Writer's Room Photos

My apologies to all of you concerning the tilt of these photos. Somehow I got the tree snapshots from yesterday turned around and they stayed that way to be posted on my blog. But all my most determined efforts to right these photos, taken of my writers room, failed me. Understanding for the technologies at my finger tips  slipped beyond my grasp. I am among the ranks of the technically illiterate!  So just turn your head or your monitor and you can feast your eyes on the large table desk, the lighting, and the bookshelves, which are supported by the file cabinets. The names of Jesus poster at my right hand side, and the adventurous George S. Gaadt posters flanking my left and right…. It is my writer’s room dream come true!

I was unable to locate curtains just yet. Curtain shopping is much like shoe shopping. I’m not a fan! They have to be just right in color, size, and style.  Oh there are so many ugly curtains out there. Everyone with good taste must have gotten to the store before I did. This calls for a trip to Appleton or Green Bay….hopefully soon!

Does this inspire those of you who asked for photos of my writer’s room?  It is important to find the colors you love to work around. The layout of the furniture is especially important. Don’t be afraid to change your mind or be open to arranging your space another way. This style of furniture was completely different then what I had envisioned. Cal traded me up, so to speak, and I’ll be ever grateful to him for his wisdom and generosity! This is a small room but the furniture fits and I don’t feel crowded. I needed file space and there are two large file drawers that will work hard for me.

I love using the extra monitor. Cal fixed me up with that also! Sometimes as I’m rewriting I use the extra monitor so that I can have two files open at once. Then I don’t have to flip back and forth and minimize and enlarge files. This is great for research or moving scenes around! I’m just using an old monitor from a computer that crashed…years ago.  

I did steal my feathers and flower arrangement from the living room for this photo shoot ….I think I will be shopping for living room flowers because now that they are here I can’t bear to part with them!! I still have to being in my files and arrange them. Also I will have plastic drawers in the closet, which will contain office supplies and random stuff that I wish to hide away out of sight. (You don’t see them in these photos.) I will also be moving things from the top shelf of the closet and placing my binders filled with writing class information there instead.  Well there you go. I am a challenged organizer but if you work hard at thinking about how the organized population of the world would do things and you take advantage of great designs available in office furniture you will be well on your way to some happy undisturbed writing times!  Ask the Lord to guide you to discover your working style and give Him the glory and praise for His help and inspiration!!  Blessings All!!

A Matter of POV

When you look at these photos, you see completely different trees. So often in our lives we may experience pain or loss which can cut us off at our knee caps. We may feel as though there is no reason to go on, keep living, or trying. Under closer inspection you will see that these trees are the same tree. The first photo shows that at one point in its life everything green and life giving was cut off, leaving only the trunk.  What possible purpose could this tree serve? But, when you back up you can admire the branches and new life springing forth from the hopelessly maimed trunk. Purpose springing forth with abandon! Green leaves are again reaching forth toward the sunshine! The kiss of rain drops cleanse those leaves making them shine as though nothing happened at all. Life renewed, fresh, and thrilling in the glory of His sunshine. Leaves dance in the wind….once again…

Okay everyone, tomorrow I should have some time that I can empty out my camera so that I can take a photo or two of my new writers room!!  See you tomorrow!!

Summer Project Accomplished - Blogging Begins!

Well then, it has been a while since I left you a note!  So sorry. It has been such a busy month. I thought I would get so much writing done over Christmas break but instead I finished a summer project. A summer project you may ask? Yes! My husband told me on Christmas day that I could pick out my office furniture for my writers room.

Oh joy of joys! The entire week I plastered and smoothed walls and prepared the room in every way. I wasn’t sure about the color I wanted to go with so I kidnapped my daughter Vanessa and asked her to search through a myriad of colors and paint techniques with me. We started by picking paint swatches and a carpeting swatch sampler.

There is golden wood paneling on just one wall. It is amazing how many paint swatches looked pitiful alongside this wood. We narrowed down the colors I would be choosing from in about five minutes.

Funny how lighting or lack thereof in a room can change your mind. Surprising how the effect of peculiar light from the room in question can ruin your mood if you act hasty and paint an untried color next to a finicky paneling.

Soon after I primed the walls I chose my color. (With a little arm twisting from Vanessa! Ha ha just kidding.) It is a golden tan which complements the wood so well. We found carpet at Dalton Carpeting which I love. This carpeting has several colors blending to achieve the effect it delivers. Actually there are some golden flecks mingled in with the brown and tan, which is not obvious unless you have your nose to the floor. Okay, I didn’t lie there long! The effect is subtle, warm, and inviting.

Needless to say I hurried and painted the walls while Dalton’s ordered and waited for my carpet to arrive. On Tuesday my hubby and I went shopping in Green Bay and found the perfect office furniture set at Furniture Row. I found the fake marble-looking table desk and file cabinets with bookcases on sale! Now that really made my day.

