Saturday, January 31, 2009

Misunderstood, But Not Forgotten -Part Six

~Finally, confusing passion for anger.

Passion and anger can be very easily mistaken at times, especially if you don’t know the other person very well. Anyone reading this might very well think my tone has been angry in these posts. But, I assure you, that was not my intent and I’m truly sorry if it came across as such. I am, however, very passionate about what I believe and know to be true.

Not because, oh, I’ve been raised this way or that’s all I’ve known, I follow blindly. Not at all! I had to search on my own. I had to know for myself that what I believed was right. So, I did. And I do. Now I am passionate about this unshakable grounding and that is what has lead me to speak on it. To start a blog with God and truth as focal points. God is a huge part of my life, so why shouldn’t my blog reflect it?

Anyway, passion and anger... I think the best thing to say concerning it is just don’t assume someone that stands for their faith is angry. Sure, some might be, but you should never automatically decide that. It makes you no better than they.

I was thinking the other day how much I love debates. Passion, I think, is vital to debate something -the Christian faith included. If you are passionate about something, you give it the proper time and attention to research everything there is about it as well as everything there is against it. If you weren’t passionate about what you were debating, there isn't as much motivation to know everything about it.

Christians.. If you are passionate about what you believe, don’t let the opinion of others stop you from sharing it and knowing. Let them think that you are angry if they want! God knows your heart. He knows the truth of the matter. And it’s His opinion of you that matters most. As Christians, we have such an incredible heritage. Want to know it?

Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

**If everyone gets nothing else from these posts, let it be this one thing... NEVER ASSUME you know what other people know, think, or feeling, especially concerning you. These things are impossible to know for certain! Let the other person’s actions, character, and words together speak for themselves. But always keep in mind that you cannot see their heart.

~L. Pierce
2 Timothy 1:12 says, “Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”

Friday, January 30, 2009

Misunderstood, But Not Forgotten -Part Five

~The next misconception is taking generosity as wanting something or worse, forced.

Let me make quite clear that being a Christian doesn’t mean you are required to give to others. However, when you are a true follower of Christ, there is a great desire to -be it with time or money. So, to assume that when a Christian gives you something they are require to, you couldn’t be more wrong.

Now, that’s not to say some “Christians” don’t do this very thing. I’m sure some do. I would go so far as to say some even expect to get something in return. But that is why I said “true” Christians. Real followers of Christ wouldn’t think twice about it and especially wouldn't make giving a reason to get back. Christ gave His life for us, freely! Why wouldn’t we do anything less for others?

Check out the Bible on the matter.

So, on one end... Again, it’s completely inaccurate to think that Christians are required to give or are at all pressured to. It’s not Biblical or even logical. We all have to make the choice to give or not. It’s our choice no matter what!

On the other... Christians would do well to make sure they are giving for the right reasons. Not for themselves, but for others. Not to be praised, but to be humbled. Not to expect anything in return, but to give just to get a smile or even a tear of joy. Let me assure you, it’s one hundred times more worth it. :)

~L.Pierce

Next Posting-- Part Six: Passion (final post of this series)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Misunderstood, But Not Forgotten -Part Four

~Misunderstanding time given and kindness for relational feelings and likewise, not having time for dislike.

This misunderstanding can be said of anyone, not just Christians. However, because Christians are loving, caring people, some can take it the wrong way.

I have been an avid gamer for part of my life. Yes, I admit it. Some people I’ve met (mostly boys) have done this very thing. And they knew of what I professed to believe. Even in everyday life, there are those that don’t have much to do with me anymore because I couldn’t make this party or, oh, was too busy to do such and such.

This one has duel messages. Yes, one is that others should not think just because you are being kind (or are busy) that that means you like them beyond the scope of friendship (or doesn’t like them at all). And two, is actually an alert for Christians.

As a Christian, we “have the goods.” That is not arrogance, it’s confidence. Don’t let others use you because, unlike other people, you love and care. There are those out there that will. Trust me, I’ve met them. I know. This is not to say that you shouldn’t be kind and help people, etc., but just to be careful. Make sure others know where you stand (I believe this is part of the reason why we can’t keep quiet about Christ) and think about what you say before you say it. Don’t say something that will lead someone to conclude something that isn’t.

The Bible says, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'...” Matthew 5:37. This section is on Oaths. It’s telling us not to swear an oath at all and, in essence, to watch what we say.

