April 14, 2008 by Kelly.

I can now say I’m writing for my church. We joined the weekend I wrote the post about writing blindly.

If you’d like to visit the site, and download the devos, you can do so by going to ArrowHeights.org and click on The Daily near the bottom. I pray you’ll be blessed, and that God will speak to your heart, as you read!

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April 12, 2008 by Kelly.

I found this on my friend Tara’s blog and wanted to give it a shot. So, here are my One Word Answers…

You’re Feeling: Happy
To Your Left: Window
On Your Mind: Writing
Last Meal Included: Beef
You Sometimes Find it Hard To: Decide
The Weather: Cloudy
Something You Have a Collection of: Garfield
A Smell that Cheers You Up: Citrus
A Smell that Can Ruin Your Mood: Perfume
How Long Since You Last Shaved: Hours
The Current State of Your Hair: Disheveled
The Largest Item On Your Desk/Workspace Right Now (besides computer): Printer
Your Skill with Chopsticks: Beginner
Which Section You Head to First In the Bookstore: Bibles
…and After That?: Nonfiction
Something You’re Craving: Chocolate
Your General Thoughts On the Presidential Race: Scary
How Many Times You’ve Been Hospitalized this Year: Zero
A Favorite Place to Go for Quiet Time: CoffeeShop
You’ve Always Secretly Thought You’d Be a Good: Librarian
Something that Freaks You Out a Little: Blood
Something You’ve Eaten Too Much of Lately: Chocolate
You Have Never: Sky-dived
You Never Want To: Sky-dive

Ha! That was kinda fun! Really made me think. I like that.

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April 10, 2008 by Kelly.

I just remembered that I’m supposed to send some sample writing prompts to Brandy Brow. I’ll have to get to that tonight. In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you something that I do to spark ideas for articles.

I have a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and my husband gets a woodworking magazine or two. When I need ideas for homeschooling, home organizing, or writing articles, I find one of these magazines and change the blurbs on the front cover to reflect my area of writing. For example, the March issue of BH&G has just a few words on it:

• Refresh Any Room
• Quick Spring Touches
• Easy Furniture Updates
• Comfy Up a Family Room
• Organize a Bath
• Our Happiest House
• Style in a Snap

From those, I get:

• Refresh Any Subject
• Quick Internet Searches
• Easy Filing Ideas
• Comfy Up Phonics/Reading
• Organize Your School Room
• Our Funnest Fieldtrip
• Community Service Made Simple

I’ve started a file folder where I keep the covers of magazines for future reference. I’m sure it will be one of my most-used files!

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April 5, 2008 by Kelly.

I’ve agreed to do some writing for the church we’re attending. The problem I’m coming up against is that I have no idea what I’m to write. I should be getting an outline within the next few days. They’ve asked for a devotional-style article about Moses. With nothing to go on besides that, I’ve been contemplating the phrases they’ve used to promote the series this will be for. I’ve taken each phrase (there are six of them) and attached them to a different part of Moses’ life. It’s flowing well, actually. I anticipate having a total of five devos when I’m done. It’s a challenge, but it’s been interesting as well. I hope to get it finished and printed tonight, to take to church tomorrow so they can tell me how they want it changed.

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March 24, 2008 by Kelly.

For those of you who wish to “follow” my career, I’ll be posting links here at this blog when things are published.

I’m a regular columnist for TheDabblingMum.com — I do the Grammar ‘n Style column.

I write quite often for SpiritLedWriter.com — I’m also the Webmaster there.

I have numerous articles at FamilyCorner.com, and some other online Webzines. Links to all of those can be found at my HOME Writer site.

If you ever have any questions about any of my work, or wish to reprint anything, please feel free to contact me!

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March 24, 2008 by Kelly.

My main goal before leaving for the conference was to not get overwhelmed while there. God was faithful in helping me to not be anywhere near overwhelmed. I had made a list of all the people I wanted to meet, and I managed to shake hands and/or hug all of them. When I discovered a few more people (from the roster of attendees) I crossed paths with the majority of them as well before the conference ended– God even brought one woman right to my table! There were only two women I didn’t get a chance to meet, but with 400+ people in attendance, I’m blessed I met as many as I did.

