Anticipating

I love the way God uses everyday things to teach us.  Last night, Noah (Howard’s son) tested for his next belt in Tae Kwan Do.  This is the gist of the text I got this morning:

Sorry, no pictures (I asked for some because Noah's my bud).  Got caught up seeing an underlying problem with Noah.  In life, there is a difference between standing and anticipating.  When you stand, you’re flat-footed and easily knocked over.  When you are on the balls of your feet, you have greater balance.  The challenge is to stay on the balls of your feet instead of the heels and let the little toes do the big job of keeping balance.  I’ve heard this saying all my life but now it’s making sense.   Something to ponder in every other mindset in our life.

Set me to thinking about some of the times I have been knocked flat by a left hook from out of nowhere.  I hate to say it but it’s been more times than I can count.

I know the Bible says when you’ve done all, stand (Ephesians 6:13).  But, it’s talking about the stance of a soldier; one who is suited up and ready for battle.

It was a ‘duh’ moment made worse by the fact that I’ve spoken before on something to that effect.  And, I even used the preparedness of a martial artist as an example.  How one of the first things they learn is blocking techniques (the shield of faith:  Eph. 6:16).  That they are always aware of their surroundings (watch ye, stand fast:  Corinthians 16:13).  Always on the watch for their opponent’s next move (not being ignorant of the devils devices:  2 Corinthians 2:11).  A lot of the times, they are on the balls of their feet doing that side to side shuffle.  (I know, an extremely ‘duh’ moment.)

We are all going to experience getting knocked off our feet moments.  Having to lay there until everything comes back into focus.  Slowly sitting up and shaking our heads.  Maybe doing a neck roll to get a few things back in alignment.  Then, oh so slowly getting back on our feet.

But I wonder how many of those moments we could dodge if, after we suited up with the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), we took a soldier’s stance instead of standing flat-footed waiting for the next blow.

Something to ponder.

Horn Tootin’

Last Friday, I took the day off.  Big whoop, you might say.  Not if you understood how protective I am of my days off.  I hoard them like they are priceless art work.  But, it was worth it .

The Longview Public Library hosted a ‘Celebrate Authors’ event.  There was a meet and greet on Thursday evening, workshops Friday and David Hartwig with Skidboot (2) on Saturday.  Plus, they had several tents out front for authors to set up, meet people and sell their books.  I was one of those authors.  I connected with a few old friends and made some new ones.  And yes, I sold some books (yea me!).

This is actually the first time I’ve done something like that.  Vickie Phelps (used to work at Barrons) had local authors in the store for book signings.  I did that shortly after Vendetta came out but that is the only book signing I have done.  I did sign some for the people at work who bought the book (because I wrote it).  But, I haven’t really pushed myself or my books.

It’s that whole not tooting your own horn thing.  That has been a definite problem for me.  Now if it came to you, that’s a whole different matter.  If I really believed in you, I would go all out to toot your horn.  

I was talking to my friend, Lana Lynne, (historical books) about it and said what I need is a tootin’ buddy.  Someone I could brag on while they bragged on me.  We laughed and said we could do it for each other.  Works for me.  So here’s some tootin’.

“I was an avid reader and was enthralled once I began to weave my own story.  My middle school years were filled with journals, poetry and began the process of hand writing multiple novels on notebook paper.  Once of my poems was placed in the church program and a few more in our high school’s publication.  My creative writing teacher was very encouraging, but I placed the stories in a drawer and closed it as I started college.  Three degrees later:  certified teacher and clinically certified speech-language pathologist, I rediscovered my writing as my daughter entered middle school.”

Lana's Blog

Books

Twitter:  @lanalynneauthor

I also met Anne Mateer.   She writes historical romance.  I didn’t get to spend as much time with her as I would have liked (we were on opposite ends of the tents).  She also said she didn’t like tooting her own horn and usually brought a friend that helped her with that (good idea).  Check her out.  Here is some tootin’ for her.

Anne Mateer has loved reading and writing stories since childhood. In

2000, she began studying the craft of fiction and working toward

publication. Ten years later, she received her first book contract. Anne

is a three time Genesis contest finalist, a Carol Award finalist, and a contributor to A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

Anne On Amazon

On Twitter:  @AnneMateer

I really enjoyed it and hope they do it again next year.