~L. Pierce

Next Posting--- Part Five: Generosity

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Misunderstood, But Not Forgotten -Part Three

~Thirdly, our observation is concerning the mix up of happiness with superiority.

As a follower of Christ, joy comes naturally. Not saying that we are always that way; we are still in this world of sin after all. But, being joyful is easier knowing Christ.

Often people mistake that happiness for superiority. Like we Christians are too big for our britches.

However, if someone is truly following Christ and strives to please Him, that is a completely false conclusion. Why? Because following Jesus means to follow His example as well as all of God’s Word, and it clearly tells us that all men are equal.

Acts 17:26, “And hath made of one blood all nations of men...”

Not to mention it commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves -Leviticus 19:18 as well as scattered throughout the New Testament. And even shows us who our neighbors are -John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

So, to assume something like this completely goes against everything a Christian stands for in the first place! How then is it logical to decide that just because someone seems happy, they think they are better than you?

Please, do not accuse Christians without solid reason to. Just because you might not have what we do, that doesn’t give you sufficient reason to point a finger.

L. Pierce

Next Posting--- Part Four: Kindness

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Misunderstood, But Not Forgotten -Part Two

~The second observation I would like to approach is how Christians “feel a need to explain things,” especially concerning what they believe.

I have heard it assumed many a time that Christians have some sociological need to explain themselves. For one, I have to chuckle at this because in all cases it’s been said after the fact that I had posted to or approached someone else trying to explain what THEY believe and know. Can we say, ‘pot calling the kettle black?’

And secondly, we all have a need to explain ourselves. We are not perfect. Things we do may come across in a way we don’t intend, so we feel an immediate need to assure others of our true intentions. I repeat, EVERYONE does this. Christians are not the only ones. Stop pointing a finger at us when you might as well be pointing in a mirror.

For Christians, it goes a bit deeper than that though, I admit. Yes, we want to clarify things, but once again, it’s because we care. When we wish to explain something concerning that which we hold to, it’s for no other reason than we want others to know, understand, and feel how we do -the importance of that which we speak. To experience how awesome God is! We want so much for others to share in the same joy and pleasure! There is nothing wrong with that. It’s called love.

There is also nothing wrong with defending what you believe, especially since it’s constantly attacked in every way imaginable like Christianity is. In that case, why would we not??? If we didn’t, it would say much more about what we believe than if we did.

I’m afraid due to the presence of so many different religions around the world today, Christianity gets clumped together with the lot of them, right along with all they represent as well. This is not only inappropriate but completely illogical.

For example, while a majority of religions require blind faith to believe and follow, Christianity does not. The evidence is boundless and growing. By far, the Bible and Christianity stand out in so many ways, it’s actually absurd that it is considered even remotely similar to any other form of belief system out there. Check out the historical, scientific, archaeological, geological, and any other ‘cal’ (lol) and see for yourself the accuracy of this book we know as the Holy Bible.

Not only that, but research things like the prophecy of Jesus Christ and marks of inspiration in the Biblical text, and that opens up a whole ‘nother world! I get excited and awed every time I think about it all. Our God, ladies and gentlemen, is beyond compare. :)

No, Christianity and the Bible are far from any other religion out there. In what way? It’s reality.

And that is why we explain. That is why we share. Because it’s THAT much more important.

~L. Pierce
Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

Next Posting--- Part Three: Happiness

Monday, January 26, 2009

Misunderstood, But Not Forgotten -Part One

To all the followers of Christ out there. We tend to be misunderstood more often than not, am I right? And it’s getting rather frustrating.

Personally, I’ve been yelled at for just about everything, even caring about someone and wanting to help them (how ironic is that?). If by becoming a Christian you thought that life would get better, think again. It actually tends to get worse. All battles for good must be fought, and in the process we become stronger people because of them. Only, however, if we are still standing once the battle is over. That is the tricky part. To not let what other people say and do get to us is a task that proves impossible at times. But, hold on! The fight is well worth it, believe me!

Jesus said this for a reason, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! For I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

For the next couple days/posts, I would like to point out some misunderstandings that are very common against Christians. I urge all of you (nonbelievers and believers) that have had a similar experience with a Christian in one form or another, to read and really consider. And comment! If there are any I have left out, I would very much like to know.

~Our first and main observation is the one mentioned: Confusing caring and sharing for being bossy and a “know it all.”

A friend I used to have had skin cancer. This person would tell me about things they were dealing with and the types of things they did on a regular basis, and I was always willing to listen. But when it came to talking and suggesting, this person drew the line. And rather harshly I might add.

