Enjoying the Journey... despite everything

 Those who knows me personally, know I often equate life to a journey. I talk about staying focused and on your path, or about figuring just which road you need to be on, and go for it. I see that path running through dark valleys, high, lofty mountain, barren deserts or even thick woods. 

I suppose, that's why I wrote Illuminated.  Alyra's journey to freedom is the journey I see so many of us taking each and every day. We all have somewhere to go in our lives, with a purpose, big or small, that we are put here to do.

Wherever the road is takes us during various periods of our lives, my question is, can you enjoy your journey, despite where you are, or what's going on?

Perhaps, if the path is light and somewhat pleasant like the one pictured above. Well, heck yeah. How hard can that be?

What if it looks like this?

 A little more creepy, right? You know, we aren't promised that our paths will be easy or bright or lined with tulips and wild berries. However, there are some guarantees we can count on that might make the journey a bit more bearable, even enjoyable, despite any dark uncertainty.

The Four P's
Promise. Problems. Persistence. Possession.
 I heard this quick devotional lesson the other day, and it really grabbed me by the collar, demanding I pay attention. (I'll share the link to the actual video cast at the bottom of this post, if you want to go watch it.)

In Hebrews 12, we're told to run our race. If you keep reading, you find out it's not an easy race. Things happen. Test will be given and you will need to pass to continue. The testing helps to build your strength. It's for your own good. Like broccoli.
Yeah, I know. Yuck-a-muck.

So, here's how to suck it up, and enjoy the process. Despite when you're served the yucky stuff.

First believe the Promise that you matter. That you have a purpose in this world. That there is Someone who loves you a lot and only wants what's best for you. We hear the Jeremiah 29 verse all the time.
Jeremiah 29:11 to be exact.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 Don't blow this scripture off as just another favorite that people like to quote. The Lord says it himself. He has plans. Good plans. He wants you to hope, and to have a great future. Why? Because he loves us. He really does have our best interest at heart. He really does want us to prosper. To succeed. To flourish.
For really real.


Thing is, Problems hit. The path darkens. We even get caught in a storm or two. And what's our first thought?

"Did I do something to make you mad, Lord?" 

"Lord, where are you? Did you fall asleep?" 

"Hey, up there, this sucks! Don't you care?"

Well, yes He does. The scripture I just showed you before says so. Try this, though... next time you're in a problem, instead of worrying, or crying about it, call out that you need some help working through the problem.
Why? Because if you read the next verse, He goes on to say:  

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. vs12

That's right, he listens when we call out. We are not meant to walk our journey alone. He never said we had to. Matter of fact, all through his book, He tells us over and over to simply call on him when we get stuck in the mud pit.

So sure, when the doo hits the fan, don't stomp your foot and give up. Now is the time for Persistance. Keep walking. Keep pushing through the briars. Sure it hurts. You might even get a little scratched up. But don't give in. Not now. Remember that he really does want you to get through. He's not made his promises as a big fat joke. He's not waiting to jump out and say, "Psyche! I was just kidding! Funny, huh?"

Yeah, that's not really His way. Might be something I'd do. *cheesy grin* But not the Lord.

Find your joy in this fact. With each problem you face, you get closer to possessing the goal you're after. You only need to be persistent. Problems are simply opportunities to get closer to what you want for your life. Don't get all bent out of shape when they happen. Face them head on, shield protecting, sword waving. And if you're not the warrior type, get behind someone who is and let them help you get through.

If you can cling to your promises, even when the problems hit, and be persistent and keep going, you will eventually take Possession of what you've worked so hard for. You will complete the race. The last part of the Jeremiah 29 passage says:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. vs13

You can do this.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that you have Someone on your side who cares and loves you? Who's cheering you on. Even wanting to walk right beside you? I hope you do. Because if you don't, then you walk alone. And your striving alone. And you have nobody to help you when it gets really bad.


You can do this. It only requires first taking the hand the Lord offers you, then taking those first steps. And keep stepping. Don't worry. Just enjoy the process. Sure it's hard, but the hard things are so worth it. They are.

Are you up for the Journey?

Find the video by clicking this link: Grace Ministry International

My First Radio Interview

Yes, that's right. I was invited by Lena Nelson Dooley to be interviewed on the Red River Radio show, Gate Beautiful. 

And I was on right before Tosca Lee. Tosca. Lee!!!

I know, right?

Anyway, I've included a link and embedded blog-cast in case you're interested in listening in. I was the third guest and spoke for 30 minutes. Which is amazing. I always get so nervous when I have to speak that I end up stuttering and stammering.

Not this time.

I prayed before and was confident that I didn't have to do this alone. I love how when faced with scary things, we have an assurance that we don't have to face it all by ourselves. I felt nothing but peace and gratefulness over having such a fantastic opportunity come to me.  

And I simply had fun. Lena Dooley has been my writing mentor for years, and she edited my book Illuminated for me. Being able to talk to such a good friend also helped a lot.



