Not Possessing the Land

Today's devotions had me reading through the middle of the book of Joshua. Here, Joshua had just given half of tribes of Israel their allotment in the promised land (that part I pretty much skimmed over - who actually reads the explicit details of this tribe settled by this river and as far south/north as this city and as far east/west of this mountain?).

But, I stopped when I came to the first part of Chapter 18.

"Now the land was under Israelite control, the community gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their grants of land. Then Joshua asked, 'How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land?'" Joshua 18:1-3.

I reread.

The seven tribes were at Shiloh setting up the tabernacle, waiting for their land allotment. But then, why does Joshua chastise them, saying "C'mon, people, why aren't you doing what you're supposed to be doing?"

I thought they WERE doing what they were supposed to be doing? Helping to build the church, waiting on the leaders, on God, to tell them where to go and what to do.

Took me rereading it a few times to see why Joshua was being hard on them.

Because, they already knew what they were supposed to do and weren't doing it. They were supposed to be conquering the rest of the land. The Canaanites had been driven out in most places, and too scattered to be much of a threat, but these seven tribes were hanging around the tabernacle.

Because it was comfortable there.

To go possess the land, they'd have to fight the enemy, they'd have to rebuild towns and set up new business infrastructures. It was going to be work. Long, hard work.

Yes, worship is key to growing in our relationship with God, and, yes, we should be helping out on church clean-up days. But, they were doing those things instead of what God told them to do.

My Bible commentary writes, "Often we delay doing jobs that seem large, difficult, boring or disagreeable. Jobs we don't enjoy require concentration and twice as much time...But to continue putting them off shows lack of discipline, poor stewardship of time and, in some cases, disobedience to God."

Ouch!!

I can't help but look at my own life. I know God has called me to write. I am working on a novel, and the largeness of the task is overwhelming, the difficulty is immense and it is downright disagreeable sometimes. It's easy to find other things to fill up my time other than sitting down to write. To procrastinate by choosing easier tasks/chores/ministries/entertainment, is to be disobedient to the calling God has for my life.

The reward for the Israelite's obedience? Joshua 21:44 - "And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true."

My reward for being obedient? God hasn't promised me a six figure book deal (or any book deal for that matter). He has promised to be with me and equip me and joy and freedom along the way.

What is God calling you to do? What is hindering you from doing it? I challenge you to step out from your comfortableness. If you're not sure what to do, find something that God has given you a passion for and get involved. As you are working, He'll guide the next steps.

He is with us and He is for us. Go take possession of the land!

Mackenzie Kay's Poetry Debut, "Look at the Stars"

My daughter, Mackenzie Kay, age 10, found a discarded ancient laptop and adopted it as her own. It has no internet capabilities and no battery life. The one thing it does have, besides Solitaire, is Word. She recently began typing out her own stories and poems. Today, she asked me to type them up on my laptop so that she could print them off and bring them to school for her English teacher. When I read this poem, I was so proud, I had to share with all of you. (FYI - I helped her tweak one line that she didn't like - not telling which line - the rest is all her).

LOOK AT THE STARS, by Mackenzie Kay Gibson

Look at the stars and how they shine,

They light up the night,

I wish they were mine.

Look at the stars and how they twinkle,

I love them so much,

They’re like silver sprinkles.

Look at the stars and how they’re so bright,

They dance with moon,

Ohh, what a sight.

Look at the stars and how they end,

Up comes the sun,

I can’t wait to see them again.

Breakfast Date

"They" say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Today, it was true for me. I battled rain, slush, bad directions and road construction to travel 30 miles just for a breakfast date with a dear friend. And it was worth it!

Living just an hour away from each other, it shouldn't be so hard to reconnect once in awhile, but it is. Both of us have jobs and kids and slews of activities. Our calendars alone would make most moms want to cringe - but try putting them together and its downright laughable. Despite the challenge, we were determined to carve out our own niche time together. We sacrificed a lazy Saturday morning, forgoing that much needed half hour more of sleep. We sacrificed morning snuggles with our spouses and kids. We sacrificed extra mileage and gas to meet half way between our two towns. That's just what friends do. When you're important to someone, you make time to spend with them.

I wonder how God feels, when we can make this kind of sacrifice for each other, but won't do it for Him. How many Saturdays (or weekdays for that matter) do I roll over and decide not to get up early this morning. We move around our schedules for sporting events, for kids practices, or even to help a hurting friend. But, when do we move around our schedule to make sure that have time for God?

I am guilty of this. Often.

I know God understands our hectic schedules. He is patient. He does not condemn. He just wants to spend time with us. And when we do, He is always waiting with open arms, and we are never disappointed.

