Since tomorrow is a U.S. holiday, many people are taking today as a holiday, too, creating a four-day weekend.
Enjoy.
Since tomorrow is a U.S. holiday, many people are taking today as a holiday, too, creating a four-day weekend.
Enjoy.
I do not like to experience disappointment. I do not like rejection, even when it isn’t my personal project being turned down. I do not like to be the bearer of bad news. And yet I do experience disappointment, rejection, and the telling of bad news–every week. That is the nature of the arts. The arts (meaning music, writing, dance, and painting) are comprised of thousands of hours of …
I’ve read thousands of books in my lifetime. I’ve written on this blog about why I read and about my annual reading plan. I’ve posted about how to read more. So, yeah, I read a lot. Wanna make something of it? Where was I? Oh yeah. Over the course of my decades of reading, I’ve even kept a record of the books I’ve read. So, not only can I tell you (if not by memory at least by a quick …
With this being the week before Easter, I thought I’d take a moment to explore a thought which can be used for contemplation. When studying Luke 18:1-8 and the parable of the persistent widow, I came across an interesting thought. For the unbeliever, prayers are understood to be a transaction. We give, we get; or through begging, bribery, cajoling, intimidation, or even persistence, we feel …
I’m very pleased that tomorrow, March 21, is the official publication date for my new book called Write Your First Novel. The purpose of this book is to help those who are starting their fiction-writing journey. It teaches the basics and may give some needed help to that struggling writer. There is a fun backstory as to how this book came about. I quote from the preface: Many years ago, I …
Happy New Year! Today marks the 250th anniversary of the first performance of “Amazing Grace,” written by pastor John Newton to accompany his sermon. It was originally written as poetry. The familiar melody was added in 1835, though the words were sung to various traditional tunes before that. At the time, Newton was parish priest of the Anglican church in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England. (If you …
When I was a boy, my family had the tradition of opening our gifts on Christmas Eve. But another tradition was that there would be one more gift waiting for us the next morning, Christmas day, from “Santa.” I have a vivid memory, as a little boy, of being disappointed one Christmas Eve that the thing I wanted most was not among my unwrapped presents. However, I knew, I was just certain, that it …
This will be my last blog before Christmas Day. The Christmas season is a lovely time to bless and remember our blog community and to let you know how much your thoughtful comments have brought insight and pleasure over the years. Thank you for being part of our community. I pray that as we move through Advent that you and your loved ones are blessed as we all await in glorious anticipation to …
Since we’re all busy preparing for Christmas, I thought you might enjoy a brief respite. Here is a fun link that is also useful to writers. What year was the word you want to use officially born, as in, first used in print? What words were born during your birth year? Have fun exploring! Time Traveler by Merriam-Webster: Words from 2021 I love Christmas hymns. My favorites are too numerous to list …
From the Book of Common Prayer 1979 of the Episcopal Church, USA A Litany of Thanksgiving Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us. For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea, We thank you, Lord. For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank you, Lord. For our daily food and …