I had some waiting to do, for the furniture, after the painting was done and the carpet was installed.  Finally my furniture did arrive. As the movers lugged the furniture to the office room my concern grew. Apparently shopping for furniture was similar to shopping for Christmas trees.  One doesn’t really realize the size of the tree until one pulls said tree into the house.  I ran to the room to observe the damage. The movers had placed the book case on top of the file cabinet and ….it fit! Whew!

Once they were gone I moved quickly to sort and arrange my space. Research and writer’s books as well as my printer and great-grandma’s quilt fit into the spots awaiting their presence wonderfully well.  I have my George s. Gaadt posters thanks to my brother, the serenity prayer, and the names of Jesus hanging on the walls!  My lovely calendar is in place thanks to my sister.  My Victorian floor lamp stands tall and reliable next to my desk.  Sentimental mementos adorn the shelves in the small space allowed by the books.  An anniversary picture of my hubby and me rests on my desk.  All that is left for me to finish to complete the rooms preparation is pick  to curtains and rods.

I’m sitting here in a state of wonder, excitement is pulsing through my very veins. This is my space, love and loveliness surround me.  I’m eager to learn and tap the keys to find adventure page after page….

Letter From My Friend & Former Pastor

They're smooth!

I'm talking about the Freedom from Religion group! After reading the Ellwood City Ledger I see what they are after...bogus statement of "no god, no hell, no faith" on a banner to be placed "above" the Happy Holiday banner in front of the Ellwood City Municipal Bldg. The local resident who remains cowardly hidden in the shadows and supposedly filed a complaint through Freedom From Religion is being used!

Since Freedom from Religion know they do not have a legal leg to stand on, they appear to make lots of threats and noise to intimidate through fear tactics. Then they will "settle" for a banner in a prominent place to "preach" their No god atheistic mantra.

Smart, huh?    Well, it time PEOPLE wake up and be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves".

One more thing on the group Freedom from Religion. After spending about 2 hrs reviewing their site, I came to these conclusions:

The founder, ANNIE LAURIE GAYLOR, is a generational liberal, feminist, atheist with a long history of public forums. She married a former "Christian" pastor, (of 19 yrs!) DAN BARKER. He opened his mind to reading other materials than from Christian authors thereby renouncing his former "faith".  (Thought: If one really meets the Lord, how can that one "unmeet" the Lord?) They appear to be solidly "anti Christian" rather than anti other religions, i.e. Islam, Buddhism, New Age, Wiccan, etc.

at first I was disheartened to think that we as a community of faith and residents of Ellwood City would only come together like this through opposition and the threat of not being allowed to display the traditional Nativity Scene. Then I thought -  (wouldn't it be wonderful if every year we would have come together for the displaying of the Nativity Scene with the whole community of churches, businesses, schools, etc, and sing Christmas carols, drink hot chocolate, eat cookies – and maybe we could start a NEW TRADITION along these lines? ) 

but then I became aware of a few other insights.

Ellwood is like a family that can talk, fight, and disagree with each other but DON'T let someone from outside do it!  If anyone dares to do that  we will come together FOR each other and defend one another!   I guess I realize that when the proverbial chips are down, we will unitedly stand.  That is a good thing; especially in this day in which we live.

Another thought I had was that by supporting the Nativity Scene, as a community we have INVITED the Lord Jesus to come into our city in a public and possibly greater measure. We are in essence saying, "Lord, we want YOU to be recognized from Your birth to Your coming again. We want You to be established in our government. We want You to have a place among us."

I think He will accept our invitation and manifest Himself the way He desires.

Also, if the "churches" would hold a rally, organize an event in support of OUR faith, or any other "churchy service", probably no "non-believers" would come.  But since this Nativity Scene issue is a grassroots movement, it opens the door for many different people of various faiths or no faith, of different backgrounds and cultures to participate and STAND UP for the Lord!  How cool is that?

There is another name for our God...Jehovah Sneaky!  I think He is just  "sneaking" up on us to do things in our midst that we cannot even imagine!

These are exciting days in which to live and serve the Lord!

Keep your prayers and support ongoing and LETS determine to become that prayer through loving actions and deeds of kindness.

This has just been some rambling thoughts and impressions as I process the recent happenings surrounding the Nativity Scene.  Hope it was worth the reading!

God Bless and Shalom!

Cynthia

 

P.S. Don't forget to say, "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to everyone you meet this month!

