Why, why this chronic pain, this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight? . . .Use words truly and well. Don't stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you'll speak for me. (Jeremiah 15:17-189, MSG)
This passage from Jeremiah hits me close, both as a nursing home resident and as a writer.
Lately the pain hasn't been as bad, in spite on the arrival of cooler, damper fall weather. But with Jeremiah, I want relief from the pain. I can imagine a pain so bad that I would rather die than continue to live with it. I pray that I would never such a choice that would dishonor the "me" God made and God Himself. But I can imagine it.
In essence, God tells Jeremiah to shut up. Don't whine. He even calls it "cheap" whining. While someone with chronic pain may not whine, I would never call those people who do whine "cheap."
The point God is making is that Jeremiah's not investing his words wisely. He is spending them on complaints, which give nothing in return.
Instead, God encourages Jeremiah to use his words "truly and well."
Good words to hear at a point when I am in the editing phase of a book project--even if they are the dreaded adverbs, forbidden in good writing. Finding just the right word. To speak truth in character, location, occupation, relationships--writing demands my best use of language.
To speak for God, as all Christian writers claim to do, let's concentrate on true, good writing instead of whining.
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Monday, October 28, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
NO EXPIRATION DATE (Psalm 146)
Don't put your life in the hands of experts who nothing of life, of salvation life.
Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them.
Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing. (Psalm 146:3-5, MSG)
I need these verses at this point in my life. My fear, staring down the year to my next birthday? That I have fewer years and worse health to accomplish my life dreams.
I was thinking like a "mere human," as if my projects and dreams would die with me. As if my life consisted solely from the minutes from birth in 1954 until my death whenever it comes.
I have more than a mere mortal's life. I have salvation life, eternal life. I know that. I count on it. I look forward to it. I look forward to reuniting with my family who have gone on before.
If the question was put to me, I would even admit that my life will have ripple effects across the future. Not only my son and my grandchildren, but also my students. Children I taught for five years are reaching adulthood. Part of their impact on the body of Christ will reflect on me..
And those precious souls whom I have had a part in leading to the Lord. Them too.
But those are people. Not "projects."
My writing definitely qualifies as a project. And unless a publisher decides to commission another author to complete an unfinished manuscript at my death, my project will die with me.
But my projects--the body of my work--will outlive me. Oh, the Psalmist come out and say so, but it's implied. It's the positive implied by the negative. Life in place of death.
I have written curriculum used by thousands of Sunday school teachers around the world. At one time over 300 thousand copies of my books had sold. There must be more by now.
Any difference any of that has made in those teachers, students, readers--all of that traces back to me (and those who trained me, of course)
My books may not be read a hundred years from now. (I sincerely doubt it.) But they'll have had generations to send ripples in widening circles.
My sixty-plus years on this earth are only the beginning.
Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them.
Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing. (Psalm 146:3-5, MSG)
I need these verses at this point in my life. My fear, staring down the year to my next birthday? That I have fewer years and worse health to accomplish my life dreams.
I was thinking like a "mere human," as if my projects and dreams would die with me. As if my life consisted solely from the minutes from birth in 1954 until my death whenever it comes.
I have more than a mere mortal's life. I have salvation life, eternal life. I know that. I count on it. I look forward to it. I look forward to reuniting with my family who have gone on before.
If the question was put to me, I would even admit that my life will have ripple effects across the future. Not only my son and my grandchildren, but also my students. Children I taught for five years are reaching adulthood. Part of their impact on the body of Christ will reflect on me..
And those precious souls whom I have had a part in leading to the Lord. Them too.
But those are people. Not "projects."
My writing definitely qualifies as a project. And unless a publisher decides to commission another author to complete an unfinished manuscript at my death, my project will die with me.
But my projects--the body of my work--will outlive me. Oh, the Psalmist come out and say so, but it's implied. It's the positive implied by the negative. Life in place of death.
I have written curriculum used by thousands of Sunday school teachers around the world. At one time over 300 thousand copies of my books had sold. There must be more by now.
Any difference any of that has made in those teachers, students, readers--all of that traces back to me (and those who trained me, of course)
My books may not be read a hundred years from now. (I sincerely doubt it.) But they'll have had generations to send ripples in widening circles.
My sixty-plus years on this earth are only the beginning.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
GOD'S SEAL OF APPROVAL (Psalm 90)
And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes, affirm that work that we do. (Psalm 90:17, MSG)
Psalm 90 is from Moses. Beautiful poetry from the man God used to used to write such vivid accounts of creation and the patriarchs, as well as his own life story.
Here he asks for God's loveliness to rest on us. "Lovely" is not a word I often associate with God. Perhaps this verse is the one Wendell Loveless had in mind when he wrote this chorus from my childhood:
Altogether lovely, He is altogether lovely,
And the fairest of ten thousand, this wonderful Friend divine;
He gave Himself to save, Now He lives in heav'n to keep me,
He is altogether lovely, is this wonderful Savior of mine.
As well as, of course, as Chris Tomlin's contemporary "Here I am to Worship." Altogether lovely, worthy, wonderful--Amen!
God's loveliness lies, not in the symmetry of beauty of His features, but in His character. He is my friend and my Savior, my protector and my husband.
And the funny thing, that loveliness validates my work.
I looked up the difference between confirm and affirm. It's a matter of proving vs. declaring. First God pokes around my work, my words, testing them for truth. Then He declares and supports them. God gives it His Seal of Approval.
Wow. That sounds like pride of the most awful sort, but this verse suggests it's available to all of us. If God could write a review of my books, what would He say? Of course, He chooses to work through His people. Until we can get a glimpse into those heavenly records, all we can do is to support each other.
Since God offers to give us His seal of approval, He deserves my very best. I should strive for quality because He is my ultimate editor.