Lets make a breakfast date with God. Sacrifice a little of our day in order to communicate with Him. He sacrificed everything for us!

God, the Author of our Lives

Yesterday I posted on Facebook, "Starting to read the last book in a series I've loved...I'm anxious...what if it doesn't end the way I want it to??" 

You ever have that experience? You're almost afraid to read on/to get to the end. What if it's not the fairy tale ending, the guy doesn't get the girl? What if the author chooses to kill off every single one of the characters in some deep lesson in social immorality? 

Well, my curiosity finally prevailed against any angst I had (those who devoured the third book of the Hunger Games can relate). Staying up till 1am - on a school night- I read finished NEVERMORE (part of the Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson). And I am sooo glad I did! The ending was better than I could have ever created! (SPOILER ALERT) She ended up living somewhat happily ever after, with her best friend-turned boyfriend by her side and all the flying mutant wolves destroyed. It was one of those moments where you just want to hug the book and shake hands with the author. Kudos, James Patterson!

This morning I was thinking about God as the author of our lives. How many times does my fear of the unknown keep me from the story He has written for me. "If I take this step of faith, what if it doesn't end up the way I want it to?" 

Guess what, friends. It won't. It'll end way BETTER than you ever could have imagined. He is the ultimate creator and knows our needs better than we do. Unfortunately, there will be brokenness and heartache along the way - you may not get the girl in the end. But when we follow His direction take His path, He leads us on a journey we could have never planned for, yet, so much more than we deserve. I am constantly amazed! And some day we will all have our happily ever after forever. Kudos, My Lord!

My Favorite Tweets

As you can see from my last post, I am a converted Twitter junkie. Ok, junkie is kinda harsh. But I do love to go on every evening (while the family is watching Cupcake Wars or -just recently- American Ninja Warriors), and check to see what you all have been up to. I skim through where you've been and what you've done, who just signed a contract or has a new book coming out. If I think it might speak to me, I'll read your blog posts, or the ones you have recommended. And because you all are amazing, most of the time its worth the extra effort. Someday, when I finally get my Amazon Fire (Santa missed me last year, but I am stepping up the campaigning efforts early so that doesn't happen again), I plan to download all the free books you have made available. Thanks!

However, my absolute favorite tweets are the inspirational quotes, whether on writing like Martina Boone @4YALit wrote:  Just as we must dance as if no one is watching, we must write as if no one is reading. — Robin LeFevers
or about living our Christian lives. Michael Minot @MichaelMinot: Being too busy, even if for kingdom purposes, can be detrimental to your level of intimacy with God.

Those are the ones that will most likely get my "retweet" stamp of approval. I need, I crave that encouragement.

I struggle daily with wanting to be a serious writer, but not seriously writing. I struggle everyday with being a good mom, being an involved parent vs. giving my teenager and preteen more space to explore and become. But mostly, I struggle with how God wants me to live my life. My flesh wars over what I should do and what I do do.  I can relate to Romans 7:14 that says "for I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." I have it highlighted and underlined in my Bible. Just sitting here writing this blog post means that the dishes aren't getting the done, the laundry didn't switched and the kids are off doing their own thing in their only slightly unorganized rooms.

Every time I start get too hard on myself, I read through your quotes, words that have inspired you. It ministers to me. 

So, I share with you what Paul writes in Romans 8:1, Paul writes, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free form the law of sin and death." Jesus had paid the price for our sin and has freed us from that struggle. Our responsibility is to just live in Him (His Spirit). 

The dishes will get done later, the novel eventually.

No Time to Blog...I'm Tweeting!

I finally did it. I got a Twitter account. 

I resisted for a long time. I thought Twitter was for chasing (oh, I mean following) celebrities around and getting updates on their latest gossip. And though I admire many newsworthy people, I had no desire to hear them tell us how they were now at Baskin Robins buying Rocky Road ice cream for their child (I don't particularly care to read that on Facebook by people I actually know and care about). 

It wasn't until recently, after being encouraged by a good friend, did I discover just how wrong I was. Within minutes of setting up my account, I developed a community of incredible writers and organizations designed for writers. 

The first person to follow me was my best friend, Jenn - no surprise there, she is a Twitter junkie! My second follower was the famous author and speaker, Angela Hunt, who I briefly met last year at the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conferernce. Wow, how fun!

Every time I check my Twitter feed, I am amazed and inspired by the talented people out there! All of you who are spreading your wisdom, passion for the written word and your heart for God through blogging and tweeting continue to challenge me on a daily basis. Thank you. I hope to earn a place amongst you!