 

Gloria Biffert A Missionary Who Made Me Smile And a Note From Me

Gloria Bifert is a missionary to the Democratic Republic of Congo. What an amazing life she leads!  She gripped our emotions, when she spoke at our church, in every possible way, as she told us of a people who’s hospitality would put us to shame. What a generous people she serves and yet the Congo can be such a dangerous place also. Her life is filled with the important connections that will always matter….even in eternity.  Do check out her blog at gbincongo.blogspot.com This is a woman who’s passion burns for the salvation of friends she hasn’t met yet. May God bless and keep her and those He has her minister to now and forever! Amen

Just a note to tag along with my thoughts on Gloria…. Life has been so busy and full! Work, Pens, my novel, family, and Porschea our perfect puppy, along with Christmas preparations has put me on my tippy toes with to-do’s!  I’m sure it is the same for everyone this time of year. Sometimes the tinsel and trimmings and activities bulldoze us over till we are too exhausted to think. But we do need to stop and reflect about our great, almighty Savior. How blessed we are to do so.   How wonderful that church is actually on Christmas day this year!

I’m itching for more time to write and I plan on making use of the week off at Christmas time. A friend of mine, Becky McLafferty, and I are writing and exchanging manuscript pages as fast as our little fingers can type and ah re-type. Well, also as time allows! When you work full time, there is such a huge chunk of the day that you cannot possibly touch with writing time. Ideas are falling into my mind concerning the contemporary I’m currently writing. This book is about a child’s abduction.  Also ideas are brimming over for the next book in the series. I jot those ideas down before they escape my notice completely. Information is falling into place for a historical my sister is helping me research. I am fascinated with the late 1800’s, how about you? I will only jot down the ideas for the other stories as they pop into my head for now. I refuse to get into writing the other novels since I am determined to finish my contemporary first.  Those ACFW CD-Roms share such exquisite teachings and they have been the inspiration for many of the rewrites I’ve dived into this past year.

My daughter and I took our puppies to the dog park and they had a fantastic time. We had such a quiet night afterwards! The puppies dreamed away the night with visions of puppy toys to steal from one another and smaller dogs to chase. Of course they would not purposely dream about the two Irish Wolf Hounds that ran alongside them and were head and shoulders above the  rest of the crowd.  My 105 pound puppy looked dwarfed beside them. I have to admit I love the fur and the build on my Leonberger far better than the impressive Irish Wolf Hounds!  

Can you believe I misplaced my mouse? Goodness I’m having to write this and make corrections with just my mouse pad on the computer! I am almost frustrated!  Ho hum, well I wish you all a very exceptional and wonderful night. Maybe you will cozy up with a book or watch a favorite movie or pray. I wish you a restful and eventful night.

Blessings and joy! 

Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

©Susan Marlene Kinney

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6 – 7a

Coffee shops and stores are humming with activity during this time of the year. Traditions of gift giving surrounding us maybe sweet and memorable, but that sure isn’t what Christmas is about is it?  Who is this Jesus? How could He give up everything in Heaven and leave behind His father to be born of woman and tolerate the fickleness of man? He shared in our sufferings and laughed in the sunshine. He is intimately acquainted with our feelings, our physical weakness, and day-to-day challenges.

Though He is what Webster says:

WONDERFUL-wonder, marvelous, extraordinary, remarkable, awesome, wondrous, miraculous, prodigious, astonishing, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, unique, curious, strange.

COUNSELOR-one who counsels, an advisor. A faculty member as in a high school, who advises students on personal and academic problems…..a lawyer, an official at an embassy or legation…advocate, attorney

MIGHTY GOD- (mighty – characterized or showing might or power, by great size, great in amount, extent, degree ,or importance, exceptional) (God –Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the universe)

…and well you get the general idea! Go ahead and thrill at His name, His greatness, and His extraordinary love and commitment to you! With every twinkling of Christmas tree lights, think of how His eye shines at the thought of you. Remember He thrills at counseling you to find your purpose. Jesus loves it when you share your journey with Him! He is ever the listening ear and the lover of your soul. He can be the astounding and phenomenal advocate of great importance in your life. If He isn’t just ask Him into your heart quick….and hold on for the thrill of your life! Share your experience with Him and others, be it with pen and paper or computer keys or tape recorder! Memoirs, journals, short stories, poems, non-fiction, cards, letters, and God-honoring fiction novels wait for your imagination and uniqueness.

Remember your choice to follow His lead is strictly quite up to you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND MAY YOU ENJOY A LIFE WITH JESUS!

AMEN

Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

©Susan Marlene Kinney

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6 – 7a

Coffee shops and stores are humming with activity during this time of the year. Traditions of gift giving surrounding us maybe sweet and memorable, but that sure isn’t what Christmas is about is it?  Who is this Jesus? How could He give up everything in Heaven and leave behind His father to be born of woman and tolerate the fickleness of man? He shared in our sufferings and laughed in the sunshine. He is intimately acquainted with our feelings, our physical weakness, and day-to-day challenges.