 Gate Beautiful Radio Show--Thursday, January 17th, 2013 01/17 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio
 “Gate Beautiful” is a Christian radio show featuring interviews with a variety of inspirational fiction and nonfiction authors, airing on the 3 Thursday of each month.  Please join us for Christ-centered conversations with your favorite Christian authors.  This month our guests are Carla MacDougal, Murray Pura, Jackie Castle, and Tosca Lee.

Gate Beautiful Radio Show--Thursday, January 17th, 2013 01/17 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio

 

Listen to internet radio with Red River Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Stories are light--

“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning.

Make some light.”
― Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

 Illuminated excerpt

Tarek’s brows creased over his emerald eyes. “No, you listen to me, Princess. People who believe in that fairy tale king are simpletons. Mom told those stories when I was little to put me to sleep. But it’s not real! Don’t you understand? It’s not real! There is no wonderful city where everyone lives in harmony.” He waved his hands around while mocking in a sing-song voice, “blah, blah, blah. Just fairy tales.”

Doubt crept into Princess's resolve. “Tarek, if it’s not real, then why is that messenger, and other ‘simpletons’ as you call them, willing to be put to death rather than serve Darnel? Give me a good reason, and I’ll not argue with you anymore.”

He took a step back as if she’d slapped his face, but didn’t answer.

There's a reason stories are important. And a reason we love them so much. 



I love being swept away from the mundane. When I open a book and become so invested in the character that I'm carried away from my life, house work, or going to bed. That's magic.


True storyteller magic.

This doesn't happen often, but when it does... ahh... bliss.

Great stories lift us out of our complicated lives.
But they do even more.

Stories touch us on an emotional level, sometimes helping us to see things in a different way. They elate us. Make us laugh and even cry.




I want to write such stories. 

So when my husbands coworker had him call me so that she could say that she'd been up late the night before reading my story, I was snoopy dancing.

Yes, I not only did a fist-pump, I was elated to hear that I'd achieved a bit of that magic myself.

And when I read reviews that say they couldn't put the book down, that they were carried away by Illuminated... well, yep, there's a bit of dancing and hopping about the office. Not because I think I'm so great, but because my story did exactly what I'd hoped. It did for others what so many wonderful stories have done for me.

Like fairy dust, it carried someone away from their mundane and gave them something to think about.


Isn't that why we love stories so much?

I enjoy a book that lifts me up, takes me somewhere new, offers an adventure, provides a little hope, and a sense of wonderment. And this is what I always hope to write for others.

I also like to receive some take-away value in a story. Something I can slip in my pocket and chew on later. Something about life, myself, or the people I encounter.

Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, does this in her writing. Along the story, she leaves little nuggets for the reader to pick up. If they want to.

As I wrote Illuminated, I wanted a story that would challenge the reader to find their own path, their own life journey. To encourage them in believing that they also have an important role to play in the big scheme of life. Everyone does. From the small, moody Okbold, to the big hulking warriors. That's what Tolkien tried to show in his books about the small, unnoticeable hobbits. That even the smallest have an important role to play.

The books are written with young people in mind. Those in their teens or early 20s trying to find their place in life. But I think, even people in their 30s and 40s sometimes get off track. If you love fantasy with a purpose, books such as LOTR, Narnia, or (something else) that have you chuckling one moment, and your heart pounding the next, then I think you'll like Illuminated, as well.

Navigating the Journey

From Illuminated, Chapter 26

“I don’t understand. We should be farther along by now.” Jerin flicked his map against the breeze bending the parchment. “I was so careful in my research.” He finally resorted to spreading the parchment across a fallen log. His thick finger followed the line he’d drawn of the White Road as he muttered about how they should be out of the plains by now.

“We’re supposed to pass through another forest before we come to a town called Jolly Orchard. From there, we’ll be near the foot of the mountains.” Shading his eyes, he searched the horizon. Scrubby hills surrounded them, dotted with clumps of low-growing sprawling trees. Aside from a few edible root-type plants, they were hard put for any kind of vegetation to complement their sparse meals. “I see no sign of forest or mountain in the blasted land. Perhaps we got off on the wrong path?”

“Impossible," said Alyra. "You heard what Carah said. Others might meet this one, but this one will never divide or split in different directions. They all head straight for Aloblase.”

Wistfulness crossed his blue eyes. “I remember.”

Alyra dropped her pack beside the base of an elm, then climbed up into the branches.

“What are you doing, monkey?”

“Getting a better view, slug.” She grinned down at him. Reaching as high as she dared, she saw only more hills in the hazy distance. 

When Our Best Laid Plans... 

So, I'm getting ready to work on book 2 of the White Road Chronicles. I'm spending all this time working on a story board, laying out my plot line, gathering all my scattered chapter notes and such when I stop...

The scene I shared above from Illuminated came to me and I started laughing. Despite all this planning, I never really know where my story will end up taking me.