Today's favorite verses, which again made me think of writers: Long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"--you are God. (Psalm 90:2 MSG)
Psalm 90 is from Moses. Beautiful poetry from the man God used to used to write such vivid accounts of creation and the patriarchs, as well as his own life story.
Here he asks for God's loveliness to rest on us. "Lovely" is not a word I often associate with God. Perhaps this verse is the one Wendell Loveless had in mind when he wrote this chorus from my childhood:
Altogether lovely, He is altogether lovely,
And the fairest of ten thousand, this wonderful Friend divine;
He gave Himself to save, Now He lives in heav'n to keep me,
He is altogether lovely, is this wonderful Savior of mine.
As well as, of course, as Chris Tomlin's contemporary "Here I am to Worship." Altogether lovely, worthy, wonderful--Amen!
God's loveliness lies, not in the symmetry of beauty of His features, but in His character. He is my friend and my Savior, my protector and my husband.
And the funny thing, that loveliness validates my work.
I looked up the difference between confirm and affirm. It's a matter of proving vs. declaring. First God pokes around my work, my words, testing them for truth. Then He declares and supports them. God gives it His Seal of Approval.
Wow. That sounds like pride of the most awful sort, but this verse suggests it's available to all of us. If God could write a review of my books, what would He say? Of course, He chooses to work through His people. Until we can get a glimpse into those heavenly records, all we can do is to support each other.
Since God offers to give us His seal of approval, He deserves my very best. I should strive for quality because He is my ultimate editor.
Today's favorite verses, which again made me think of writers: Long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"--you are God. (Psalm 90:2 MSG)
Thursday, July 25, 2013
WRITER'S BLOCK (Psalm 40)
The world's a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know, and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words account for you. (Psalm 40:4-5, MSG)
When I read the verses above, my thoughts jumped to the problem of writer's block.
These few short lines contain insight for several issues writers face.
Need inspiration? (One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a writer is "where do you get your ideas?")I even teach a class on brainstorming. "Go, observe what's going on around you." That's a great primer for story planners. David describes the world in similar (but again, so very poetic language), describing the world as a "stockpile" of God-wonders and God-thoughts. With that to draw from, we'll never run out of ideas.
In spite of the limitless subject matter, writers also "run out of words." I fight the blank page every day. Once I get started, I can write and write . . . and then I reach a point where I have run out of words.
In fact, I could use this verse to explain my problem in writing about the psalms, as I mentioned a few days ago. David said it all, so well. How can my words add any value?
And how can my human words begin to describe the transcendent God, His love for me, for His world?
Of course my books don't have a single character (God) nor do they speak from God's Point of View. Probably yours don't either. But they are about God, in that He invades the stories, breathes life into them. When they work well, they show how real people, faced with impossible problems, live by faith in spite of their circumstances.
And that's why Christian authors are unlikely to run out of story ideas. A scientist's numbers and an author's words can't account for God. We can't write a character sketch about God.
But we will never run out of things to say (even when it's a struggle to get them out.)
Today's favorite verse: God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer. (Psalm 41:8, MSG)
Nothing and no one comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know, and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words account for you. (Psalm 40:4-5, MSG)
When I read the verses above, my thoughts jumped to the problem of writer's block.
These few short lines contain insight for several issues writers face.
Need inspiration? (One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a writer is "where do you get your ideas?")I even teach a class on brainstorming. "Go, observe what's going on around you." That's a great primer for story planners. David describes the world in similar (but again, so very poetic language), describing the world as a "stockpile" of God-wonders and God-thoughts. With that to draw from, we'll never run out of ideas.
In spite of the limitless subject matter, writers also "run out of words." I fight the blank page every day. Once I get started, I can write and write . . . and then I reach a point where I have run out of words.
In fact, I could use this verse to explain my problem in writing about the psalms, as I mentioned a few days ago. David said it all, so well. How can my words add any value?
And how can my human words begin to describe the transcendent God, His love for me, for His world?
Of course my books don't have a single character (God) nor do they speak from God's Point of View. Probably yours don't either. But they are about God, in that He invades the stories, breathes life into them. When they work well, they show how real people, faced with impossible problems, live by faith in spite of their circumstances.
And that's why Christian authors are unlikely to run out of story ideas. A scientist's numbers and an author's words can't account for God. We can't write a character sketch about God.
But we will never run out of things to say (even when it's a struggle to get them out.)
Today's favorite verse: God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer. (Psalm 41:8, MSG)
Saturday, July 20, 2013
WRITE TO THE DEATH (Psalm 30)
When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs and stories of you won't sell. So listen! And be kind! Help me out of this! (Psalm 30:9-10, MSG)
I'm about to burst with song; I can't keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can't thank you enough. (Psalm 30:12, MSG)
Oh, wow, I read this verse at the end of the reading today and I jumped up and down. If I could jump.
Perhaps the economy worked a little differently in David's time. Now, an artist's body of work increases in value upon their death. That may not be as true with books--but my heirs at least have the potential of future revenue from my "stories."
I have no illusions that I have written books that will be considered "classics." One hundred years from now, I won't be more than a footnote in any studies of the boom of Christian fiction over the last fifteen years or so--if that much.
But I have said, here and elsewhere, that I will continue to write until God takes the pen out of my hand, whether by death or loss of mental acuity. When I'm dead, I can't sing any more songs and write any more stories. My testimony of God's goodness and kindness to people on earth ends and fades away.
Most of us (I suspect) shy away from saying "look at what I'm doing for you, God! You need me! Be kind, help me, so I can testify of You." But that's exactly that David did here.
Wow. Do I have the right to claim that? Instead of asking God, "are You sure You want me to continue writing," should I say, "God, I want to write Your stories as long as I can. Help me out here! No one else can tell the stories You give to me."
