In the last installment I introduced Fred and Alice Kealy's two younger sons Lindsey and Nathan. I have more to share about these two little guys. :)
More Lindsey and Nathan
As Lindsey and Nathan grew older they started to find mischief to get into - even at church. Actually it was Lindsey who found the mischief and lead his younger brother into it. There was one incident in particular that would always be remembered by the staff and congregation at Morning Star Fellowship.
This incident happened the summer when Lindsey was about 6-years-old, and Nathan was about 4-years-old. It was a hot Sunday night at church. (By this time Morning Star Fellowship had its own building.) It was warm inside the building even with all of the fans going. Some people were baptized at the beginning of the service. Then the children were all dismissed to their classes. Some of the classes were combined together - including the classes that Lindsey and Nathan were in. This one room had several children with about 3 teachers. During a distraction Lindsey and Nathan snuck out of the room.
The two little boys made their way down a back hallway to the baptismal tank. The tank was its own little room behind the choir loft at the front of the sanctuary. It had a partly glass wall on the sanctuary side. Now the door to the room had been closed but not locked yet. The water had also not been drained out yet.
Meanwhile Ed Hart was leading the adult service out in the sanctuary. Some of the pastors were sitting there in the front pews. They included Fred Kealy and Shawn Hart. Alice Kealy was there as well sitting with her husband. While Ed preached there suddenly came gasps and stifled chuckles from the congregation. He noticed everyone staring wide-eyed at something behind him. He turned and looked to see two little heads bobbing in the water of the baptismal tank. Ed's face broke into a smile.
Immediately Fred, Alice and some men from the congregation rushed out of the sanctuary. They all hurried to the baptismal tank and pulled Lindsey and Nathan out of the water.
"But, we just wanted to swim!" Lindsey protested.
Fred scolded, "This is church!"
Alice added, "You boys could have drowned!"
After this incident the door to the baptismal tank was always kept locked. The only exception was when people were being baptized.
Secretly Shawn thought that the incident was pretty funny. From time to time he would mention it to the boys. Even after Lindsey and Nathan were grown, Shawn would still remind them of the Sunday night that they went swimming in the baptismal tank.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Classic TV Shows - part 4
Another of my favorite TV shows is about a family living on a farm back during the 1800s. This drama aired from about the mid 1970s until about the mid 1980s. It was also on for 9 seasons.
This is another feel-good show that deals with making the right decisions and doing good to people - just like the show that I talked about back in part 2. There's a lot of similar things between the two shows. One of the daughters in this family is also a writer, by the way. :)
There are episodes that show the family praying before meals, and going to church. Family members are shown actually talking to God. God is definitely an important part of this family's life.
There are characters in town who are a source of continual frustration to this farming family. But the family learns to be forgiving and not revengeful.
In fact there's a school girl who is always a source of frustration to one of the daughters in this family. This school girl's father happens to own the general store. This rich girl is always dolled up and turns her nose up at anyone who is poor. The farm girl is always being looked down on.
There's a Christmas episode that shows the farm girl owns her own horse, and of course the rich girl wants it. At the beginning of the story the farm girl sees a new stove at the general store. She decides to get it for Ma because Ma really needs a new stove. How does she pay for this new stove? She basically exchanges her horse for it. Yes, the rich girl gets the horse after all. But, Ma has a new stove. The farm girl, by the way, is the one who's the writer.
There's something peaceful and heartwarming about this show that I've always enjoyed. I enjoy the innocence of it. I finally have the DVD set of the first season.
This is another feel-good show that deals with making the right decisions and doing good to people - just like the show that I talked about back in part 2. There's a lot of similar things between the two shows. One of the daughters in this family is also a writer, by the way. :)
There are episodes that show the family praying before meals, and going to church. Family members are shown actually talking to God. God is definitely an important part of this family's life.
There are characters in town who are a source of continual frustration to this farming family. But the family learns to be forgiving and not revengeful.
In fact there's a school girl who is always a source of frustration to one of the daughters in this family. This school girl's father happens to own the general store. This rich girl is always dolled up and turns her nose up at anyone who is poor. The farm girl is always being looked down on.
There's a Christmas episode that shows the farm girl owns her own horse, and of course the rich girl wants it. At the beginning of the story the farm girl sees a new stove at the general store. She decides to get it for Ma because Ma really needs a new stove. How does she pay for this new stove? She basically exchanges her horse for it. Yes, the rich girl gets the horse after all. But, Ma has a new stove. The farm girl, by the way, is the one who's the writer.
There's something peaceful and heartwarming about this show that I've always enjoyed. I enjoy the innocence of it. I finally have the DVD set of the first season.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Morning Star Fellowship - part 6
In the last installment, Fred and Alice Kealy told their two young sons, Jason and Jeremy, that a baby brother or sister was on the way.
Lindsey and Nathan
A third son was born to Fred and Alice Kealy. They named him Lindsey. He had his father's deep-blue eyes, and his mother's blonde wavy hair. Jason was 10-years-old, and Jeremy was 4 1/2.