I guess Jerin is a bit like me, too. Or he came by his love for order honestly, as I've heard said of someone who gets their qualities from their parents.

In the story, Jerin spends his weeks healing from a broken leg doing  research on old maps, working to purchase supplies and making sure everything is ready to go.

Alyra, on the other hand, doesn't even want to think about getting back on the road. Until it's time. Once she decides she's ready, she is ready to go. Right then. No planning, or stocking or anything. She's simply ready to go.

Thus, my friends, is the difference between a "Seat of the Pants" writer, and a "Plotter." Actually, for anyone. I mean, some of us need to have everything planned out. Down to the last detail. While others can throw some socks and tighty whities into a suitcase and go.

As a friend once said to me, "I have four good tires and a tank of gas. What's to stop me from going if that's what I want to do?"

Um, I guess nothing.



In his heart, a man plans his course, 

but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

See my storyboard below? It's only in the beginning stages. By time I finish working on the story, it'll be full of pictures I've collected, sticky notes in various colors and more sketches of towns and other places that I need to visualize.

Being that I'm a visual learner... meaning if I see it, I can do it... having pictures and a plot line helps me to know where I am in my story.

And perhaps I'm like this in life, as well. I just need to see where I'm going with something. Once I see the possibility, I'm pumped and ready to go.

I wasn't able to go to college until I was in my 30's. Yet going had been a long time dream that I simply thought would never happen. When you have a family and responsibilities, it's hard to stop everything to take time to learn a new skill. But still... oh, I wanted it so bad. And prayed for it often.

Then my second child came along and I was staying home to care for him. So one day, I went up to the college and talked to a counselor. Just because. I was debating between teaching or counseling, but at the time, leaning more toward teaching. This marvelous individual laid out a course plan and showed me how I could get a degree, and even showed me how to seek out financial help to pay for it.

I walked out of that office a different person. Clutching the degree plan in my hand, I swear I was walking on clouds instead of a concrete sidewalk. And as I neared my car, a chant rose up from my spirit and poured out of my mouth:

I can do this. I can really do this. It's not impossible after all.  

And I did.

And so can you. I didn't get into college on my own efforts. I prayed a lot about it. Doors were opened. Yet I worked hard. I didn't give up. Some classes I had to take two or three times before I got though them. (math... yuck)  But I did get through them.

Don't be afraid of drawing your maps. Perhaps your story will take off in a different direction, like mine sometimes do. But the map is the first step in taking those first nervous steps. A map will help you see there really is a way through.

And of course, stay on the path. For pete's sake!

Are you up for the Journey?

Come on....

Non-resolutions for the New Year

Let's not kids ourselves. We mean well, making resolutions of change and promise for the new year. But to be honest, New Years is simply another day. Time, dates, clocks... all that is man-made. Something to help us keep track, or try to control time.

Thing is... why do we set ourselves up every year to feel like failures when we ditch all those well-intended resolutions? We know we won't keep 95% of them. Yet, every year, we write down our goals all over again.

WHY?
Well, because we are always hopeful of change. And we are always looking for something new. An adventure, if you will.

Walt Disney said that we keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.


And in all honesty, isn't that what we want? To find that right path we are supposed to be on? The one that will help us reach our dreams?

Of course, weight loss, quitting bad habits, or trying to do something more often and better are all wonderful goals to strive for. But let us seek out what our hearts desire is and run, run, run after that.

I'm not making any resolutions for this year. I already know what I need to do and I'm going to work my butt off trying to do that. I know now what I want from my life. I believe with all my heart that I'm finally living out my purpose. I've been given talents to carry me through this life and finally, I'm using them.

And it feels wonderful!

So, maybe this year, instead of writing down that standard list of resolutions, let's call them something else. Anything else. Instead of setting yourself up for failure, establish a plan that will lead you to what you want out of life. No matter how simple or complicated that desire might be.

Don't be afraid. All that's require is simply taking one step at a time. Staying on course. And never, ever, giving up on your dreams.

Walt Disney never gave up. Talk about a visionary. And one of my all time heroes. I love what he did for our world. The beauty and joy in his creations are timeless and will never fade away. His inspiration still spurs on generation after generation of creatives to think outside the box, to wish upon a star and believe that anything is possible.

And it is. It really is.

Happy New Year Friends! May the coming months take you to new places beyond your wildest imagination.



And thank you all who have bought my book Illuminated. Thank you for your encouraging feed back. I've done better than I anticipated in my first three weeks of publication.

I've received so much great feedback, even from people who I know aren't big readers. One or two have even told me they cried in places and had to stop everything toward the end of the book so they could keep reading and find out what happened.

Any idea what that does to a writer's heart? Wow. And my head... oh my I have to keep check so I can get through the doorways. Ha ha ha.  Kidding.

However, I'm so excited and ready to start on the next book. I keep changing the title but it will have something to do with Luminous. lol.  Luckily, it's mostly written, but needs some changes and needs to be finished. Can't wait to dive back into Alburnium for more adventures.