A Small Tribute to Big Heroes

By Lori Boruff

Papa teaches me to count—

one flag, two flags, three.

I am his helper,

just Papa and me.

Papa teaches me colors

like red, white and blue.

He tells me a story,

of a soldier he knew.

Papa teaches “never forget,”

those who sacrifice all.

Brave men and women die

so I can grow tall.

Papa teaches me respect—

“Hold the flag high,”

for today we remember

soldiers who have died.

 

 

Multi-tasker Malfunction – How to Recover from the Stumbles of Life

By Kathryn C. Lang

My multi-tasker suffered a malfunction. It happens to me now and then – often around the same time of the month. It is never pretty.

Normally my family and I are the only ones to suffer from its demise. This time around I failed a friend and a supporter and that makes it much worse. I want others to know they can count on me . . . maybe I should hand out “Beware” cards when there is a chance for a multi-tasker malfunction.

I know better. These issues have been coming up for years. I have started to recognize and adjust for them in my daily life (for the most part). I know it is possible to avoid the multi-tasker meltdown. This time, I just did nothing.

For the record, doing nothing never fixes anything.

Tips for Avoiding Multi-Tasker Meltdown

1. Plan ahead. I know that I am going to guest post each month. The date may change, but the posting remains the same. I should make my article due on the 1st of each month. Then I know that Gail will have it when she needs it.

2. Have a backup plan. There are times when the unexpected keeps me from doing what I know I need to do. It is worse during the multi-tasker meltdowns. I run from room to room trying to remember why I am in that room. I told you it was not pretty. Having several articles in my database that I can tap into in one of those situations will help me avoid missing a deadline or leaving someone else in the lurch.

3. Be honest (with yourself and with others). There will be times when you have to take on less than you might otherwise be able to manage. Know those times and let others know those times. Be sure you also let others know when you miss the mark. Giving a reason why you missed the mark is not necessary. The why does not change the fact that the other person may be missing something they need. Just say you messed up and then make arrangements to try and repair the damage if possible. Things happen, and you have to open and honest when they do if you want to move past them.

We all stumble. It is what comes after the stumble that will make the difference. Plan, prepare, and be honest. These three things will make a big difference when you find that your multi-tasker malfunctions.

# # #

Kathryn shares words to ignite hope in the hearts of those the words encounter. She knows that life can be difficult, but she also has experienced how hope can overcome even the hardest times. Visit Kathryn at www.kathrynclang.com to learn more about her journey or to discover her books.

Shell Seekers, Truth Seekers Part II

By Sharon Wilhite

Shell Seekers sometimes find treasures on the dry sand out in the open.

Truth Seekers can find truths that surprise on a first reading of a passage.

 

Shell Seekers have to wade into the water at other times.

Truth Seekers frequently have to dig a bit deeper into their passage’s meaning.

 

Shell Seekers may have to dive under the water to bring up a shell that they have glimpsed from the surface.

Truth Seekers will take special time to throw their whole self into the study of a truth that is just beyond their grasp.

 

Shell Seekers have found wonderful shells hidden beneath a stretch of murky, weedy water.

Truth Seekers can’t be afraid of unclear, vague passages.  They keep looking, and praying, and sifting through the words for treasures.

 

Shell Seekers often admire and keep their best finds for themselves.

Truth Seekers know that some truths were given by God for their hearts only.

(“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19)

 

Shell Seekers multiply their enjoyment by sharing many of their shells with others.

Truth Seekers realize that their understanding is deepened when they share what they are learning with others.

 

Whether you ever get the opportunity to be a shell seeker, anyone can be a truth seeker.  God is just waiting to reveal His vast storehouse of treasures to YOU!

 

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;  so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”  Proverbs 2:1-5

Forming Great Teams

by Michael Elmore

Many people who read this blog are interested in writing. I know I am. Writing takes talent, practice, learning and encouragement. Perhaps you are not an accomplished author yet. But God has this in mind for you because he has put the desire in your heart. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Recognize that the dream to become an author is not just your aspiration but it is a desire that God has purposely placed within you to glorify His name and fulfill your destiny.

