PUBLISHED AUTHORS SHARE EXPERIENCE HERE

Many of us, myself included, are in the process of completing a manuscript and seeking a publisher.  In my case the book will be inspirational Christian poetry.   Whether your book was self published or traditionally done, please share!  If you are new to this, please share!  FOR MANY IT IS THE FIRST TIME!  Your comments mean a lot!  DON’T FORGET TO SHARE YOUR LINK TO YOUR BLOG!  New followers want to find you!

 

What ELSE Is The Lord Leading Me To Do?

Find out more!  Click the widget on the right side of this page to follow me on my IN LOVE WITH THE LORD Facebook Page so you won’t miss out!

Lighten Up! – A Quote For Tuesday

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:14,16 NIV

Wow, what a day yesterday was!  So much going on in my life!  How about you?  Ever feel like “all at once” and wonder “how am I going to . . . ” fill in the blanks.  Some good, some “I can’t fix this” and some “Lord, what’s up with this?”

Know what?  He’s in it!  It sure is too heavy to carry . . . alone!  Hey, I wasn’t meant to do that!!!  Jesus wants me to lighten up!  Hey, in more ways than one!  I only need to carry my part and the heavier part is HIS – so I’m working hard on handing things over.  Guess what?  The more He and I work closely together, the lighter I feel!  Know what else?  His radiance reflects on me and through me onto those in darkness!

Isn’t that our purpose?  To reflect Him in all we do?  The good stuff is easy to smile about.  The things in life that are held together with DUCT TAPE?  NO problem!  We will be just fine – Jesus has it covered!  In all things, let your light shine, people!

Lead on, Lord!  I’m ready!

Wait! – Poetry in Words and Image

When, oh when?

Patience rewarded!

Blessed!

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Words and image

by Martha L Shaw © 2013

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Learn more about Micropoetry

Nominated For The Hug Award – Sharing The Blessing!

Thank you so much Soumyav for nominating me for this special award.  I am so delighted to receive it.  Thank you for honoring me – everyone please do check out her blog, you will surely be blessed!

Hope Unites Globally – HUG Award Guidelines

 

PLEASE NOTE:  You should send this post or a link to this post to all those you nominate to receive the HUG Award. 

Please do not change or use another image for the HUG Award Image©.  Please do not alter–by changing, shortening, or adding to–the text about the award and how to share it with others.  Either copy the entire article as it is on this page, or please include a link back to this article, when you post on your blog or share award with others.

I ask you to please honor this request and help me keep the integrity of the award as originally designed, so that future award recipients will know what an honor it is to receive this award.  Thank you, Connie Wayne

 ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES for HUG AWARD©

“Hope is an expectant desire; a confidence in a future event; a ground for trust and confidence; to think; to look forward to with trust and expectant desire.”

The HUG Award© was initiated by Connie Wayne at A Hope for Today athttp://ahopefortoday.com, which promotes hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people.

The HUG Award© is for people with an expectant desire for the world, for which they: Hope for Love; Hope for Freedom; Hope for Peace; Hope for Equality; Hope for Unity;Hope for Joy and Happiness; Hope for Compassion and Mercy; Hope for Faith; Hope for Wholeness and Wellness; Hope for Prosperity; Hope for Ecological Preservation; Hope for Oneness

The HUG Award© recognizes and honors those who help keep hope alive in our current world, which is plagued by war, natural disasters, and economic recession.  They nurture hope, in any of the above areas (in italics),  by the work they do, or in their personal lives with things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc.

The HUG Award© is for anyone, anywhere in the world, who meets the guidelines and wants to be nominated for the award. Please leave a comment on this page if you are interested in receiving this award, or if you would like to nominate someone else for the award.

The HUG Award© is for people who, without giving up or compromising their own religious, spiritual, or political beliefs, are able to nurture hope and respect the dignity of all people.

The HUG Award© is for those who, without bias or prejudice, use their resources and gifts to make the world a better place for everyone.

The HUG Award©is for people who have a hope or an expectant desire that the work or talents they use in things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc., will make a positive impact on the world.

These people do not have to actively use the word “hope” in their work or creative talents.  They only need be conscious of their desire to make the world a better place for everyone.

These people use their available resources–a smile, a hug, a helping hand, a listening ear, a voice, time, money, possessions, education, personality, talent, websites and blogs—to make a positive impact on the world and make the world a better place to live.

The HUG Award© is not specifically a website or blog award.  It can be given to people in your community, at your employment, at your place of worship, etc.  Please make sure they have a copy of these Guidelines, and please don’t forget to submit their names back to this site.

HUG AWARD© IMAGE for RECIPIENTS of HUG AWARD

HUG Award© Image:   Those who receive the HUG Award© may paste a copy of the original HUG Award© image into an Image widget on their website or blog by simply copying and pasting the following image URL into an Image widget:  http://hopesfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/hug-award1.png.  As the link URL for the image, please insert http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/.

