Note

NOTE: Commentary is made as a private citizen and not as Regional Coordinator for Silent No More or any other ministries.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS

 

 
Twas' the night before Christmas, with laptop in tow,
I sit by the window that looks out on the snow.
With the family all tucked in, I have quiet to write
a couple of chapters before I call it a night.

The ticking I hear from the grandfather clock
is a deadline reminder which brings writer's block.
The words are all floating around in my brain,
and I can't seem to catch them, I'm going insane!

The screen of my laptop continues to shine,
it may as well flash a “vacancy” sign.
Maybe spiked coffee would help in my plight,
as my keyboard awaits my fingers to light.

The beverage, though tasty, fails to produce,
the screen remains blank, this is mental abuse!
The tick-tock continues; I stand up in defeat,
I hear a strange noise, so I slow my retreat.

Then all of a sudden a vision appears,
if it isn't a sleigh pulled by eight cute reindeer!
Here comes Santa himself, now I know I'm insane,
I have to be dreaming, or the coffee's to blame.

With a sweet jolly voice, he starts to speak,
assuring me things aren't really that bleak.
He says, "No need to panic, the words will come soon,
you're focused too much on the deadline that looms.

Just look through that window, embrace what you see,
take it all in, from that block you'll be freed".
He dismantles the clock before fading from sight, and
says, “Merry Christmas, now sit down and write!”
 
 
Merry Christmas & God Bless!
 
Patti J. Smith
aka Gridiron Granny
 

Friday, November 28, 2014

We Need to Talk


 
 
It happens to all of us. We wake up feeling uneasy. We shrug it off, crawl out of bed and begin our day.  Unfortunately, that feeling stalks us every second, minute and hour. No matter what we do we can't seem to shake it. Pressure is building up behind the weakening dam in our eyes that is threatening to rupture, releasing torrents of tears.

In my case, those days are a direct result of focusing on all the chaos life brings and not giving myself enough quiet time with God.  I believe that feeling is a message from Him saying,  "We need to talk".   



 

 

 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

BEFORE GRATITUDE


Thursday, we will be expressing our gratitude for all of God's blessings, but how can we sincerely express gratitude if we are carrying resentments towards someone?  We can't.  So before the festivities begin, let's put ourselves in a quiet place with God and be freed from the negativity that is suppressing our thanksgiving by praying:





Father God, I choose, as an act of my will, to forgive (person's name) for (specific offense.) Father, I ask that you forgive (person's name) as well; and not hold these charges against him/her on my account. 

Father God, if there are any more stored up negative feelings in me towards (person's name), I ask that you cleanse me.  I will be open to replace these negative emotions with the fruit of your Holy Spirit.

Father, Your Holy Word tells us that we overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, and the word of our testimony. I now plead the blood of Jesus over this offense and over my unforgiveness. Lord, do not allow Satan to interfere with my testimony. 

Heavenly Father, I ask that you help me regain the ground that I gave up when I held onto these offenses. I ask that you take back this ground and no longer allow Satan to operate there. Give me wisdom to deal with this situation in the future.

Father, I ask that you heal now the wounded places in my soul. Heal my memory of those offenses so that I can look back on them realistically, knowing that You have healed me. Now Father, I ask that you bless (person's name) with Your abundant mercy.

Prosper him/her in every way: body, soul, and spirit. AMEN. 



(Prayer written by Mark Hargrave www.markhargrave.com/forgiveness)
 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Thankful and Blessed





Thanksgiving is a few days away which means my mind is in overdrive on those
things for which I am thankful.

Although this blog post has potential of being the longest in blogosphere history, I will refrain myself from expounding on everything.  (Now that’s something you can add to your “thankful” list!).

     My husband is my rock and I am very blessed.  Marriage is a series of ups and downs, and regardless of how bad the “downs” get, Michael is always there with unconditional love and constant encouragement.

     My dad and uncle who trust me enough to care for them.  They bring daily joy as well as entertainment.  I love hearing their life experiences (which may end up in a book someday).

    My mom who, although not here physically, continues to guide me with her example of faith and courage.

    My son and step-daughter, their spouses and children who are a source of great love and pride.

     My extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins that have consistently shown compassion and support.

    My friends who put up with me, “warts and all”, and are always there to offer their understanding and wisdom.

     My publisher and author friends who guide, teach and inspire me every day.
 
 My prayer is that I, in turn, do the same for all of them.

Most importantly, I am thankful for the love and mercy I receive from God each and every day.  I’m sure He watches me at times, shakes His head saying, “Patti, Patti, Patti” … But, hopefully, there are also times He smiles and says, “Good job”.