And when God answers that prayer. When I have a day like this one, when I exceed my goal, I feel well, and I even got my promised shower. Like David, I should burst with song, write like a eight-handed spider (four times as much), shouting my thanksgiving to all who will listen.
How long do you expect to write? Which of your stories--if any--do you think will live past you?
And for all the non-writers (or non-musicians as well) who read this--the same question applies. What do you, and only you, give to God that will end with your death?
Today's favorite verse: God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace. (Psalm 29:11, MSG)
I'm about to burst with song; I can't keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can't thank you enough. (Psalm 30:12, MSG)
Oh, wow, I read this verse at the end of the reading today and I jumped up and down. If I could jump.
Perhaps the economy worked a little differently in David's time. Now, an artist's body of work increases in value upon their death. That may not be as true with books--but my heirs at least have the potential of future revenue from my "stories."
I have no illusions that I have written books that will be considered "classics." One hundred years from now, I won't be more than a footnote in any studies of the boom of Christian fiction over the last fifteen years or so--if that much.
But I have said, here and elsewhere, that I will continue to write until God takes the pen out of my hand, whether by death or loss of mental acuity. When I'm dead, I can't sing any more songs and write any more stories. My testimony of God's goodness and kindness to people on earth ends and fades away.
Most of us (I suspect) shy away from saying "look at what I'm doing for you, God! You need me! Be kind, help me, so I can testify of You." But that's exactly that David did here.
Wow. Do I have the right to claim that? Instead of asking God, "are You sure You want me to continue writing," should I say, "God, I want to write Your stories as long as I can. Help me out here! No one else can tell the stories You give to me."
And when God answers that prayer. When I have a day like this one, when I exceed my goal, I feel well, and I even got my promised shower. Like David, I should burst with song, write like a eight-handed spider (four times as much), shouting my thanksgiving to all who will listen.
How long do you expect to write? Which of your stories--if any--do you think will live past you?
And for all the non-writers (or non-musicians as well) who read this--the same question applies. What do you, and only you, give to God that will end with your death?
Today's favorite verse: God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace. (Psalm 29:11, MSG)
***NEWS FLASH/BOOK GIVEAWAY: Giveaway to 10 comers (up to 20-30 or so) of my devotional book, It Is Well With My Soul, ends tomorrow, Sunday, 7/21/13. Leave me a comment with your email address or contact me at belovedfranklin (at) msn (dot) com.***
Saturday, July 13, 2013
GOD'S GENRES (Psalm 7-9)
I thought I had my thought for today when I read God in solemn honor does things right, but his nerves are sandpapered raw. (Psalm 7:11) God has nerves?
But my writer's eye got caught on the references to writing and storytelling in Psalm 9. It lends itself to different writing genres. I'm referring to fiction genres.
These psalms refer to lifting up God through story and song, praising God, thanking God, describing His glory in nature and in our lives. But use your imagination to travel with me to different kinds of stories. And for us as Christian writers, we teach about God through our characters and stories.
David starts out with my favorite, the one I have written from the beginning:
I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart. I'm writing the book of your wonders. (Psalm 9:1)
Can you guess? What genre depends on a heart full of love? Romance, of course, telling parables of God's love affair with us.
How about my favorite genre to read, from childhood on?
Tell his stories to everyone you meet: How he tracks down killers. (Psalm 9:11)
Ah, nothing better to read or watch than a good murder mystery. What a perfect fit to showcase God's justice.
This last verse fits several genres, in my opinion.
Once you've pulled me back from the gates of death, I'll write the book on Hallelujahs. (Psalm 9:13-14)
What genre focuses on "the gates of death"? Hmm, mystery's companions, suspense and thrillers. Medical stories. Women's fiction that deals with grief or terminal illness. Think of your own stories. Whether the character dies in your story or not, God has conquered death. "Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, hallelujah!" Our stories reflect that foundational truth.
Oh, and by the way, guess who our publisher is? God Himself! Publish your mandate for us. (Psalm 7:9)
Today's favorite verses: You get us ready for life: you probe for our soft spots, you knock off our rough edges. And I'm feeling so fit, so safe. (Psalm 7:9-11)
NEWS FLASH/BOOK GIVEAWAY: I just received copies of my first ever devotional, It Is Well With My Soul. I would love to give away one copy for every five comments, up to a total of five. The giveaway will continue for a week, until Saturday, 7/14/13. Leave your name and email address as well as the name of your favorite hymn for a chance to win.
But my writer's eye got caught on the references to writing and storytelling in Psalm 9. It lends itself to different writing genres. I'm referring to fiction genres.
These psalms refer to lifting up God through story and song, praising God, thanking God, describing His glory in nature and in our lives. But use your imagination to travel with me to different kinds of stories. And for us as Christian writers, we teach about God through our characters and stories.
David starts out with my favorite, the one I have written from the beginning:
I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart. I'm writing the book of your wonders. (Psalm 9:1)
Can you guess? What genre depends on a heart full of love? Romance, of course, telling parables of God's love affair with us.
How about my favorite genre to read, from childhood on?
Tell his stories to everyone you meet: How he tracks down killers. (Psalm 9:11)
Ah, nothing better to read or watch than a good murder mystery. What a perfect fit to showcase God's justice.
This last verse fits several genres, in my opinion.
Once you've pulled me back from the gates of death, I'll write the book on Hallelujahs. (Psalm 9:13-14)
What genre focuses on "the gates of death"? Hmm, mystery's companions, suspense and thrillers. Medical stories. Women's fiction that deals with grief or terminal illness. Think of your own stories. Whether the character dies in your story or not, God has conquered death. "Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, hallelujah!" Our stories reflect that foundational truth.
