My Heart's Desire

My heart’s desire for my inner spiritual life is a closer walk with Jesus, a life of peace, love, joy, and hope, in which Jesus constantly renews my spirit, as I soak up God’s words through reading and allowing myself to draw closer to God. I want to continue to feel the loving Holy Spirit at work in my life. There is no one in life as capable of encouraging and motivating one’s soul as the blessed feel of the Holy Spirit, like a hand on my shoulder reassuring me. I have never felt closer to God than when I feel the touch of the Holy Spirit in times of need. That slight touch lets me know that I do not walk through this world alone. I have a heavenly Father who meets my every need. That heavenly touch makes all the difference in my life. I highly recommend Beth Moore's book BELIEVING GOD. Reading it made a difference in my life and for our family vacation during the summer of 2005. I've written about this journey of "Godstops" in hopes of seeing the story published in an upcoming book about prayers. May my words shine to glorify God. If it be God's will, not mine, the story will make publication.

Roses for Momma

I received my first dozen assorted colored roses from oldest son today for Mother's Day. He had them ground delivered by UPS, and it was a wonderful, unexpected surprise. I was looking for a card. I've never received roses from one of my children before. They're beautiful, and they smell sooo good. Thank you, Scotty and Melissa, for making my day and brightening my Mother's Day with a vareity of roses, a rainbow of roses.

My youngest daughter and her two children sent me a beautiful Mother's Day card with pictures of my two grands, Dylan and Serena. Beautiful pictures, I love them. My youngest son phoned to say he's sending me a Mother's Day card. My husband gave me a prayer cross with The Lord's Prayer in it. He knew I'd love it. I've been blessed. Thanks to all of you for remembering me on Mother's Day. May God bless all the moms out there and bless my daughters as mothers.

Beach Boys Concert Last Night

We saw the Beach Boys in concert last night. Two of the original ones are still playing, and they gave us our money's worth. They sang for two hours. We really enjoyed them and took lots of pictures.

I looked back through old pictures/old family memories and treasures today. Some pictures were from a Christmas at my daughter's house, and some were from last summer when we went together to visit Rosedown Plantation in Louisiana. We had such fun. It was a happy day spent with my children and grandchildren. Making memories to turn the pages of time is important. One day those old pictures and old memories will be all they have. Sometimes I find myself looking at old pictures of my mother and sister. Making memories makes pictures in the mind without film or camera, the kind nothing can take away.

Even in these hard economic times, it's important to make those kinds of memories.

Spring Break Spent with Family

I was blessed to enjoy the company of my family during spring break, to be able to spend quality time with them. Since my children live in another state, I see them only a few times each year, so it's a true blessing when I do. Highlights of our time together included a crawfish boil, grilling hamburgers, an Easter egg hunt for my grandchildren, and a golf-cart Easter parade led by the Pony Express train. Since this parade was at the campground, it was great for the young children. They stood in front of each campsite, and the golf carts stopped and threw candy, beads, and even stuffed animals. Bethany caught two teddy bears, a pile of beads, and a purse and bag full of candy, more than she'd gotten at a hustling,bustling parade where crowds fight and tromp one another. She had a great time and was full of energy.

The grands went swimming in the muddy river and the pool at the campground Saturday. We walked to the beach, and we walked our two dogs. It was a relaxing time much needed and deeply enjoyed. I thank God for our time together and pray we have many more such blessed days. Time flies, so take time from your busy schedule for those important in your life. Treasured days won't last, but the memories are everlasting.

Thursday, my husband and I went to tour Oakley Plantation and The Myrtles. We toured Rosedown with the family last summer. The children had to work, so we took a drive and enjoyed the old plantation homes. We didn't see any ghosts, but we took pictures we haven't had time to download.

We spent Easter Sunday on the road traveling back home. God saw us safely through the road trip and blessed the entire visit.

A Gift for a World in Crisis

There is no one in life as capable of encouraging and motivating one’s soul as the blessed feel of the Holy Spirit, like a hand on my shoulder reassuring me. I have never felt closer to God than when I feel the touch of the Holy Spirit in times of need. That slight touch lets me know that I do not walk through this world alone. I have a heavenly Father who meets my every need. That heavenly touch makes all the difference in my life. I thank Him for being my best friend. How do I find comfort when I face problems? I speak with God in prayer. How does my garden grow? With God. When you need help, ask God through prayer.