After suggesting some things they could change that might help them over all, I was blown up at. My care for this person was instead taken as a threat. However, I not once tried to force them to do anything, just suggested a few things I had learned -logical suggestions based on what I knew.

I thought I had given them sufficient evidence that I cared, but perhaps not. However, I know where my heart was when I suggested what I did. I love this person enough to care about their well being which is the only reason why I said what I did.

Most, if not all, true followers of Christ are very caring people. Please, do not confuse that care and our desire to share what we know for the worst. Perhaps we’ve been placed in your path for a reason. Do you ever think of that?

A bit of advice... It would show a lot more about you if you listened and never said a word, even if you don’t agree with what we’re saying.~

WDYT? (What Do You Think?)

L. Pierce
Just breathe.. God'll do the rest.

Next Posting--- Part Two: Explanations

Friday, January 23, 2009

Doomed to Perfection

As if.

No one.. I repeat.. NO ONE is perfect. You could probably think of someone right now that seems perfect in your eyes, but they’re not. Or perhaps you think you are. Forgive me, but don’t kid yourself. How do I know?

Not only do we live in an imperfect world thanks to sin, but also the word perfect itself tells us. Perfect signifies that our whole life has been good and without fault from the very start. I’d like to see a show of hands for anyone who has had a perfect upbringing and made all the right decisions every step of the way..?

No one? Didn’t think so. I know I haven't.

Another thing “perfect” tells us is that to be perfect is to be good. This makes sense. In Genesis 1, God created everything good -us, very good. When we fell, we were separated from that good. Seems only natural that perfect is what we must go back to. And look around. Not a lot of perfect going on here.

The only perfect person that has ever been on this earth was Jesus. And the Bible as well as extra biblical history shows it in what He did and who He was. In Him, and ONLY in Him can we ever even attempt to be perfect/good.

And that’s the thing with perfection. We may not be perfect to begin with, but we can try to be thanks to God. By being and doing good, these are some ways we can do it. But I need to stress that as followers of Christ, and only as such, do we have the tools necessary to truly do so. Without Him, us trying to be perfect and good is meaningless. And without Him, there is no one to pick us up when we fall, which we will.

Also, when we are walking straight, it shows. We stand out like sore thumbs.. just not as red and puffy. lol

The Bible says, “..children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” I want to shine like a star. Don’t you? I want people to look at me and know there is something different about me. If we aren’t trying to be who God wants us to be -perfect as He is perfect- and instead giving into what the world wants us to be like, how can we expect to do this? Everyone wants to be like the world! Personally, it’s getting very old. Better to be different than carbon copies of each other. And people think God made us robots. Ha! No. Man is the only culprit behind that one.

Lets choose to be different and try to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, not man. After all, God sees all, especially our hearts. Man doesn’t. And before him is the only place that it matters.

Take my word for it... There is no greater adventure or harder journey than to be different. But it's so worth it. :)

~L. Pierce

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Don't Tell... Show!

This can be said in life as well as writing. With writing, it is important to do both, but showing is by far more important than telling. You wouldn’t want to write a story and only tell the reader what happened. That would get very boring, very fast. People want to see something happen, not just hear that it happened.

But, for the purpose of this blog, I want to focus on real life. Recently someone told me they love me with all their heart. I couldn’t help thinking, where is the proof of it? It’s one thing to tell me this is true, it’s quite another to show it to me. Call me skeptical but, if you knew this person, you would understand. I can think of very little ways in which they have truly shown it to me.

Oh, that we all would strive to show, not just tell in all areas of our life! The same is true with being a Christian. How much more would it prove to others that we are followers of Christ if we acted like it? The verse, “you shall know them by their fruit,” in Matthew 7 comes to mind. We all need fruit in our lives. Fruit behind our words.

The Bible is what we Christians should use as our guide. And it gives more than enough to know how to conduct ourselves and what being a Christian really means. Galatians 5:23+24, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

If we claim to be followers of Christ, lets act like it! If we say and feel we love someone, how about we show it to them! It would mean so much more than meager words.

Now, we can also use show don’t tell to see who people truly are. The King James version of Matthew 7 goes so far as to say, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

I used to have a friend that claimed to be a Christian for example, yet was not living like it at all. Once I asked this friend to tell me about their testimony -how they came to know Christ and make Him Lord of their life- and found out that they didn’t have one! They had never ask Christ into their life. Not only that, but with some of their actions, which are not appropriate to discuss, it clearly showed too.