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GUIDELINES for NOMINATING OTHERS FOR THE HUG AWARD© 

1.  If you receive a HUG Award©, you may nominate others who also meet the above guidelines for the award.  You may nominate as many people, websites, or blogs as you want to nominate to receive the award.  I do ask that, upon receipt of the award, you nominate at least one other person.  The award is also not time limited, so you can nominate new people or sites you encounter in the future.  Please try not to nominate those who have already received the award.

2.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING YOUR NOMINEES and telling them you nominated them for the  HUG Award©.  AND when you contact them…

3.  Please link this page:  When you contact your nominees for the award, please include a link to this page, http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/, so they will have the same information you received about the award.  Then, they also can perpetuate the award by nominating others.  AND…

4.  Please post a comment on this page athttp://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/ with the name and the complete website or blog address of the site(s) or person(s) you nominate.

5.  If you know, I would appreciate you informing me of the geographical location of your nominee(s) and /or their site(s).

6.  Social Media Sites:  You may also copy and paste unchanged copies of the original HUG Award© and HUG Award© Guidelines’ wording to other social media sites such as Facebook and Linkedin.  You may also print original copies for your personal use for display, etc.

7.  You may print a copy of the HUG Award© Guidelines for people you nominate, who do not have a website, blog, or social media account to which they can paste award and Guidelines.  If they have email, you may email them a copy of the original HUG Award©and original Hug Award© Guidelines.

Thank you for your help sharing HUGs (HUG Awards©) with the people of the world.  Blessings, Connie

The Hope Unites Globally HUG Award© and the HUG Award© Guidelines are the copyright of Connie Wayne – ©Connie Wayne 2012 at http://ahopefortoday.com.  They both may be copied and shared in accordance with the Guidelines established in this post.

 http://ahopefortoday.com

Now, having shared Connie’s message on this wonderful award, I am honored to award it to the following, realizing that they are but a small percentage of writers who have blessed me through their efforts:

Women’s Window

Writing Sisters

Revelations in Writing

Another Red Letter Day

Deb’s Blog

Ellen Grace Olinger

Two Rights Attempting to Make a Left

Keziah Carrie

I Have A Voice

My New Recipe Page!

I am discovering I find fussing in the kitchen relaxing and have been exploring new recipes lately.  My blog has a lot of posts now that it is over a year old, so I will have to find time to read down the very long list of posts to see what I have forgotten about, but my new RECIPE page on my blog will have a growing list of links to give easy access to the recipes I’ve posted and reblogged and also to recipes pages on other blogs!  Do you have a fav recipe blog?  Do you have a recipe blog or page of your own?  Please feel encouraged to place a link in the comment section on my Recipe page on this blog so folks can easily find yours!  As the list grows I will periodically update it to make it easier to find things . . .  it is not in alphabetical order at present, but I’ll take care of that as it grows.

Spread the word!  Let’s link up!  See my new page!

 

 

MY “YOU MAKE MY DAY” AWARD!

What a treat an award is!  To be given this award, the “You Make My Day Award” by my brother in Christ, Wendell, author of Forever Poetic blesses me so much.  His heart for Christ is reflected in every word he writes, whether it is a poem or comment and his poetry, like his heart, cannot fail to make your day.  I encourage you to read his blog and return often!  Thank you so much, dear brother!

The rules:

First, be sure to thank the person who nominated you.

Second, you are required to answer the following 8 questions:
     1) Why do you blog?

Well, I’ve always written, made up poetry, told stories . . . before I started school as a little girl.  I honestly never thought of blogging until Fr Rick at church, a former blogger before he became a priest, said “why don’t you blog?”  I thought he was crazy or tired of my emails (kidding, he’s wonderful) and about 18 hours after I said “Me?  Are you crazy?” I was a blogger and I LOVE IT!  I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing global body of Christ!

      2) If you were trapped on a desert island, what book, DVD, food,       cartoon character, and childhood game would you bring?

A big pad of lined paper (and a whole bunch of pens)

     3) Share a funny joke or one-liner.

I don’t tell jokes, but my late father always tried to.  They were groaners but everyone he met loved him and laughed at his good heart (and bad joke) so here’s one of Dad’s favorite dirty jokes, his only dirty joke.  “Want to hear a dirty joke?  Two white horses fell in the mud!”  Love you Daddy!

     4) What is your favourite thing about your self?

Jesus in my heart.

      5) What one word best describes you?

Caring

      6) If you could have a lifetime supply of any candy/candy bar,                                     what would it be?

Dark chocolate Dove Bars with almonds

      7) What fictional character do you relate to most?

A female version of “John boy” on the Waltons.  He always had paper and pencil nearby.  I have them everywhere.

      8) If you were to write the story of your life, what would you call it?

How I Fell In Love With Jesus

And last but not least nominate 8 of your favorite blogs!  This one’s hard because I have far more than 8 favorites.  Hmmmm . . .

 

1. Revelations In Writing
2. Women’s Window
3. Deb’s Blog
4. Pat’s Devotions
5. My Blog
6. Christian Coffee Shop
7. Crusty Bread Blog
8. Writing Sisters

Reality Award – Part One

Wow, I just got a reality award from Loopyloo!  Thank you so much. It is a new one to me so I can honestly admit that I am not yet in touch with reality or THIS reality . . . but I get to share a bunch about me (I think) and get to NOMINATE A BUNCH OF MY FAVORITE PEEPS – I KNOW THAT FOR SURE.

