIGHT things I’m going to do to make it happen in 2010:
1. Pray fervently and BE STILL (which will be difficult for me since I like to talk so much). But we do know the Lord God Almighty can do the impossible. Remember, He DID part the Red Sea. So I guess He can shut my mouth long enough so I can hear the plans He has for me.
2. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Without these three things going hand-in-hand, how can I expect to accomplish anything?
3. I’m going to quit procrastinating. Oh how I hate to even bring up that subject, but it’s a glaring problem in my life. I like what Edward Young (whoever he is) says, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Amen and pass the potatoes, brothers and sisters. So, starting today, I’ll not put off until tomorrow what I can do today.
4. Decide someone else’s bad attitude is not always my fault. The only attitude I have control over is my own. When I realize this fact, then my mind will be free to pursue what the Lord intends.
5. Market myself (i.e. send out more queries, do extra speeches, offer to speak at Toastmaster contests and/or other functions, find more editing jobs, etc.).
6. Keep on learning, listening and letting the Lord have more control of my life.
7. Remind myself to only think of whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with me. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
8. And above all – start my day with PRAYER! Only then can I get busy!!
Dear Family and friends:
As 2010 begins - May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26).
Happy New Year,
nettie
PS: And anyone who wants to hold me accountable on the above mentioned items – BRING IT ON!!
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