So, if you need me, I'll be there, tweeting and retweeting!

Inspiring the Writing Hand

Like many writers, I glean inspiration from a variety of different places, sights and sounds.  However, I have found my greatest source of inspiration while I worship the Lord. 

A few weeks after I had started writing my first novel (consistently, that is), I experienced this God-breathed inspiration for the first time.  There I was, standing with my arms stretched out in praise, thanking the Lord for who He is and what He was doing in my life, and then bam!  I got a flash of the ending of my book - the epilogue.  Not just a fleeting thought, like "oops, I forgot to put the clothes in the dryer," but a mental image of an entire scene.  It played out like a movie in my mind, along with the emotions of the moment stirring in my soul.  I was so taken aback that I literally stopped mid song and put my hands down for a moment.  That scene became the driving force for my entire novel.  Look, I still get goosebumps every time I talk about it!

The second time I was a little more prepared.  Again, I was worshipping on a Sunday morning, and I saw a glimpse of a character.  I had barely given this kid a name yet and now, instantly, he had a personality, a history and a destiny.

It shouldn't have surprised me (or continue to), after all, we are closest to our Heavenly Father when we spend time worshipping Him.  And, as we draw near to Him, He directs our steps, our will and, yes, our stories. 

I wish it happened every time I worship or pray - I'd have no need of those intense character sketches and plot point outlines.  But I have learned, the more I commit to Him, the more He inspires my writing hand.

The Foulest Four Letter Word

FEAR.  It is the nastest word, not in our vocabulary, but in our minds. 

Fear is truly crippling.  Whether it be fear of the known (spiders?) or the unknown (monsters in the dark?).  Whether it be fear of failure, rejection, or getting hurt.  All of these keep us from trying new things, meeting new people, experiencing life to the fullest.  I know - I am an expert on fear. 

Fear is what kept me from taking that first step on my writing journey.  Of course, I didn't realize that at the time.  My life was busy, I didn't have time to write.  Every evening there would be some excuse (sometimes even valid) as to why tonight I just couldn't muster up energy to work on my novel.  The weeks quickly turned into months - with no more than a few paragraphs roughly thrown together. 

Then God gave me a wake up call.  I remembering hearing/reading "Not doing what God has called you to do is disobedience!"  It pierced my heart, because I realized it wasn't homeschooling my two kids or my husband's crazy work schedule or the eight piles of laundry that needed folding that kept me from my calling, it was fear.

The "what if's" that subconsciously played in my mind were endless.  What if the words didn't come?  Or worse, what if they did come and they weren't any good?  What if no one wanted it to read it?  Or the ultimate rejection, what if they read it and hated it...What if I am wasting my time.  (If I don't try, I can't fail).

Fear is not trusting God.  God had called me to this, He would enable and equip me as long as I was faithful in doing my part. 

The next few weeks, I committed to write everynight.  No matter how tired I was or how many dishes were stacked in the sink, I sat down and worked.  Within a couple of weeks, I had the first draft of my first manuscript typed out (over 50,000 words and 118 pages).  It was amazing how God had honored my faithfulness!

Since then, I wish I could say that I have learned my lesson, but I find that I have to be reminded (daily), of the promise of Psalm 118:6, "the Lord is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

And so it began...my writer's journey

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

Well, I guess it's not THAT long ago, but to me it does feel like another lifetime - the day when God first called me to write. 

Previously, I had fun writing stories in high school and college, making up little skits and picture books for my kids when they were small.  But, I never dreamed of becoming a writer.  A travel agent, a teacher, a film editor, a wife and mother, but never a writer. 

It was as I sat in a church pew five years ago, listening to our associate pastor speak on "using your talents for God", that I felt the Holy Spirit stirring my soul.  As I silently surrendered my life, my will and my talents, I knew that I was SUPPOSED to write.  Write a novel for teens that would glorify God.  The feeling was so intense, tears streamed my face as I promised the Lord that with His help, guidance and direction I would. 

I wish I could tell you that since that time I have written that novel (along with three others), however, that's not the case.  Doubt crept in.  Distractions overtook me.  Fear derailed me.  Each time, God was patient and lovingly brought me back to Him and His purpose for me.

I realize that though it started five years ago, its not too late to start scribing my writing journey.  All my success and my failures along the way.  The times God gently steered me in one direction or powerfully convicted me to go another direction.  My path will be nothing like someone else's, yet as writers all struggle with the same things. 

I hope you stay tuned...

Its Time To Visit The Beach

Christmas is less than three weeks away and here in Wisconsin the winter temperatures are now upon us!  It's just for these reasons that I challenge you to think about getting back the beach.  Not a literal beach, but the simplicity of beach-living.