Oh, and by the way, guess who our publisher is? God Himself! Publish your mandate for us. (Psalm 7:9)
Today's favorite verses: You get us ready for life: you probe for our soft spots, you knock off our rough edges. And I'm feeling so fit, so safe. (Psalm 7:9-11)
NEWS FLASH/BOOK GIVEAWAY: I just received copies of my first ever devotional, It Is Well With My Soul. I would love to give away one copy for every five comments, up to a total of five. The giveaway will continue for a week, until Saturday, 7/14/13. Leave your name and email address as well as the name of your favorite hymn for a chance to win.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
NEW DREAMS (Job 6)
Where's the strength to keep my hopes up?
What future do I have to keep me going?
Do you think I have nerves of steel?
Do you think I'm made of iron?
Do you think I can pull myself up by my bootstraps?
Why, I don't even have any boots!
(Ezra 6:8-13, MSG)
These days while going through Job may be difficult. I found a lot I could agree with in Eliphaz' first speech. How about "he gives firm footing to those sinking in grief?" When he said, "so the poor continue to hope," I felt like shouting amen! And I wondered briefly why God (and Job) got upset with his answer. A bit Romans 8:28-ish (I hate it when people quote that verse to me when I'm feeling down), but true, none the less.
But then Eliphaz listed all the good things happen to the righteous. They sounded like nothing bad ever happened to good people. Neither famine, war, gossip, loss of children--and on from there. He basically said, if Job was righteous, he wouldn't have suffered so severely. My heart screamed when I read, "You'll see your children grow up."
Job didn't like it either. His words that I quoted above put my feelings of deep sadness into words.
Before my daughter's death, the thing that saddened me the most was the removal of my son from my home when he was 15. When it became clear he would never again live with me, I felt such deep despair that I didn't know how I could survive it. Life didn't feel much worth living, but I knew I had an inner core of steel that kept me going. Of faith, of God, call it what you will. But I refused to give up on life. I lived in hope of the day that once I would have hope.
I bet we all have times in our lives when we ask, "what future do I have to keep me going?" I came name several such points in my life, which made me question the direction I had headed in. I had no future, at least not the future I had expected.
I lost the career I expected when I was kicked out of the master of music program at Southwestern Seminary. I went into Christian education instead, which was good. And God wasn't done with me and music, but in different ways.
I lost my dream of serving as an overseas missionary when my husband was kicked out of our last church. God instead has brought the world to me, and put in plenty of situations to share my faith.
I lost my dreams of parenting both my children to successful adulthood. With my son's arrest, I threw myself into writing. With Jolene's death, my writing career exploded.
I have questioned my ability to write with my continued health problems. So far, God keeps sending me the same vision: Yes, continue writing. But do it sensibly. Make smarter writing choices.
Each of those episodes sent into emotional whirlpools that dragged me under for awhile. Perhaps you're in a Job-like place right now, when you feel you have lost your hope for the future.
How about you? How have lost dreams led to a different future for you?
What future do I have to keep me going?
Do you think I have nerves of steel?
Do you think I'm made of iron?
Do you think I can pull myself up by my bootstraps?
Why, I don't even have any boots!
(Ezra 6:8-13, MSG)
These days while going through Job may be difficult. I found a lot I could agree with in Eliphaz' first speech. How about "he gives firm footing to those sinking in grief?" When he said, "so the poor continue to hope," I felt like shouting amen! And I wondered briefly why God (and Job) got upset with his answer. A bit Romans 8:28-ish (I hate it when people quote that verse to me when I'm feeling down), but true, none the less.
But then Eliphaz listed all the good things happen to the righteous. They sounded like nothing bad ever happened to good people. Neither famine, war, gossip, loss of children--and on from there. He basically said, if Job was righteous, he wouldn't have suffered so severely. My heart screamed when I read, "You'll see your children grow up."
Job didn't like it either. His words that I quoted above put my feelings of deep sadness into words.
Before my daughter's death, the thing that saddened me the most was the removal of my son from my home when he was 15. When it became clear he would never again live with me, I felt such deep despair that I didn't know how I could survive it. Life didn't feel much worth living, but I knew I had an inner core of steel that kept me going. Of faith, of God, call it what you will. But I refused to give up on life. I lived in hope of the day that once I would have hope.
I bet we all have times in our lives when we ask, "what future do I have to keep me going?" I came name several such points in my life, which made me question the direction I had headed in. I had no future, at least not the future I had expected.
I lost the career I expected when I was kicked out of the master of music program at Southwestern Seminary. I went into Christian education instead, which was good. And God wasn't done with me and music, but in different ways.
I lost my dream of serving as an overseas missionary when my husband was kicked out of our last church. God instead has brought the world to me, and put in plenty of situations to share my faith.
I lost my dreams of parenting both my children to successful adulthood. With my son's arrest, I threw myself into writing. With Jolene's death, my writing career exploded.
I have questioned my ability to write with my continued health problems. So far, God keeps sending me the same vision: Yes, continue writing. But do it sensibly. Make smarter writing choices.
Each of those episodes sent into emotional whirlpools that dragged me under for awhile. Perhaps you're in a Job-like place right now, when you feel you have lost your hope for the future.
How about you? How have lost dreams led to a different future for you?
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
THE CALL (Ezra 6-7)
Wow, there's a lot in these chapters. For instance, how about this verse about the importance of teaching? Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways. (Ezra 7:8-10 MSG) (Yup, I have the spiritual gift teaching/encouragement, always has been my strongest gift on those self-assessments.)
But two verses made me think of a question commonly asked writers? "What happened when you received 'the call'?"
"The call" refers to the phone from an editor or agent, wanting to contract with you for your book--especially the first one. Now, I have contracted 30 books and never received a phone call. What I did get, back in 2003, was an email from Tracie Peterson, wanting to contract Romanian Rhapsody. I received the message on Thanksgiving Eve, so you can begin to imagine the kind of celebration I had!
Today's description of the first Passover celebrated after the temple was rebuilt and of Era's revival both express that impossible, laugh out loud, incredible, unbelievable joy.
