tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65010363676892671082024-03-05T17:22:35.026-08:00The Write WayA blog for writersPam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-83300467915808471122015-06-11T19:24:00.002-07:002015-06-11T19:27:03.800-07:00SOMETHING I'VE LEARNED ABOUT WRITING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wonderful words from a wonderful writer. This is my friend and SWG fellow-member, Gwen Rockwood and she has most graciously agreed to be my very FIRST guest blogger! As you will read, she is a wife, mother, columnist and author. Her book, "Reporting Live from the Laundry Pile" is available on Amazon and you can click her link on the left side of this page to see more about her work. Writers, take heed from Gwen. She knows what she's talking about and I love her honesty. With no further adieu - I give you Gwen Rockwood. (Thank you, my friend!)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When Pam asked me to talk about something I’ve learned about writing, my first thought was this: “It’s scary.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Even after more than two decades spent as a weekly newspaper columnist and blogger, writing is still WAY up there on the list of things that scare me to death.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It scares me, in part, because I have such a deep respect for it. When you love to read and you appreciate and admire great writing, the last thing you want to do is go and mess it up by writing something that… well… sucks. But the irony is, in order to create great writing, you have to be willing to suck. A lot. At least in the beginning drafts.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When I was a recent college graduate, I went to work in the newsroom of a daily newspaper where time was always short. We had deadlines to hit. On most days, there was just no time to sit and rearrange a sentence four or five times and wonder if it was good enough. You had to produce. You had to submit the story. The paper had to go to print.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m grateful now for that early training because it helped me develop a habit of “getting it done.” Once it’s done, you can always go back and polish it up, time permitting. And it’s so much easier to make a piece of writing better once you’re no longer wrangling with the fear of getting started on it.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So last November, I decided that what my fiction writing needed was a dose of “daily deadlines,” just like we have in the non-fiction newspaper world. November was “National Novel Writing Month” so I – along with thousands of other writers all over the world – accepted the challenge of writing 50,000 words in a single month.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">During the first few days, I sat at my keyboard making a mental list of why this was possibly the dumbest thing I’d ever done. “It’s a month before Christmas! I have shopping to do. I should be wrapping presents right now. I need to learn how to make sweet potato casserole before Thanksgiving. There are four loads of laundry sitting by the washing machine. I have a day job. Why in the world am I doing this?”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But I kept on typing because the most fearful part of me knew that, if I didn’t just jump into the deep end and start writing, I might never do it at all. Wading into the scary water with baby steps wasn’t getting it done. So I figured out how many words I’d have to write each day in order to have 50,000 written by the end of November. (It’s 1,667, by the way.)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some days, forcing myself to sit down and crank out those words was like a root canal. Other days, I blew right by the minimum word count and kept going because I was having fun. (That’s what we forget when we’re busy procrastinating and hiding from our writing – that once we get past that awful hurdle of the first few lines, the fun part starts.)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By the end of November, I had written 50,000 words. Some were good. But truthfully, a lot of them sucked. And that’s okay because now I’m going back through the book to make it better. The raw material is already on the page.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What this process taught me is that you don’t have to have a million ideas to write 50,000 words. You don’t have to have a month of free time. You don’t have to know everything and have it all figured out. You don’t have to be “in the mood” to write. You don’t need a lightning strike of inspiration.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All you need is to care enough about yourself and your dream to sit down and write a certain number of words on that particular day. (And then repeat, repeat, repeat.)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Be willing to let the words be rough, clunky, cheesy, stupid… whatever. Just get them down and go from there. The magic will happen while you’re in the trenches.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And remind yourself – often – that writing feels scary because you care about it, not because you’re bad at it. And because writing requires us to be honest with ourselves and with the world about how we see things, how we think and what we imagine. That takes guts.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve begun to accept that I’ll never be unafraid of the next writing project. What works for me is writing fast enough to outrun the highly critical, fraidy-cat part of me who would shut me down way before the first sentence if I let her. I also stay in touch with my writer friends because they’re the only ones who truly understand what that fear feels like because they face it, too. We compassionately push each other back toward the page and say, “It’s okay. Keep going.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, there you have it. The advice I give myself and other writers is to be afraid, uneasy, doubtful, pessimistic, skeptical, nervous, and even terrified – and then do it anyway. Because when you’ve written your story in spite of all that baggage, it’s going to feel AMAZING. And you deserve all kinds of amazing.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Godspeed.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-38398566354172624202015-06-05T10:33:00.002-07:002015-06-05T10:33:36.535-07:00Stay Tuned!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy beginning of summer, everyone! Hope you are drying out by now.<br />
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I wanted to give you a "heads up" that my good friend, Gwen Rockwood has graciously consented to do a guest post on this blog soon and I'm excited to see what she has for us.<br />
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Please stay tuned, writers and, as my writing partner, Terry keeps saying, "Write on!"<br />
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PamPam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-29782937435151648632014-03-18T10:30:00.000-07:002014-03-18T10:30:30.232-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There I am. Boy, do I look serious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actually, this is one of several pictures a precious friend of mine - Nicole Pawlaczyk of Capture Me Photography <a href="http://www.cmpbynicole.com/">http://www.cmpbynicole.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> took for my photo shoot at the library several months ago. She's a professional photographer. She's serious about her work</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and it shows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's what I want you to understand about me today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm serious about what I do. All of it. Every single bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I find it interesting to say the least, that I'm finally beginning to step out of my "little box" and begin to try new things where my writing and speaking are concerned. Why? Because I'm serious. Oh yes, I am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you read the last couple of posts, you'll remember I mentioned I was diving head-first into the world of electronic publishing. Well, it was more like a jump and I've been swimming around for the last month in the Amazon pool of ebooks. It's not easy for this old dawg to learn anything at my age but, by golly, it's happening. Book templates, cover design and production, new accounts. Lots for me to absorb but I did, I am and it's not half bad after all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In case you haven't noticed my posts on Facebook or Twitter, I recently released my latest romance entitled, "City Girl" on Amazon. It's not even out in print yet but you can purchase (or borrow) it for your Kindle now. Technology. Amazing. I've already sold more books this year than all of my print books last year. (I'm shaking my head)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also realized that I still have a lot to say and share so I've purposed to begin speaking again about grief and have embarked on a new campaign to get the word out there about that as well. I have agreed to represent and speak for a group in Rogers that advocates the InfantSwim program, as well as another group that endeavors to teach infants and toddlers to swim and prevent drowning deaths in our region.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All that said to say this: Today, I am putting you on notice. I am a force to be reckoned with. I know that the Father isn't finished with me yet. Not by a long shot. So I'm gonna work with all my heart and see that HE gets all the glory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Writers</u> - stay with me and we'll travel this road together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Those of you grieving the loss of a loved one</u> - read about my personal journey in the book:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned, folks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pam</span></div>
Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-71053513921479708992013-08-15T18:00:00.003-07:002013-08-15T18:00:45.295-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for me to say a word here. I've been very distracted lately, minding two of my grandsons for the summer. They are both good boys and pretty well-behaved (and that's not the "grammy" in me, it's true. They're good boys) and that's why I have to say something here today and get it off my chest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize that not every child is outgoing and "never meets a stranger" but my oldest is. His younger brother is somewhat shy but will make friends easily enough. Today, I took them to swim at the community pool in our neighborhood. When we first got there, they had the pool to themselves and all was well. They played with their pool toys and everything was fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon, three boys came riding up on their bikes and came in to swim. My heart lept a little as I realized these fellas looked to be about "J"s age or maybe a little older. Great! He could make some new friends (as he always does) and they could all swim together. Not even close. While I held my book up to appear as if I were reading, I observed the three form a tightly closed group, obviously excluding my two boys. J would swim over to them and try to engage a couple of them in conversation, only to be completely ignored and, at one point, laughed at. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tell you, it was all I could do to hold my tongue and not ask them if they would include my boys in their play but I kept out of it; still observing and listening. Finally, I had to call J over and tell him that the boys wouldn't talk to him or acknowledge him because they wanted to play by themselves. The look on his face nearly stopped my heart and I was close to tears as he looked at me and said, "I get it. They don't like me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I immediately put that idea to rest, assuring him that they were just already friends and probably didn't want to make a new friend today (or some other equally lame excuse). He went back into the water for a while, keeping to himself as the other boys swam around him, laughing and playing and splashing. Finally, J climbed out of the pool. I knew what was coming. "Let's go, Grammy. I'm done swimming." he said. His younger brother, oblivious to what was going on, obediently climbed out, wrapped himself up in a towel as did his older brother and they both sat on pool chairs, watching the group, while I gathered my things. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We left the pool area and began the walk home. You would have thought it was a scene out of "Dead Man Walking", the way he shuffled his feet, eyes on the ground. I know his little heart was hurting and there was nothing I could say to make it better. Believe me, I had plenty I <i>could've</i> said about those three boys, but I didn't. I chose to try and use that as a lesson to J that, in the future, when he was somewhere and someone looked like they felt left out or excluded, he would remember what that felt like and try to make friends with them and invite them to join him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He nodded and said he would remember. I have no doubt he will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know "kids can be cruel", this goes on every single day and most kids get over it.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was young once (yes I was, stop laughing!) and I remember what that felt like. I raised three kids and I recall much the same words and looks when one of them was excluded from a group. It broke my heart then and it still does to this day. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My point? How hard would it be to teach your children and grandchildren to be a friend to all?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just my two cents...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'til next time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pam</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-1965680029284241452013-05-17T21:53:00.001-07:002013-05-17T21:53:46.541-07:00DECISIONS, DECISIONS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79s__D7zuUtyqlilMaij2-c3LWPPCHJw0ayOWXIoZVoTu0bxqP-QKUmncoOIAL4_EmIqr0aq2pnjTY2AcnOPsyoYBrvtKD3Rm4uggeGwF-2fDY3Dh0ip6atek6XCeK-_TNhl7qhow29Oa/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79s__D7zuUtyqlilMaij2-c3LWPPCHJw0ayOWXIoZVoTu0bxqP-QKUmncoOIAL4_EmIqr0aq2pnjTY2AcnOPsyoYBrvtKD3Rm4uggeGwF-2fDY3Dh0ip6atek6XCeK-_TNhl7qhow29Oa/s320/books.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
It's 11:30 on a Friday night and I'm exhausted! (Isn't that sad!)<br />
<br />
Maybe I'd better explain.<br />
<br />
I have spent the better part of this whole week, sitting in front of the computer screen but I haven't been writing. No, I've been READING. I'm trying to learn everything I can about self-publishing and the ins-and-outs of ebooks.<br />
<br />
Can I just tell you? My head hurts. My eyes are dry and my printer's out of ink. Writer's platforms, marketing, formatting, templates...the list just goes on and on. I fear I will be overtaken by all these pieces of paper.<br />
<br />
The one thing I have learned (though I long suspected it anyway) is something that my writing partner told me a long time ago. "Nobody's gonna do it for us. The ultimate responsibility lies with us." Yeah, okay. I kinda knew that but this is ridiculous! That is also the part that I most remember when someone sees me behind a book table at a signing event and quips, "You know, I think I'll write a book someday." Good luck, Huck.<br />
<br />
Writing a really good book is VERY hard work. I mean, I'm passionate about the story line and the characters but, honestly? That's just the tip of the iceberg (cliche, I know. Sorry.) Then I was fortunate enough to find a wonderful editor/publisher that took me under his wing to publish "Contessa" and "Trust In the Yord: Hunter's Story" but the burden to sell still lies with me. And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings me to my other dilemma: I loathe self-promotion - always have.<br />
<br />
That is a problem, you see, when the whole idea of getting your book published is to get other people to become interested enough to want to buy it so they can read it and see what all the buzz is about.<br />
<br />
Okay. I've whined enough. I'm convinced there is no end in sight - at least not for the time being. So, I shall soldier on and learn all I can. I guess it's that way about anything new we try, isn't it? It's all about being flexible and keeping an open mind. Yeah. Okay. I'm as flexible as a 50+ (watch it!) year old woman can be and my mind is open (pretty much). I feel better already.<br />
<br />
Back to the keyboard. I have a story to write for Peekaboo Magazine and a presser for an upcoming event. EEK! There's that self-promotion again! But there is also the time I can find to sit down and re-visit/revise "City Girl" and make it as wonderful as it can possibly be before I release it to you. Yes, I'm making strides - or should I say, I'm taking baby steps? Regardless, I'm moving forward and for that, I'm extremely grateful to everyone that has bought one of my books, actually read it and gave me honest feedback or review. (One more thing I've learned: always ask for a review!)<br />
<br />
Thank you, sweet friends. (Notice, I didn't say "fans"? I won't be using that anytime soon!) I appreciate your encouragement and support more than you'll ever know and, someday soon, if you keep checking back - I just might have an e-book for you to read! Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Until we meet again~Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-25474575877598897522013-05-09T09:28:00.001-07:002013-05-09T09:35:14.306-07:00Can you weigh in?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey Gang! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think Spring has sprung (at least I hope so!). The grass is lush and green and Mrs. Robin has already raised one bunch of kids and may be preparing for another brood soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring isn't the only thing that has me excited right now. I've just finished a new romance called, "City Girl". It's about a (you guessed it) gal from the city named Dani, running away from her past in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This girl has some big problems and they only seem to get bigger as she makes an unscheduled stop in Starlight, Texas and runs headlong into a country boy named Beau Blackwell. It's not pretty at first and a battle ensues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not gonna tell you anymore because...I want you to read it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At present, I need an idea for the book cover before it goes to publication. Here's the dilemma - I think I know what I want on the cover: a picture of a bunch of cowboy or dirty work boots with a high heel stuck somewhere in between them, all sitting on an old porch step. Problem is, I can't find anything like that and believe me, I've been searching. My writing partner says I should just compose a picture like it and use that but I was going to try one more thing first. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If anyone out there in "blogger land" has a picture similar to what I've described or knows where I might find it, please give me a shout. I'm also in process of offering it as an e-book as well so I want the cover completed before I make any more commitments. I would really like to have it all completed BEFORE I hand it over and not let someone else decide on a picture for the cover so...if you have any great pics like I mentioned OR you know where I might procure one, I would be grateful indeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, okay. Stop whining and I'll give you a little taste. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“What in the world was </span><i style="line-height: 200%;">that</i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> all about?”</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He