Reading and Reflecting

I've been working sick for a couple of days. Today and Wednesday were the days I felt the worse. I've been doing some reading and reflecting, something to keep my mind busy while my body rests. Talked to my daughter and my son today. My daughter informed me her ex's mother died Friday morning. She said she'd been bed ridden for the last year, but she'd been walking again since October.

The years fly by so quickly. I found a 1997 picture of me with Momma Cat, and she was full grown in the picture. I was wearing Christmas red and smiling with the cat cuddled in my arms. Now, she's gone. Funny, she died the same day as my daughter's ex-mother-in-law. I've had cats for pets all of my life, but I'd had this cat longer than any other one. She was about 14. My son gave her to me, and I transplanted her in Florida when I moved here. She traveled in a camper trailer in 2004 during Hurricane Frances. We parked the camper in my son's yard to ride out the storm. I found myself pulling out photo albums and looking at pictures through a mist of tears and memories. Where did the time go? I raised her from a kitten. She was my company when no one else was around, and she loved to sleep on top of the couch. Finding her brought memories of when I was a little girl and found my cat dead on the way to school. I felt like that little lost girl again for a few minutes, and I let the tears cleanse my soul and thanked God for the company of the cat for the past 14 years. He's blessed me with a golden Cocker Spaniel, a German Shepherd, and another part Siamese cat, so I still have pets to keep me company. Momma Cat was special because Rodney gave her to me when someone threw her out as a tiny kitten. He picked her up and brought her to me, knowing I'd give her a good home and raise her because I loved cats. She was a beautiful cat with blue eyes. God has blessed my life with beautiful pets, and I thank Him for their unconditional love and company. Animals taught me what true unconditional love is. They don't care what you look like, what you wear, or what kind of car you drive. They love you for you and to them, you're the greatest person in the world. Thank you God for pets, especially my grandfather-clock-chewing Cocker Spaniel. Rodney, thank you for the cat that brought your mom many years of company, love, and companionship. She never bothered anyone, not even in the end, and she was never any trouble. Having her all these years enriched my life.

Article on POD Publishing

I have an article about POD publishing in Christian Fiction Online Magazine. Check out my article as well as all the wonderful articles by Christian writers by clicking on the magazine cover. I interviewed my writing mentor, Eva Marie Everson, and a former critique partner from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Janet Perez Eckles, and wrote of their POD publihsing experiences as well as my own. Visit http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/ and my writing mentor's site at http://www.evamarieeverson.com/ Enjoy! Janet's site is http://www.janetperezeckles.com/index.html.

Before I Was Old Enough to Read: The Way My Life Began

Before I was old enough to read, Mom hooked me on fairy tales. She bought a new one for me each month out of the small social security check she received after my father’s death. I was only four years old when my father died one cold Christmas Day in a charity hospital. Four years earlier, I’d been born in a charity hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. We never had much, but I hadn’t realized it. To me, before Daddy died, we had everything. We lived on South Third Street, in a rambling, white apartment house. We only rented, but I didn’t realize what that meant. I was rich, living in my make-believe world of fairy tales, rich in sunshine and fresh air, swinging in my board-and-rope swing underneath the giant pecan tree in our front yard. I was a happy little girl, who had everything I could possibly want. I had a doting dad and a loving mom. Daddy would rock me and sing me to sleep, singing about my beautiful blue eyes. Mother would read and rock me to sleep with fairy tales. My world was rich, happy, and content. I wanted for nothing.

This was only the beginning. Books and reading were important for me early on, and I've come full circle, from having them read to me, to reading them myself, and finally, to writing them. Stay tuned for more. The first few paragraphs are only the beginning.

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading,
to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs,
is good for him.
~ Richard McKenna ~

The greatest gift is the passion for reading.
It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites,
it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind.
It is a moral illumination.
~ Elizabeth Hardwick ~

This is What the Lord, the God of Israel Says:

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Write it in a book all the words I have spoken to you.” Jeremiah 30:2, NIV

And that book is the Bible. Jesus speaks to use through its pages, His Word. He speaks to my heart and tells me to use my writing for Him. My novel True Hidden Treasures is in the revision stage, and I've nearly completed it. I plan to have two sequels.I loved and devoured family sagas growing up, so it's natural for me to want to write them. I also grew up on Nancy Drew mysteries, and I find myself spicing up the romance with a bit of mystery and intrigue, suspense. It keeps the pages flowing.

