I'm On Vacation

Thanks for checking my blog. I will be on vacation through March 9th. I'll be posting once I get back again.

Blessings!

A Fresh Start

ElizabethAnne Williams shivered uncontrollably. Snow and wind whipped and swirled around her. She had never felt so alone in all her twenty years of life. One hand caressed the mound of dirt on her left while the other hand lay protectively over her flat stomach.

Promise of Spring

Snow falling,
Wind blowing,
Icicles forming.

Birds congregating,
Feathers bristling,
Trying to stay warm.

Sun peeking,
Ice dripping,
Snow melting.

Grass poking,
Crocuses blooming,
Birds chirping.

The Power and Influence of Words - Part Two

"Finally, brothers, 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." Philippians 4:8

Yesterday I blogged about the power and influence words can have - both spoken and written. I have been continuing to think about this. I read the verse from Philippians 4:8 this morning, when I was working through a Bible study on Peace.

As I continue to pray and seek God's will about what He wants me to write, I am reminded of the importance of this verse. I desire for the things I write to stir people, to have a closer relationship with the Lord. I pray that my words will help to encourage them to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

I have read many books through the years. Of course the one that has the ability to challenge, convict, encourage, inspire me every time I read it, is The Holy Bible. Some books I have read were just good stories, or had some useful information. There are a few that have stood out as impacting my life, because of having read them. I was changed in my relationship with Christ through reading the written word.

That is the challenge and desire that I hope to do through my written words - to stir someone into a closer walk with the Lord. To encourage people to think about things they hadn't considered before. To me, that is what marks the difference between a good writer and a great writer. I desire to be a great writer....not because of me, but because of the Lord speaking through me.

The Power and Influence of Words

Words hold power. They can make or destroy someone's day. They have the ability to inspire and encourage. Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." That is why it is so important that we guard what we say or write. Our words have influence.

Think of the creation of the world. God spoke it into existence. When Jesus and his disciples were in the middle of the lake during a violent storm, all it took to calm the seas was Jesus saying, "Quiet! Be still!" (Mark 4:39)

As I am praying and contemplating what it is that God is calling me to be writing, I can't help but praise Him for the affirmation He has given me in the process. Here are some words that I have heard recently.

• "God has certainly blessed you with the gift of writing. I am praying for you!! Keep the "pearls" coming."
• "You never cease to amaze me with your writing. God has truly blessed you."
• "You have encouraged me so much by your writing."
• "I just want to encourage you as you pursue your dream of writing! Go for it...go with God!"

I don't include this to boost my own ego. But just to show how much words can influence and encourage. God used these words spoken (written) by a couple friends to confirm the call that He has placed on my heart. I desire to speak encouragement into someone else's life, through the gift of the written word.

Winter Beauty

Snow on the distant mountains,
Fields flowing with the white beauty,
Icicles forming on rooftops,
Snowmen appearing in front yards.

Birds scurrying to find food,
Tracks spread across a wide expanse,
Trees bend with the weight of snow,
All creation pure and clean.

Encouragement

"I'll write the book on your righteousness, talk up your salvation the livelong day, never run out of good things to write or say." Psalm 71:15 (The Message)

"And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible."
1 Timothy 1:6-7 (The Message)

On my way driving my son to work this morning, I listened to a CD teaching entitled, "Pathway to Publication" by Susanne Scheppman. It was from She Speaks in 2006 - a Christian speaking and writing conference put on by Proverbs 31 Ministry. God continues to use scripture, books I am reading, or things I'm listening to, to encourage me to follow the gift He has given me.

I chose 'Pearls of Wisdom' for a blog header for a special reason. My other blog, 'Digging for Pearls' was developed with a desire to inspire women to dig in God's Word, to find the spiritual truths that He has for us. In it, I often share my heart and the things that I am learning. I had a slightly different intent for this blog.

So why 'Pearls of Wisdom'? I still desire to convey the pearls of wisdom that I dig out of God's Word. But I wanted this blog to be more about writing, and the gift that God has given me. I don't claim to have 'pearls' to share. Those can only be found in God's Word. But I do want to be able to share, where He is leading me when it comes to my writing.

Sometimes I may write a poem, dialogue from a potential story, or other pieces that I am working on writing. But I invite you to join me on the journey of discovering the gift that God has for me. Perhaps through my ponderings, God will speak to your heart of what He desires for you to do.

Training

I have been thinking of my friend's comment on Sunday, wondering if I have had training in creative writing. Other than a couple courses in high school, many years ago, I have had no 'official' teaching. Unless you count the numerous hours I have spent reading.

1 Corinthians 9:25 says, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Timothy 4:7a-8 encourages, "train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

I feel that I have come to a time in my life where it is important to get some type of training when it comes to writing. That is why I plan to enroll in a writing course, and have been actively reading some books on writing too. I feel that there are things that I can learn that will be beneficial to me. But above all else, it also is vitally important to have spiritual training. To draw into God's presence so that I have something to share with others.

Break Through

I just wrote an entry about passion on my Digging for Pearls blog. I have been thinking a lot lately about the desire God has given me to write. I have been undergoing a spiritual journey and renewal the past couple weeks, to help me to get more focused. God has used this time to stir the flames of the desire and call He has placed on my life to write.