closed his eyes in disgust as he took a deep breath in. “I’m sorry. I forgot
she’d be workin’ tonight.” He fidgeted with his hat for a minute. “Jody and I…we
used to…uh…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dani
held up her hand to stop him. “I’m sorry. You don’t owe me an explanation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “No,
it just caught me a little off guard, that’s all. We go back a long way but all
that’s over with now. She’s on to greener pastures.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You talk like
she’s a cow or something.” She grinned. “Forget I even asked. Tell me
something. What’s up with the black cowboy hat?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Puzzled,
he looked at the hat he held in his hand. “What do you mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “I
thought the good guys always wore white hats.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “What
makes you think I’m a good guy?” His eyes twinkled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ~ ~ ~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interested? Oh good. Well, let's find this picture and maybe you can find out what happens next.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Till next time...</span></div>
Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-6681162718476526442013-04-18T10:39:00.003-07:002013-04-18T10:39:45.818-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WEATHERING THE STORM</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As most of you know by now, we had some pretty fierce wind, rain, lightening and thunder last night. There were some very strong storms in and around our area and the water rushing down the streets and drainage ditches attest to that fact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I rushed to the front door and looked out to see if Mrs. Robin is still there. You know what? Well...let me back up for a minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first year in our new house, I noticed a robin flying up and down around our back patio. I soon discovered that she had built a doozy of a nest on top of one of the columns; out of the wind and elements, she sat there like the Queen of Sheba. Well, I'm not overly fond of birds but I wouldn't ever tear down a robin's nest with babies or even eggs in it so Mrs. Robin enjoyed her reprieve and raised two nests of babies! After everyone flew off for the last time, I tore the nest down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last spring and this, I watched for Mrs. Robin (or maybe one of her kids) and, sure enough, she and her beau tried to construct a new house where the old one had been. Plastic owls, water hoses, aluminum foil strips and other home remedies finally convinced them that they should build elsewhere and they did. Victory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last Friday, as we cleaned out flowerbeds and pruned bushes out front, I noticed a robin fluttering frantically above my head. I looked up into the tree in front of me and watched as Mrs. Robin flew over and landed onto a nest in one of the branches. I'm sure if my neighbors had heard me they would've thought I'd lost my mind but I leaned over on my rake and proceeded to commend Mrs. Robin on her choice of lodgings. I've watched her out my office window every day since, sitting on that nest of hers. She sits patiently, protecting what is precious to her and waits for Mr. Robin to come and relieve her so she can go eat something. Soon, she's right back on the nest again in protection mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to where I started...after the fierce wind and torrents of rain last night and this morning, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Robin and her nest. I hurried to the front window and looked out, truly expecting the worst. The nest is a little worse for wear but there she sits, on top of her precious eggs, still hunkered down like nobody's business! I know she's soaked and now, with the thermometer hovering around forty-six degrees, she's wet <i>and</i> cold. Probably hungry too. I haven't seen Mr. Robin all morning. Sigh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't help but compare this to some things in my own life lately. Problems, complications, and trouble abounds. I know the scripture. I've read it a million times. "In the world you will have tribulation..." (John 16:33). I know these things happen, troubles come and disappointments happen just like storms but it doesn't make it any easier to welcome them sometimes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I had forgotten was the last part of the verse, "but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." I may be wet and cold sometimes, fiercely guarding what I know to be good and true but my Savior is always there beside me - reminding me to keep my chin up. The rain will stop pelting me and the wind will die down. He has overcome the world and everything in it and promises that we can be overcomers too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I'm gonna "sit on my nest" and hunker down. The clouds will part and the sun will come out and 'this, too shall pass'. Praise God!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-80218067527202716692013-03-28T18:52:00.002-07:002013-03-28T18:52:46.258-07:00Ta-Da! It's finally here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so proud to announce that "TRUST IN THE YORD: Hunter's Story" is finished and ready for purchase!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Contessa" was a labor of love...this book was a hard thing. Hard to go back and remember, hard to write it all down, hard to allow myself to feel it all again but I can truly say I also see how much I've healed and been blessed.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you that know me well, you know I have a very hard time with self-promotion - especially when it comes to writing and my books - but this is different. Very different. I was just telling E tonight that I have already heard many people telling me how much they appreciated what I had to say and the way I said it. I've had people tell me that I wrote what they were thinking or feeling. All I can say to that is, it's what the Lord gave me and if it ministers to someone else then praise HIS name and share the good news that there is an end to grief at some point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That doesn't mean that I don't think of Hunter often and miss him terribly. It's just different. Almost like an ache that never really goes away. I was playing with his brothers tonight and couldn't help but think, "I wish Hunter was here to get in on this!"</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These guys keep my head and my heart in the right place, for sure. Samuel Ryker and Jordan Nathaniel, you make me proud to be your Grammy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So...if you haven't heard Hunter's story yet or, if you know someone that has lost a loved one and has just begun their grief journey, could I persuade you to order a copy through Barnes & Noble, Amazon or call me and buy one from me???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would love to see this little book do great things for the Kingdom of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'til next time ~</span></div>
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Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-749214653784007822013-03-04T12:27:00.002-08:002013-03-04T12:27:28.671-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yay! Yipeee! WooHoo! (Just picture me doing the "happy dance")</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contessa is done, finished, completed, edited, proofed, printed, bound and READY to read!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has truly been a labor of love but now, I need to get it into your hands. I know I need to plan a book signing or two and maybe even a reading but the opportunity just hasn't presented itself yet. You know, you're right...I need to make that opportunity, don't I? Sounds easy but, trust me, it's not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart hurts for those of us that love to write for others but just can't seem to get those 'others' to read what we've written. My writing partner and I both agree and believe that God has given us this little gift for probably many reasons; to bless others, to uplift or encourage, to entertain in a wholesome and healthy way and the list goes on and on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have already read "Contessa", then you know that Tessa is just a small part of the bigger picture - that being the salvation of a young man named Connor. I would imagine that most all authors desire their readers to be able to sit down, pick up their book and "get" the message they are trying to convey but, sadly, it doesn't always happen like that. I'm okay with that, I really am. You may just like the book cover because it reminds you of the trip you want to take to Africa one day. You may have read the story and identified with another character or situation. I'm okay with that too. In fact, when I put on Toto's "Four" album, the last song entitled, "Africa" just sweeps me away to the place that Connor and Contessa both end up - even though I never listened to that song until the book was already finished. Kinda crazy but that's the way those things work sometimes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll try to keep you posted on future book signings and so forth but for now, just know that I love you out there...the people that keep reading what I write and keep encouraging me to write more. I think most all of us like to read about people that are like us; human, flawed, and searching. It's that searching that works in our lives to make us stronger and maybe even more determined to get closer to God. Afterall, what or where would we be, really, without Him to guide us? To grant mercy and forgiveness when no one else will? And to allow us to grow into better human beings by learning from our mistakes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just wanted to take a minute to say "thank you" for believing in me and my stories and for the kind and encouraging words you say. I have only just begun this journey but I can NOT wait to see where He's gonna take me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love and blessings to you all,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pam</span></div>
Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-29567338322573915392013-01-24T08:43:00.000-08:002013-01-24T08:43:09.253-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">ROLLER COASTER!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a while, huh? Man, what a ride! You've been on one, I know you have. Okay, if you haven't actually sat in the seat, I know you've stood on the ground and watched the cars of people riding up and down, back and forth, around and around. Excuse me. I'm getting a little queasy! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My point is, roller coasters are frantic, nerve-wracking and thrilling - all at the same time. That's the way my life has been these past two years. Yours too? Bless your heart. If you're anything like me, right now you're probably feeling like you just want the ride to stop so you can get off and get your feet back on solid ground, right? Yeah, I thought so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trouble is, this ride IS our life. We are headed where that track is takin' us and there's not much we can do about it. Most of you know my grandson, Hunter's story and the account of how we lost our homes, business location and land to the state's "progress" after 32 years in the same location so I won't beat that dead horse anymore. You also probably know that I'm married to the mayor of our fair city (can't tell you how proud I am of him!) and that has presented some challenges as well. All this while dealing with some health issues and trying to find my niche in the intimidating world of writing, publishing, editors and book sales - not to mention learning about Facebook pages, Twitter posts and blogging! To say it has been overwhelming is an understatement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've got to tell you (I know I can be honest with you, right?) I was feeling a little beat up. Tired of trying. "what's the use?!?" and all that jazz. Why? Because I had begun to listen to the enemy's lies as he whispered defeat in my ear. I bought in to the deception and began to believe the things he was telling me. But I want to live for my Savior and be an authentic woman of God! I'm such a loser!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why do we let this happen? We know better. Isn't God the blessed Controller of all things and doesn't he work everything out for my good and His glory? Well, yeah but...Ah, there it is! The "yeah, but..."! That's the very thing I said too then I began to remember. A couple of years ago, our ladies "Apples of Gold" group did a study called "The New Eve" by Robert Lewis. Great study and we all loved it. I recently grabbed the book from my shelf and began reading it again, instantly reminded of the comparisons between Eve and Mary that we had studied. It was a simple case of three things: what they embraced (accept or reject God's Word), what they did (action flows from belief - think about it), and what they expected - they both expected good to come from their actions. If you get the book, you can dig further into those. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The thing that stood out to me was the little saying that he quoted over and over in the book. It was a pretty good definition of authentic womanhood. It went like this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "<i>A real woman embraces God's core callings, chooses wisely,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> lives courageously, and expects God's greater reward."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At one time, I had written that out and pasted it in my closet so I could see it every day but, as time went by and I moved on to other things, the little slip of paper disappeared and I forgot the words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Girls, I think it's time we re-wrote that slip of paper and taped it back up so we can read it every day and remember! No more defeat - not to say that we won't feel like giving up from time to time. No more pity parties - Godly wisdom helps us make better choices; even though they are sometimes difficult. No more fear - sure, the challenges will come; we're fooling ourselves if we don't know that by now but God will give us all the courage we need if we'll only ask for it. Then what? Why, we'll expect (and receive) God's great reward, that's what! Allow me to read an excerpt from "The New Eve"...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The New Eve knows a better way. She has entrusted her life to God and to a biblical vision of womanhood that she believes will prove itself <i>as the years roll by</i> (emphasis mine). Mary said it best: 'May it be done to me according to Your word' (Luke 1:38)."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, what am I thinking? I'm gonna put on my "full armor", grab my ticket and hop aboard that ride. Are you comin'? </span>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-11742997241184727662010-06-28T09:53:00.000-07:002010-06-28T10:41:29.391-07:00Community...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHZP34zk_xc7UQGRI_G7I88HiS5XhmP7LhP3YUe8erYNikDvOXEqkjWklKr6FEHuXzfLLwVF7HbrSrNPltQq4xXJkMuhZZjWIH04on40r0sOo0iAHBKXcvOqorMtwPdIUn4OCDkblLmFJ/s1600/city+of+lowell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487868895366493698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHZP34zk_xc7UQGRI_G7I88HiS5XhmP7LhP3YUe8erYNikDvOXEqkjWklKr6FEHuXzfLLwVF7HbrSrNPltQq4xXJkMuhZZjWIH04on40r0sOo0iAHBKXcvOqorMtwPdIUn4OCDkblLmFJ/s320/city+of+lowell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Community. What does that word conjure up for you? Webster's defines community as "any group living in the same area or having interests, work, etc. in common" When you think about that definition and then think about where you live, it's really a no-brainer that we should be "involved". I realize that some of us are more involved than others; some of us don't know where we "fit" in and so forth. I just know that every time Eldon and I get involved in something (take Mudtown Days, for instance) we are always given back a hundred times what we give. We have never lived in a really large city, mostly small ones and always in Benton County so you would think we wouldn't have definite opinions about such things but you'd be think wrong! We have observed cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma - Denver, Colorado - Joplin, Missouri and they all have their ups and downs; "pros" and "cons" but I must tell you, Lowell, Arkansas is a wonderful and absolutely awesome place to live!!! We are not a town but a CITY with the feel of a small town in the sense that sometimes, when you go through the drive-thru at Sonic or the bank, someone will know you and call you by your first name. We have watched Lowell grow and expand with great anticipation about what our city could be one day. I guess that visiting with people from all over this past weekend, I have just had a resurgence of hometown pride, maybe that's what it is, I don't know. But I <em>do</em> know that the people that live and work in Lowell are some of the best you will ever meet...anywhere. Hands down. I would just say here that, if you live in Lowell or in close proximity, shop there first. Give the local business owners a chance to earn your business. We have so much to be thankful for in this world and I, for one, am so thankful I live in Lowell!</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-25317104375590819012010-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:002010-06-11T14:33:53.056-07:00Fun in the Summertime!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttcQbxW5O75HEquStux5RyToEO0MjPHhrQZjQj92nXxsziJ9r8ahfAbA6DVV9yQfh5ZaGzbvKXUz2hou94nXDyyWssLom66iLjbyqFf73L3-P-tqD6ClwpCwPcCeNH_dC5PXcLmuSUAhM/s1600/blackberries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481590116310472994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttcQbxW5O75HEquStux5RyToEO0MjPHhrQZjQj92nXxsziJ9r8ahfAbA6DVV9yQfh5ZaGzbvKXUz2hou94nXDyyWssLom66iLjbyqFf73L3-P-tqD6ClwpCwPcCeNH_dC5PXcLmuSUAhM/s320/blackberries.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've got to admit that, even though I don't like the cold very much, I have really been feelin' the heat lately! I guess a lot of that has to do with the fact that I'm not nearly as young as I used to be (watch it!) nor am I as slim and trim as I used to be! Keeping those two undeniable truths in mind, I took two of my girls to pick blackberries last night. What a hoot!<br /><br />Have you ever picked blackberries? If you have, you know that the bushes grow low to the ground and climb out around the plant. They have tiny and very sharp stickers and you WILL get stuck if you try to pick a berry — that is not a maybe — that is a fact!<br /><br />We drove to the farm armed with our berry-picking gloves and plenty of tubs for our booty. The sun was beginning to set so it wasn't nearly as hot as I imagined it would be and we even had a little breeze to cool us as we picked. All three of us got our fair share of scratches and prickers on the forearms but we came away with an amazing amount of sweet, juicy berries — a wonderful reward for our hard work. We also came away with a renewed respect for huge bullfrogs and water moccasins. There was a large pond only feet away from our picking area and it teemed with the loudest frogs and the creepiest snakes the two of those girls had ever seen. In fact, the size of the swimming snake actually put a little damper on the remainder of our picking and we decided to call it quits. The girls had become a little "snake shy" as they imagined something down in every patch of weeds or clump of berries and it was funny to hear them shrieking and yelling everytime something moved in the grass or a bug flew by their heads.