A funny thing happened on the way to see Santa...

Once upon a time, in a town in the mid South, a little boy got in trouble at Mother's Day Out.  It was all innocent enough, and the little boy didn't do anything wrong on purpose.  In fact, in his mind and the mind of his parents, he didn't do anything wrong at all.  The little boy spoke the truth as he knew it, just as he had been raised to do.

One day on the playground, close to this time of year, he had a conversation with another child about Christmas.  It led, inevitably I suppose, to a discussion about one of the central figures of the holiday season, Santa Claus.  The little boy simply told his playmate what he learned from his parents when inquiring about the true identity of the bringer of Christmas gifts.  He was to say some dozen or so years later "I thought we were all on the same page!  I didn't realize it was such a controversial subject".

The little boy's parents had recently explained to him that although Santa Claus was a wonderful concept, and a fun part of the holiday season, he was not an actual person who would appear mysteriously on Christmas Eve atop their house, shimmy down the chimney and deposit presents under the family tree.  Nor would he be the one to devour the milk and cookies placed on a pretty tray atop the hearth. 

On that fateful day, the little boy shared with his playground companion that his parents were the ones who listened carefully to their son's wishes for which presents he would like to open on Christmas morning, diligently made lists, and did their best to purchase, one by one, each thing on the list...or at least a goodly portion of them.  He didn't know how his mother kept the location of the presents a secret until Christmas morning, but he knew that once he was fast asleep on Christmas Eve, his parents quietly removed each lovely gift from its hiding place and lovingly placed them under the tree for him to discover ~ and gleefully rip open ~ on Christmas morning.

Well, this information didn't go over very well with the other child, nor, when she learned of it, with the little boy's teacher.  She reproved the little boy for telling his friend that Santa was not the deliverer of presents to all good little boys and girls obediently in their beds fast asleep on Christmas Eve.  She told the little boy that lots and lots of children fervently believed in the existence of Santa Claus, and looked forward with great anticipation to his arrival at their homes every December 24th.

Not wishing to upset the other children or his teacher, and ever the diplomat, the little boy pondered this information and what to do next.  He trusted his parents' version of events, knowing they would not lie to him about something so very important, but he had also been taught to respect his elders and not contradict people like his teacher.  What to do?  After much thought, he developed what he believed to be a satisfactory answer to the question regarding the existence or nonexistence of Mr. Claus.

"Um, excuse me?" he said in his sweet, 4 year old voice, raising a tentative hand as the children gathered around the teacher on the carpeted classroom floor, ready for their afternoon story time.   "Yes?" she replied somewhat warily, wondering what new revelation the little boy was about to reveal, "What is it, dear?"

"Well," he said confidently, "I've thought about it, and all I can say about Santa Claus is that I'm not sure who takes care of things in your neighborhoods, but at my house it's my parents who put the gifts under the tree."  He sat back confident he had not compromised his beliefs and certain he had left room in each child's heart, and that of his teacher, to firmly hold on to their own.

Atta boy!

Thankfulness

I suppose it's only natural to be thinking along thankfulness lines at this time of year.  I love the fact that we live in a country that has set aside at least one day a year for being thankful.  It comes at a good time, I believe, considering Christmas is the next holiday.  When I think of all I am thankful for, material goods are not what comes to mind.  Like most of us, I could always use a nicer this or a newer that, and I am thankful for the things I have, but the true, deeper thoughts of thankfulness revolve around relationships. 

When I think of the love and support I receive from the close relationships I have with others, I become extrememly thankful.  It helps me keep things in perspective when shopping for Christmas gifts.  I tend to look for something that will express my thankfulness for what those close to me have given throughout the year.  I look for that thing that demonstrates in a tangible way the often intangible gifts they've given me. 

This past weekend I found a beautiful, soft, colorful and warm winter scarf that made me think of someone near and dear.  I bought it for her because to me it represented her soft, warm, beautiful heart, and I could picture her smiling as she wrapped it around her neck to stay warm this winter.  The thought made me smile.  I knew it would look beautiful on her, that it would meet a need, and be both practical and pleasing.  It wasn't expensive, it wasn't couture, but I knew she would love it, and that's all that mattered.

I used to think the more I cared for someone the more I needed to spend on them to prove my love.  I've grown up since then.  It's not the volume of presents under the tree that matters.  It's the abundance of love and thankfulness with which they are given that will touch the hearts of those we love. 

I remember many a Christmas morning as a child looking for the tinfoil-covered shoebox that meant Grandma had once again made her special holiday fudge.  That was always the box I opened first, happily indulging in the rich, nut-laden homemade goodness as all the other presents were passed around and opened eagerly.  To be honest, I can't remember a single gift I received in my childhood that meant as much as Grandma's fudge.  I'm sure I received many wonderful things ~ toys, books, new clothes, dolls, etc. ~ but I don't remember them.  I do, however, remember Grandma's tin foiled box of love. 

If you worry over the amount of money you have to spend on gifts this year, if you are concerned it's not enough, the presents won't be fancy enough or there won't be enough of them under the tree...don't.  Just do what you can to show those you love how thankful you are for them.  Make a card that expresses your joy at having them in your life.  Bake a batch of cookies or homemade fudge.  Draw a picture, write a poem, or give a "coupon" for a task or service you will provide free of charge.  Write a note or letter and simply tell someone how they have influenced your life in a positive way.

Remember, it isn't the dollar amount you spend that matters, it isn't the name on the label or the expertise with which it is assembled.  It's the amount of heart you put in to whatever you give that shows how much you care.  Do it now, this year.  Don't wait to tell someone you love how thankful you are for their life.  It just might be the best gift you could possibly give.

God bless you ~ cpwritergirl

Maumelle Writers Conference 11/7/09

Last Saturday I spent the best $25 I can remember.  I attended my first writers conference, and got so much more than my money's worth!  This particular conference was presented by the Maumelle Arts Council.  I wasn't sure what to expect, never having been to such an event.  I assumed I would meet other writers, glean a few tips on how to improve my writing skills and perhaps, if things went as I hoped, learn a little more about the steps necessary to move me further along the path toward a full time career as an author. 

Which caused me to wonder, what do I call myself and does it really matter?  Author or writer, what's the difference?  When in doubt or in need of clarification, I rely on good old Mr. Webster (or nowadays, Dictionary.com) to help me out:

Author–noun 1. a person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.; the composer of a literary work, as distinguished from a compiler, translator, editor, or copyist.
2. the literary production or productions of a writer: to find a passage in an author.
3. the maker of anything; creator; originator

Writer-–noun 1. a person engaged in writing books, articles, stories, etc., esp. as an occupation or profession; an author or journalist.
2. a clerk, scribe, or the like.
3. a person who commits his or her thoughts, ideas, etc., to writing: an expert letter writer.
4. (in a piece of writing) the author (used as a circumlocution for “I,” “me,” “my,” etc.): The writer wishes to state….
5. a person who writes or is able to write

Hmmm, sound pretty interchangeable, don't they?  This is one of those debates that can rage on endlessly and never, in my opinion, change a thing.  You may call me a writer, author, storyteller, poet, journalist or scribe...it doesn't matter to me as long as I have the freedom to express myself in words of my own choosing.

 

Now, back to the conference!  From the moment the first keynote speaker, Ms. Darla Haas, began talking about inspirational writing I knew I was in for a treat.  I  recently discovered this to be the path the majority of my writing takes, and was eager to hear what she had to say.     

 

Ms. Haas, a wonderfully engaging speaker, shared that one of the definitions of  "inspire" is to suggest, to be the motivating but unnamed power behind.  I realized that to be the force behind another's direction, the reason they change something in their lives that ultimately makes them a better person, brings them more joy, more success, more fulfillment, is the heart with which I write.  Be it a poem, children's story, blog entry or romance novel, I find I am passionate about motivating others to be their best.

 

Whether my words are credited with that person's life-changing shift in direction is of no consequence -- hence the "unnamed power behind" part of the definition.  I just want to share something from my heart or life experiences that benefits another person in some way, whether it be to follow my example or run in the opposite direction.  I love the Catherine Aird quote "If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning".  Either way, my life and words can have an effect.  I took copious notes, and knew within that first few minutes that I would come away with much more than I expected. 

Prolific novelist Laura Parker Castoro was our second keynote speaker.  Gregarious, bubbly, funny and passionate about writing, she shared practical, clear cut instruction on what I call the "nuts and bolts" of building a good story, urging us to give the reader 'a clear place to hang their emotional hat'. 