God had plunged them into a sea of joy. Ezra 6:21 Oh, we only get to swim in that sea a few times in our lifetimes, but those occasions are memorable, even more rare than the mountain tops..
And the way Ezra expressed his joy tickled me. He thanked God for the opportunity to do what he wanted to do: Blessed be God . . .who put it in the mind of the king to beautify the Temple of God. Writers without publishers and readers are sad people indeed.
Then comes the tickle part: Not only that, he caused the king . . . actually to like me and back me. (Ezra 7:27-28)
They like me! They like my "baby," my book! They actually are going to back me by taking on the expense of printing it, editing it, creating a cover and a marketing plan--and paying me!
For those of you not yet published: take heart in what else Ezra had to say. My God was on my side and I was ready to go. (Ezra 7:27-28) The time you've spent learning your craft has not been wasted. You will be ready to go, when your call comes.
I am sure this applies across any work of heart and soul and hard work.
So rejoice in that sea of joy when God sends that publisher or agent actually likes you, your work, and will back it up!
But two verses made me think of a question commonly asked writers? "What happened when you received 'the call'?"
"The call" refers to the phone from an editor or agent, wanting to contract with you for your book--especially the first one. Now, I have contracted 30 books and never received a phone call. What I did get, back in 2003, was an email from Tracie Peterson, wanting to contract Romanian Rhapsody. I received the message on Thanksgiving Eve, so you can begin to imagine the kind of celebration I had!
Today's description of the first Passover celebrated after the temple was rebuilt and of Era's revival both express that impossible, laugh out loud, incredible, unbelievable joy.
God had plunged them into a sea of joy. Ezra 6:21 Oh, we only get to swim in that sea a few times in our lifetimes, but those occasions are memorable, even more rare than the mountain tops..
And the way Ezra expressed his joy tickled me. He thanked God for the opportunity to do what he wanted to do: Blessed be God . . .who put it in the mind of the king to beautify the Temple of God. Writers without publishers and readers are sad people indeed.
Then comes the tickle part: Not only that, he caused the king . . . actually to like me and back me. (Ezra 7:27-28)
They like me! They like my "baby," my book! They actually are going to back me by taking on the expense of printing it, editing it, creating a cover and a marketing plan--and paying me!
For those of you not yet published: take heart in what else Ezra had to say. My God was on my side and I was ready to go. (Ezra 7:27-28) The time you've spent learning your craft has not been wasted. You will be ready to go, when your call comes.
I am sure this applies across any work of heart and soul and hard work.
So rejoice in that sea of joy when God sends that publisher or agent actually likes you, your work, and will back it up!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
TELL, DON'T SHOW (2 Chronicles 32)
I write my nibbles from the standpoint of a writer, thinking how I would write the stories instead of the way they're written. No respect to the inspired word of God; but it makes me sit up, listen, take note of the way things are written, and think about why.
As an editor, I definitely would have sent back today's passage for rewriting. It breaks the cardinal rule of all writers: Show, Don't Tell.
Some time later Hezekiah became deathly sick. He prayed to God and was given a reassuring sign. But the sign, instead of making Hezekiah grateful made him arrogant. This made God angry, and his anger spilled over on Judah and Jerusalem. But then Hezekiah, and Jerusalem with him, repented of his arrogance, and God withdrew his anger while Hezekiah lived. (2 Chronicles 32:24-26, MSG)
Wow, if I were writing a book about this incident, I would spend at least a chapter describing the illness, Hezekiah's arrogance, God's anger unleashed, and his repentance and restoration. Even the writer of 2 Kings spent most of chapter 20 describing the event.
But not here.
Let's look at 1 Kings 20 for the answers:
As an editor, I definitely would have sent back today's passage for rewriting. It breaks the cardinal rule of all writers: Show, Don't Tell.
Some time later Hezekiah became deathly sick. He prayed to God and was given a reassuring sign. But the sign, instead of making Hezekiah grateful made him arrogant. This made God angry, and his anger spilled over on Judah and Jerusalem. But then Hezekiah, and Jerusalem with him, repented of his arrogance, and God withdrew his anger while Hezekiah lived. (2 Chronicles 32:24-26, MSG)
Wow, if I were writing a book about this incident, I would spend at least a chapter describing the illness, Hezekiah's arrogance, God's anger unleashed, and his repentance and restoration. Even the writer of 2 Kings spent most of chapter 20 describing the event.
But not here.
Let's look at 1 Kings 20 for the answers:
- Hezekiah was "deathly" ill. Isaiah the prophet came for a visit, warning Hezekiah that he would die.
- Hezekiah pleaded that God would spare his life, because he had lived for God. (By the way, here again we see the principle of God allowing, perhaps even planning, trials to beleager believers. Hezekiah joins a long line including Job and Joseph.)
- God gave Hezekiah a sign of his choice: the sun dial went back ten degrees.
- Hezekiah was healed.
- A some point after that, Hezekiah showed an emissary from Babylon all of Judah's riches.
- Isaiah warned him that Babylon would conquer Judah.
- The record in 2 Kings doesn't reflect Hezekiah's repentance, but relief that the punishment wouldn't happen during his lifetime.
Why did the writer leave out such an exciting story? It can't be because it reflects poorly on Hezekiah. God doesn't shy away from showing us Bible heroes' weak spots.
Perhaps precisely because we would focus on the story, and not on the moral of the story.
The lesson God wants us to take away: When God gives me a sign, do I respond with arrogance or with gratitude?
Every time recently when I have severely whether or not I should continue writing (my continued poor health raises a lot of questions), God has responded with what I call "neon writing in the sky" kinds of affirmations.
This week, after a troubling phone call from my son, I wondered if all the sacrifices I have made along the road to becoming a writer were worth the price I paid. It was a painful feeling, especially coming on top of bed rest.