<br /><br />I got a big kick out of watching those girls but the thing I most enjoyed was the time spent together with them. Because we were without children (thanks dads, for watching the boys!), we had the opportunity to talk about all sorts of things that we most usually aren't able to talk about. Topics like God's grace and goodness, the cost of things today, where the orchard will be planted and how we can't wait to get started on a new beginning were just a few of the things we seemed to cover, all three of us just enjoying the time and the company. I look so forward to doing even more of that this summer and fall.<br /><br />Long ago as a young woman, I had someone admonish me to "spend the time wisely, as if the hours were dollars" and I must admit, I have forgotten to do that enough but, thinking back to last night, I believe I was blessed to "spend" a little of that time with my girls. Enjoy the recipe below. Greta has already made one of these pies and she tells me it's "yummy". If you need some blackberries, just give me a call. We'll go pick some anytime you're ready!<br />Ain't God good!<br /><br /> The Coffee Shop's Blackberry Pie<br /> ~~~<br />2 quarts blackberries <br />3 cups sugar<br />1 pastry crust, plus more for lattice<br />1 tablespoon flour<br />2 tablespoons butter<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover the berries with the sugar in a bowl and let stand for a short time. Transfer them to a pot and heat over low flame for arond 20 to 30 minutes until they're cooked.<br /><br />Line a pie plate with your favorite crust and lightly sprinkle the flour on the bottom. Pour cooked blackberries into the pie shell and dot with the butter. Cover the top with strips of pastry in a criss-cross pattern.<br /><br />Bake for 25-30 minutes and enjoy!Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-1883991671186053302010-06-03T12:21:00.000-07:002010-06-03T12:44:00.912-07:00CeCe's Birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZAA70OatmzNxLOXpfvsyimVkt4dxT-AQDrZKeqjJZRS0LFCcO7g94HvmA9sLNv74Avr3ORvot22nWywjZ3DEaTaSBec4JITPNcoyqMh4krPstGRsDoYby3nl8WUoDeYjbiS0KUntap0x/s1600/strawberries-cream_small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478630033545800338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZAA70OatmzNxLOXpfvsyimVkt4dxT-AQDrZKeqjJZRS0LFCcO7g94HvmA9sLNv74Avr3ORvot22nWywjZ3DEaTaSBec4JITPNcoyqMh4krPstGRsDoYby3nl8WUoDeYjbiS0KUntap0x/s320/strawberries-cream_small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's June already and we just celebrated my youngest daughter's birthday. Doesn't seem possible that she's a "twenty-something". I guess that means I'm "something else"!! Anyway, in lieu of birthday cake (which she already had) I'm posting a picture of one of her next-favorite things...strawberries. Yum! </div><div> </div><div>Seems whenever one of my kids has a birthday anymore, I begin to "wax <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">philosophical</span>" and rant on and on about how things were different years ago and so on and so forth.</div><div> </div><div>Sorry, but I feel the need again today, in light of CeCe's 28th birthday! I remember when I was still home with her - hadn't gone back to work yet - she couldn't have been more than three weeks old. I had given her a bath and she was zonked. I just sat in the chair, holding her all wrapped up in a big snuggly towel, watching her sleep. I grabbed the camera, took her little fingers and held them up to my own and snapped a picture. I think I actually still have that picture somewhere.</div><div> </div><div> Even though it hadn't hit me fully yet, I remember thinking to myself that I'd better savor that feeling because this would be the child of "lasts". The last one in diapers, the last one to potty train, last one in kindergarten, the last sixth grade graduation, etc. (you get the picture)</div><div> </div><div>Now she is a mommy and she is thinking she may have had the "last". I wonder what she thinks as she looks at her little boys on her birthday. Could she be having some of the same feelings I had? Could she be reminding herself to savor the moments because she knows they'll be growing up fast too? (sigh)</div><div> </div><div>"Ciest la vie" (Such is life) the French say. I've entered that "season" in my life when I have more to look back on than to look forward to and the look back is a mixture of many emotions and feelings. The Bible reminds us that we are all just "dust" and our lives are like a "vapor" - fleeting, at best. These days are precious and worth remembering. I should stop and "smell the roses" more, huh?</div><div> </div><div>Well, summer is here and even though we still have to work, we have more time to enjoy our families. The daylight lasts longer and we love to be outside and enjoying the sunshine and the sprinkler. Have a safe summer but remember to make those memories, lots of them. Because one day soon, you'll be sitting here where I am now and taking some walks down memory lane yourself. I pray your "walks" will be as wonderful as mine!</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-10039276131557212812010-05-25T14:40:00.001-07:002010-05-25T14:58:01.270-07:00IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-IdlxpQUGe4ZnuKAuQOCqS4pkFc8l2wpD7SK9PyV0cnW98BqJC9wRbRKttpHV0JaoisYkhXADSgV5APqxCkfy3EHzykI1lahr-eOU0OWCMTSnkm7QTFC5xDFRo-7_nsz7JtXGLUYkdXY/s1600/humble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475325965018753746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-IdlxpQUGe4ZnuKAuQOCqS4pkFc8l2wpD7SK9PyV0cnW98BqJC9wRbRKttpHV0JaoisYkhXADSgV5APqxCkfy3EHzykI1lahr-eOU0OWCMTSnkm7QTFC5xDFRo-7_nsz7JtXGLUYkdXY/s320/humble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Whenever I see this painting ( I believe it's entitled, "Grace" or "Gratitude", I can't remember which), I am reminded that it really isn't all about me and I have to tiptoe back to the Father's throne of grace and confess that to Him (like He doesn't know!) </div><div></div><div>Last week was Fight Week for the Longs! Attack, attack and more attack. I was feeling the pressure by Thursday and, through a series of events that played out like a bad dream, I just popped my top! Ever just feel like that little bitty "straw" just broke your back? Well, it did mine and I'm not proud of it but I have to tell you honestly that I just lost my composure - I mean the whole bit! Crying, sobbing, anger one minute and desperation the next. It was ugly, people! u-g-l-y! I have a dear friend who just happened to call me in the middle of all that calamity and she was bound and determined to make things better. Ever have one of those friends that won't go away until something changes? Well, that's her! She came over, prayed with me and we talked forever. I did feel somewhat better but I was still upset because the situation hadn't changed. </div><div></div><div>And you know what? It still hasn't but today, I am resting in Him. Oh, I know that sounds really cool and all spiritual and stuff but I am. I found myself even singing "Standing on the Promises" yesterday. Remember that one? </div><div>"Standing on the promises of Christ my King, </div><div>through eternal ages let His praises ring, </div><div>glory in the highest I will shout and sing,</div><div>Standing on the promises of God.</div><div></div><div>Standing on the promises that cannot fail,</div><div>when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,</div><div>by the living Word of God I shall prevail,</div><div>Standing on the promises of God.</div><div></div><div>Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior,</div><div>Standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God."</div><div></div><div>WooHoo! Yeah, baby! The 'howling storms of doubt and fear' were really 'assail'-ing but it only takes a few minutes to realize the same things we remind each other of every single day. God is STILL in control (thank you, Lord) and His plan is far and above anything that I could ever work out for myself. So if those storms start howling again tomorrow, you'd better believe I'm gonna sing at the top of my lungs and STAND on the promises of God!</div><div> </div><div>How about it? Are ya with me?</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-53002609161308652992010-05-17T12:03:00.000-07:002010-05-17T12:47:37.383-07:00Just in case...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1exMBPm_XEy7lRMmhr4rRrlBDg2_4KV7c4M-tU9-4hogtYjFzHS5zvloUwZUtxJVdNvN6lnr8_iuMxQRVnGk7Tr0e1KZXg9VNkg9w3eNMrBpU8YjfLPE7tQkOMTPvm83gya3HhY9uGRc/s1600/Hunter+Pictures+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472321209062225250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1exMBPm_XEy7lRMmhr4rRrlBDg2_4KV7c4M-tU9-4hogtYjFzHS5zvloUwZUtxJVdNvN6lnr8_iuMxQRVnGk7Tr0e1KZXg9VNkg9w3eNMrBpU8YjfLPE7tQkOMTPvm83gya3HhY9uGRc/s320/Hunter+Pictures+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I entitled this post "Just in Case" because I have begun to have the book I wrote about Hunter available and some people don't know his story. If you can tear your eyes away from that precious boy's face, let me tell you just a little bit about it all.