 

Workshops on various topics ranging from Writing 101 to the How and Why of Winning Poems and ABC's of Scene Writing were available throughout the day, coordinated by various local writers (or authors, if you prefer).  Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend every one, but gained valuable information from those I did attend. 

 

One of the highlights of the day for me had to be the impromptu, one-on-one conversation I had with Ms. Castoro after the author panel discussion.  The fact that she took time to brainstorm story elements--attitudes and possible motivation of various characters, internal and external conflict, expectations, actions and problem resolution--was invaluable to me, and I am forever in her debt.  If you haven't checked her out yet, you should definitely visit http://www.lauracastoro.com/.

 

All in all it was a wonderful day, a Saturday well spent on the way to fulfilling my dream of becoming a full time writer.  I look forward to my next conference with great anticipation, and recommend the experience to anyone wishing to further their writing career.

 

God bless you, and keep writing! ~ cpwritergirl

What we leave behind

When traveling, it's been said that what we bring along is not as important as what we leave behind; new friends, new memories and hopefully a trail of goodwill for people to follow. We all only get one chance to make a good first impression, and we may never know how our words or actions affect others.  I recently returned from a trip and I did indeed make new friends whom I now pray for and to whom I send uplifting text messages, because it makes us both feel good and serves to remind me of how universal the love of God is, and how miles cannot sever that bond.  I had the privilege of spending time this weekend with one of those friends, and I know we will remain friends for the rest of our lives.  That is a precious gift. 

I am endeavoring to manifest the love God has shown me to others, even those who have hurt me. Unkind or unthinking words can do great and sometimes lating damage if we aren't diligent to control our thoughts and conversations. True, it isn't always easy to repay evil or insults with blessing, but that is what I Peter 3:9-12 exhorts us to do: 'For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and keep his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good, he must seek peace and pursue it.' 

Seek peace, and pursue it...that takes work. When we are hurt our instinct is to react in anger and self defense, to either withdraw or to lash out at the one who hurt us to let them know how wrong they were, or how hurt we are. But if we take a moment to take a deep breath and think before we react, realizing that 'hurting people hurt people', we may see that the person who hurt us is not being intentionally hurtful, just human. Knowing that, it's easier to control our response and avoid perpetuating a cycle of hurt by responding poorly. Ann Landers said maturity is the ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.  I think that's a great definition.

Here a few more quotes worth remembering:

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be." —Grandma Moses

“It's never too late... never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.” —Jane Fonda

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." —Martha Washington

 

"Your own words are the bricks and mortar

of the dreams you want to realize.

Your words are the greatest power you have.

The words you choose and their use establish the life you experience." —Sonia Croquette

Sandia Peak Tram, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2009 and Santa Fe, New Mexico

At the beginning of the month my son, a friend and I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend the 38th annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.  We stayed with friends and had a wonderful time, making memories and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.  On our first full day in Albuquerque we decided to take the tram up to the top of Sandia Peak, over 10,000 feet up!  The weather was perfect; cerulean skies with a few scattered clouds, a slight breeze and moderate temperatures.  The mountain appeared brown and barren when viewed from its base, but we soon discovered that to be an illusion, spying greenery soon after embarking on our ride heavenward.  Trees, shrubs and even flowers could be seen at various points along our route.  Although we weren't fortunate enough to see any bear or deer, we did enjoy some awe inspiring vistas.

Our cable car was packed full of tourists on their way to the top of the world's longest aerial tramway, built by a Swiss engineering firm which stated it was their most challenging aerial tram project.  The 15 minute ride seemed longer on the way up, but shorter on the way down.  Why is that?  It seems that way whenever I take a trip somewhere, no matter what mode of travel I use.  The drive to grandma's house at Christmas, for instance, always seems longer than the drive home!  But, I digress.  Back to New Mexico...

We had a perfect day for picture taking, and my friend DeeDee enthusiastically snapped shots of the scenery and our little group as we traveled up to the top of Sandia Peak.  Once there, the wind was considerably more than a light breeze, and the temperature a bit cooler than on the ground.  I was very thankful I'd worn a jacket.  The view was spectacular.  Not only did the city of Albuquerque lay spread out at our feet, but we could see for miles and miles in all directions, and it was breathtaking.