God knew I needed encouragement. I received word that I would get another 3-book contract; and an editor requested a proposal from me based on a 100-word blurb that I submitted to her.
Also, I've had four books released in May-June. I've done a lot of interviews about the new books, and all kinds of people are saying "Oh, I love this author! Can't wait to get this book!"
And have heard from fellow authors that I am an inspiration to them.
I face the same choice that Hezekiah did: do I thank God for His continued hand of blessing? Or do I become arrogant and claim it's all my own talent?
If God wrote the account of my life using the tell, don't show, method, how would the description read? Well done, thou good and faithful servant or "I know her not"?
Friday, May 24, 2013
LIKE FATHER, NOT LIKE SON (1 Chronicles 22)
You are not the one to honor me by building a sanctuary--you've been responsible for too much killing, too much bloodshed. But you are going to have a son and he will be a quiet and peaceful man. (1 Chronicles 22:7-10)
David wanted to build a temple for God, but God said no, his son would build it instead.
Today's verses led me to think about how different David and Solomon were. Oh, they had some major traits in common. They both had a heart for God, an almost unhealthy interest in women, and musical/writing ability.
David was a man of bloodshed, and Solomon lived in a time of peace. But the difference relies on more than military conflict. It's also a matter of their personalities.\\
David wore his heart on his sleeve. He danced before the Lord with abandon. He bought the threshing floor where the plague ended with his hand over his heart, "I won't offer something to God that cost me nothing." He grieved his son's death and his friend Jonathan's death deeply. Whatever David felt, the kingdom knew--that included the times he went to war.
In that sense, Adonijah and Absalom were probably a lot more like David than Solomon ever was. Absalom was furious about what happened to his sister and let it color his judgment. Perhaps David secretly favored Absalom as his favorite son, because he reminded David of himself. Adonijah had the gumption to make himself king when David was close to death.
While young Solomon waited, not acting--probably realizing the time wasn't right, like David when he was in the caves so many years before.
Instead God chose the son the least like David as the next king. Quiet, peaceful Solomon, the son who would rather negotiate a settlement than fight it ought, who could listen to all sides of an argument and come up with a solution that was fair and best for all. Part of his wisdom was supernaturally, God-enhanced. But by nature he was a lover and not a fighter.
And Solomon knew how to be tough. He followed through on his father's final wishes to get rid of threats. When his son become king, people complained to him on the high taxes and work force required by Solomon. But he didn't usually do the dirty deeds himself.
Of course God's choice of Solomon as king shows His mercy--as He included Tamar and Rahab in Jesus's ancestry, now Bathsheba joins those other shady women. God chose the offspring of the union between David and his one-time-mistress-now-wife as a king.
God chose two wildly different men as the kings of Israel's golden age. Both leaders, both committed to God--but very different.
News flash: God doesn't use a single type of individual to lead or for any needed tasks. Certainly He calls a wide variety of people to write!.
Question: Are you more of a David or a Solomon? Or someone else?
David wanted to build a temple for God, but God said no, his son would build it instead.
Today's verses led me to think about how different David and Solomon were. Oh, they had some major traits in common. They both had a heart for God, an almost unhealthy interest in women, and musical/writing ability.
David was a man of bloodshed, and Solomon lived in a time of peace. But the difference relies on more than military conflict. It's also a matter of their personalities.\\
David wore his heart on his sleeve. He danced before the Lord with abandon. He bought the threshing floor where the plague ended with his hand over his heart, "I won't offer something to God that cost me nothing." He grieved his son's death and his friend Jonathan's death deeply. Whatever David felt, the kingdom knew--that included the times he went to war.
In that sense, Adonijah and Absalom were probably a lot more like David than Solomon ever was. Absalom was furious about what happened to his sister and let it color his judgment. Perhaps David secretly favored Absalom as his favorite son, because he reminded David of himself. Adonijah had the gumption to make himself king when David was close to death.
While young Solomon waited, not acting--probably realizing the time wasn't right, like David when he was in the caves so many years before.
Instead God chose the son the least like David as the next king. Quiet, peaceful Solomon, the son who would rather negotiate a settlement than fight it ought, who could listen to all sides of an argument and come up with a solution that was fair and best for all. Part of his wisdom was supernaturally, God-enhanced. But by nature he was a lover and not a fighter.
And Solomon knew how to be tough. He followed through on his father's final wishes to get rid of threats. When his son become king, people complained to him on the high taxes and work force required by Solomon. But he didn't usually do the dirty deeds himself.
Of course God's choice of Solomon as king shows His mercy--as He included Tamar and Rahab in Jesus's ancestry, now Bathsheba joins those other shady women. God chose the offspring of the union between David and his one-time-mistress-now-wife as a king.
God chose two wildly different men as the kings of Israel's golden age. Both leaders, both committed to God--but very different.
News flash: God doesn't use a single type of individual to lead or for any needed tasks. Certainly He calls a wide variety of people to write!.
Question: Are you more of a David or a Solomon? Or someone else?
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
DIVINE SYNERGY (1 Chronicles 14)
David was famous all over the place, far and near; and God put the fear of God into all the godless nations. (1 Chronicles 14:17)
David might not have prayed Jabez's exact prayer, but he had a similar experience. He was honored: respected, ethical in his conduct, and famous in far-flung places. God certainly enlarged his borders; Israel ruled the most ground during David and Solomon's reigns.
If David had remained in Bethlehem, tending to his father's sheep, he probably would never have achieved fame. I complain about writing for 14 years before my first book was published. David waited seventeen years between God's promise and the fulfillment. A man's man--a warrior, strong, ready to even any score--and a woman's man, one who obviously loved women and wrote beautiful poetry. Love him or hate him, everyone knew about King David. Israel showed up on the nightly news on a regular basis.