</span></div><div> </div><div>Hunter died on September 26, 2004, just days short of his fourth birthday. He was a "rounder" and was rarely ever still long enough for me to snap a picture of him. He loved the outdoors and running and playing (note the red cheeks in the picture!). He always had time to play but never to memorize Bible verses (imagine that!). The very day he died was a Sunday and on the ride home from church, Hunter surprised his mommy and daddy buy quoting Proverbs 3:5. In "Hunter-speak" (he had a problem with his L's), this is what he told them. "Yisten, Daddy. Trust in the Yord wiff all your heart!" Chris said he almost had a wreck, he was so surprised! Little did we know that, later that afternoon, we would be reminding each other of that precious scripture! </div><div> </div><div>Many of you know that God has lead me, as a "healed helper", to walk with others on their journey of grief through a support group called GriefShare at my church, Fellowship Bible. It is my humble prayer that, through this book, others will not only read about my journey of grief but will be encouraged to find that strength in their times of need that only Christ can provide. </div><div> </div><div>I always tell people, "I certainly don't have all the answers, but I know the One who does!"</div><div> </div><div>This Friday and Saturday, I will be at the Clarion Inn in Bentonville at the Author's Showcase there, selling books and talking to people. It is such a blessing to see and meet people and talk to them about the Lord. Hunter's book gives me the opportunity to do just that. I hope you can drop by and give me a hug!</div><div> </div><div>Blessings,</div><div>Pam (Hunter's "Grammy")</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-17153908156312062992010-04-29T08:48:00.000-07:002010-04-29T09:26:12.873-07:00The Merry Month of May!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywaQptncxJFRwWqvaCFh10YPLY2j1tTJhLwfSxEaXH_QZmxSXrsHsatSR0uuBSwOH4ObOBONkYLRnS6Ngy-q3T1sfPph7xssyqghyBIAfEKWTQcBUtZJGjLtXkL1-MAhBFq3hiTF-4_MJ/s1600/bee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465588013755386866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywaQptncxJFRwWqvaCFh10YPLY2j1tTJhLwfSxEaXH_QZmxSXrsHsatSR0uuBSwOH4ObOBONkYLRnS6Ngy-q3T1sfPph7xssyqghyBIAfEKWTQcBUtZJGjLtXkL1-MAhBFq3hiTF-4_MJ/s320/bee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I know May is the month for Mother's Day and I should probably have something a little more condusive to that on the blog but I just couldn't resist when I saw this little guy! April showers DO bring May flowers, you know and flowers attract bees! I have a nearby neighbor that raises bees and sells the raw honey so I see them often as they make several visits a day to my yard and my flowers. They work so hard for no pay and no recognition! I just can't help but think that maybe I should be more like a bee in my relationship with Christ; work hard, use my time wisely and realize that it's not all about ME!</div><div> </div><div>Not a popular concept, I know but it's one Jesus himself tried to familarize us with while He walked on this earth. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Item #1</strong>: Work hard. The disciples got that one! <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2" version="'NIV">2 Thessalonians 3:8</a> "nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you."</div><div><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2" version="'NIV">2 Thessalonians 3:10</a> "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."</div><div>In the days before government healthcare and welfare programs, people knew that an honest days' work afforded you an honest days' wage. (Don't EVEN get me started on assistance programs!) I know there are people that can't work because of disabilities or age. Whatever happened to each family taking care of their own? Just a question.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Item #2</strong>: Use my time wisely. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12:12&version=NIV">Revelation 12:12</a> "Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."</div><div>I have to continually remind myself that 'no one knows the day or hour' that our Lord will return and I am reminded to "make hay while the sun shines" (an old adage my grandma used to use often!). We wake up, we go through our day, we come home, we eat, we go to bed and sleep. Next morning, we wake up again...yada, yada, yada. Things become so routine that we forget that we just might NOT wake up one morning or this day might be the one that's anything <em>but</em> routine!</div><div> </div><div><strong>Item #3</strong>: It's not all about me! <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1" version="'NIV">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4:11&version=NIV">Revelation 4:11</a>"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."</div><div>As sons and daughters of the Most High God, we should be realizing that our lives on this earth (however short) are to be lived in relationship with Christ and to point others to that relationship as well. Whether you realize it or not, my friends, people ARE watching you. "You are the only Bible some folks will ever read!" (another zinger from Grandma!). I know we will make mistakes and stumble; we are not perfect. But we've got to start live "like we were dying" (thanks, Tim) and realize that this very day may be the day that we will do or say something that will point someone else to Jesus.</div><div> </div><div>That reminds me of the precious young man that is, as you read this, walking all over the United States, carrying a cross. He's making a statement of, not only his faith in Christ, but his willingness to visit others and share his faith with them so that they might be saved and spend eternity with the Father. Pretty powerful, if you ask me!</div><div> </div><div>Well, there is May! (ha-ha!) Not very much about Mothers and I apologize for that but...as much as we all love and appreciate our moms, it is time we give at least a little thought about "seizing the day", "pressing on towards the mark" and living for HIM like there was no tomorrow!</div><div> </div><div>Standing with you,</div><div>Pam</div><div> </div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-34960159419567822432010-04-15T16:56:00.000-07:002010-04-15T17:03:04.627-07:00Political or PaPaw?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VN5NjPuEkvI2XFiDRfhgOjzSES88ULyBLBPE0crZTlrrjrX0t0WV2xSrTkYZADsjZNr3Gg0vhBLW2Xylsi-_W83GM-qiowDpMCo_YpkwGycjSXVMnwZEVmhO4V3yRxe-DPviFRPPk60b/s1600/084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460518031700180978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VN5NjPuEkvI2XFiDRfhgOjzSES88ULyBLBPE0crZTlrrjrX0t0WV2xSrTkYZADsjZNr3Gg0vhBLW2Xylsi-_W83GM-qiowDpMCo_YpkwGycjSXVMnwZEVmhO4V3yRxe-DPviFRPPk60b/s320/084.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I guess you already know that Eldon's running for mayor in Lowell this November. As such, we began to take some pictures for his announcement piece in the paper, etc. and CeCe caught this one of her dad and Jackson, hamming it up for the camera! I don't think I would consider putting it out for public consumption but it just brought home to me how "human" we all really are. It's good to look your best when you are in public but there are some times you just have to "let your hair down", as the saying goes. Well, this is PaPaw and Jackson just being buddies and clowning for the camera. None of us is perfect, nor will we be until we are standing inside the gates of that "beautiful city" in Heaven. I can only hope we remember that all our candidates and officials are only human too.</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-27931718375355302532010-04-02T13:41:00.000-07:002010-04-02T14:12:35.998-07:00April Showers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI02SZeFstrb71ywl3k9pJw7noN61A-X-FlPAlKuKIp8E_nSIqoSj895WTHe2iInXO1nZR6_I6KbOiaf9va3-6J0tR5xwEcWP13vpbHHVboUO1nHkTWoaov0LDnXJ6-eFA6mPd6k2UOJf/s1600/daffodil+heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455643242367154802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI02SZeFstrb71ywl3k9pJw7noN61A-X-FlPAlKuKIp8E_nSIqoSj895WTHe2iInXO1nZR6_I6KbOiaf9va3-6J0tR5xwEcWP13vpbHHVboUO1nHkTWoaov0LDnXJ6-eFA6mPd6k2UOJf/s320/daffodil+heart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I always wondered about the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers" when I was a little girl but, as I get older, I'm beginning to realize that there is probably more there than "meets the eye" (as another old saying goes.)</div><div> </div><div>The "rain" in our lives is just like physical rain in a sense, if you consider it. It's messy, inconvenient, uncomfortable...the list goes on. But, just as the physical rain is also a good thing - makes things grow, gives us water to drink, cleans the atmosphere, etc., it is good for us in our lives. I know, I know. That's a hard precept to agree with and those of us that have had much "rain" in our lives can attest all too well to the adjectives I mentioned earlier.</div><div> </div><div>But as Easter Sunday approaches, I've had some time to consider Jesus' life and ministry more in detail this week. Anyone that works for the Lord will tell you "ministry is messy" and, although Jesus was hailed as a prince upon His "triumphant entry" into Jerusalem, we know that His popularity was short-lived. The crowd turned on Him and the mob became an angry, swelling mass of people, shouting and clamoring for His crucifixtion. Have you experienced the mob mentality lately? Maybe you have been someone's "darling" for a short while, only to have them suddenly turn on you without warning or good cause. Hurts, doesn't it? Can you imagine the pain that Christ must have felt? I'm not talking about the pain of the scourging - although that caused almost lethal pain. I'm talking about the pain of a broken heart.</div><div> </div><div>Whether you've had your heart broken because of cruel words, bad intentions or mis-understandings or your heart was ripped in two by a terrible loss of some kind, it is still painful. Remember that Christ knows pain and suffering. He knows all too well. </div><div> </div><div>When asking an employee to sweep the showroom floor or clean and dust in the shop, my husband used to say, "I would never ask you to do something I haven't already done myself, many times." I thought about that as I was reflecting today on the cross at Calvary. Aren't you thankful that God didn't ask US to pay the penalty that was/is required for our sin?!? You bet! In fact, thankful is probably not even the right word. Maybe it is more like relieved or glad. Whatever the descriptor you would use, I pray that we all spend time tonight and tomorrow on our knees, even for a short time, thanking God for His unconditional mercy and grace and then on our feet, rejoicing and praising the resurrection of our Lord; King of Kings, the One that conquered death and the grave, our victorious Savior! Hallelujah! HE IS RISEN!