I notice a huge change in me. I have more peace and even feel a sense of purpose. I surprised myself yesterday at church. I had a brief encounter with a friend where we exchanged normal pleasantries. I asked about her work at the local middle school and she asked me how homeschooling was going. I commented that it seems hard to believe that I have only a little over two years before that part of my life will be over. (I am currently in my 14th year of homeschooling).

My friend then went on to ask, "What will you do then?" (after we finish homeschooling) Without hesitation I replied, "I'm going to write." I pondered it a short time later, and realized the change that God has made in my heart. I always have felt the call to write, but also have been pretty insecure as well. This time I replied without any uncertainty.

Then after our Sunday School class I spoke with a different friend. She just recently had started reading my other blog and told me how much she is enjoying it. She commented, "You really are a good writer." She wondered if I have had any training in it. I felt that this was another reassurance from God that I am on the right track of where He wants me to be. For me it was a break through.

In a few weeks, I'll be going to visit my friend in Georgia for nine days. I can hardly wait. It's been quite a while since I have seen her. But even though I am excited about our time together, I also am looking forward to returning home. Why you may ask? Because when I return home I plan to step out in faith and obedience and start a two year writing course with Jerry Jenkins. I can hardly wait!

For the Sake of the Call

I stumbled across the words to a song that I have had for over two years now - almost to the day. On February 9, 2008 I printed out the lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman's song entitled "For the Sake of the Call." God used this song as a catalyst, to remind me of the call that He has placed on my life through the years, which is to be a writer.

There have been times in my life when I do really well with writing, and other times..... well, not so great. I have written two fiction novels, three Bible studies, as well as a nonfiction book. But none of those things have been published. My publishing accomplishments have been some poetry that I wrote as a teen, and I am a regular columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine.

But God has been stirring in me, the desire to be consistently writing again. For the moment, that has been through starting this blog, as well as continued writing with my Digging For Pearls blog. But I know He is calling me to more than that as well. I don't know the definites at this point. I still am praying for leading in that area.

I do know that I will get back into working on my research of the ten struggles that Christian women face. I still have a bit of compiling to do with that project. Then we'll see how God uses that - whether it will become a full book, or just a series of articles. But I also have had stirrings to start a fiction piece again. I keep thinking about reading a good story, and how that can impact people as well. I'm excited to see where God will lead me.

A Good Story - Part Two

I continue to think about how God has built into us, the desire to hear, see and experience a good story. We enjoy hearing about people who have triumphed despite overwhelming trials and situations. Last night my husband and I watched a movie called Gifted Hands about a neurosurgeon named Ben Carson. It portrayed his overcoming his rough background, to become a world renowned surgeon. He is a man of faith as well.

But I think a good story goes a step further, in that we also desire a good or happy ending. Most people are disappointed or saddened when they watch a movie, or read a book that has an unsettling ending. We desire completeness.

Perhaps these wanderings are God's way of stirring me back into writing again. I am waiting upon Him, to determine which area He wants me to pursue next. I desire to be a part of the 'good story' that He has for my life as well.

A Wintry Walk

White snow gently falling.
All the world buffeted by the frosty flakes.
A winter wonderland before their very eyes,
As the couple walked hand in hand.

Whispered secrets and smiles exchanged.
Breathless giggles escape their lips.
Treasured memories are stored this day
To be remembered at some other time.

Rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes
Two hearts that beat as one.
Love renewed and shared
Through a wintry walk.

"Can I Still Go to China?"

“Can I still go to China?” my son asked. I debated on what to reply. My husband David and youngest son Jeremiah had been planning on a mission trip to China for many months. Then the ski accident occurred. My husband had severely fractured his pelvis requiring extensive surgery and a long recovery. He also had developed complications that rendered extreme nerve damage to his arm. Due to his injuries, he was unable to return to work for months. Our finances were already stretched thin.

I gave the pat answer, “We’ll see.” I knew that Jeremiah still felt led by God to go on the trip, but I didn’t see how it could possibly work.

Due to my son’s request, I continued to pray about whether he should go, even though in my own mind I already had made that decision.

One morning as I dutifully prayed about it, I sensed God asking me, “Can’t you trust me to take care of Jeremiah in China?”

“Yes, Lord,” I replied. So began my step of faith of letting go.

Within months, the necessary paperwork was completed. God provided all of the expenses that were needed for Jeremiah’s trip as well as extra spending money. I had some trepidation, as I watched my fifteen year old leave to fly by himself to Los Angeles, to meet the rest of the team. But I still sensed God’s peace that this was the right thing to do.

God used this trip to change my heart and my son’s, to be more like His.

A Good Story

I have been reading a Christian fiction book that I am thoroughly enjoying. It made me realize that most of us enjoy a good story. Some would say that reading fiction is a waste of time. For a time I felt that it was something that I shouldn't spend a lot of time doing. I have learned the importance of balance when it comes to my reading.

I think God has built in us the desire to hear and experience a good story. We do so via the Internet, through books, watching movies, and even listening to a good friend. In the Bible, Jesus often told stories to the people that followed Him.

I am in the process of trying to figure out what God wants me to write next. I continue to blog, but also desire to start on a new writing project. I don't know if it will be something nonfiction, or whether or not God has a story inside of me that is waiting to be written on paper.