I'll have an article published in Christian Fiction Online Magazine in March at
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/home.html. If you've ever considered Published on Demand (POD) publishing, you will want to read it. I've interviewed Janet Eckles, a gifted Christian Author/Speaker, who writes and publishes using special software, though she is blind. She chose Xylon Publishing for her POD book: Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow. Read the column and find out why. I also interviewed Eva Marie Everson, a talented writer, speaker, and my mentor at Christian Writers Guild. My own POD publishing experience as well as that of these two talented authors will help you decide whether POD publishing is for you.

Stay tuned . . .

Interview with Michelle Sutton, Acquisitions Editor

Interview with Michelle Sutton, acquisitions editor, Christian Fiction Online Magazine, http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com

1) As an editor of an online magazine, do you prefer a more informal set of guidelines rather than a written code explaining how you expect journalists to make ethical decisions?

Michelle said, “My policy is to give the columnists freedom to write what they want to write, and if it doesn’t fit the mission or intention of the magazine, then we discuss this, and I ask them to make revisions.” According to Michelle, this has happened a few times, but the columnists usually understand and follow informal guidelines discussed before the actual writing of the column.

2) Do you have a written code of ethics for the magazine you edit? If so, what are they?

Michelle explained that she’s actually the acquisitions editor. She says, “I edit content in the sense that I make the bottom line decision about what is admitted for publication and what will be revised or not included.” Open communication between columnists alleviates the need for a written code of ethics, according to Michelle. “They know they can ask me anything.”

3) Describe in no more than 250 words ways in which fiction writers should apply ethical guidelines to their work.

“Columnists, for the most part, seem to inherently understand that their work must be wholly theirs and not plagiarized work of another author. This goes without saying. The way the magazine is set up, it’s pretty straightforward that each column is authored by the person who has volunteered to write the column,” Michelle says. She explained that it goes without saying that acceptable language is expected and rudeness is not allowed. However, sarcasm and wit are encouraged, since humor is a large plus. She says, “But the punch lines must be tastefully done. If they aren’t, then the story will not be published.

4) Do you have a personal code of ethics? If so, please share.

Michelle said, “My ethical code is pretty simple. I don’t write anything that is not uniquely my own work and expect the same from my columnists. It’s a given that I will only write content that comes from my own experience, and nothing more.”

5) What advice would you give writers about code of ethics?

Michelle advises, “Only submit work that is uniquely your content, ideas, and your original work.”

Larger-than-Life Lesson to Learn

In the July/August 2008 edition of Today’s Christian Woman, “Work the Wait: How I Make the Most of God’s Delays,” by Stephanie Voiland provides a real-life example of someone searching and waiting to find a job. She uses the statement, “God meets us through the waiting journey in ways beyond those originally asked or imagined. And he lovingly reminds us he can redeem any situation.” The article is full of transitional statements that move the reader between scripture and life, revealing how scripture applies to our lives. Presently, God is meeting me through my waiting journey of writing. Reading God’s Word and reflecting allows me to feel Him in my life. I now understand how I needed molding and shaping and wasn’t ready for publication or success when I made my first writing attempts. I had a larger-than-life lesson to learn that was more important than becoming published. I pray God allows me to successfully write and touch others by learning to effectively tie scripture to life and write articles and books to reach out to others, as I, myself, have been reached through other Christian authors.

Believing in God by Beth Moore

Believing in God by Beth Moore

Beth Moore’s book effectively integrates scripture and life because it does not merely dump scripture and quotes from the Bible. Instead, it relates real-life experiences tied to scripture. For example, she explains how God enjoys seeing perseverance and proven faithfulness of daily devotion. She writes of how God directs us to keep walking around our own Jericho, repeating the same steps even when nothing seems to happen. We must keep walking and keep the faith. This scripture ties right into my writing life in that I must not give up, must keep walking through the writing journey, keep repeating those steps, and keep the faith, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Moore’s book was so effective I read through it while on a road trip to Tennessee, after I lost my youngest sister. I woke from a dream early the next morning, a dream of my sister phoning me from heaven. I feel the dream came from God, after I drew closer to Him, through the reading of the book, and He let me know my sister was well and happy, and He was taking care of her. The dream was so real and so vivid. I could hear my sister's voice saying, "I want to talk to Jane." My husband shook me and woke me up. I must have been talking in my sleep. I didn't get to finish the dream, since he woke me and wanted to go to Denny's for breakfast. It was going to be our first visit to Dollywood, and he couldn't sleep, or so he said, because he was excited. We went to breakfast and on to Dollywood, while I replayed the dream and the voice I'd heard over and over in my mind, like a tape recorder, answering machine, or voice mail message. I think my sister wanted me to know that I had to go on with my earthly life and she was living her heavenly life. She wanted me to remain a Christian.This dream happened four years ago, and I've grown closer to God and developed the relationship I already had with Him to a much closer walk. My prayer is that my children will learn to walk a closer walk with God.