Our guide informed us that at one point back in time, all we observed had been under water.  I took a moment to reflect on that, marveling at God's handiwork evident in the landscape stretching out before me.  Mountains and valleys, rocks and cliffs were once the bottom of the ocean floor.  I could picture it.  We toured the facility at the summit, walked to where we could observe the now dormant ski lifts, patiently waiting for the season's first good snowfall to once more ferry hardy skiers to the top of the runs on the other side of the mountain.

On our way back down we were surprised to see two young men -- workers at the High Finance restaurant perched atop the mountain -- climb onto the top of our cable car and clip themselves to the frame.  I looked up through the clear plexiglass window in the ceiling and marveled at how nonchalantly one of the young men stood, one hand in a jean pocket, the other holding a cigarette as he chatted with his buddy.  What a unique perspective he must have, I thought to myself.  To be up there on top, the sun and wind in his face as we rode back down to the foot of the mountain.  He seemed to enjoy his perch, yet took the whole thing in stride, not the least bit ruffled except by the wind.

The next day it was Fiesta time!  Opening day started early, with our group on the road before the sun came up.  The city lights winked an early morning greeting as we drove toward the Fiesta grounds, dressed warmly for the pre-dawn chill, coffee mugs in hand.  A friend and food stand operator secured us a special parking pass, something for which we were extremely grateful.  Our pass enabled us to bypass hundreds, perhaps even thousands of parked cars, traveling past barriers to the closest possible parking spots. 

The day's first event was Dawn Patrol, where the balloons are lit up against the night sky as pilots slowly rise, wind and weather permitting, into the still-dark sky.  We met a young man from the Czech Republic, Timothy, who was touring our country.  This young man had an in depth conversation with my son as we watched the balloons prepare for takeoff.  He remarked that he was surprised and a little confused when his plane landed in our nation's capital and he observed people protesting. 

"What do people have to protest about in America?" he inquired.  "In my country we have no choice, no say in what our government does.  I would be so thankful to have the freedoms and liberties you enjoy, if they were available to me."  It was humbling to hear this young man's perspective of how great our nation is, and be reminded of how blessed we are to enjoy her bounty, and the freedom some take for granted, of which others can only dream.

We said goodbye and God bless to Timothy after he politely declined an invitation to join our group, and went in search of the man who supplied us with our VIP parking pass.  We found him at his food stand, and were further treated to complimentary breakfast burritos~a staple of the morning Fiesta crowd.  I highly recommend them! 

Thus fortified, we toured a few of the vendor tents, offering everything from tee shirts and hats to glow in the dark balloon shaped necklaces, then paused to watch a local TV weatherman deliver the day's forecast, resplendent in a multicolored outfit complete with tophat covered in vintage souvenir Fiesta pins.  Youngsters ate cotton candy while teenagers chatted on the ever-present cell phones and parents diligently tried to keep their young ones at arm's length.  Not an easy task when balloons of all shapes and sizes were being stretched out on the ground and inflated, preparing for the mass ascension.

We were awed by the color, the creativity, and the spectacle of balloon Fiesta.  There were owls and pigs, witches and carousels, bumble bees and a gigantic milk cow.  Pink pigs even flew that day!  Everywhere I turned there was another beautiful balloon taking shape against the azure sky.  I took over 200 pictures that morning, and still didn't get every one I wanted.  When the balloons began to ascend into the beautiful Albuquerque sky, the sight was unlike any I'd ever witnessed.  550 hot air balloons filled our vision as one by one they rose, cheered on by those of us on the ground, whether we had anything to do with helping them launch or not.  There was an undeniable feeling of community amongst Fiesta goers, strangers united by their enjoyment of a shared event.

Later that evening we returned for the fireworks show, another wonderfully colorful and exciting part of Fiesta.  We munched on more "Fiesta food" courtesy of our friend as we watched the multicolored display.  I wish I could have stayed for the entire event, but time did not allow.  I feel as though we made the most of our day there, however.  We ended the night dancing until our feet hurt to the wonderfully nostalgic sound of a disco band called Funkytown, decked out in platform boots, miniskirts, polyester pants, fur vests, oversized jewelry and sunglasses, boas and huge blond afro wigs.  It was the most fun I've had in ages. 