</div><div>Blessed Easter, everyone.</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-53252124107116413152010-03-19T10:11:00.000-07:002010-03-19T10:42:49.352-07:00My good or God's glory?What an amazing week!<br /><br />Praying for a dear friend undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, another dear friend's son's heart surgery and the list goes on.<br /><br />I am ashamed to even admit the fact that every time I lift someone up in prayer (whether it's for deliverance, finances, health or healing) whatever the request might be, I am always awestruck not only by God's faithfulness to hear but His willingness to work in the situation - in spite of my bungling intrusions! Isn't that always the way? We believe we know just what that person needs and waste no time in making that known to our Father - The Creator of the Universe, the Blessed Controller of all things, the One that hung the stars in space and spoke things in to existence! The Bible tells us He knows even before we ask. I know what you're thinking...well, if He already knows, then why do we have to even ask? Your mom or dad knew you wanted to go shopping (my example) but didn't you have to <em>ask</em> to borrow the car?<br /><br />I can't help but smile as I think of Him, leaned in and listening intently to me as I cry, ramble and stamp my foot in childish selfishness. After all, I know exactly what that person needs, right? <br /><br />Then it hits me. How could I presume to know <em>all </em>the details, every 'in' and 'out' and complicated aspect of that person and their situation! I mean well, I do. I promised I'd pray and I am. And my Heavenly Father is still listening, smiling, maybe even nodding His head in agreement. But I have forgotten one very important aspect of interceding on behalf of others...His PERFECT WILL!<br /><br />I have determined this very morning that I will try not to assume I know it all. I will try to pray according to HIS will, not my wishes. ( ) After all, isn't that what we truly want, God's will in our lives? Oooo! That's a hard one to admit sometimes because <em>HIS</em> will doesn't always match up with our idea of what should happen. Come with me sometime and meet the hurting people that attend our GriefShare meetings each week and you'll witness them discovering that very thing for themselves. <br /><br />I'm convinced that, just as we are all unique, so is God's will for our lives. Designed especially with us in mind, the Father has a perfect plan for all of us and sets it in motion from the beginning. What's the problem? WE are the problem, my friends. You and I. It's our free will, that childish, foot-stamping, think-we-know-better free will of ours! We delay, disrupt and derail. Reminds me of a group of people called "God's Chosen" when they had to wander in the wilderness for forty years over a trek that should've only taken them 11 days! Hmmm...Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-70165769180177049212010-03-16T11:19:00.000-07:002010-03-16T11:25:07.238-07:00Mayoral UPDATE!!After the first "strategy meeting" last night, I must tell you, my head is spinning! (and it's not just because I've got a sinus cold either!) Eldon has determined to run a positive campaign in all senses and I'm so proud of him for that. No negativity, no name-calling or "look what so-and-so did" stuff! God is in these details, folks and there is NO doubting that.<br /><br />FYI: We will be having a Dessert night at our house in Lowell on Friday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome. This will give you a chance to come and voice your support for Eldon, as well as get further information about the campaign, etc.<br /><br />More later...<br /><br />PamPam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-83499532448844412732010-03-13T19:10:00.000-08:002010-03-13T19:23:41.151-08:00BIG NEWS!!!I apologize for not keeping updated lately but things have been really "hopping" around our house.<br /><br />Now that some things have come to light, I can share with you that my husband of 37 years, Eldon, has decided to run for Mayor of our city in the upcoming November election! He (and I ) have been praying about this decision since he was approached about it last October. Seeking the Lord's face in fervent prayer has resulted in this decision and those of you that know Eldon personally, know that he doesn't make any decision flippantly or without much deliberation and prayer.<br /><br />We have also been contacted by the state of Arkansas regarding the purchase of most of our land (house and business) for a future East/West corridor across the north side of I-540. Rumors of such a project have been flying around for the past 10-12 years and we haven't taken it very seriously until we began to see maps of the project, talk to state representatives and other people "in the know". I know, I know. The Bella Vista Bypass has all priority at present but this road WILL develop, we just don't have any timetables at this point. What we DO know is that the Highway Department is purchasing land now from our property west to Highway 112 in Cave Springs. There is also talk about some sort of "link" to a new airport road and that is controlled by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Authority (or some such organization!).<br /><br />Suffice it to say that we have had much to pray about lately, much to organize and much to think about regarding our family and its literal future.<br /><br />We have lived in Lowell (at our present address) for 30 years and, although terribly difficult to even think of leaving our home and property, we are compelled to stay in Lowell for business sake and now, in the event that Eldon does win the election in November, he would be required (common sense, really) to reside in the city.<br /><br />I am excited, a little nervous, apprehensive maybe but never fearful. I recently finished the Bible study of Esther with Beth Moore and the truths that came out of that seemingly insignificant story that I had learned as a young girl have been re-told to me in a way that confirms that God not only holds our destinies in His hand but that we are all perched and waiting for "such a time as this"...we just may not realize it. Our destiny is here in Lowell, we believe.<br /><br />Join with me, friends, in praying for us and this new work on the horizon but also for our city.<br /><br />More as things progess...Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-13323759358542784522010-02-12T13:43:00.000-08:002010-02-12T13:58:16.743-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RPmm98Eco9wSRYhdWy0MOr8xg_ZOBTBLDXK-DO1Mj-2VLTwz0Frq0erwnP72Uzh5SUo8zDIjFQAZWAd80mUcglpWkac6Be-9ZHmGAEMRwj4R28zPhYoROD_Juw3QLFfPTmNzJ4-PfD42/s1600-h/th_valentines_day.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RPmm98Eco9wSRYhdWy0MOr8xg_ZOBTBLDXK-DO1Mj-2VLTwz0Frq0erwnP72Uzh5SUo8zDIjFQAZWAd80mUcglpWkac6Be-9ZHmGAEMRwj4R28zPhYoROD_Juw3QLFfPTmNzJ4-PfD42/s320/th_valentines_day.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437476032439779362" /></a><br /><br />Ah, Valentine's Day! The day that every male in the United States scrambles to empty their checking accounts by purchasing sexy lingerie, candy, flowers or precious stones! Kinda sad, really. I know women that don't think they are loved unless their hubby/boyfriend buys them something to "show how much they care"! <br /><br />Don't get me wrong...I fell into that trap for a couple of years when I worked at J.B. Hunt Corporate. In fact, I remember one year (after receiving nothing for Valentine's Day the year before)frowning at Eldon and issuing a rather serious warning before I left for work that morning. "You'd better send me flowers today or I'm not coming home!" The worst part? I meant it! Sure enough, just before lunch time, a guy comes rolling a big cart with all kinds of flower arrangements on it (mostly roses!) and begins calling out names. I can still see the looks on those gals faces that didn't get flowers. It was awful. It wasn't because their husbands didn't love them but because they couldn't afford them. <br /><br />This year, as we all try to make ends meet and stretch a dollar farther than it has ever been stretched before, I shudder to think what some gals (and guys) must be going through as they rush to spend money they don't have just because we are told they must!<br /><br />I'm all about a romantic, candlelit dinner for two with great music and maybe even a movie afterwards. I say, what's wrong with having that dinner at home? Maybe he goes by and gets take out and Grammy keeps the babies. Then, after you've eaten and thrown the plastic dishes in the trash, you pop a great movie in the DVD player and snuggle on the couch.<br /><br />I don't know. I've been at both ends of the spectrum but I realize more and more that we fall into so many "traps" where these kinds of holidays are concerned. It's the small, tiny, seemingly insignificant things that matter most - usually. Bet you can't even remember what you got for Valentine's a couple of years ago. I want to encourage all of us to, instead of pouting about what we didn't get, to be thankful for what we have. <br /><br />Just my opinion!<br />PamPam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-10358204990382066392010-01-18T10:39:00.000-08:002010-01-18T10:56:13.755-08:00NEW YEAR-NEW FOCUS!Happy New Year, everyone!