Journey on, Journal On

As we journey on with the new year, I reflect upon personal journaling of years past and how I've grown as a writer and a Christian. When I look back at writing from a decade ago, I wonder how I once thought it was such great writing. My voice comes through, and I see the messages loud and clear, but mistakes jump out at me like a I'm proofing someone else's writing. Sometimes, I ask myself, "Did I really write that?" A roller coaster emotional ride tilted my world topsy turvy until I began a closer walk with Jesus. I see how far I've come with writing, but more importantly, I see how far I've come in my walk with Jesus. He's lifted and carried me so many times through this journey we call life. I have a personal relationship with my best friend, Jesus, and I pray my children and grandchildren will develop such a relationship and discover who their true best friend really is.

It's back to work. The holidays are over. On we go with life, work, and being busy, but I'm never too busy to remember God and pray. My prayer for today is that my children and grandchildren will be blessed and learn the power of prayer early in life, that they come to develop a loving, personal relationship with their Savior, and learn to trust Him as the best friend in life that He truly is. Don't walk this hard road of life alone. Let Him support you, uplift you, and carry you through trials on earth. When you hit a roadblock, call on God. He's always listening. He's always there. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. AMEN.

Happy Blessed New Year--Discover True Hdden Treasures This Year!

Happy Blessed New Year to all. I pray you'll discover true hidden treasures this year and be inspired and blessed to make it a better year by improving yourself personally. There's always room for improvement in writing and in life. Our New Year's consisted of grilled chicken, burgers, and fireworks, and I was able to discuss God, a bit, with a young couple just starting out. I thank God for the opportunity. I made sure they knew I believed in God and put my faith and trust in Him. I also had the opportunity to discuss certain Bible scripture as they happened to bring things up that lead to it. I hope God used me to talk to them, and I hope the poiints got through to them. I pray they'll reflect upon our discussion. I did my part, and I know God will do the rest. I realize I can only lead by example, and I'm striving to show my faith and trust in the good Lord, hoping and praying all my children, grandchildren, and the young couple I spoke with will follow the example I'm striving to set. Invite Jesus into your heart and hurt, the pains and problems you have in your life. He wants to be part of it all. Let Him. You'll discover a true hidden treasure in God's Word and in His Son, the Son who can be your best friend. He's mine. When the young man said he didn't know for sure if there was a God, I firmly said, "I do. I've felt His Holy Spirit and Comforter." I went on to explain to him that I know there is because He's always been there for me when I needed Him and that's how I know there's a God.

God bless you all. Blessings and prayers in the New Year!

Barb

Where are true hidden treasures discovered?

I think of my family and friends as hidden treasures sent by God, but God's true hidden treasure is to be discovered within the pages of the HOLY BIBLE, His Word. After my youngest sister's death, I discovered a scripture that became hidden treasure to me. As the Good Book says in 1 Thessalonians verses 4:16-18, I know I’ll see Mom and my sister again. The New International Version (NIV) of The Holy Bible has one of my favorite verses because it provides peace of mind when loved ones pass:
. . . and the dead in Christ will rise first: After that, we who are still alive and left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

These words are true hidden treasure sent from God to give us hope and joy and encourage us to encourage one another with His Word. May a cloud of peace fill you. As the Kingdom Heirs sing in their new song, "Good News From the Graveyard," Mom and Lisa are not there; the graves are only empty tombs. They're living their heavenly life with Jesus. For those of us who're still living our earthly lives, God's Word, the Bible, is an instruction manual or guide for life. His Word is the true hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Dig deep for your treasure within the pages of the Bible and see what true hidden treasure you discover for yourself.

Blessings and prayers, In Christ,In His Service
Barb

True Hidden Treasures

True Hidden Treasures, my inspirational, Christian fiction novel is completed! I've worked long and hard on accomplishing this task and pray for God to guide me in its publication and outreach to others. I gleaned the idea from previous work in strawberries and the secretarial and teaching fields. The book is purely fictional, though I've gained ideas from life experiences.

With Christmas over, I'm focusing on proofing, editing, and beefing up the novel. I wrote it one way, then another, and I've decided to change it yet again.