As I said, I didn’t get overwhelmed. I wasn’t upset when my pre-submits were rejected. The only thing that really upset me was when my 2nd son (15) told me he loved me (on the phone) without prompting. That’s when I started aching for my family. But, I knew this trip wasn’t forever, so I resolved to “do the next thing” until I was home. Prayer was a big help, too.

Prior to the conference, people spoke about “meeting God” at MH, so I was really hoping to have my own moving experience– I was hoping He would tell me whether I should focus on writing, or homeschooling, or Web design, or a combination of two, or what. I was hoping for some confirmation. I saw many people getting emotional during the conference– made me feel a little left out. But, I was able to remind myself that it’s not about me. One woman, whom I knew years ago and was surprised to find at the conference, pointed out that maybe my “experience” had happened before the conference, or maybe it would come after. Another friend pointed out that perhaps I’m just so in-tune with “seeing” God provide that it doesn’t “hit” me like it does so many people.

To make this long story short, I think my “experience” started three months before the conference, and culminated during the two days following the conference. It’s been one long story of God providing for me. Now, if you want to hear that long story, keep reading…

Back in December, Alpha Omega Publications decided to hire me to help write copy for their redesigned Web site. After much prayer, and discussion with my husband, I accepted the job. Writing the copy for The Weaver Curriculum line paid for my plane ticket to CA. I foolishly jumped at the chance to write copy for the LIFEPACs too, without praying first, or discussing it with my husband. I finished that job and earned enough to buy a new laptop, but I also learned a valuable lesson: Seek God in everything first, and discuss everything with my husband, too.

So, then I had a ticket to CA and a scholarship to a writers’ conference. God provides! During the conference, I learned a lot from Susan King about writing for The Upper Room. Many of the things I already knew about writing magazine articles were reinforced, and I even learned a few new things. I also learned that all these people I “see” online each day– they’re just people, like me. They all have their flaws, and they all love writing and helping writers.

When I left MH, I learned my flight was canceled due to heavy rains in TX and OK. I shared a shuttle to the nearest Holiday Inn and checked in– only to learn another conferee had paid for my room! God provides! Later that night I learned that 8 other conferees were also stranded at the hotel. We met for dinner and one of the men picked up the whole tab. Again, God provides!

The other conferees were able to reschedule for Wednesday flights. I spent time in the lobby, waiting to see people and say goodbye. I paged through my binder from Mount Hermon and proceeded to draft an article as I waited. I spent time walking around the grounds, taking photos of squirrels, trees, plants– there was a finch cage in the lobby that I got a few pictures of, too. Back in my room, I sat by the window and drafted a second article and made notes for my next DabblingMum.com column.

When I called my husband to give him my new flight info, I realized I had been bumped to First Class. God provides! I was up at 3:45am and in the lobby by 4:15. The shuttle took another guest and I to the airport early since we were ready. Once on the plane, I was able to switch seats with the person next to me so I could have a window seat. We chatted some, off and on, throughout the flight. I gave him my very last business card. My connecting flight in Dallas was a few minutes late, which was good because I didn’t realize how soon it was supposed to leave. God held that plane for me. God provides!

I had made a to-do list while at MH, outlining the things I need to do for clients, and articles I need to write. I also drafted a few articles into my journal, which I now need to query a few magazines about. I’ll get back to work later today. This past weekend was set aside for my family, and for thanking God. I am one of those who “pray without ceasing” as I go about my day. My focus is on God and how to give glory to Him. This past weekend, rather than ask for anything, I thanked Him for all He’s done, and all He will do, in my life. Everywhere I look I have something to be thankful for!

So, what have I learned from my MH experience? God provides! It’s not about me. My job is to do the task He sets before me, and do it to my best ability.Sometimes that job is writing. Sometimes that job is Web design. Always that job is “wife/mom.” If He wants me to do something, He will provide the way, the means, and the people. He will provide for all my needs.

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February 29, 2008 by Kelly.

I belong to three writing lists (online email lists). The first is a private group, made up of just five women, including myself.  These women are my lifeline when it comes to my writing. They are always there, cheering me on. They support me, encourage me, and edify me, and we’re spread out all over the USA.

The second group I belong to is The Writers View 2.  This is a discussion group with focused topics twice a week. TWV2 is for new to intermediate writers. I used to be a member of The Writers View but took time off from writing when we did all our moving. TWV is for professional writers who are actively pursuing publication on a regular basis. I’m hoping to get published more, so I can go back to TWV (or maybe be on both lists). This group offers me a great deal of edification, and personal notes from other members are a great encouragement.

