Lexical Light

2012 East Texas Christian Writers Conference

That's where I'm heading today. So thankful for this opportunity to talk about blogging and other social media. Also enjoy learning about writing. And being on a beautiful college campus.

Here's the linkage:

East Texas Christian Writers Conference, hosted by East Texas Baptist University

And Now a Word from My Sponsor...

About 4:30 this morning I was interrupted by the moon. And God. 

However, I don't think it counts as an interuption since just a few minutes earlier I was to Him. "Help! I need to figure out how to write this so it makes sense!" 

He answered my plea. I made some progress on the writing. Then I looked up. Out of our large front windows I saw the brilliantly illuminated moon, perfectly framed in the window panes. Wow. 

My immediate response was thanks and worship. Not to the moon, but to God for the breathtaking reminder of His awesomeness, in the literal sense of the word. 

Now I return me to my regularly scheduled writing. 

(Rhonda, thought of you when I wrote this, for a few reasons.)

(Photo note: My iphone is lovely, but not made for moon shots. I found this pic, that closely resembles what I saw, at Torkomian Photography.)

Prepping for the East Texas Christian Writers Conference

That's what's on my brain now. Looking forward to learning & teaching at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX for the ETCwc.  I'll be speaking about social media and blogging, including how to decrease your blog traffic by not posting. :) 

Hey, Writer Friends, It's Third Thursday at the Writers' League of Texas

"Build a Book"  is the theme for this year's Third Thursday program, sponsored by the Writers' League of Texas. It's a free event at Book People in downtown Austin.  

Tonight's topic is "The First Draft: Let the Words Rip!"  For more info of the four panelists, check out the Writers' League website. 

Have a book in your brain waiting to get out? Come get inspired. Just curious about the process? Come learn something. Hope to see you there! 

Story of Sisters: A Thin Place Story

Expecting to see her sister die, Sharon was instead blessed with helping her live. Today's Thin Place Story on Mary DeMuth's site underscores the power of relationships. 

My "Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike" article on Suite101

"An Easy, No Pressure Way to Teach Your Child to Ride a  Bike", my first article on Suite101.com,  was published last week. (With video.)

If you have young'uns who are almost ready to shed the training wheels, my article will give you some unique insights. It's not the traditional run-behind-the-kid method. True to my bent, it's a more laid back approach.

 

What do Word Gifts do? | Mary DeMuth

So perhaps being a word girl is okay. And perhaps the scope of my ministry isn’t just the readers of my books, but you, here, reading this blog. I heard today about Global Media Outreach who is using this great big internet as a place to teach, evangelize and disciple the world on the web. Perhaps this little corner is my way of doing the same.

via www.marydemuth.com

Word up. It's word girl! Mary DeMuth's post encouraged me well. I pray I will be a good steward. For you, I pray you will find your gift and use it well.

 

(Posted this with Typepad's "Blog It" button. Nice feature for connectors like myself.)

Share Your Thin Place Story

I happy and honored to support Mary DeMuth's Thin Places book by facilitating the Share Your Thin Place Story section of her website. Why? Three reasons:

1) Readers will see how God can meet them 

2) Writers can share their work.

3) I get to help bloggers write and writers blog.

I first learned of Mary via her Relevantblog in 2005, when I started my blogging adventure. I immediately related to her, a fellow Texas girl seeking Jesus in the midst everything else. (She even had a brief stint in my high school town of Palestine, Texas.)

I've subscribed to her newsletter since then, receiving food for growth in writing and my walk with God. I've also noticed how she uses social media to bulid her author platform.

Early in 2010 I received a complimentary copy of Thin Places. So many things in the book resonated with my heart. It is one of the few books I would recommend to all of my friends. One of the biggest impacts the book had on me was being able to give a name to those times in my life where I was acutely aware of God's presence...a thin place. (Why is it that being able to give something a name helps so much?)

All this time I've figure how to develop my writing. So when she ran a "Share Your Thin Place" writing contest on her blog, I entered. I didn't win the Kindle, but it was a good writing exercise. After reading all the entries, it occurred to me that having a venue for others to share their Thin Places story could bring glory to God and encourage other writers. I suggested the idea to Mary. It simmered and launched as part of her site redesign this year. It's a win-win-win-win.

Take a minute to check out the Thin Place Story part of her site. You'll be blessed.

Don't Miss the Chance to Let God Mess with You Today

Where and how does God get a hold of you? For me, it's the YMCA. Usually during my writing time after a quick trip on the elliptical. He uses music and writing. Today He used On Fire by Swtichfoot to remind me of His presence.

I had never heard the song before. (Stuff ends up on my iPod by association.)  These are the lyrics that grabbed me initially: 

you're on fire when He's near you

you're on fire when He speaks

you're on fire at His mysteries

The "on fire" they are speaking of isn't the usual "on fire for Jesus" phrase. Not that there's anything wrong with that.Neither is it the fire you'd find in a Justin Bieber/Miley Cyrus duet. It's the fire of the God's Holy Spirit messing with you're innermost being. (So glad it's Communion at church tonight so I can go Dance with My Father.)

More lyrics from the song:

When everything inside me looks like everything I hate

You are the hope I have for change, (completely ties in with yesterday's time.) 

So, I'll ask you again. Where and how does God get a hold of you? It may not be anything like what I just describe. It doesn't have to be. God know what we need and what will get our attention.

 

Well Done Talents

Matthew 25:23 is another verse that's been in God's curriculum for me over the past few years. The whole parable is a good read, but here are some keywords from Matt. 25:23 that challenge me:

    ...well done good & faithful servant, faithful with a few things, put in charge of many things, share                 master's happiness...

I want my talents to be well done.