Melts Downs

Last night, Pastor Rayburn preached on “When Life Disappoints You”.  He talked about disappointment in relationships, in circumstances, in ourselves (regret) and in God.  Powerful.  He said, “God is not afraid of your emotions.  He would much rather you be honest with Him”.  It’s a good thing. 

It used to irk me that David could be the way he was and get away with some of the things he did.  He lived under the law and should have been stoned a time or two.  Yet…he always found forgiveness in the arms of the Father.  Didn’t understand it for the longest (we’re talking years).

Then God directed me to study David and Job together.  I thought it was odd but as I looked at their lives one thing became clear.  Job believed in the act of sacrificing; David believed in the sacrifice.  And yes, there is a difference.

Job was continually running around offering sacrifices (doing something) just in case someone sinned. His seemed to focus on the sin instead of on the promise of God.  On the other hand, David focused on the promise and not the sin. 

Remember, Job is one of the oldest stories in the Bible so he wasn’t under the law.  He was under grace (just like we are today).  At the end of the story, Job sees God for who He really is. I wonder, did Job raise this set differently because of his encounter with God?  Hopefully, he enjoyed them more and was less stressed.

There is no denying David was flawed but it was a rare occasion for him to repeat a sin once he acknowledged it.  His was great at admitting it, seeking forgiveness and leaving it behind him. (Exactly what we are supposed to do today.)  David wrote several Psalms that talked about the coming ultimate Sacrifice for man’s sin.  He looked forward to that day, yearned for it; put his trust in it.  He always ran to God with his sin instead of away from Him.  It made the difference.

I was a doer like Job and I’ll admit there were emotional melt downs along the way.  Did the study turn me completely around?  Let’s just say I’m still a work in process.  But…I’m getting better at admitting, repenting and forgetting (the hard part). 

I do know this; God has been through all of my melt downs and has been extremely patient with me over the years.  For this I give Him thanks.  

Springtime

Today is the first day of Spring and it’s not hard to admit I would much rather be outside.  The day looks beautiful through the corner office window (boss’).  It’s a good thing I don’t have one handy.  I would probably be totally useless because I would be staring outside. 

I have always gotten Spring fever.  I can remember sitting in class in high school and hearing the train go by.  I so wanted to be on it going somewhere else.  I can remember saying ‘you’ve been here nine years, you can do four more’ (kindergarten).  Then it was three.  Then it was two.  Then it was one.

I still get that way.  Only now, I tend to get Fall fever too.  When the weather is like this, I want to be out on the open road or somewhere drowning a worm and reading a book; not sitting at a desk doing the same thing over and over again.

Spring does seem to be a little slow in coming this year but Easter is late this year also.  That means we have one more cold snap before spring comes in all its glory.  Then we will probably plunge into summer (it is Texas).  So, being able to enjoy days like today is nice.  And since we are in Daylight Savings time, I will get to when I get off work.  Yea!

So if it’s at all possible, step outside.  Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair. Then thank the Father for such a beautiful day.

Why?

I don't read Stephen King because I don't do horror.  But almost twenty-five years ago, I found the book he wrote for his children; The Eyes of the Dragon.  It was very good but left you hanging because the younger son and his servant started pursuing the evil wizard, Flagg.  Obviously, book two in the works.  I eagerly waited for it.  And waited.  And w-a-i-t-e-d.  It never came.

Fast forward to the Dark Tower Series.  Someone gave Dad book one because the cover looked like a western.  Not even close.  He passed it on to me.  I liked it.  Got book two but didn't finish.  Couldn't get past the language.

Then I read an interview he did concerning the series.  He said Roland Deschain might not be the one to find the wizard and hinted at a young man and his servant who were also chasing this wizard.  Totally knew it was the younger son from the Eyes of the Dragon.  Don't know if that's what he did but UH!  Not cool!

So, I know what waiting for the next book is like.

Now to my writing.  The most asked question from those who have read Vendetta is 'why'.  To be honest, I wasn't sure.  I didn't actually settle on a reason for the villain's action until after the book was published.  In Ghostman, I introduced the Broker (main villain).  Witness gives more information about him.  Not sure which book will herald his demise but it's coming.