We also took a day and did a whirlwind tour of beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, the state capital.  Beginning with the Georgia O'Keefe museum and ending on Canyon Road we enjoyed the sights, sounds, aromas, views, and art that is uniquely Santa Fe.  All in all it was a wonderful, if far too short, visit with friends to a beautiful part of the country I have a feeling I will get to know better.  This was the first trip my son and I have taken together, and the first plane ride he can remember.  We had a great time hanging out, and I saw afresh what a cool kid I have.  Our hosts were wonderful, my friend DeeDee and I got to know one another much better, and we both came away with warm memories of our time in New Mexico.

Maybe it really IS me...

"It's not you, it's me." 

Why do we say that?  Most of us have made that statment in an effort to spare someone else's feelings in an awkward situation, when in our hearts we believe just the opposite.  But...do we ever stop and ask ourselves if maybe, just maybe, it's really true?

The argument that should never have started, the reason a project isn't going smoothly, the friendship that is suddenly strained, the floundering relationship.  We find any number of ways to justify placing blame elsewhere, convinced we've done our best to make the discussion, project or relationship a success, therefore its failure must be laid at the feet of the other person or persons involved.  It's uncomfortable to think the fault may actually lie with us.

I believe the capacity for self-reflection is a wonderful God-given ability that can spur us toward self-improvement, and stoke the fire of desire to improve not just ourselves, but the lives of those around us by becoming better, more giving (and forgiving) individuals.  God created man in his own image, and God is love.  God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  As His children we have the same light within us, the same capacity to love and forgive, whether it is another who needs forgiveness, or ourselves we must forgive. 

Animals don't contemplate their actions and the effect they have on other animals.  They don't ponder how they can be better siblings, children, parents, mates or members of their society.  The squirrel has no conscience that nags him at night as he curls up to sleep amdist nuts he may have filched from another squirrel's stash.  To mankind alone was the gift of conscience given.  God knew what He was doing when He put us together.  Psalm 139:14 says "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Conscience and introspection--contemplation of one's own thoughts, desires and conduct--are valuable tools when undertaking the task of self-improvement.  When we think about what we are thinking about (as mentioned in an earlier post) and get honest with ourselves, taking stock of our thoughts, desires and conduct, it can be an illuminating experience.  It can be the beginning of change for the better.  It can be the first step toward growth.

David says in Psalm 94:19 "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul".  His thoughts at this time were anxious ones, but God's comforts were delightful to his soul.  Perhaps you are also troubled by anxious thoughts.  Perhaps you are wondering if you have been upset with someone over some perceived wrong, when at least some of the blame could be laid at your own feet.  Perhaps you are contemplating areas of your life that need improvement, but you don't have a clue where or how to start.  Perhaps the thought of self-improvement seems overwhelming.

Take comfort in the knowledge that you have the ability to change.  It starts with a decision, with the acknowledgement that sometimes "It's not you, it's me" is, in fact, the truth.  Free will may be the greatest gift ever given to man by God.  You can do whatever you choose to do, change whatever you choose to change, and achieve whatever you believe to achieve. 

 

Phil. 4:13 Amplified Version:  I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

So take heart my friend, and be comforted even if you suddenly see "Oh, my gosh...it IS me!"  It's never too late to change, to start over, to repair a breach, heal a hurt, or forgive.  Even yourself.  It starts with a free will decision.  One day at a time. 

'We never know how high we are, Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies." -- Emily Dickinson

God bless you ~ cpwritergirl

The Mind is a Powerful Thing

Right action starts with right thinking.  In other words, the ancestor of every action is a thought.  Ever heard someone say "I just did it without thinking"?  Not true.  I'm not talking about instinct, or a reflex action.  "I did it without thinking" is usually in the context of an excuse for a wrong action or behavior, but that doesn't really wash when you think about it.

We choose our thoughts.  We choose to chew on, mull over, turn every which way in our minds, and ultimately accept or reject each and every thought.  No one "makes" us think anything.  We control our minds, or choose not to, but either way we think what we want to think.  We should all take mental stock every now and then and think about what we are thinking about.  Are our thoughts breathing life into our life or not?  Are they causing good, peaceful, relaxing reactions in our body or do our thoughts cause us to become tense physically, emotionally, mentally?  Are we "bracing for impact", "going with the flow" or directing our thinking toward a specific goal or set of goals?

