Treasure

Pens of Praise Prompt

May 8, 2010   © Susan Marlene Kinney  & June  9, 2012

Treasure.  What comes to mind when you hear that word?  Could it be buried treasure from pirate lore?  Stacks of gold and precious jewelry piled in an ornate trunk and hidden in a cave on some unknown island, which has been cloaked with mystery for decades. Could your specific treasure be a nice fat bank account in Switzerland or the Cayman Islands where our government cannot tax the total?  As I contemplated what I could consider my treasure to be, I was struck with the simplicity and splendor of my ideal treasure.

At first numerous ideas poured through my mind as I dug through the unlocked volts of remembered treasures—there were many to consider.  Maybe it was not such a wonderful trait to be so grateful for everything since it complicated my life at the moment. I needed just one treasure to write about for this prompt. My heart pounded when I realized the time was past 7:30 this morning already and I needed to be at our writers group at 10:00.  Then I landed on the perfect treasure to share with you.

The treasure of “Moments Shared “seemed to bear a common thread throughout all the people, places, and memories I’ve valued so dearly. Yes, memories shared with God, family, friends, and pets.  There have been priceless quiet moments while I studied Gods word or saw impossible situations changed by prayer.  Loving moments with a dog, cat or bird who had wormed their way into my heart. Encouraging friends who told me they prayed for me and mine when I had never told them my great need. Family who live with me and love me still. Treasures, yes one and all were treasures and I didn’t know which one to pick until I realized that they were all moments shared.  Fabulous moments shared with those who have passed from this life and those who are very constant in my life now.  The day to day attention and love the Lord shares with others and with me.  Yes my valued treasure is moments shared and I’m grateful for the ones I’ve shared with you!

April and May - Months to Remember

Greetings all!

April and May have been extremely busy! Debby Erdmann’s The Inside Scoop on God’s  book sighing was absolutely wonderful!  Debby was the perfect hostess and book signer! Jenn’s Java was filled with excitement and the hum of the cappuccino machines! One couple traveled from Marquette MI, to Manitowoc, WI to purchase some of her devotion books and they were not disappointed!  

I’ve been working on two WIP (Work in Progress) manuscripts and enjoying every moment of my writing adventures. Suzie May Warren’s and Rachel Hauck’s Deep and Wide and Inside Out as well as Michael Hauge & Christopher Vogler’s DVD’s on the Hero’s 2 Journeys have become my close companions. I’ve been applying the plotting techniques and enjoying the results. When I say it is an adventure to write – it really is! I’m even enjoying  the plotting and story in movies more because I can appreciate the plot strategies and twists and turns.

Porschea our—perfect Leonberger puppy— accomplished her bandit techniques and stole some dried out thistles I had placed on the table. She leaves the items on the table alone but of course had to go after the thistles! She was sick the next day throwing up and mopping around. As soon as I got off work I put her 125 pounds in the car and took off for the vet’s. He was gracious and available and was able to look her over. She was fine in his estimation but he gave her some pills and a shot and then recommended a mild dog food for a few days. She LOVED  the food because it was can food. Yep, she is spoiled now and kibble is the less desirable menu option. She and I are enjoying our walks and play once again. We are getting back on track day by day with TLC! 

Well I’ve run on long enough. I have two months worth of stories to tell and I would really rather hear about yours!! What say you?????

Pens of Praise

Pens of Praise

Christian Writers Group

NEWS FLASH– OUR VERY OWN DEBBY ERDMANN IS HOSTING HER BOOK SIGNING FOR HER DEVOTIONAL THE INSIDE SCOOP ON GOD.

Come to Jenn’s Java to pick up a copy!

Great gift for Mom or ….for you!

Next meeting…

Saturday, May 12    10:00 am – 12:00 pm

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

 

The teaching for May 12^th is

“See It Smell It”

By author Gail Sattler

Check out Gail Sattler’s books at-

http://www.mennoniteromancenovel.com/index.cfm/page/authornotes.html

We enjoyed the three quarters of her teaching from the ACFW Conference in April. We will continue this excellent teaching on how to write the five senses in May.

Bring a short sample of an excellent or poor use of the senses to share with Pens from a writing you have enjoyed recently. All genres welcome.