Lindsey was the baby boy who grinned at everyone and laughed easily. His eyes always sparkled, and sometimes seemed to show a hint of mischief. Once he learned to crawl he crawled everywhere. Once he learned to walk he went on exploring expeditions at home and at church. Someone always had to chase after Lindsey to make sure he didn't wander into trouble somewhere.
Meanwhile, Alice had always nursed her babies. She had always been told that nursing mothers can't get pregnant. That worked when she had nursed Jason and Jeremy. But not so with Lindsey. When Lindsey was around a year old Alice discovered that she was pregnant again.
Several months later a fourth son was born to Fred and Alice Kealy. They named him Nathan. He had his mother's gray eyes and blonde wavy hair. Lindsey was only 18-months-old when his baby brother was born. Jason was age 11 (not yet 12), and Jeremy had just turned 6 a few weeks earlier.
Nathan was the baby who always babbled about something. No matter what was going on he had something to say about it. He had the same charming smile as his brother Lindsey. As soon as he learned to crawl Nathan followed Lindsey around. As soon as he could walk Nathan went on exploring expeditions with Lindsey. No matter where Lindsey went, Nathan was sure to follow.
At church Marie Hart thought those two youngest Kealy boys were absolutely adorable. She always had to go over to them and pinch their cheeks. When Lindsey and Nathan became older they started running away as soon as they saw Marie heading for them. It was not unusual to see Marie chasing after them down a church hallway.
Lindsey and Nathan
A third son was born to Fred and Alice Kealy. They named him Lindsey. He had his father's deep-blue eyes, and his mother's blonde wavy hair. Jason was 10-years-old, and Jeremy was 4 1/2.
Lindsey was the baby boy who grinned at everyone and laughed easily. His eyes always sparkled, and sometimes seemed to show a hint of mischief. Once he learned to crawl he crawled everywhere. Once he learned to walk he went on exploring expeditions at home and at church. Someone always had to chase after Lindsey to make sure he didn't wander into trouble somewhere.
Meanwhile, Alice had always nursed her babies. She had always been told that nursing mothers can't get pregnant. That worked when she had nursed Jason and Jeremy. But not so with Lindsey. When Lindsey was around a year old Alice discovered that she was pregnant again.
Several months later a fourth son was born to Fred and Alice Kealy. They named him Nathan. He had his mother's gray eyes and blonde wavy hair. Lindsey was only 18-months-old when his baby brother was born. Jason was age 11 (not yet 12), and Jeremy had just turned 6 a few weeks earlier.
Nathan was the baby who always babbled about something. No matter what was going on he had something to say about it. He had the same charming smile as his brother Lindsey. As soon as he learned to crawl Nathan followed Lindsey around. As soon as he could walk Nathan went on exploring expeditions with Lindsey. No matter where Lindsey went, Nathan was sure to follow.
At church Marie Hart thought those two youngest Kealy boys were absolutely adorable. She always had to go over to them and pinch their cheeks. When Lindsey and Nathan became older they started running away as soon as they saw Marie heading for them. It was not unusual to see Marie chasing after them down a church hallway.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Classic TV Shows - part 3
One of my absolute favorite dramas is a western that aired for 14 seasons. It started at the end of the 1950's and continued through the 1960's into the early 1970's. It is about a family that owns a very large ranch in about the mid 1800's.
I have always enjoyed stories of good triumphing over evil. This TV show has a lot of that. There is a lot about doing the right thing and doing good to people. Various episodes had great messages in the storylines.
There's a certain episode that deals with discrimination. One of the sons, in the family, is told about discrimination that has been going on in town. He replies something like, "Well that don't make no sense.". Discrimination truly makes no sense.
In another episode the father is forced to choose between his land and a kidnapped son. Of course he chooses his son over his land. Alas, the bad guy still loses at the end of the story. The father still has his family and his ranch all intact at the end. I really like the depth of the father's love for his family.
I enjoy a good drama that has great messages that make us stop and think. This TV show is no exception to that. :)
I have always enjoyed stories of good triumphing over evil. This TV show has a lot of that. There is a lot about doing the right thing and doing good to people. Various episodes had great messages in the storylines.
There's a certain episode that deals with discrimination. One of the sons, in the family, is told about discrimination that has been going on in town. He replies something like, "Well that don't make no sense.". Discrimination truly makes no sense.
In another episode the father is forced to choose between his land and a kidnapped son. Of course he chooses his son over his land. Alas, the bad guy still loses at the end of the story. The father still has his family and his ranch all intact at the end. I really like the depth of the father's love for his family.
I enjoy a good drama that has great messages that make us stop and think. This TV show is no exception to that. :)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Morning Star Fellowship - part 5
In the last installment Jason Kealy learned that a baby brother or sister was on the way.