The third group I belong to is FCW. This is an off-shoot of the Fellowship of Christian Writers writing group based here in Tulsa. I’m planning to join the group next month, but I’ve been a member of the email list for a couple years now. Like TWV2, this group offers me a great deal of encouragement and edification, as well as support.

If you are a writer, I encourage you to find a writing group to join. If you can’t find one in person, consider one of The Writers View groups, or the FCW group. You will be blessed!

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February 29, 2008 by Kelly.

As I prepare for my trip to California, I am surprised by just how much information I already know. Why am I surprised? If I know all this information, why am I not utilizing it more? Why am I not submitting, and earning money for my writing, and getting my name out there?

I leave in two weeks. I still need to send my pre-submits. Today I’m working on my DabblingMum.com grammar column. I have a good start on my pre-submits, but they still need polishing.

I can do this! With God, all things are possible! I just need to stay focused on Him.

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February 5, 2008 by Kelly.

Do you remember the story about the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land after Moses’ death? They were told to wipe out the inhabitants, and as they advanced they did just that. Then the Amorites came, wearing old clothes, worn sandals, and carrying very little food, in an attempt to trick the Israelites into thinking they had traveled from very far away. They flattered the Israelites, and got them to promise not to kill them. Later the Israelites discovered these people were living within their boundaries. They couldn’t kill them, because they had sworn not to, yet they realized they had made the oath without first consulting the Lord. Remember that story?

I am just like the Children of Israel.

When AOP contacted me to write the Weaver descriptions, I prayed about it before accepting the job. I knew God had brought this job to me, and I knew He’d give me the time to complete it. He did, and I was so very thankful. Then AOP contacted me again, and offered more work. I accepted without ever consulting God! (Yes, I can hear your collective gasps!) As a result, I am struggling to get this done. But, I know I must, as I made a promise. Too bad I can’t make the people of AOP my slaves, like the Israelites did to the Amorites!

This experience has renewed my vow to not say “yes” to anything right away. First, I pray over it. Then I discuss it with my husband. Then I pray some more. Once I feel God giving me the go-ahead, I can then say “yes.” (This actually comes in very handy for charities, committees, and large purchases. By taking the time to pray over it, I don’t give away all our money, commit all my time to outside activities, or spend all our money. Did I mention this is a key to saving money?)

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February 1, 2008 by Kelly.

I’ve been terribly negligent of this blog, and for that I apologize. Obviously, the holidays took up most of December, but there was another occasion that threw a wrench into my life: a power outage! Two weeks before Christmas our area was hit by an ice storm that left almost the whole northeast corner of the state without power for various amounts of time. Although many people were without for two or three days, we were out for FIVE! Some people were out even longer.

The Friday before the storm hit, I had agreed to do some Web content writing for Alpha Omega Publications. They’re revamping their site and needed new content for their Weaver line. They asked me to write the descriptions. I agreed. Although I started late, I still finished by the deadline (Jan.15th, 2008). The next day they asked if I’d be interested in continuing to help by writing descriptions for the 3rd Grade LIFEPAC(R) line. I said yes, but probably shouldn’t have. (I see this as an opportunity to make some money, and I can’t pass that up now that we have a mortgage again and so many house repairs to do!)

That’s just one type of writing that I’ve been doing. Early in January I was contacted by the president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary from our previous church. When we left, I had been doing the devotionals for the ladies’ monthly meetings, and I offered to continue to do them. They voted on it and decided to take me up on my offer. So, I’m continuing to write devos from the book of James. Jef’s doing some, too. Maybe we’ll put them together and create a book for couples!

I also received another job in January: columnist for TheDabblingMum.com! I’m doing the Grammar ‘N Style column for the writing portion of the site. I had offered the editor my organizing columns, and I also offered to write a column on traveling with children. She declined the organizing column, and gave the travel column to someone else — but she ASKED me to do the Grammar ‘N Style column! How cool is that?! The column appears monthly, with the next one due a week from today.

So, I’m busy writing. Haven’t gotten any editing done on the curriculum Grace and Pam wrote. Haven’t done much more than the basics of school. But I’m feeling very productive! I’m also preparing to attend Mount Hermon–gotta get some manuscripts sent in by the end of this month for critiquing.

Can’t blog anymore… gotta get back to work!

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