We may share a book report on a novel or a “how to” for writing!

*WARNING LOOK OUT*

These teachings can sharpen and improve the skills needed for any genre.

You are welcome to bring your latest work in progress for a five-minute reading.

This is not required to attend the meeting.

 

Remember - visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

Hubby/ Trains/ Tranquility

My hubby and I’ve been shopping for train “stuff” this past weekend. Such items as greenery for foliage, buildings where trains off-load goods, an airbrush, and paint. I also purchased a package of non-painted people. These N –Scale people will be challenging to paint. I will defiantly make use of the magnifying glass and tailored points of paintbrushes in order to detail then with precision!

My hubby is developing various levels for the track to run. A boring flat scene with no distinction or variety of hills or mountains or valleys will not be in our design. He has much of the cork and track on the upper level placed and glued already. He will connect the wiring soon.  Once the electricity is connected it will be time to attend to the scenery. He has been reading about techniques and tips from train magazines and instructive short video clips on-line. This stage of our scenes construction will be time consuming. It will be fun to see our imaginary worlds develop and expand.

The airbrush is a wonderful tool. It has been literally decades since I’ve used one. Won’t it be interesting to see if I have lost my touch or not!  My husband has to look for a connecter for our airbrush and the air compressor we already own.  Then I suppose I will find out the answer to that question. In some ways it seems like this is pulling together quickly and in other ways it feels as though it is taking forever to assemble!! I’m proud of the efforts and attention my husband is giving toward this project.  Oh, to see our grandson’s eyes when they view the imaginary lands as the trains equipped with sound and smoke pull their weight up along the bends and gradual slopes from one level to the other. Hopefully, experiencing this miniature train world will help those viewing this display feel like they took a step back to quieter times almost making time stand still. We need to pause, take a breath, and be grateful for our blessings and spend quiet moments of restful repose. I think our train world could give us a taste of tranquil old time feelings!

Easter Victory Day

Good Easter Victory Day to all of you and here is wishing you a fabulous year filled with His presence and love!

To think of His blessings He poured down upon us by His unselfish act- He gave Himself for us. Only He could accomplish that. May you be blessed as He would want you to be. May you have great appreciation for His love and grace and favor in your life.

May you honor Him all the days of your life!

Mega blessings and joy!

Sue

LAKE MICHIGAIN MARCH 2012

I admired Lake Michigan on my way to Pen’s Christian Writers Group in March. The wind kicked up clean and strong, its influence unhindered by invisibility.  It actually took my breath away.  The strapping power impossible to see yet especially impossible to ignore. The edge of its pathway could not be measured. Waters and trees moved under its presence.

The photo above this line is my favorite of the bunch. It was so bright, the wind so swift that I squinted and guessed at each shot. I have to give the camera full credit for the images seen here. The moods of Lake Michigan are wonderous and impressive!

Every angle I spied filled me with awe!

Our writers group attendees gathered early that day, all lined up and ready to go before my arrival. They good-naturedly accepted my apology and said ahhhh and oooh  at the right time as they viewed these photos!

Pens of Praise Christian Writer's Meeting

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, April 14    10:00 am – 12:00 pm

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

The teaching for April is

“See It Smell It”

By author Gail Sattler

Check out Gail Sattler’s books at-

http://www.mennoniteromancenovel.com/index.cfm/page/authornotes.html

We enjoyed the first half of her teaching from the ACFW Conference in March. We will continue this excellent teaching on how to write the five senses in April.

Bring a short sample of an excellent or poor use of the senses to share with Pens from a writing you have enjoyed recently. All genres welcome.

We may share a book report on a novel or a “how to” for writing!

*WATCH OUT*

These teachings can sharpen and improve the skills needed for many genres.

You are welcome to bring your latest work in progress for a five-minute reading.

This is not required to attend the meeting.