Though He is what Webster says:

WONDERFUL-wonder, marvelous, extraordinary, remarkable, awesome, wondrous, miraculous, prodigious, astonishing, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, unique, curious, strange.

COUNSELOR-one who counsels, an advisor. A faculty member as in a high school, who advises students on personal and academic problems…..a lawyer, an official at an embassy or legation…advocate, attorney

MIGHTY GOD- (mighty – characterized or showing might or power, by great size, great in amount, extent, degree ,or importance, exceptional) (God –Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the universe)

…and well you get the general idea! Go ahead and thrill at His name, His greatness, and His extraordinary love and commitment to you! With every twinkling of Christmas tree lights, think of how His eye shines at the thought of you. Remember He thrills at counseling you to find your purpose. Jesus loves it when you share your journey with Him! He is ever the listening ear and the lover of your soul. He can be the astounding and phenomenal advocate of great importance in your life. If He isn’t just ask Him into your heart quick….and hold on for the thrill of your life! Share your experience with Him and others, be it with pen and paper or computer keys or tape recorder! Memoirs, journals, short stories, poems, non-fiction, cards, letters, and God-honoring fiction novels wait for your imagination and uniqueness.

Remember your choice to follow His lead is strictly quite up to you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND MAY YOU ENJOY A LIFE WITH JESUS!

AMEN

In the Nick of Time

Playing with Cliché’s and Praising the Lord at the Same Time

The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him He also will hear their cry and save them…Psalm 145:17 – 19   NKJV

By Susan Marlene Kinney

Pens of Praise Devotion 11/12/11

Believe it or not, Jesus our Lord and Savior came to earth to put His best foot forward on our behalf. His is a love, which makes my legs turn to Jell-O and my stomach clench. Though He died for all our sins years ago, His message is as new and true at this point in time. Godly truth speaks to me – not in one ear and out the other. Nor does it filter down from beyond the ozone layer.  His love and presence is as right as rain and my heart pounds when I sense His truth, which covers the bases of anyone’s need.  His love comes as easy as falling off a log. And when I sense Him near, a single tear trickles down my cheek. Though I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer and my brain doesn’t fire on all cylinders, He sticks like glue to my side. His love is not weak but it is tough as nails. I’m happy as a clam that He chose me to be a part of His family.

Sometimes I get a bee in my bonnet and I start licking my lips, biting my lips, and throwing my arms akimbo. But my Lord does not throw me away or reject me because I get an occasional bur in my saddle or I run around the bush too many times. He hits my repented sin over the rooftops so I don’t have to face the music alone.  Sometimes it’s a crying shame how I behave but His love is more than meets the eye.  I don’t have to feel like a fish out of water or as flat as a pancake or in a nut shell, the lesser of two evils.  Even though I put my foot in my mouth or even two feet in my mouth on more than one occasion I’ve never hear Him say, “I regret to inform you, as a matter of fact, you don’t belong anymore.” His patience is as fast as lightning and tickles me pink. I arch my eyebrows in amazement at His wondrous ways! If you don’t know Him, please invite Him in. I promise you such an invitation is not barking up the wrong tree. He will not get bent out of shape because of where you’ve been or who you thought you were. He will make things as new as lickety split. Remember Rome was not built in a day. Give yourself time to get to know Him, and like a dog with a bone you will hang on to His love. This is the one time I know that haste makes waste doesn’t apply.

Hummmm Just a Note!

Greetings All,

I have not forgotten you. I have been accomplishing...more writing....furniture refinishing....training the perfect puppy- Porschea amoung a mirrad of things. I still have had difficulty posting comment although I didn't try today. I wish you all His peace and grace and purpose-filled days!   I'll be back after this week I do believe!!

Untill then....Mega blessings and joy!
Sue

Pens of Praise Meeting On Saturday

Pens of Praise

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, November 12, 2011   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

Are your fingers itching to write the great American novel or a devotion or poem?  Do you know where to begin? If you want to be His voice to many readers, or for just a few, step on over to Faith Church this coming Saturday. May powerfully pour from your pen to build others up and glorify our Lord!  What legacy do you want to leave? Come explore the plethora of writing opportunities and techniques. Share your talents and help others grow too as you learn from the various genres represented at Pens.

Our prompt this month is Clichés & More Clichés How to Write Without Them! If you want to write fresh and leave repetitive clichés behind come and work with us a while! Find a book you have around the house and bring it with you. See if you can find any tired clichés. We can all share our finds and see the value of improving our word choices.

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.

If you have questions or concerns call Becky McLafferty at (920)758-9196 or       e-mail her at mclafferty@lakefield.net or call Susan Kinney at (920)242-3631 or   e-mail her at cal-suek@charter.net or susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

Sue