In other words, David worked to become famous and studied the art of war to become better.
But then God enters the picture. God put fear into the surrounding godless nations.
Another paradox. David fought the battles; but God put fear into their hearts.
Whatever God calls us to do, He moves ahead of us, preparing the way. Work is hard. Writing novels is hard and takes training and practice and perseverance.
But lest I ever believe I am published only because of my work, my talent--here is another reminder that God put an open heart in the agents and editors I have worked with.
God takes our human offerings and makes them supernatural.
David might not have prayed Jabez's exact prayer, but he had a similar experience. He was honored: respected, ethical in his conduct, and famous in far-flung places. God certainly enlarged his borders; Israel ruled the most ground during David and Solomon's reigns.
If David had remained in Bethlehem, tending to his father's sheep, he probably would never have achieved fame. I complain about writing for 14 years before my first book was published. David waited seventeen years between God's promise and the fulfillment. A man's man--a warrior, strong, ready to even any score--and a woman's man, one who obviously loved women and wrote beautiful poetry. Love him or hate him, everyone knew about King David. Israel showed up on the nightly news on a regular basis.
In other words, David worked to become famous and studied the art of war to become better.
But then God enters the picture. God put fear into the surrounding godless nations.
Another paradox. David fought the battles; but God put fear into their hearts.
Whatever God calls us to do, He moves ahead of us, preparing the way. Work is hard. Writing novels is hard and takes training and practice and perseverance.
But lest I ever believe I am published only because of my work, my talent--here is another reminder that God put an open heart in the agents and editors I have worked with.
God takes our human offerings and makes them supernatural.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
LOCKED, LATCHED, OR OPEN--DOORS (2 Kings 6-7)
The words that jumped out at me today struck me by their poetic extravagance. I'm not sure where I'll go with this, but we'll find out together.
Israel was in the middle of a 7 year famine (and still rebelling against God, but no surprise there). Unlike the dramatic showdown at Mt. Carmel between Elijah and Baal's prophets, Elisha casually walks up to the palace one day. The king was talking to Elisha at the end of chapter 6: "This trouble is directly from God! I'm fed up with God."
So perhaps chapter 7 is part of the same confrontation, or perhaps not. But one thing is clear: there was no love lost between the king and the prophet.
It does feel like poetic justice that Elisha's response to the king (I hate God!) was to announce, "The famine is over. Tomorrow one handful of meal or two handfuls of grain will cost a shekel."
The king's advisor scorned him. (any more than Ahab believed the drought was over when Elijah announced it.) Here is the phrase that caught my attention: "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food falling out?"
Maybe he should have studied Israel's history better. Because God did exactly that during the Wilderness Wanderings, providing quail until everyone was sick of meat. And manna showed up each morning like dew.
I'm arrested by the visual imagery of his complaint. A trapdoor in the sky and food falling out. Can you picture it? The closest I can come to imagining it makes me laugh.
Do I need to point out that Elisha's prophecy came true?
Look at the juxtaposition of the two chapters. The king says, "I hate God!"
God responds--not with a dire warning, but with compassion and concern and love. "I'm stopping the famine."
The king's advisor, like the second thief crucified with Christ, made fun of God doing the impossible. The king himself? He at least enjoyed telling tall tales of Elisha the prophet. Alas, he didn't repent, but he gave God's spokesperson a grudging respect.
Today I have been greatly discouraged. A door that hoped would open wide for my writing instead only opened a crack. I have been mourning/ranging/crying about it all day.
Perhaps that's why I need this message tonight. When God moves, things can happen instantaneously. If God so chooses, the trapdoor that now remains latched although cracked, can swing wide open. Tomorrow.
If it does - praise God.
If it doesn't - still praise God. And realize that God is causing that the famine with that publisher for His own reasons.
Israel was in the middle of a 7 year famine (and still rebelling against God, but no surprise there). Unlike the dramatic showdown at Mt. Carmel between Elijah and Baal's prophets, Elisha casually walks up to the palace one day. The king was talking to Elisha at the end of chapter 6: "This trouble is directly from God! I'm fed up with God."
So perhaps chapter 7 is part of the same confrontation, or perhaps not. But one thing is clear: there was no love lost between the king and the prophet.
It does feel like poetic justice that Elisha's response to the king (I hate God!) was to announce, "The famine is over. Tomorrow one handful of meal or two handfuls of grain will cost a shekel."
The king's advisor scorned him. (any more than Ahab believed the drought was over when Elijah announced it.) Here is the phrase that caught my attention: "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food falling out?"
Maybe he should have studied Israel's history better. Because God did exactly that during the Wilderness Wanderings, providing quail until everyone was sick of meat. And manna showed up each morning like dew.
I'm arrested by the visual imagery of his complaint. A trapdoor in the sky and food falling out. Can you picture it? The closest I can come to imagining it makes me laugh.
Do I need to point out that Elisha's prophecy came true?
Look at the juxtaposition of the two chapters. The king says, "I hate God!"
God responds--not with a dire warning, but with compassion and concern and love. "I'm stopping the famine."
The king's advisor, like the second thief crucified with Christ, made fun of God doing the impossible. The king himself? He at least enjoyed telling tall tales of Elisha the prophet. Alas, he didn't repent, but he gave God's spokesperson a grudging respect.
Today I have been greatly discouraged. A door that hoped would open wide for my writing instead only opened a crack. I have been mourning/ranging/crying about it all day.
Perhaps that's why I need this message tonight. When God moves, things can happen instantaneously. If God so chooses, the trapdoor that now remains latched although cracked, can swing wide open. Tomorrow.
If it does - praise God.
If it doesn't - still praise God. And realize that God is causing that the famine with that publisher for His own reasons.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
PROFESSIONAL MINISTERS: WORTHY OF THEIR HIRE (Numbers 18)
The chapter goes on to detail several privileges, payments, and responsibilities (and punishments for failure) pertaining to the priesthood.