These ideas aren't mine.  I am quoting (at times paraphrasing) "Gifts From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (the wife of Charles Lindberg and fiction and poetry writer), and the message from this book is very timely and appropriate. 

Drawing from inspiration from the shells on the shore during a brief vacation by the sea, Anne writes...

1")Physical shedding is first, obviously you'll need less clothes rather than more.  One does not need a closet-full only a small suitcase full.  And what a relief it is.  Taking up and down hems, less mending and best of all, less worry about what to wear.  One finds one is shedding not only clothes - but vanity.

2)Next, shelter.  Here I live in a bare sea-shell of a cottage.  No heat, no telephone, no gadgets to go wrong.  I find I don't bustle about with unnecessary sweeping and cleaning here.  I am no longer aware of the dust.   I have shed my "Martha-like" anxiety about many things. Washable slipcovers, faded and old - I hardly see them, I don't worry about the impression I make on other people. I am shedding pride.

3)I need very little furniture.  I shall ask into my shell only those friends with whom I can be completely honest.  I find I am shedding hypocrisy in human relationships.  The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere.  That is why so much of social life is exhausting, one is wearing a mask.  I have shed my mask.

I remember that today more of us in America have the luxury of choice between simplicity and complication of life.  And for the most part, we choose complication...

...I love my sea-shell house.  I wish I could transport it home. It will not hold husbad, children and the necessities and trappings of daily life.  I can only carry back my shell.  It will sit on my desk, to remind me of the ideal of a simplified life, to encourage me in the game I played on the beach - to ask how little, not how much, can I get along with.  To ask - is it necessary? - when I am tempted to add one more accumulation to my life, when I am pulled toward one more centrifugal activity."

I encourage all of you to read the reast of Anne's wisdom and thoughts in her book, "Gifts from the Sea" and ask yourselves daily "is it necessary?"  "Is this new outfit really necessary?"  "Is this obligation necessary?" etc., then listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting.

Who's Dreams Are Your Dreams?

I recently attended the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference.  This wasn't my first conference, so I was prepared to digest a lot of meaty knowledge.  Previously, I had choked on the vast amount of information presented, and I vowed to take small bites, chew thoroughly, and swallow appropriately. I wasn't prepared for what was put on the table this time.

The keynote speakers were Todd Burpo (a pastor and author of "Heaven Is For Real") and Angela Hunt (novelist and speaker).  Angela Hunt said of her extensive career in writing, "I never dreamed of being a writer. I just walked obediently through every door that God opened for me."  She went on to challenge us, "how dare WE have a dream."  We should be pursing God's will on a daily basis - only that will lead us to His ultimate plan for our lives."

(Casey Butler, Angela Hunt & myself)

Todd Burpo was just the opposite.  He was a preacher, not a writer and had no intentions of writing a book about his son's experiences (for those of you who haven't read the book - after recovering after a ruptured appendix Colton Burpo, then age 4, begins to share specific details about his time spent in heaven with Jesus).  Todd didn't want to write the book.  But after much encouragement, he prayed that if God wanted this book to be made, that He would bring the publisher.  Within days, a publisher called the Burpo house to ask about doing a book.  Todd is working on a screenplay for the movie version - another fleece he put before the Lord and the Lord answered.  

We all have dreams and aspirations.  Some of them God-given, some of our own choosing.  I challenge you today to give those back to God.  Be faithful TODAY to do His will and be amazed at where God takes you - beyond anything that YOU could ever dream!

Day 2 - Summer Writing Challenge

June 2nd - "Freewrite:  Driving in a thunderstorm."

Day 1 of the Summer Writing Challenge

JUNE 1st -  "Write out your summer writing goals and share them with a writing friend."

SUMMER WRITING CHALLENGE

Hello, fellow writers!
   Lately, I have been having a hard time staying focused on writing and with summer vacation upon us it's only going to get worse.  While venting to a friend, I thought of a creative way to accomplish my writing goals...the SUMMER WRITING CHALLENGE. 
   Similar to Seinfeld's "Don't Break the Chain Calendar" (everytime he wrote he would X off that day - the goal being to never break the chain of Xs), I decided to put together my own calendar of assignments in order to try to write a little everyday (I should be doing anyways, but am not - too easily distracted, sometimes my own fault, sometimes circumstances beyond my control) thus having my own string of Xs.   
   Most days assignments can be done in short periods of time, sitting in the doctors office, watching the kids on the playground/pool/beach, or even in those fifteen minutes before supper is done.  Nothing too heavy, strenuous, or overly challenging.  Just enough to keep the creative juices flowing and our fingers and minds active. 
   The rules are simple.  Finish a day then cross it off.  Do one assignment each day, or several all at once.  Skip ahead, go back.  The goal is to have every box Xed off by the end of August.

