New book

  I'm starting work on a new book and I'm consumed with it.  Even after writing over 20 books  and countless stories, articles, reveiws, etc., I approach each new project like something rare and precious-- like a holy stranger I need to get to know.  I love the challenge of thinking in terms of language, nuance, implication... the wonder of words, of creating a world on the page.  

Out on the water...

Yesterday I went kayaking, and out on the water with nothing but sea and sky, the sound of the wind and the waves-- it was a taste of heaven.   Kayaking can be hard work, though; your arms are constantly rowing, steering, guiding the kayak through the sometimes resistant, choppy sea water.  I couldn't help but think, on our way back to the boat launch, as I pushed and pulled that oar, how all things of value require hard work.  From sports to marriage, all things of value require hard work, even pain. 

What's In Us

I taught a seminar this week about the power within us and it surprised me how many people were stunned at the thought that there was a supernatural power and energy inside us connecting us to eternity.  The people wanted to know how this worked and I explained Jesus is the way to God.  Jesus? they asked.  "--But isn't that narrow minded of God?"  I explained that God made it easy for us to grasp His loving plan for us  since Jesus Christ is the only one to fulfill all the Older Testament prophecies about a Messiah to come, to die and be raised from the dead in three days, walk the earth , raise the dead, heal the sick, and send us His spirit to live in us ... I gave a very basic biblical reasoning.  I absolutely love to talk to people about God-- but sometimes, guess what.  Sometimes I meet up with hearts like ice-- they just cannot be penetrated.  I've kissed dead saints in their coffins goodbye, and I tell you, talking with these living souls with deadened hearts is like the kiss of the coldness of death.   I praise the Lord for those whose hearts open like sunshine to the glorious presence and power of God, in our Savior Jesus, but I grieve for those who wait at the sidelines in their dark tombs of doubt.

You are Vast

I wonder if we really realize how huge we are in this universe.  We live our lives as best we can, day by day, and yet there is a hugeness  in us I wonder if we're aware of.  I minister across the country and in other nations as well, and I meet up with so many people who don't recognize the power, beauty, and vastness within them as followers of Jesus Christ.  In my last blog I talked about the problems that weariness or sleep deprivation can bring about-- but no matter what condition we're in, we are always vast within!  The Holy Spirit can be quenched, but not extinguished in His children.  As much of the Presence of God we are willing to inhabit is as much of His glory we will release into the world.

Temptations of the weary

If you think being tired is just a state of being, think again.  Exhaustion, weariness, tiredness can be traps to make a real mess of our lives.  Do you ever hear yourself apologizing and then blaming your behavior on being tired?  "Oh I'm sorry.  I didn't mean that.  I'm just so tired--"   There are the stories of people who signed papers, made purchases and agreements and promises when tired and not thinking clearly.  These acts of weariness have resulted in years of problems.  When you're tired it will take you sometimes twice as long to complete a task.   When you're tired you're more likely to be impatient, unkind, or rude.  Ever noticed how ticked off you can get when you're exhausted?  When you're tired it's hard to hear from God.  That's because your frame of mind is agitated and dulled.  You're just not listening.  When you're tired it's easier to feel sorry for yourself, find fault and complain.  If you stub your toe when you're rested you might yelp with the sudden pain, but if you stub you're toe when you're sleep deprived and/or worn out, you  become enraged.  People have forfeited their morals when tired; they have compromised their integrity while in a state of weariness.  The good news is tiredness is a temporary condition.  A little sleep, a little folding of the hands, and we're good to go again, and no longer prone to the temptations of the weary.

On the road

Working on a new book or a new painting is like stepping into another country.  In this way I'm always traveling to new countries. And now I guess you might say I'm on the road again.  I'm writing my third book of fiction.  (My second book, AN ORDINARY DAY IN HEAVEN, isn't out yet.  I confess I get a little anxious in this waiting period between the words "The End" and "Now in Bookstores."  So in the meantime, I work.)  And I appreciate the world around me.  (We must never miss an opportunity to appreciate the world around us, I always say.)  For example, today I was explaining to my granddaughter the Sacred Act of Eating.  She held back chuckles as I explained that eating is a Holy Event.  Every meal, holy and sacred.  The taste, texture, sight, sound, aroma, and sheer delight of food--  She munched her veggie burger and then chuckling openly, she said she'd never think of eating quite in the same way.  It's all about Being Present, I explain. She does not look at me as if I'm from another country.  She gets up from the table, comes over to me and gives me a big hug.  I'm back from the road.  I'm definitely home.

Back home

Wow.  All flights canceled from Washington D.C. because of the huge show storm.  Makes me wonder if weather rules the world.  (We know better, of course, but nevertheless it's daunting. )  The airport in DC was chaos beyond anything I've seen a long time-- not since the ice storms in Vermont a few years ago when I was in graduate school trying to get home.  Newscasters are warning to watch the weight on our roofs, stay off roads, load up on groceries. I was at the Prayer Breakfast in D/C. where Obama gave his little talk, nothing like we had hoped, and Hillary carried on-as keynote- first time for me to hear Hillary in person.  She is the definitive political speaker, let me tell you.  Warm, personal, funny, and for me, as the writer with a spiritual eye-- totally phoney.  Like the president's talk.  Something is wrong at the top, friends, terribly wrong.  At the congressinal dinners and luncheons I attended I met men and women in office who are scrupulous and reputable  people of integrity-- but if you';ve never been a person of prayer for our nation, let me sound the alarm-- now is the time.  Pray for our leaders.  PRAY.