Never Give Up...

For some reason tonight I was reminded of this. It is so easy to get discouraged by what we see instead of looking at things eternal. I have been through a lot these many months and have tended to look down below instead of on high where glory dwells and difficulties disappear.

I took a trip recently and experienced an illustration of this. I climbed to a rocky point that looked out over the scenery displayed before me. High above where I sat, enjoying the scenery, the problems below looked quite tiny. Insignificant, really. But where I was on that mountaintop, I indeed felt above them. Superior to them, actually. Able to rise up and keep going, no matter what lies ahead or how difficult it all seems.

You may be at that point right now with your writing or in any of life's journey with work, family, etc. Feeling as though you cannot rise up above the barricades or the circumstances. But be of good cheer... the difficulties really are small. After all, He has overcome the world and its barriers. You will reap (its His promise)...IF you do not lose heart.

Change is on the Horizon...

Change seems to be the word these days. We are hearing it everywhere, especially on the advent of an inauguration where we will see the first African American accept the oath of office as president of the United States. That is indeed a welcome change in a nation that has been plagued by racial tension for generations.

But one must also consider this blanket idea of "change." The idea of "Yes, we can." Words that brought Mr. Obama to the most important office on earth. But is the idea of "change" enough? Or should we look at what kind of change we are talking about? Is this change for good? Is it change for bad and man's selfish desires? Most importantly, will this change further the kingdom of God and His reign? All questions Christians need to be thinking and praying about at this crucial time, especially as we head into this vast unknown with one who has used the word "change" to bring about his elected status.

Change can be good, if it is change that brings about God's purposes and His righteousness here and abroad. If it brings forth reconciliation, forgiveness, salvation and life. If it says - Yes, God can. By ourselves, we are nothing.

Anything less and we will soon be wishing that "change" never came....

Journaling as my New Years Resolution

I spent the last several days on a little trip to be by myself and spend some time thinking, praying and writing. And with that, I decided to begin a journal for the new year, on the suggestion of my pastor's wife. I have been dealing with different things over the course of the last few months, and being able to convey those feelings in a handwritten journal is proving to be very helpful. I thought that just putting some ideas down on this blog would suffice. But journaling enables me to get even more real with myself, map out struggles and answers to them without them being in the public eye. It is really a self illuminating venture that we all need. And of course, anything that helps practice writing skills can only be beneficial to me as a writer.

So I suppose my New Year resolution is to try and keep a written journal and see what comes of it.

Do you have any New Year resolutions this year as a writer?

Next Blissful Thought on January 14th...

I will be taking a little road trip so will not be here to post on Monday, my usual day for blogging. Will see you on Wednesday, instead.

Meanwhile, happy writing and reading!

And coming soon....

Having a Vision for 2009 and Beyond

I heard a wonderful sermon this past Sunday from our associate pastor about the need for a vision. And what better time to bring to mind this kind of word than in a brand new year, 2009. We need a vision to help guide and direct our path. One that through much prayer and the reading of God's word becomes defined in our lives and ultimately is the goal we look to attain. For without a vision, we perish.

So what is your vision for 2009? Surely as writers, we hope to have a vision for our writing ministry. Maybe to write that book proposal, or finish a book, or submit a work. I have several books to be written this year, so without a doubt my vision is to see that these books are the best I can make them, through careful research, writing, and God's guidance. But I also need a vision for future endeavors. I would like to do more hiking. I would like to see the dreams and aspirations of my family come to pass. But I will say that for the most part, a long term vision seem a bit murky right now. I must look out beyond this year to see what may lie ahead for me. To know that though I have accomplished many things, God still has a big plans in the works. And step by step, staying close to Him, they will be revealed.

So stay tuned as my vision is made clearer.