Here is the award image:

Now, I promise to fulfill my obligations and blessings on this but wanted to quick as a bunny get this out to let you know what a delight Loopy’s blog is.  Please be sure to check it out.  You won’t be disappointed!  Stay tuned for my next posting with all the juicy details!

Reader Appreciation Award A Blessing!

I am truly blessed to have been nominated by Patricia “My Blog” for the Reader Appreciation Award. I seek to be a follower of Christ and to reflect Him in my writing and to receive this award makes my soul dance and encourages me to continue on this path! Patricia’s blog is a delight and she posts such a wonderful variety of treasure there.  I encourage you to visit her blog and to return often, although once you have visited it, you won’t need me to suggest that, for you will want to! 

Now the rules for accepting this award are as follows:

• Add a picture of the award to your blog post.
• Thank the blogger who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
• Nominate 5-10 other Bloggers and inform those selected that they have been nominated.

Here are the nominations:

• http://trishasflyingmeatballs.wordpress.com/
• http://foreverpoetic.me/
• http://crustybreadblog.com/
• http://iftodaywehear.wordpress.com/
• http://womenswindow.com/

Leaves For Healing

Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river.

Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear,

 because the water from the sanctuary flows to them.

Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

 Ezekiel 47:11-13

I came to this scripture and it got me thinking . . . I’m sure they ate meat in Bible times, and we have read as much, but I wonder if they ate anywhere near as much as we do today?  The words “leaves for healing” struck me too as “leaves” are one of my favorite food groups.  lol  Okay, I’m not your typical vegetarian.  I am not yet a vegetarian at all, actually but I get closer to it by the day.  That being said, each time I go onto my Facebook account I see my friends who have “green thumbs” showing pictures of their huge harvest and I think of two things.  They need to live closer to me geographically, and man I wish I had a green thumb.  lol 

It’s funny really but growing up I spent a lot of time at the dinner table.  No, not because I ate too much, but because I hated veggies.  I laugh now because I am finding myself loving them more and more and liking meat less and less.   I don’t avoid it out of respect for Bessie the cow and in sympathy for her ancestors who became my double cheese burgers of the past years, but frankly the more I find yummy new ways of preparing them the more I load up on veggies and the more I find meat losing it’s appeal.  I’m not really “dieting” since I am not suffering, but instead loving what I’m eating and I’m losing weight, firming up, in a better mood, spending less money . . . duh!  Veggies are good.  lol 

Seems that meat was and in many places in the world still is a treat and not the huge portion on the plate.  Seems to me I am finding it’s not even that much of a treat to me anymore.  Offer me a spinach and cheese quesadilla and watch me smile!  A plate of roasted veggies will get me so excited and will be eaten so quickly that the steak you serve with ’em will hardly be touched.  I’ll be much too full of my peppers, brocoli, mushrooms, carrots, cauliflower, etc., to think of touching my steak. 

This got me to thinking of other things like the fact that our bodies are a gift from God and my gift to Him is taking better care of it.  Just for fun, I did a quick search for how many times the word garden appears in the NIV Bible.  It comes up at 60 times.  For more fun, I checked out vine, which makes me think of leaves, fruit, veggies . . .  well, that brought in a harvest of 186 times the word appears in the Bible.  Clearly there is something to this.  I know the words are used for a lot more than for Jesus to discuss dinner options, but He used teachings which represented “real life” concepts and values.  If He chose vines and gardens in His teaching it was because they were a big deal and people would more likely understand the message He was conveying in the use of such an analogy. 

As I say this there’s a yummy 3/4 of a spinach Quiche in the kitchen waiting for me.  I’m the only one here to eat it and that’s fine.  It’ll keep, it tastes as good or better left over, and it’s too hot to cook too often, so win-win situation for me.  I did offer to share it with a busy friend and “brother” whose wife is away and whose dining habits, I suspect, are bad when she’s away, but he was too busy to take me up on it.  Oh, dear.  More for me.  lol  Oh, spinach – healthy leaves like the quote above states.  Okay, they weren’t speaking of spinach but they could have.  It’s said to have vitamins A, C, E, and K and a lot of other assets to the body and it’s YUMMY. 

So, when you think of dinner, think of how healthy those vines are . . . and stay away from the pasture a bit more.  You’ll find you hardly miss the big huge portion of meat when you try your hand at seasoning up some nice veggies.  I wish I could tell you how I make my spinach Quiche, but it changes each time I make it.  lol  Play with your food.  Really!  Life’s too short to fuss about reading the directions.  lol  Okay, read ’em but the only rules you have to follow are the ones from God, the rest are negotiable.  lol 

For more good ideas on food and recipes, here are a couple of friends’ blogs you’ll want to check out.

Mary’s Blog:  http://maryaquino.wordpress.com/  Are you a dog lover?  Talk to Mary about that too!

Trisha’s Flying Meatballs: http://trishasflyingmeatballs.wordpress.com/  Ask her to tell you the flying meatball story!