Christmas

Fried turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls and butter, banana nut bread, blueberry bread, date bread, and ham. Stuffed more than a turkey. Rodney phoned, and Gail phoned as I was walking into the local Winn Dixie to get milk for baking and dog food. I forgot--cherry cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, pumpkin pie, sweetpotato pie, and oreo pie. Candy as a gift. Chocolate covered cheeries with peanut butter, another gift. I'll have to diet and exercise to make up for all this food, but thank you Lord for the bountiful blessings you've bestowed on our family this Christmas Day. God is good. I pray all my loved ones in Louisiana had a blessed, safe Christmas, one of joy, peace, faith, and love. Blessings, prayers, and love, Mom

Kingdom Heirs

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of hearing the Kingdom Heirs in concert at Dollywood in Tennessee. My husband bought me a T-shirt that says "Keep Christ in Christmas". I loved the new song "Good News from the Graveyard" by the Kingdom Heirs. As Christmas approaches, I remember the reason for the season and thank God for the opportunity to visit with family and friends I rarely get to see. As I reflect on the Tennesses visit and the new song I heard, I am happy to know Mom and Lisa are in heaven for Christmas. God gives, and He takes away. We are blessed with a new little bundle of holiday joy this Christmas season, little granddaughter named Ava Marie. She's seven months old, and her eyes curiously roam, light up, glitter,glow, and sparkle as much as the lights on our Christmas tree. It's her first Christmas, and she's spending it with us. Thank God for such a precious gift. What freshness and joy she brings. I wrote an article about my own precious gift from heaven, my youngest son, and my choice to answer God's calling as a young mother. Later, in God's own perfect timing, he blessed me with a career, but my job at that particular time in my life was my son. When we follow God's calling, He blesses us. He has blessed me with two beautiful grandsons from my son, and life goes on. Thank you God for the precious gifts of children and grandchildren and for allowing me to live to see my children grown and to see my grandchildren. Lord willing, I'll live to see my grandchildren grow and become a great grandmother. Lord willing, I'll write for His kingdom. Thank you, God, for all the precious gifts you've placed in my life and for all the blessings you continuously bestow. I love you!

Your daughter,
Barb

Honing my Craft

I’m author/educator Barbara Robinson. My training and experience as a writer include graduation from Long Ridge Writing Group’s Basics of Writing Short Stories and Articles for Publication and completion of the Apprentice Program with the Christian Writers Guild. I’ve tackled the Journeyman Level Program and have ten devotionals accepted for publication. Two are online at http://www.mustardseedministries.org/, seven will appear in Devotions, Standard Publishing Company in 2010, and one was published in Words to Write By Author Devotionals compiled by Robin Bayne. I’ve written two books, articles in local newspapers, books, online and print magazines, poems in newspapers and anthologies, won first prize for a short story, which was published in a literary magazine and appeared as a serial in my hometown newspaper, running on the front page with my picture for three weeks in a row, co-sponsored a creative-writing club ten years, sponsored one five years for middle-school students, and authored a column for my hometown newspaper. An article titled “Publishing on Demand? What’s to Gain?” will appear in Christian Fiction Online Magazine at http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/ in March.

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Write it in a book all the words I have spoken to you.” Jeremiah 30:2, NIV.

My goal is to write the words God has spoken to me through threads and themes in novels and let God do the rest. I'll continue to be a life-long learner, reader, and writer, honing my craft and striving for excellence for God's glory.

I hope you'll keep abreast of my novel's development. It's turning into a full-length novel of approximately 350 pages, 39 chapters of thought-provoking romantic suspense, a page-turner with characters who'll leap off the page and come alive. It's nearly finished!

Barb

I spent this morning putting the finishing touches on an article about POD publishing to appear in Christian Fiction Online Magazine in March at http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/. I enjoyed working on this article, and it allowed me to realize how far I've come on my writing journey during the past year. Anyone with questions about POD publishing should be sure to read the article. Two successful POD authors recount their reasons for choosing POD instead of traditional publishing. They are both talented authors and gifted speakers, so don't miss what they have to say. I'm working on a full-length novel and having fun with revisions and word play. During Thanksgiving break, I was able to make some headway on the book, and I hope to send out proposals soon. My first three chapters are ready to go, but I have to write the synopsis. Stay tuned to see what happens! Reflecting upon past publishing experiences, I look at writing from years before and cringe. This site allows one to see where I started and how far I've come along the writing road. It's been bumpy, like an emotional roller coaster ride, but it's one I wouldn't have missed for the world. I'm honing my craft and having fun doing it.

Blessings,
In His service,
Barb