Books & Writing -- A Privilege

I just finished transcribing hours of cassette tapes that were sent to me by a woman who lived an incredible life. Several years ago, when she first approached me about writing her life story I was too busy and didn't give her the time she deserved. However, she's tenacious and she didn't give up. Occasionally I'd get a call from her or a card. And then, one day when she approached me at a booksigning and told me some of her story, I finally listened. I now have the privilege of telling her story.

Sometimes in the midst of all the work, all the marketing and rejections, and even in the midst of success we forget that it is a privilege to be a writer.

Each writer has their own reason for writing. Me -- I love it, but more than that I believe it is what God asked me to do. He has a plan that is bigger than my own. I trust Him and so I write and do my best to glorify Him in the tales that I write.

I must also remember my readers and be grateful for them, for without them I wouldn't be writing for publication. There is an audience of readers who love my stories and some who hear the deep things of my heart while reading one of my books. I am thankful for you.

There is no getting around it--writing is hard work and sometimes it feels like torture. But it is so much more. It is discovery. It is wonder. It is joy. It is growth. And I am grateful for it all.

I'm working on my first true life story, and as I've listened to the cassette tapes that hold the story that will become my next book I am astounded at a little girl's unusual, often horrific and sometimes beautiful life. God's hand is and was upon her. And the girl she was and the woman she became inspires me. The hours I've spent with her have left me breathless at the great privilege I've been given.

As writers, we must remember our job is a gift. It's not always easy to hang on to that truth, especially when we're in the trenches and wondering why and how we got where we are. And when we wonder whatever induced us to think we could write. And why in heaven's name did we begin this writing journey at all . . it's just too hard.

Still, I ask you to remember the wonder of it. Savor every sweet moment. Be prepared for the unexpected. And know it is more than a job because it is . . . more.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Kick Up Your Heels

I live in a rural area in Southern Oregon. The landscape is a combination of forests and grazing lands. When I travel between home and town I always see horses, cattle and sheep on the rolling hillsides.

A few days ago while returning home from town I noticed a frolicking full grown black angus. She was running, leaping and jumping while kicking up her heels. This is unusual behavior for a cow. By the time they're grown up they spend their time grazing or standing looking stupified while they chew their cud. Calves run and leap, not cows.

Watching this bovine enjoy herself made me think about grown ups in general. Some of us adults have forgotten what it's like to kick up our heels and have full out fun. That's for the youngsters we say. We're missing out. Just think back to your youth for a moment and remember how much fun it can be.

I'm not able to kick up my heels any more, but that doesn't mean my heart can't do some leaping and jumping for joy. Evidently God thinks joyful living matters because there are lots of scriptures that talk about it.

Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! And Psalm 4:7 says, You have put gladness in my heart. And there's Psalm 16:9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. And John 15:11, These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full. And lets not forget Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

These are just a few. Remember the joy of the Lord. Share some of that joy with people in your life. Lift others up--laugh, sing, and yes even dance.

Sharing joy makes it grow. And then it comes back to you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie