MY 500 WORDS: Day 3

Day 3 of My 500 Words 31-Day Writer's Challenge. Check! 550 words.

Topic: Writer on the Rise:The Early Bird Really Does Get the Worm. 

Happy writing everyone. This girl's gotta worm to wash down with her second cup of joe.

Are you an early riser or a night owl?

I always welcome your comments. 

Blessings, 

Starr

MY 500 WORDS: Day 2

Day 2: Check! 644 words

Look what showed up in my mail box this afternoon! Since I've checked off My 500 Words setting goals challenge for today, it looks like I'll get in some great reading this evening.

What are you currently reading?

I always welcome your comments.

Blessings, 

Starr

MY 500 WORDS: Day 1

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 

―Philippians 2:3-4, ESV

Push or Pull?

Ahhh! What did I just do? Where do I begin in this 31-day writing Challenge? Yes, that’s Challenge with a capital “C”. From this vantage point, I can’t even imagine sliding into Day 31―――SAFE! However, if I didn’t question the outcome, it wouldn’t be much of a challenge, would it? In view of that, a smidgen of fear and trepidation is a positive thing―just the edge I need to keep me in-bounds and move me towards home plate.

I want to enjoy this journey―to take pleasure in the process, not merely perceive it as a commitment or a painstaking obligation. I want to recognize it as the gift and the privilege it is to join with other writers in this challenge. I am grateful to connect with writers who experience the same relentless distractions and writing obstacles that I do. As artists, we lead solitary lives, so to write for an audience of one in the company of others is indeed a unique diversion. Let’s cheer one another on and arrive at the end of this journey together, believing we are writers and knowing that our written words will, indeed, benefit those who read them.

During the next thirty-one days, I want to remember the words of the late, great twentieth-century author, Raymond Chandler: “The faster I write, the better my output. If I'm going slow, I'm in trouble. It means I'm pushing the words instead of being pulled by them.”

Are you a word pusher? I am. My perfectionist spirit wants to push instead of believe and rest in the flow of my thoughts. Even now, I find myself editing as I go along. Old habits, do indeed, die hard. Thus, the reason I’ve embarked on this journey―to break poor writing habits that thwart my progression as a writer and to adopt a writing lifestyle conducive to allowing my thoughts to dance on the page.

As a child, I loved to pile my favorite dolls and stuffed animals into my little red wagon, plop myself in the middle of them, and charm my father into pulling us around. For him to pull me along in my wagon was far more fun than pushing or pulling someone myself. “Faster, daddy, faster,” I would squeal. The sad part was that the trip to the end of the driveway and back always seemed to be over too fast. Much faster than when I was the one doing the pushing or pulling.

As I begin this challenge, I look forward to my words pulling me along and carrying me to my destination faster than I can imagine. Once there, I hope to be more than happy to assist in pushing or pulling others along on this journey.

But until then―hop in! There’s room in my wagon for you.

“Faster, daddy, faster!”

__________________

I always welcome your comments.

Blessings,
Starr

Day 1: 510 Words

Challenge: Declare your commitment to write 500 words for thirty-one days.

                                                        

Photo image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystalflickr/48840696/

My 500 Words

Today is the first day of my commitment to the 

My 500 Words 31-day writing challenge.

This means I'm committed to forming a daily writing habit by writing 500 words a day. It doesn't mean I'll be posting them all to this blog. I'll only post those I consider worthy of your time.

 

Thank you, Jeff Goins, for providing the opportunity. Click the photo above for details and join me in the My 500 Words 31-day writing challenge.

Thanks for dropping by from time to time and don't forget to click the tab above for my other blog, The Upside of Down. I always welcome your comments.

Blessings,
Starr

Please Be Seated

Do you savor time at the table with the Father or are you ordering meals to go? 

My September article for Thrive magazine is published at the following link. I'd love for you to check it out, and I pray it blesses you.

Please Be Seated: http://ow.ly/AHi1X 

I welcome your comments.

Blessings, 

Starr

Simply As I See It

Don't Worry, Be Happy

“I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy!” ―Philippians 4:11–12, MSG

 

Really, Paul?  Do tell! What is the secret behind your “don’t worry, be happy” attitude? Our world is hungering to know.

Please join me this week for my Don't Worry, Be Happy series on the ZooKeepers Ministries website. Take good notes as Paul shares his age-old formula for true happiness. This is one recipe you’ll want to stash away for future generations!

Day 1: The Winter of Our Discontent

http://ow.ly/zFYHJ

Day 2: Can't Get No Satisfaction

http://ow.ly/zInwT

                                                                                       www.CanStockPhoto.com

Day 3:  Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
http://t.co/AsRjjtMT26

Day 4:  Apples to Oranges

 http://ow.ly/zN0fx

                                                                                                                         www.CanStockPhoto.com

Day 5:  Am I Satisfied?

http://t.co/Wk6M3NVIR8

       www.CanStockPhoto.com 

                                                                                                                                              

WATCHWORD WEDNESDAY: Seaworthy

" 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place 

and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves 
in a boat to a solitary place." 

―Mark 6:30–32, NIV

My husband's old wooden boat began to take on water―again. The puddle of water encircling his new Sperry Top-Siders was a telltale sign that he had patched it far too many times. As he paddled his way to shore, he knew it was time to invest in a new boat. After all, what good is a boat that won’t float?

We all want to be vessels God can use. Is your boat seaworthy? Or are you simply struggling to stay afloat?

Jesus knew the wearying effects of service and the importance of taking a break from its ceaseless demands. He invited the disciples to come away with him to a quiet place. They welcomed his invitation to rest. We should welcome it too.  

Scripture invites us to cast our cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Is there some baggage you need to cast aside before you step into the boat? 

Let’s stabilize our boats this week. We can assure our boat stays afloat by laying our baggage at the feet of Jesus and prayerfully considering each piece. He will show us the pieces we need for our journey and those we need to leave behind.

Now it's your turn. Make a list of the things you believe are adding to your boat’s instability. Then ask, “Is this a piece I need to throw overboard, something only God can eliminate, or something I need to hold on to?” 

God is looking for a steady boat. Toss the extra baggage and make room for his presence.

I welcome your comments.

Blessings,
Starr

WATCHWORD WEDNESDAY: Wonderstruck

"When I consider your heavens,
      the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
      which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
      human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
      and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
      you put everything under their feet."
―Psalm 8:3-7, NIV

As an artist, I can't even begin to imagine placing my finished work, my masterpiece, into the hands of a small child. One who can't even begin to fathom or appreciate the time, the heart, and the emotion invested into its creation process. Yet, God has done just that.

God, the Master Artist, crowned us with glory and entrusted the work of his fingers into our hands―the hands of his children.

He is faithful, even when we are faithless. Oh, that I would trust him as much as he trusts me. However, I can't wrap my mind around that either.

Now it's your turn. What is one thing about our Creator or his creation that leaves you wonderstruck?

Please leave a comment.

Blessings
Starr

WATCHWORD WEDNESDAY: It is Written

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. 

 So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

―Romans 1:20, NLT

Our handwriting is as unique to us as our fingerprints. Its characteristic style can serve as a blueprint of our minds. Though not an exact science, handwriting analysis reveals individualized markers of our personality and character. The examination of the strokes of our handwriting can uncover specific thought patterns, emotions and behavior. Our handwriting may change due to current circumstances and moods, however, the characteristics of our basic personality remain the same.

Accordingly, the broad creative strokes of God throughout our universe reveal not only his existence but give us glimpses into his divine nature. His character is as diverse as his creation, yet he is the same yesterday, today and forever. From the smallest insect to the most majestic mountain range or deepest ocean, the revelation of his innate beauty is clearly seen.

Scripture declares that the earth is filled with God's glory―this wondrous hallmark of his presence leaves me breathless. How about you?

Take deliberate steps today to notice your surroundings and expect to see His signature there.

Now it's your turn. Although God's handwriting is everywhere, where do you see it most clearly? Also, feel free to copy and use this image without altering its content.

Please leave a comment.

Blessings,

Starr

SUNDAY SOLACE: It's A New Day

"What day is it?"

"It's today," squeaked Piglet.

"My favorite day," said Pooh."

―A. A. Milne

Double Take: Bloomer Drawers

Clean out the clutter and replace it with something sweet.

 

"In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things 

that are good and that deserve praise: things 

that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable." 

―Philippians 4:8, GNT

Jesus said to his disciples, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Luke 20:23). Because of our hurried lifestyle, we often miss what God intends for us to see each day.

For the blind man in Mark 8, it took a second touch from Jesus and a second look at his surroundings to bring life clearly into focus.

Be attentive. Take a second look around you and allow God to reveal his magnificent presence in the commonplace.


Through my blog feature, Double Take, I hope you'll be inspired to leave a caption or quote and scripture verse for one of today's photos. I chose the first one to spark your creativity. Now what's your take?

Please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

He's Alive!

"He is not here; HE IS RISEN . . . just as He said!"

Matthew 28:6, NIV

HAPPY EASTER!

The late S.M. Lockridge once presented an incredible message, 
describing our God and who He is. Though God can't be described with 
just words, this is about as close as one can get.

It is Finished!

Jesus called out with a loud voice, 

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

When he said this, he breathed his last.

―Luke 23:46, NIV

(The Accomplishment, an oil painting done by my father)
 

Christ came from The Father.

From His first breath to His last, He was committed to doing His Father's will.

As He finished the work He was given to do, He returned to His Father's care.
For us, He gave His all.

Commit your every breath into the hands of The Father.
Give Him your all and love Him to the end.
In the end, it's all that will matter.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 Video: Hallelujah
Please take the time to view Kelley Mooney's approved Easter adaptation
of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Beautiful!

Christ Crucified

And Jesus said, 

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 

And they cast lots to divide his garments.
―Luke 23:34, ESV

Why take a chance on your destiny?

You have a choice.

Choose Christ!

Video: It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'

by S. M. Lockridge



S. M. Lockridge (1913 – 2000), was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation located in San Diego, California, from 1953 to 1993. He was known for his preaching across the United States and around the world.