This is the evidence we should look for in everything. Don’t just settle for words, which can change as quickly as they are said. Wait to see the proof of them first. Let actions speak louder than words. It will help protect you from unwanted talkers.

~L. Pierce

Friday, January 16, 2009

Paper is your Friend

Technology now a days has us thinking that we need paper less and less. But this is not so. For writers especially, paper is important. And not just for sending in manuscripts.

I’m talking about notebooks and pads of paper. Because writing a story (especially a novel) involves so much detail and layers of information, I’ve found that the best way to catalogue this is with good old-fashioned pencil and paper.

But, the benefits don’t end there.

This is helpful for even writing down ideas when you aren’t near your computer. If anyone is like me, I forget things unless I get them down right away. Having a notebook or pad of paper on hand is great for this.

And not just for writers! Have a question you want to remember so you can think over it when you aren’t distracted and have more time? Paper is good for that, too.

Also, think about the reliability. Compared to a computer, you’re never left to worry about losing that information and making sure things are backed up. I know, paper could get wet and smudge, but if what you have in your notebook is important to you, trust me, you’ll protect it.

Any way you look at it, YOU NEED PAPER! It’s still the best practical way to remember and remind. Make paper your friend. It will not only help you in your endeavors but also open up a whole new world of it’s own.

Yes, we may have cellphones now, but that’s another topic for another time. :)

Monday, January 12, 2009

God? Evil???

I was recently prompted to do some research when challenged with the claim that God is evil. Skeptics say that because evil must have come from somewhere, and God is creator of “all things” (remember this), that means that God is evil as well. Wanted to share with you all what I found. It’s really neat. :)

First off, this is a good site that shows how the Bible cannot be used to prove such a thing as truth -http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/evil.html. In this sort of discussion, it is important not to confuse discipline with/as evil. When God punishes us, it is because we have done something wrong and because He loves us, and He knows that the path we are on will lead us somewhere that will harm us. God wants to protect us.

Next, as a little background information, lets look and see what the Bible says God created. In Ephesians 3:9 we read, “... which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”

Also, “For by him were all things created...” Colossians 1:16.

So, skeptics are right in saying that God created everything. However, I would like to emphasize the word “things” as I ask this question... Would evil be considered a thing?

Evil is not tangible. You can't pick it up or throw it around the room. You can't taste it in the sense that you taste food. And technically you can't even see evil. The only things we see are the effects of evil. The same goes with hearing. That doesn't qualify as a "thing." Check out the definition and let me know what you think.