The mind is a powerful thing.  It can be your best weapon against an enemy, your best defense against attack, your best friend and most powerful asset in reaching whatever goals you choose to set for yourself.  In Luke 1:37 it says "For nothing is impossible with God".  Nothing is a pretty powerful word.  Imagine what you can accomplish if you choose to believe that promise!  Does it say nothing is impossible FOR God?  No...read it again...it says WITH God!  This means you, yes little old imperfect human you, can do amazing, powerful, wonderful things if you choose to believe those six little words and become God's coworker.  There's not a more powerful team in the universe than you and God.  "Nothing" means nothing. 

God chose His words wisely (not hard to do when you're all-knowing) and placed them in His Word as He intended.  He meant what He said, and said what He meant.  Our daily choice?  To believe or not believe.  That is the question.  That is your option, because you have free will and YOU choose what thoughts you accept and reject.  Is the thought that you can do anything with God's help one you will choose to keep or throw away?  Will you blame your lack of success in an area (any area of life, it doesn't matter which one) on others, on your circumstances, on "forces beyond your control" or will you take responsibility for your own thoughts and therefore your actions taken as a result of those thoughts?

The mind is a powerful thing.  Use it to your advantage.  Choose your thoughts wisely.  Reject any that do not breathe life to you.  Dare to dream, dare to see yourself bigger than you are!  The smallest pebble dropped into a pool of water causes a ripple effect hundreds of times larger than itself.  Your life makes a difference!  Your thoughts and resultant actions have an effect on others.  Your thoughts determine your life.  Choose the good ones today, my friend.  You are in control.

God bless you~cpwritergirl

Giving and receiving inspiration, and other good things

I recently read some suggestions on different ways to be inspired, and wanted to share some of them with you.  Smile, as often as possible, even when you don't feel like it. Just the act of smiling will change your day. Tell someone you love them, and mean it. Allow someone to express love to you. They may need to give as much as you need to receive.  Do something nice for someone in need and allow others to do for you.  Treat yourself to an uplifting move, a poetry reading, an event, or an experience with others that opens your heart.  Make a list of things you would love to do if you had the time, money, and energy. Allow yourself to daydream that they all come true! 

Make a wish or say a prayer, and in that moment, believe it can be so.  Watch a movie or have a fun moment with a loved one that makes you laugh, and laugh some more.  Put on your favorite music and dance, or just listen.  Watch children at play. Take a moment to appreciate the spirit and joy they express, and the way they live in the present.  Take a walk to a special place that makes you feel connected to nature. Acknowledge at least five experiences or people in your life that you are grateful for. Express gratitude to anyone on your list.  Read a book or inspirational quotes that help you to believe in the magic of life.  Watch the sunrise and sunset. 

That's 14 ways to be inspired...two weeks worth, if you choose to do one a day.  I think I'm going to make this a project.  At the end of the two weeks, I'm willing to bet I'll have discovered even more ways to be inspired...something every writer, artist, and singer/songwriter seeks on a regular basis.  Truth be told, most everyone needs a shot of inspiration now and then, not just the "artistic types". 

The Bible promises that as we give we will receive, according to the measure we give, pressed down, shaken together and running over.  God keeps His promises.  The more we give, the more room we make for God to fill us up with His blessings.  I love to give!  I'm looking forward to reaping the harvest. 

God bless you

Just do it!

I stopped singing when I married a professional singer. I suppose unconsciously I felt he was so much better at it that I just needed to shut up and let him shine. But I LOVED singing, and had been doing it since childhood. In school productions, church choirs, even a company choir at a large firm where I worked for 5 years. One of my favorite memories is singing Handel's Messiah at Macy's in San Francisco at Christmastime one year. The crisp air, the scent of pine and cinnamon and all things Christmas floating in the air, the multicolored lights, the huge tree, the choir members' blended voices soaring to the sky, the shoppers who stopped to listen, smiling, singing along. I absolutely loved it. It fed my soul.

I've sung before small groups and thousands of people...as part of a group. Never alone. No, I take that back, I did sing one song for a group of male prisoners, accompanied only by a guitar. But they were a captive audience - literally - they couldn't walk out if they wanted to.

Over the years, my personal adversary kept whispering in my ear that I wasn't good enough and should "leave it to the professionals". I suppose I thought because I wasn't a trained, "polished" singer, I couldn't perform as well as others therefore shouldn't even try. Bottom line = I allowed myself to be robbed of something I loved doing, and could put my heart into, whether I hit every note or not!