Remember - visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

Zoey’s Word *Two Books*Two Verses

Zoey was contemplating her world, the universe, and heaven in general. Her cousin Onyx came for a visit and shook up her world. The world where Zoey is queen. Unfortunately Onyx didn’t know or care….That’s when the book called Conflict FREE Living by Joyce Meyer touched Zoey’s life. The very first scripture in this very relevant book was The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest Exodus 14:14 Amplified version. Zoey keeps thinking about that PROMICE in GOD’S WORD. Amazing, Zoey held her ground when Onyx tried to assert puppy dominance and she appreciated the close calls where she escaped by divine intervention (HE fought for her.) Also she held her peace when she skillfully scooted out of teeth and paw range. She was victorious. Her cousin went home and Zoey resumed her royal status and rule and she took a nap.  She also enjoyed the last meow. This word and promise keeps spinning in her head. Here you can see her opponent. The LORD fought for Zoey, she held her peace, and remained at rest!

Porschea her extremely interesting and irritating sister is still chasing her and playing “stomp the kitty” with relish. But Zoey trusts that GOD will encourage her at the right times and places. She found the book One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber in her Crossings Book Club mailing. When her paw flipped the page, she found this encouraging word from THE WORD. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 Zoey can’t wait to sink her teeth into this book and discover the riches inside. Debbie Macomber shares about her group of ladies and how they choose one word from HIS word and the blessings that came from focusing on one word each year! Her body trembles with anticipation….Should she ask….dare she ask that God will shrink Porschea the perfect puppy down to her size? She is waiting, pondering and her hopes are high. Zoey wants to get the right angle on her ‘situations’ and ask GOD for the right requests. After all when you are living under the roof with the perfect puppy and your rule is upset from time to time…you want to make wise decisions. Here is the latest photo of PORSCHEA THE PERFECT PUPPY….at least in Zoey’s mom and dad’s eyes! Zoey seeks the last meow on this situation but she remains at rest and she is seeking her word.

The Perfect Puppy with her favorite blue football!

If you have had your world or universe shaken or stirred up or teased why don’t you pop on down to your local bible book store and pick up these copies of HIGHLY RECOMMENDED books from Zoey’s shelf. Be blessed!

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITER'S GROUP

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, March 10^th    10:00 am – 12:00 pm

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

The teaching for March is “You choose!!”

Goodness again???  We have enjoyed ACFW Conference teachings recently and thought this would be an excellent month to listen again to the sage wisdom of published, experienced writers. September’s 2011 Conference has excellent teachings available. Which one of these choices would be of interest to you? The choice with the most votes wins!

v How to Write a Bestseller

v Sometimes It’s Better to Tell Than Show

v Historical Research: Enrich and Deepen Your Story

v Research: Ins and Outs of Making a Book Come to Life

v Blogging, Branding, Marketing, and Publicity

v Author branding

v Or another of our many choices

Keep in mind these teachings can sharpen and improve the skills needed for many genres. You are welcome to bring your latest work in progress for a five-minute reading but this is not required to attend the meeting.

Remember to visit one of our local shops and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you. Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.

Winter Wonderland in WI

The Christmas tree is a view from my writers room. Winter has finally come to town this week in Wisconsin. Big fluffy flakes dressed up the skies and yards as I was driving home from work yesterday! Porschea, our perfect puppy, is ecstatic. She thinks we special ordered the weather just for her. You keep thinking that baby girl!

Zoey, the perfect cat, needs to get into the word lately. She sits and looks outside whining and fussing in full blown complaint. I will have to remind her to be content in all things!

She actually hissed at the laser beam when we played today...she has never done that before!

Meow...Okay..I'm not translating...actually I don't know how to....

I fell this past Wednesday and suspected a possible broken knee cap. I'm grateful to announce that I was only bruised deeply. Of course I walk around like Igor cause thought it looks like 'nothing' it feels like something else! I'm avoiding steps and packing my leg in ice. If I run out of ice, I can always pack my leg in snow or go outside and make snow angles. My hubby offered for us to do that last night! I turned him down though! I was buried beneath my computer and an ice pack. Porschea was looking for an active play mate so I stayed still and boring! It is safer that way!

I couldn't resist placing this photo here also. I love how snowy evergreens photograph. Plus my camera isn't the best. Oh, if I could have only captured how the trees looked last night, all weighed down with a couple of inches of snow. It seemed like the very night was lit up and sparkling. But you have to use your imagination for that image. Keep warm and safe! Spring is around the corner... I hope!