For all those wondering, Jim's story (already in the works) explains the 'why' from Vendetta.

And no, you won't have to wait twenty-five years for it.

A Comedy? of Errors

Suffice it to say, I was not running on all cylinders Monday morning.  Knowing pretty much everything was frozen, I got up early because I knew I would have to drive 30 to get to work. 

Sunday evening, I cleaned the first wave of sleet off of my car, steps and back porch.  I was under the mistaken impression it would help me Monday morning.  Bwa-ha-ha.  I had to use channel-locks to get my back door open.  The dogs did manage to get down and back up the steps without damaging themselves.  That was encouraging.  Then I took my first foray outside.

Since I was just checking things out, I didn’t take water with me.  Not good.  The screen door snapped shut and I was locked out of the house.  With no water, I couldn’t get in the car.  I did have my heavy coat on (that isn’t always the case if I’m just going out for a minute).  But, my gloves were in the coat inside the car. 

Now you might think, go in the back door; it’s open.  Uh, no.  The gate into the back yard was at the edge of my old trailer.  The new trailer is 12 foot longer so we took the gate down.  That was three years ago and still, no gate.  I have climbed over the fence but with all the ice…

Went to Brenda’s to get water.  Of course, the gate was frozen shut and by this time, my fingers were ruby red from the cold.  Finally kicked it hard enough to loosen the hinges and get it open.  Got the water and some gloves.  The water didn’t work on the car or the screen door.  Went back to Brenda’s (without the pitcher, of course); got a screwdriver.  No amount of prying would get the car door open.  I finally hit the knob on the screen door hard enough to press it in.  Yea!!!  I could get in my house (thankfully it didn’t break the handle). 

By this time, Brenda was headed over with another pitcher of water.   She walks up and says why don’t we try this door (passenger side away from the onslaught, very little ice—grrr).  Got the door opened and started the car.  She also had deicer which didn’t work on the driver’s door.

So, I crawled across the console (no it doesn’t raise up).  That alone was an America’s Funniest Video moment.  Shouldered the door open and stepped out to clean off the windshield wipers.  Remember all the water I had poured on the door trying to get it open?  Left foot slid away from me leaving me half in—half out of the car.  Sigh…

Finally leave the house and point my nose towards I-20 like always.  The roads were fairly clear and I was turning toward the on ramp before I realized what I was doing.  To my surprise, I-20 was almost completely clear.  Smooth sailing all the way.  Seems this side of Longview didn’t get all the stuff we did.  Was only four minutes late.  Imagine that.

After the fact, a friend told me “Next time use WD-40.  It will loosen the seal on the ice.” (grrrrrrrrrrr).  Bought a BIG can.  

Baby Steps

Most of my blogs have been about some kind of change I need to make in myself.  Whether I approached them in a light-hearted, sappy or serious manner, these are things I know will either make me a better person or enable me to have a better life.  But, knowing these things doesn’t necessarily transition into change; only change does. 

Uh, duh, right? 

Not so fast.  I can know what I need to do:  for days, weeks, months, even decades and never do it.  I have said it before, there is something very comforting about staying just where we are.  We might get aggravated that nothing ever changes but at least we know what to expect. 

Face it, we are creatures of habit.  It doesn’t matter if we’re couch potatoes or adrenaline junkies, change the status quo and we don’t like it.  And, making the kind of changes I have blogged about requires upsetting the status quo.  I would love to be able to report that I have implemented each and every one and my life is radically different because of it.  Sorry, can’t. 

But…I recently realized I have started taking baby steps.  Wobbly, on my bootie half the time steps but steps.  My attitude about things that are constants in my life is changing.  The way I approach problems is now different.  The fact that I’m not procrastinating as much as I used to (no, seriously!).  They may not be apparent to those around me but I know the change is there.

As humans, to some extent, we are basic drama queens (yes, some of us more than others).  We want change to come in huge spectacular very visible ways.  Most of the time? not gonna happen.  The real lasting change comes in baby steps.  Small adjustments we make that settle in around us for the rest of our lives.  And that’s okay.  The important thing is changing. 

So if you see me wobbling around (maybe falling down), remember; baby steps.