I was given the opportunity to sing recently and I panicked. The person asking me had no idea all the stuff I had in my head involving singing in front of people. He didn't know my fears, my singing history or that I had stopped singing. I tried a couple of times to graciously say "no thank you" but he left the door open for me to accept his offer anyway. I couldn't sleep that night, as visions of standing before the people gathered for this event appeared before my eyes. In my troubled mind I could easily picture the scene: There they sat, awaiting my performance, as I opened my mouth...and nothing came out.

I agonized over whether or not I should try. What if I choked? What if I forgot the words? What if I opened my mouth and a squeaky little mouse voice came out? They were probably expecting some amazing, inspiring sound to come out of me, and it wasn't there! I'm just an "average" singer, nothing special. Martina McBride, I ain't!

But the more I thought about the reasons I couldn't, or shouldn't, attempt to sing for these wonderful people... the more God worked on my heart. "What are you afraid of?" He asked me. "Of failing," I replied. "But I made you, child, and I don't make failures," He said softly. "Don't you trust me to be there with you, to help you?" He inquired. "Don't you know I've promised never to leave you nor forsake you? Don't you know there's nothing I won't do for you? You can do this, if you do it with the right heart. Just open your mouth and sing. Do it because you love me, you love them, and you want to give. They don't expect perfection, but you are perfect in my sight, and I love you. So, just do it!"

So, I did it. I sang "America, the beautiful" at a morning flag raising ceremony, even though I still had fear. I took a deep breath, thought about the wonderful country we live in that I was about to sing of, and gave it all I had...no backup, no instrumentation, no musical track playing in the background. I wasn't as talented or polished as the girl who sang the day before, but it was a life changing moment for me. I didn't choke, I didn't forget the words, and people smiled and sang along. Not a big deal to anyone else, but God and I knew what was accomplished that day.

My exhortation to you today is this; when God presents you with an opportunity to manifest His love toward others by giving, no matter the venue, no matter how much better at it you think someone else may be, no matter your feelings of fear or inadequacy, take that opportunity. Do it afraid if you have to, but do it. Give. Don't listen to the "you're just not good enough" lies whispered in the dark. Turn away. Listen to the truth that you are perfect in God's sight, and you have something to offer. Who knows when you will be given another chance, and you may bless others more than you know. I guarantee God will bless you.

I'm in print! Review published in Sync mag's 9/16/09 edition

God bless everyone. I just wanted to share the first step on the road to a personal victory. For a very long time I've wanted to be a writer but never diligently pursued my dream, content just to dabble in the occasional poem, resume, or children's story.

With the help and encouragement of several believers and my wonderful mom (thank God for mothers!) I am now rejoicing in the victory of having an article I wrote actually appear in print, in a local arts and entertainment magazine here in Little Rock, AR. It may not be "the big time" but it's a "bigtime" blessing for me.

The ultimate goal is always to glorify God and move His Word with the talents and abilities He's given me, and I'm not sure exactly how that will be accomplished but with His help, it will.

Thank you to any and all who were believing with me to see this day come to pass, and especially to LewEllyn for her professional wisdom and wonderful, encouraging emails. I love you!

Rejoicing in Him,
Chere Poole (WRITER!)
Click on this link to see the review: Sync article 9.16.09.pdf

Welcome to my world

CPwritergirl here. In the world of blogging, I'm a newbie. But, a girl's gotta start somewhere, right? I'm finally pursuing my dream of becoming a full time author, and getting beyond the "it's just a hobby of mine" stage. I enjoy writing and have always been able to express myself better on paper (so to speak).

I'm a poet, a song writer, a story teller, a letter writer, a card sender, a journal keeper and now...a blogger. My son tells me I need to get with the program and make myself known on the internet in order to get anywhere with "this writing thing". He's a smart boy, and I'm listening. Guess that means I'll have to give him credit when I land that first multimillion dollar book deal....

As of this moment there's not a specific theme for my blog, other than writing about what's going on in my world. I'll no doubt cover the ups and downs of my writing career as I move forward. Maybe I can help other struggling authors in some way, either by learning from my mistakes or being inspired by my successes. I'm sure I'll have plenty of both from which to choose but hopefully, with God's help, there will be more successes than failures. Only one way to find out!

God bless ~ cpwritergirl