As a conclusion to this post, I would like to share a story I found online that I hope will answer one if not all the questions raised with this post.

~~~~~~~

A University professor at a well-known institution of higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?"

A student bravely replied "Yes he did."

"God created everything?" the professor asked. "Yes sir, he certainly did." the student replied.

The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil. And since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil."

The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"

"Of course," replied the professor.

The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"

"What kind of a question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The other students snickered at the young man's question.

The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.

The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"

The professor responded, "Of course it does."

The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"

Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said, we see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor had nothing to say.

~L.Pierce
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. -Isaiah 54:17

Saturday, January 10, 2009

What's in a Name?

One of my favorite things to do when I start a story is choose a name for my main character(s). Personally, I love unique names, be it made up or overheard, but at times any name can be unique in it’s own way. Meanings are something I look at as well, though my readers may never know what the names of my characters mean from my story. There’s something about knowing something they still don’t about my characters that has appeal... Anyway, I’m going off on a rabbit trail. Back on track we go!

Names are rather important. Not only to you but also to your reader. A name is probably one of the most important first things they learn of your protagonist. So, it should be something -right alongside with who they are- that will make them hard to forget.

Do you ever notice how with people you know, their names somehow suit them? Try it! Think of someone you know well and try to picture them with another name. I have a friend named Timothy (Tim) who shared that one time he tried to go by his middle name, Ryan, but it never stuck because everyone knew and placed him as his first. If you knew him, too, Ryan just doesn’t fit. It’s like calling Bob the Cucumber or Larry the Tomato -not gonna happen! So, for your characters, a name can’t be just a name.

The protagonist in The Neverending Story had quite a name -Bastian Balthazar Bux. But, it was catchy! And how many people do you know that have a name starting with all the same letter? So, even in it’s oddity (or perhaps because of it), the reader (or viewer) is drawn into this story.

I suggest that when deciding on a name, you figure out what their full name will be. First, middle, and last. You may not find you need or even use them all, but you’ll have them nonetheless.

The first, middle, and last names should sound at least somewhat decent together too -or perhaps this is just me. I’m not saying that unique names can’t be used. Not in the least! As I said before, I love unique names. However, put those unique names with names that sound good together and you’ll have a character name that people will not soon forget. (See QFD below.)

And further, feel free to give meaning to their names in your story. It might not coincide with the actual meaning of the name itself, but this is a surefire way to give people a connection to your protagonist. The more the connection there is, the more unlikely it will be to put their (your) story down. For example, one of the names mentioned in the discussion below is Carrie Doll Sulverson. Perhaps people call her Doll because she looks like a Barbie Doll, or Dollie to connect her first and middle names.

See how much fun names can be? They’re like a mini story all on their own!

Nicknames I love as well. But, if you’re going to use them, I think it would be less confusing to rely on one above the other. If you choose to use the nickname, make it known what their full name is once if necessary (an example would be Isabella -Bella- Swan in Twilight page 16), but then use their nickname whenever you refer to them again (unless there is a reason to use it again -ie. a newcomer or stranger. Perhaps your protagonist doesn’t like people calling her by her nickname until she knows them.).

When working with more than one main character (specifically in couples), names matter all the more. Think of Romeo and Juliet. Everyone knows who they are! Their names, in a way, defined them. And notice how their names go together. Say them out loud... Now, if it were Reuben and Joan, somehow I don’t think that would have the same effect. Do you? It sounds callous in comparison. (No offense to any Reuben’s and Joan’s out there!)

So, in summary:
1) Don’t settle for what’s natural and ordinary because your characters are to be extraordinary. Their name is a big part of what make this known on paper.
2) Have all three names -first, middle, and last- set in stone before you start writing.
3) Say names out loud to hear if they work together. Above all though, keep in mind who your character will be, or even become, and select a name that you feel will suit them.
4) Nicknames should be an either-or decision in a story to prevent confusion. And,
5) Couples names might do well in sounding good together.

As a final point, consider the name of Jesus. God specifically selected this name. Why? Who can say for certain? But, God gives us a great example of the importance of a name. And, for Jesus, it set the bar for who He was to become.

QFD (Question for Discussion) ---What would you think about the name Carrie Doll Sulverson? How about Pari Ciara Luther? Give your opinion on them. Do they fulfill the things mentioned in this post? In what special ways could you use them in a book (Hint: this may require some research)? Now, come up with your own full name and post it for discussion.

Great links for finding names--- First names, http://www.behindthename.com/. Last names, http://www.last-names.net/.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Waiting.. Still Waiting

At times the single life can be harrowing for a girl. Waiting for the one you’re intended to be with takes a lot of patience -patience at times I, for one, have lacked. So, I’d like to share some thoughts and ideas while you wait for your Prince that have helped keep me strong and will hopefully do the same for you when it doesn’t seem like you can make it.

I would like to first say that my relationship with Christ has helped me in this area tremendously. He loves me unconditionally and so strongly that that alone has been enough to get me through at times. And since I haven’t had a father around that knew how to hold my heart, God has always been there with a love like un-other to take his place better than anyone else can. Don’t know Him? I would highly recommend it.