Regardless of the genre you are interested in, God can use your gift to touch countless lives. I don’t know if you realize this or not but the Bible includes a variety of writing genres. For example, you may not be aware of this but about 60% of Scripture is written as poetry. Poetry touches the inner life like few genres can. God also used prose, history, accounting and record keeping, prophecy and storytelling to communicate to humanity. So be encouraged, regardless of the genre you are interested in God can use you!

The question remains for most of us, “How can I hone my skills, connect with literary agents, market a product and sell it successfully?” That’s where learning how to form a great team comes in. Zechariah 4:10 states, ”Do not despise the day of small beginnings.” You probably know someone who has an interest in writing like yourself. You may belong to a writers association, perhaps you’ve attended a conference or workshop or two. Great! That’s how you begin to form a team.

When forming a team pray for divine connections. If you are serious about writing God will put you in touch with just the people you need to serve on your team. One way to help you form a team is to remember that serving others is an excellent way to form a team. Volunteer to help an experienced author. Learn from them, let them mentor you, assist them with their projects and you will be surprised at how rapidly a network of possible team members will soon cross your path. This is called the Law of Association. If we want to be successful then we need to spend time with people that we want to be like. Jesus said, “I came to serve not to be served.”( Mk. 10:45) If serving was good enough for Jesus, then it should be good enough for us.

Finally, be selective who you allow to be part of your team. Look for quality not for quantity. Learn from the best people you are able to connect with. One way to do this is to build networks through conferences, workshops, and seminars. These types of places are chock-full of published authors, promoters, marketing people and literary agents. But when you network with other people I use one word of guidance: listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit and let His Voice guide you to the right people. Be aware of the agendas that others may have. What are their motives, character, lifestyle and spiritual life? Do they honor God through their work? I have found a good rule of thumb for hearing from God is stopping long enough to hear the Shepherds Voice. Jesus said in John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Welcome to the concept of forming a writing team. I believe as you work in this direction and in the way God leads you, you will find good success! (Joshua 1:8).

Shoot

By Kristi Paxton

What was the personal weapon of fashion when the second amendment was adopted in December of 1791?

Musket? Bow and arrow?  Blunderbuss muzzle loader? Slingshot?

Part of me thinks we need to look at history to determine the intent of the second amendment. Leave history out of it, and I am free to bear my weapon of choice: an assault rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, or a hand grenade. How about a pipe bomb? Arms is arms, right?

I need to look no further than biology to fight against my own argument. For if we are animals, and we are, we must have a way to control our population. Survival of the fittest. Survival of the fittest with the most powerful weapon? Perhaps the assault rifle or the handgun is the answer. Issue one to each citizen, no background checks, no problem. Zero population growth.

Or look at historic intention of the second amendment, and issue each newborn a musket.

The NRA has some possible solutions for both sides of the argument. NRA says only good guys with guns can combat bad guys with guns. They suggest the USA install an armed security guard in every public school. The price tag is merely $80,000 per school per year, or so I’m told. Let’s see, $80,000 times 99,000 public schools equals $7,920,000,000.

If that sounds like too much, consider how many individuals we currently arm in Afghanistan. We have already spent national security money, and “good guys” already have guns. How about we bring the troops back from Afghanistan to combat the school shooters at home?  Would our militia be happy to guard school entries? If so, what do we tell the kids, some who have been expelled for bringing squirt guns into the classroom? There at the front door stands a military hero with an assault rifle, teaching young people how to solve any conflict that may arise.

On a positive note, there also stands our military recruitment program, a respected, gun-wielding military person, up front and personal, in the school from kindergarten on.  Little eyes look up in admiration. Erase that pentagon budget item for recruitment costs.

I’m stymied. Why is an American 20 times more likely to be killed by a gun than someone from any other “developed” country? (According to United Nations data) Why is gun ownership in USA the highest number per 100 people in the world? (88 guns per 100 people) The closest second is Yemen at 54.8 per 100. Why is USA often compared with Honduras, El Salvador and Jamaica, first second and third for worst firearm murder rates? (US is way down the list at 28^th) USA gun death trends resemble those in Mexico and Colombia.*

Yes, we have a problem. Just what is the problem?

*Data is all over the place and subject to interpretation. Will someone please shoot us some credible scientific research?