Their responsibilities included:
- Instilling reverence for holy things: They had to make sure the other Israelites didn't touch or mishandle the holy things in the Tabernacle. If someone touched something that should remain offlimits, both the lay person and the priest received a death penalty.
- Care for holy things, so that God's anger would be averted.
- Tithing the tithe they received from the people (who received it or what happened to it isn't specified, except that the animal and grain offerings were killed and burned).
Their payment included:
- Specified portions of the offerings to be eaten.
- The money paid in offerings.
- No land. God told them "I am your plot of ground."
- As noted above, they were in turn to give one-tenth of what they received.
Their privileges?
- Their work. Only they served in the sanctuary.
- A unique relationship with God. "I am your inheritance," God told them.
- All their needs provided.
The principles still hold true today, don't you agree? Let's see. We still expect our ministers to teach us about holy living and to maintain holiness in their own lives. We expect them to be generous with their time and money.
We pay them (usually) so they can work for the church "full time."
They rarely remain fixed in one place long enough to call it their "home."
They are called to be our pastors, teachers, leaders.
One final thought: The work of the priesthood was God's exclusive gift to Aaron and his sons; it couldn't be delegated.
For a writer, I take joy and peace in knowing no one else can or will write the stories God places on my heart. When jealousy threatens to get the better of me (still a struggle for me), I cling to this truth. God's plan for me is unique and exclusive, and I have no business comparing myself to others.
Of course, that also means I'd better get busy--and write the stories God gave me.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
SPECIAL TREATMENT (Leviticus 21-22)
Today I finally realized something about Leviticus. The theme of the book is, obviously, "Be holy for I am holy."
The whole book--all of the regulations concerning offerings and food and sex and behavior--boils down to one thing: This is what being holy looks like. It's not an exhaustive list. Maybe that's where the 613 rules of the New Testament came from; they wanted to be sure they acted in a holy manner, as God commanded.
Today chapters 21-22 offered a number of interesting discussions on holiness, but this one especially caught my eye. Treat him as holy.
The "him" is a priest, and the reference is sandwiched between a prohibition against marrying a divorced or widowed woman and punishment for a daughter who turns to prostitution.
Under the new covenant, all Christians are priests, and the principle applies to our treatment of each other: we are to treat each other as holy.
And by the way, the priest is also to treat the offerings of the people as holy. It goes both ways.
So it begs the question, how do we treat someone as holy?
I looked up the definition for "treat" in the dictionary.
When I look at the context, the regulations here seem designed to keep temptation away from a priest. Don't tempt him with food or sex or false worship.
Holiness extends to the family and impacts parents, inlaws, children.
And when there is a problem, with unclean acts or sin, intervene with the necessary surgery.
The whole book--all of the regulations concerning offerings and food and sex and behavior--boils down to one thing: This is what being holy looks like. It's not an exhaustive list. Maybe that's where the 613 rules of the New Testament came from; they wanted to be sure they acted in a holy manner, as God commanded.
Today chapters 21-22 offered a number of interesting discussions on holiness, but this one especially caught my eye. Treat him as holy.
The "him" is a priest, and the reference is sandwiched between a prohibition against marrying a divorced or widowed woman and punishment for a daughter who turns to prostitution.
Under the new covenant, all Christians are priests, and the principle applies to our treatment of each other: we are to treat each other as holy.
And by the way, the priest is also to treat the offerings of the people as holy. It goes both ways.
So it begs the question, how do we treat someone as holy?
I looked up the definition for "treat" in the dictionary.
- Write or talk about
- Present artistically
- Bear oneself towards
- Deal with in a specified manner
- Deal with medically or surgically.
Wow, I like those ideas.
Writing about and presenting artistically has a lot to say about the call of Christian writers, especially novelists like me! In our books, we present a whole range of holy actions by holy people.
When I look at the context, the regulations here seem designed to keep temptation away from a priest. Don't tempt him with food or sex or false worship.
Holiness extends to the family and impacts parents, inlaws, children.
And when there is a problem, with unclean acts or sin, intervene with the necessary surgery.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
WRITE ON: FINDING MY VOICE (Exodus 37-38, Matthew 23)
Everything I read today hit me straight in my writer's heart. So I will share what God had to say to me, and trust the Holy Spirit to apply it to your situation as well.
- He also prepared with the art of a perfumer. . . (Exodus 37:29). The "he" referred to is Bezelel. He was a goldsmith and a craftsman of many arts. I suspect he had never made a perfume before. But as part of his calling regarding the Tabernacle, he had to make the anointing oil. Application: I consider myself a fiction writer who is now called to write nonfiction as well. Not as different as working with perfume vs. gold, but different skills. But the God who called me will also supply me with the "art" to do it.
- the women’s work group who were assigned to serve at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. (Exodus 38:8) Who were these women? Are they mentioned anywhere else? Anonymous yet their service was essential for the smooth running of worship. Application: For the most part, I am one of the group of anonymous workers who write Christian fiction. In other words, I'm not a household name. And I a woman, drawing near to the temple of biblical exegesis which has long been a man's stronghold.
- Instead of giving you God’s Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules (Matthew 23:4) Jesus denounced the Pharisees for not handling God's word as sustaining food and drink. Application: I have called this blog "My Daily Nibble"--my calling is to find the bread in the Bible, in familiar stories and in obscure laws.
- If you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty (Matthew 23:12). No explanation needed here. And wow! I struggle with finding my "voice" in nonfiction. My natural style doesn't feel "right" to my Bible-college-and-seminary trained mind. Earlier in the passage, Jesus mentioned "reverends and doctors." He doesn't want me to try to write like the scholars. My best writing will come as I am simply myself.
Today I found a feast! I hope you enjoy it with me.
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