Also, I believe fully that there are no coincidences and that God already has the one for me picked out. He has everything already set; the day I meet him, the moment I know he’s the one, the time I marry him. Everything. This too helps to think about.

“Serenity and inner beauty come when we wait upon God. 'Waiting' like that is not merely wasting time.” Eva Burrows

Other little thoughts:

~He/she must really be something if it’s taking so long... Either that, or they’re not anything special at all right now, so they need more time.

~Often times, we are prepared and tested to see if WE are ready for THEM; that can mean it’s us not being ready that prevents it coming to pass. Think of this waiting period as a time for you to grow. Be it in your relationship with God or your patience or even both. And don’t rush it (I know, it’s easier said than done at times). You don’t want to be anything but ready when it happens.

~Enjoy being single while it lasts. Once you leave it behind to start a family, you won’t ever be able to go back.

~I once heard it said that every time you touch or kiss someone or are touched or kissed by someone, you leave a fingerprint on them as they do on you. If they turn out not to be the guy, when you do find the one you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, do you want all these prints from someone other than him on you? (Oh, and just so you know, distance relationships of any kind are no different in this area.) I don’t say this to lay guilt on anyone, just to warn you to be careful. Unfortunately, I know this is true from personal experience. Stand above it.

Concerning dealing with the impatience:

~If you struggle, make sure you are making better use of your time. Have hobbies and goals to keep you busy outside of work (though work, if enjoyed, can be a good means too). Fill in the gaps so you aren’t left with extra time on your hands to dwell on it. This can only serve to make matters worse.

~Also, if you still struggle, limit if not completely remove the amount of romantic influence in your life. If you can’t handle a novel or a movie or even a magazine without it amplifying the yearning inside, stay away from them. You don’t need anything weighing you down and ridding you of the time you have now for other more important things.

~Take this time to do what you’ve always wanted to. If you want to be a writer, take that first step! If you wish to learn how to paint, find classes you can take when you have time! If you want to take up an instrument, start looking for a teacher! Benjamin Franklin makes a good point, “If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality.” Make it worth your while!

On a final note, there is a neat song I recommend... It’s called Princes and Frogs, by the guys of Superchick. It’s not only funny and creative, but it’s a great way to help you wait productively -in a way you won’t regret.

“All Princes start as frogs, all gentlemen as dogs. Just wait until it’s plain to see, what we’re growing up to be. ‘Cause some frogs will still be frogs, and some dogs will still be dogs. But some boys can become men, just don’t kiss us 'til then.” ~Princes and Frogs, Superchick

Friday, January 2, 2009

Resolute

This time of year everyone is setting new Resolutions for 2009. Primarily, they are all for themselves though. “I want to lose weight, I want to get out of debt. I want to get published. I want this, oh, and that...”

Yet, how much more would it benefit us to do something for someone else? Or even to make it a point to think of others more this New Year? It would not only do us a heap of good, but would no doubt do the same for others and the world as a whole. You never know when someone could use an extra smile, hug, or encouragement. Or even just to know that someone is there that cares.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a crime to make goals for yourself... Just don’t get lost in them. Don’t get so wrapped up in them that you lose sight of everyone and everything around you.

I know someone that once told me in essence that they’d accomplished their goals for others one year. When I questioned them on it, they proceeded to explain that they had saved someone’s life. I asked, “So, is that it then? If you had the chance to save someone else’s life, you just wouldn’t?” It didn’t seem like they had really thought about it.

In sharing that, don’t put limits on what you do for others either. If ever you have the chance, take it! Never limit how much you can do for others because no money can buy feeling the way you do when you help someone or simply make them smile.

We American’s are a so richly blessed (Yes, even if we are in debt.. I can attest to this.). I was reminded the other day how much even a simple dishwasher is a blessing.

We all would do well not to forget it.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Premier and a New Beginning

Hiya!

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably searched for something by way of the internet and


A) found what you weren’t looking for, or
B) discovered exactly what you were.

In either case, WELCOME TO MY BLOG!
This blog is my way of breaking into the blogging scene. My hope is for it to be helpful to you, the reader, as well as to become a place to share ideas, thoughts, emotions - whatever the occasion, whatever the moment. But first and foremost, my desire is for it to benefit and bless others.

Thanks to Tiffany Colter, writer and writing career coach, she introduced me to blogging through her Career Coaching program (see http://writingcareercoach.blogspot.com/ for more information) as a way to get my name out there. She said not to wait to breakout when you first get published, but now, using the best tool available -yourself. She taught me that one of the ways this can be done is through blogging. And so, here I am.


I won’t lie to you... You might cry, you might laugh, you might even boil with rage (though I intend not to tempt this reaction). You may have a “light bulb” moment every now and again or even disagree. You may like it, you may not. It’ll still be here... And I want your opinion on it, no matter what.


See, in case you haven’t been able to tell, I’m a writer. Another purpose for this blog will be not only to practice this craft and give you a taste of who I am as a person, a Christian, and a writer (and all three together), but also to share useful information; be it concerning lessons learned, adventures embarked upon, tips for writing, etc. -the list could go on and on. Simply, anything and everything under the sun. With every day comes a new experience; a new inspiration or test to overcome.


So, pull up a chair by the fire and make sure you have your hot beverage of choice nearby. Or lock yourself in the closet to escape the world. Whatever you prefer. I just hope you’ll stick around for a while. You’re always welcome. :)


~L. Pierce
Just breathe... God’ll do the rest.