A Special Sunday Visit
25 Apr 2010 3 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: cemetery, signs, spring
\”Healing Begins\” by Tenth Avenue North
I went to the cemetery early this evening before going to church. It’s eight months today that my dear husband went to be with our Lord. While getting ready, I asked for a sign from Randy to let me know he was alright. As I drove up to the cemetery I noticed several people there which is unusual, because almost of the times when I go, I am alone. When I walked over to the burial site, there was a cool breeze blowing. The sounds of birds chirping provided a soothing serenade. Randy’s headstone is right under a tree and was completely surrounded by shade. I couldn’t help but think that this was the exact type of weather we both loved and enjoyed together. I straightened the floral arrangements and looked down to notice half of a robin’s egg shell on the ground right next to me. Apparently the baby robin had hatched and the egg shell had fallen from the nest in the tree. Robins have always meant a sign of spring and a sign of new life for me. Looking around me I noticed that, ironically, the cemetery was full of life and new beginnings today. Was this the sign I had asked for? Was he trying to tell me that the cycle of life goes on and he was okay? I told him I loved him and then walked to my car. As I left there was song playing on the radio with the lyrics, “This is where the healing begins”. I never heard that song before even though that station is always set on my radio. I couldn’t help but smile when I heard it. I am one that, quite frankly, doesn’t believe in coincidences. I believe that things happen for a reason. I believe I had my sign. I felt good about my visit.
Obligation or Offering?
17 Apr 2010 4 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: East Texas Baptist University Writer's Conference, obligation, offering, Terry Burns, writing
I attended a Christian writer’s conference last weekend at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. I was privileged to hear literary agent, Terry Burns, speak on “Using Fiction to Spread God’s Word”. One of the things which struck me was when we were asked whether or not our writing is an obligation or an offering. He said it was important to know the difference. An obligation is a calling from God. An offering is having the desire to write. For those who believe that writing is a calling from God (myself included), you have to remember that God will use you in his own time. And then there was the light bulb moment for me. He asked us to think about how long it took God to prepare Abraham, Moses, the disciples, and even Jesus himself before he was ready for them to do his work? God is not only working on your writing, he’s working on you too. That hit home for me. I came home motivated , but no longer in a huge rush to get things finished. I know this young adult novel is God’s calling for me. He will make it happen in his own time when he is ready. I know this could mean one person reading it or thousands. Only he knows the answer to that.
I Am Honored
05 Apr 2010 2 Comments
This award was given to me by my good friend, Laurie. I hoped to get this posted sooner but things were really hectic getting my contest entry completed. Thank-you so much for this award. I gratefully accept this from you. Please check out Laurie’s blog, Conversations With a Cardinal, as one of my links. I was asked to post 10 things that people may not know about me. Here it goes.
1. I was grew up on a farm. We had chickens, cows, pigs, ducks, and more. My mom always milked the cows. I regret never having the chance to experience that.
2. I have been a teacher for 31 years now. I have taught Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. I have taught self-contained classes and departmentalized classes, but I have always taught reading.
3. My husband and I were in a movie filmed in Louisiana. We were extras dancing at a festival. We danced about 14 hours for a minute or two on-screen.
4. I have no brothers and my husband had no brothers. We had no boys. Even our two dogs were female.
5. I used to write a teacher advice column for a local newspaper. It was called “Ask A Teacher.” It was sort of a Dear Abby style column except it was for parents to ask questions of a teacher.
6.I won Teacher of the Year for my campus a few years ago and then won Elementary Teacher of the Year for my district. That was a nice surprise.
7. I won my first writing award in 7th grade for an entry entitled “The Purple Pumpkin”.
8 I drink Coca Cola to help me sleep at night when I am having trouble sleeping.
9. I have a real fear of closed in spaces.
10.I’ve always secretly wanted to be a public speaker.
Wow, that was hard! I am supposed to post 10 links to my favorite blogs. As I get to know more bloggers I will add their links.