<br />As you can tell by the title of this post, I have a new focus for this new year. Thanks to a study in Esther I've been doing with women friends of mine from our church. In the fifth chapter, we read about how Esther was invited to ask the King anything and he would give it, up to "half my kingdom"! What an invitation! I don't think I'd have any trouble ripping off a quick request but what did Esther do? Read for yourself and you will see that she invited the King and Haman (her arch enemy) to a banquet. Hmmm...Ok, let's eat. The King and Haman show up and Xerxes again asks her to make her request known to him. Esther responds by inviting the two to <em>another </em>banquet the very next evening! Ok, this is getting ridiculous, right? WRONG! Esther was learning to WAIT on the Lord; to wait on HIS timing-not hers. As a result, everything turned out perfectly. Big surprise, huh?<br /><br />I took this very personally because, as many of you know, we have been literally at the mercy of the highway department for years now, as they decide when to move forward on a new East/West bypass project. They have already approached and bought out many of our surrounding neighbors but have not contacted us at all! The waiting has been awful; not knowing when they might show up, what they would appraise our property at, etc. After studying Esther and listening to Beth Moore break it down for us that night, it suddenly came to me. (Sorry, Lord!) We're not to wait on the "thing"...we're to wait on the LORD! Simple as that! Listen to this passage from Habbakuk 2:3 (NIV):<br />"The message I give you <em>waits</em> for the time I have appointed. It speaks about what is going to happen. And all of it will come true. It might take a while. But <em>wait for it</em>. You can be sure it will come. It will happen <em>when I want it to."</em> (emphasis mine).<br />Can't get any plainer than that!<br /><br />You know, waiting on the "thing" zaps our energy and our strength. Waiting on the Lord renews our strength. Remember Isaiah 40:31?<br />"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."<br /><br />Can I repeat myself here? Can't get any plainer than that!<br /><br />Friends, will you wait upon the Lord with me this year? He promises us our strength will be renewed and we will soar like eagles in the sky. I love it!<br /><br />Father, we will be waiting on You, this year. We trust in You and not ourselves. Thank You for reminding us in Your Word that You will be faithful to us if we will be faithful to You. Amen.<br /><br />I'll be "waiting" to hear from you,<br /><br />PamPam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-63121170691039726522009-12-14T11:29:00.001-08:002009-12-14T11:43:15.666-08:00Is it Christmastime already??????<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SWx7_-ueFPusSM_6Zt25xEQVC2O3NIHbLjU0EnLf75TjVFjQkaX4GH3KUesYvahGN279bPJsC1ugHIR4TEBu6RBdqpJji99fLSIQU_oUxFs5LU6dKkJRCzun2UDFjV8CokRZD893xB_3/s1600-h/!cid__P13133154.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415176418341638898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SWx7_-ueFPusSM_6Zt25xEQVC2O3NIHbLjU0EnLf75TjVFjQkaX4GH3KUesYvahGN279bPJsC1ugHIR4TEBu6RBdqpJji99fLSIQU_oUxFs5LU6dKkJRCzun2UDFjV8CokRZD893xB_3/s320/!cid__P13133154.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Take a look at that, would you? That is my birthday cake, made by my sweet daughter-in-love, Greta. She incorporated two things I love - hearts and Santa! (The heart is upside down, can you make it out?)</div><div> </div><div>I have heard it said that having a birthday so close to Christmas is terrible but I have never felt that way. My parents always made very sure there was a definite line between my birthday and Christmas. I never got a birthday present wrapped in Christmas paper. Well, at least not from them. </div><div> </div><div>We can all learn a very important lesson here.....whether it's a birthday or anniversary or even Christmas ~ it's not about the presents, it's about the PRESENCE! The presence of Christ in our everyday lives, day in-day out. Every single day.</div><div> </div><div>My whole family has been impressed to follow that example this year and we are not buying presents for each other. Shoot, we're not even trading names! We will buy something for each baby in the family but the adults are foregoing the presents for the PRESENCE of Christ in our lives. We are all opting to pray that the Lord show us how to better serve others this Christmas season. Even our church has begun something called "The Gift" and it is our intention to be the "hands and feet of Jesus" this season as we take care of those many families in need, both physically/financially and spiritually. We want to be known for sharing the love of Christ and the message of the Good News that Jesus has come so that we need not spend an eternity in hell, separated from God. This is the season that we celebrate Christ's birth, not who gets the most toys!</div><div> </div><div>Still full of birthday cake, I will cut this short today. I urge you to find a family or even one person this week or next that is much less fortunate than you. Maybe you've seen TV coverage of a family whose house just burned down. I'm almost certain they will need clothing and probably even Christmas presents for their kids. Is there a nursing home or senior center near your community? You might make a visit and find out who doesn't have any family to visit them and drop in just to cheer them up. There are hundreds of ideas out there for making everyone really feel the true magic of the Christmas spirit. You won't have to look very far.</div>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501036367689267108.post-4270206993952965072009-11-16T15:58:00.000-08:002009-11-16T16:16:40.092-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs99TIxzyeLsQsZ44skq_Aw6Aw4_Zrbsqr3UrCVjytto6rTfRitdFmj_Gz47P8pP1Q-2DTCW8EHXqDXG1V7oJ1ssP1XYupWKdd3zhcYbBrlRwaRN3LZqc3gZHeAIHBb0BEeAGeuB17WXhC/s1600/hands-foot-z4g_small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404855377709376706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs99TIxzyeLsQsZ44skq_Aw6Aw4_Zrbsqr3UrCVjytto6rTfRitdFmj_Gz47P8pP1Q-2DTCW8EHXqDXG1V7oJ1ssP1XYupWKdd3zhcYbBrlRwaRN3LZqc3gZHeAIHBb0BEeAGeuB17WXhC/s320/hands-foot-z4g_small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Wow! What a crazy last few days! See those hands in the picture? Well, that's EXACTLY where my ankle/foot hurts! I was (as my husband most eloquently put it) "running 90 miles an hour with my hair on fire" last Friday morning, on my way to pick up my Aunt for her therapy session when I took a tumble down our back steps! Coffee, mail, keys, my purse.....they all went flying as I lay sprawled out on the concrete, sick at my stomach from the pain! I hadn't hurt like that in a very long time and it took me a while to get my bearings. I fished around in the pile of leaves for my cell phone and found it quickly. I called my knight in shining armor and he came running. Of course he was concerned and, if you know Eldon, you know that he doesn't handle emergencies very well. He began to run around like a chicken with his proverbial head cut off while I lay there moaning. He disappeared for a short time and I wondered if he had gone to get something to get me up with; like maybe a crane?!? He came back a few minutes later with a glass of water and 2 Aleve!!! Bless his heart! He said breathlessly, "Here! This is for the pain!" I tell you, I would've jumped up and popped him in the head with one of those "I coulda had a V8" slaps if I wasn't in so much pain!</p><p> </p><p>I dutifully took the pills and gulped them down, all the time trying to encourage him to grab hold of me and try to get me up. Seems every way we tried hurt like a son-of-a-fun and I wasn't helping too much either! He finally got me up and limping over to an old wheelchair we've had since the years his grandparents lived with us. I plopped down into it with a thud and he wheeled me up into the kitchen for a better look.</p><p> </p><p>The ankle was already swelling, red and I was still feeling nauseous so we decided to get an xray. Why oh why did I think that was a good idea? My daughter, CeCe, came running when called and transported me to the ER. That was a whole 'nother story! After dutifully filling out all required paperwork and answering all questions, I was put into a room only to be whisked away again for xrays. After xrays, it was back to the little room to wait for the doctor. He came in and poked and prodded on my ankle and foot (very warm hands, by the way) then told me it wasn't broken, only "severely sprained". He recommended I go home and put my foot up with ice, rest and take the pain pills he prescribed. Little did he know I had plans for something quite different that day but they would just have to wait!</p><p> </p><p>Needless to say, the Aunt's therapy got cancelled and most everything else I wanted to do that Friday. I spend the weekend with my foot, resting on an ice pack and elevated above my heart. Let me tell you, in case you were wondering, wheelchairs aren't nearly as much fun as they look and crutches are even less! My hips, knees and legs are sore from the fall and my shoulders, underarms and back are sore from the crutches! Not for the faint of heart, I assure you! </p><p> </p><p>All that to say, I have a newfound respect for people with disabilities. You know, the people that drive the vehicles that get to park in the best parking spaces because they're painted with blue and the wheelchair logo? Well, trust me. Now I know why those parking spaces are so important. I wouldn't even want to attempt parking and walking all that way on crutches, let alone getting a wheelchair out of my vehicle! The whole thing is exasperating as well as exhausting and my hat's off to those precious people that do that day in and day out without so much as a sigh! I have come to realize I am very blessed with my two legs and two feet, my eyes that see great (except closeup) and my hearing is good too. In this season of Thanksgiving, I found out that I have so much more to be thankful for than even I ever realized! </p><p> </p><p>I hope you don't have to have something like this happen to you for you to realize that you are blessed too~ Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</p>Pam http://www.blogger.com/profile/11732990192477479985noreply@blogger.com0