   So, who is ready to join me??

Click on link to view the calendar
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1se4M_t_vkhtam1RRy4k4nehGc4B2mx2378cXySjYqrk/edit?hl=en_US&authkey=CLOB8OIB

Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.

Stress says that the things we are involve in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towrds others, or our tight grip of control.
                                                                                          from Crazy Love, Frances Chan

Lord, may I trust you enough NOT to worry about what you have already taken care of, and may I acknowledge that YOU are more important than the details of my life.

I have a writer's memory, which makes everything worse than maybe it actually was."  Amy Tan.

A Neglected Blog, A Faithful Friend

As I went to check my blog page, I realized I haven't blogged in almost two months!  I didn't mean for that to happen.  I started off strong, had lots of good intentions.  But sadly, like many things, I got busy with life.  Hauling two kids to and from doctors appointments/sports activities, shopping and planning for the holidays, working, writing and trying to squeeze enough out of the day to get some housework done (I confess, its never very high on my priority list).

We have a tendency to do that with our relationships as well.  We start off strong, investing a lot of time and energy.  Then, something happens where we don't talk for a week, maybe a sickness or a vacation.  That one week turns into two.  We get so caught up in our own lives that its months before we realize we haven't heard from this friend, or made an effort to contact them ourselves.  Some relationships can stand the test of time, picking up months or years later right where you left off, but many do not.  We can all think of friendships that died of neglect.

There is one friendship that will never die no matter how long its been since we lasted talked.  He is always eagerly awaiting with outstreched arms.  He is never hurt or bitter or judgemental.  But he does long for our attention.  Jesus, our creator, wants to have that relationship with us.  Not just a casual "hi, how're you today," relationship.  He wants to hear about our day, our joys and our fears.  That's all prayer is, talking with an intimate friend.  Don't let another day go by before you contact your friend, Jesus, after all He has been waiting for you all your life.

And by the way, go call that friend you haven't heard from in a while and rekindle that friendship!

Inspiration From A Tomato

            Ok, not a real tomato.  Bob the Tomato, as in, the Veggie Tales Bob the Tomato. 

My eleven year old son used to love the Veggie Tale videos.  Sadly, all little boys grow up, and it has been years since we have watched those shows.  So, why is it that all week I've been hearing a soft animated voice in my head repeating, "God made you special and He loves you very much"?

Not every random thought, no matter how pleasant or how irritating, has to have a hidden meaning, but after several days of this mantra playing over and over, I stopped to analyze the personal significance. 

I decided that it was a subconscious longing for my son’s toddlerhood days.

Hmm, no, it must stem from my vast list of insecurities, “I’m not good enough,” “worthy enough,” “pretty enough,” and the list goes on and on. 

Nope that’s not it. 

Honestly, I think God just wanted me to know that the creator of the universe thinks I am pretty special (ME!  Ronnell Kay Gibson!) AND Jesus, God’s son, loves me soo much (so much that thousands of years before I was born, He died on the cross for my sins)! 

Thank you, Bob (and Larry) for reminding me just how important I am, over and over.  And, thank you, that it’s not “Oooh, where is my hairbrush?” playing in my head!

FEAR OF BLOGGING

  I DID IT!!  I am finally a "blogger"!  Though I have been meaning to do it for quite some time, I kept putting it off?  Why?  Why does anyone procastinate?  The job is too difficult (scrubbing burnt pizza cheese out of the oven ), icky (scooping out wet & muddy leaves out of the gutters), time consuming (sorting/filing a months worth of receipts, homework assignments, and unread magazines). 
  However, my hesitation into the world of blogs doesn't fall under any of those categories.  Just one word...fear.  Fear that I had nothing clever to say, nothing worth while to offer the cyber world, and maybe even a little fear of rejection.  How many times have we missed out on something because we were afraid?  We're intimated so we don't introduce ourselves to the new girl, we are anixious about looking silly so we don't try that exercise class, or we feel too spiritually inadequate to pray out loud for a hurting friend.   More importantly, we will never know what great things God had in store for us that we missed out on because were too timid to follow His quiet prompting in our spirit. 
  God is doing an incredible work in His people, and I am excited to be one of them!  I invite you to join me as we discover God's will for our lives and follow His plan in faith and confidence. 
  Happy Blogging, Everyone!!