Jeremy
Jason was a little more than 5 1/2-years-old when his baby brother Jeremy was born. By this time their father had already graduated from seminary and was working full time at the church as an assistant pastor.
Alice told Jason that she needed his help in taking care of his baby brother. Naturally the choleric in Jason came right out. He took his new duties as big brother very seriously. If Alice needed something for the baby, Jason hurried and got it for her.
Jeremy grew to be a quiet little boy. He had Fred's brown hair and deep-blue eyes. There were times when those blue eyes of Jeremy's just stared at everything around him as if he was silently taking in all of the details. Sometimes Jason wondered what his little brother was thinking. But Jason enjoyed that Jeremy was usually quiet and peaceful. He had friends at church and at school who had younger siblings who talked back at them and fought with them. He was glad that his little brother was not like that.
Jason was almost 10-years old and Jeremy only 4 when their parents told them that they were going to have a new baby brother or sister. Jeremy just smiled like he was happy about the announcement.
Jason immediately questioned, "Will the baby be quiet like Jeremy?"
Fred replied, "Well, Son, babies have different personalities. We can't guarantee if this baby is going to be quiet or noisy. Only God knows that."
Meanwhile, Fred and Alice hoped that they would finally have a daughter. But what if the baby was another boy? When they were going through names they decided to find a name that could be for a boy or a girl. So they picked the name Lindsey.
Jeremy
Jason was a little more than 5 1/2-years-old when his baby brother Jeremy was born. By this time their father had already graduated from seminary and was working full time at the church as an assistant pastor.
Alice told Jason that she needed his help in taking care of his baby brother. Naturally the choleric in Jason came right out. He took his new duties as big brother very seriously. If Alice needed something for the baby, Jason hurried and got it for her.
Jeremy grew to be a quiet little boy. He had Fred's brown hair and deep-blue eyes. There were times when those blue eyes of Jeremy's just stared at everything around him as if he was silently taking in all of the details. Sometimes Jason wondered what his little brother was thinking. But Jason enjoyed that Jeremy was usually quiet and peaceful. He had friends at church and at school who had younger siblings who talked back at them and fought with them. He was glad that his little brother was not like that.
Jason was almost 10-years old and Jeremy only 4 when their parents told them that they were going to have a new baby brother or sister. Jeremy just smiled like he was happy about the announcement.
Jason immediately questioned, "Will the baby be quiet like Jeremy?"
Fred replied, "Well, Son, babies have different personalities. We can't guarantee if this baby is going to be quiet or noisy. Only God knows that."
Meanwhile, Fred and Alice hoped that they would finally have a daughter. But what if the baby was another boy? When they were going through names they decided to find a name that could be for a boy or a girl. So they picked the name Lindsey.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Morning Star Fellowship - part 4
I think I have lots to say about the Kealy family. I think I'll spend the next few installments telling about Fred and Alice Kealy's sons. In the last installment I introduced Jason - the oldest son.
Jason
Jason was an outgoing little boy with a big grin and an infectious laugh. When he played with other children at church he was quick to lead the group in the games that they played and various activities that they took part in. It was Jason who was always watching over the younger children and making sure that they stayed out of trouble.
Jason's Daddy was one of the worship leaders at church. This inspired Jason to want to be a singer just like his Daddy. He always sang in the preschool choir at church. One year he even got to sing a short solo during the church's Christmas program. The adults oohed and awed over what a nice job Jason did.
Jason's Mommy and Daddy often took him to a nearby park and played with him. They pushed him on the swing and on the merry-go-round. Daddy even went down the slide with Jason in his lap. There were many summer afternoons when Daddy took him to a drive-in and got him an ice cream cone.
Jason's Mommy and Daddy always held hands when they were out in public. They always kissed when one of them had to leave to go somewhere. These were things that little Jason expected to always see.
Jason turned 5-1/2-years-old in the early 1970s. That was when Mommy came and told him that he was going to have a baby brother or sister. He wasn't quite sure what to think about this because all this time he had been the center of attention.
"Was I bad?" Jason asked.
"No." Mommy smiled. "I don't want you to grow up all alone. I want you to have some little brothers and sisters to play with."
"Oh."
Jason
Jason was an outgoing little boy with a big grin and an infectious laugh. When he played with other children at church he was quick to lead the group in the games that they played and various activities that they took part in. It was Jason who was always watching over the younger children and making sure that they stayed out of trouble.
Jason's Daddy was one of the worship leaders at church. This inspired Jason to want to be a singer just like his Daddy. He always sang in the preschool choir at church. One year he even got to sing a short solo during the church's Christmas program. The adults oohed and awed over what a nice job Jason did.
Jason's Mommy and Daddy often took him to a nearby park and played with him. They pushed him on the swing and on the merry-go-round. Daddy even went down the slide with Jason in his lap. There were many summer afternoons when Daddy took him to a drive-in and got him an ice cream cone.
Jason's Mommy and Daddy always held hands when they were out in public. They always kissed when one of them had to leave to go somewhere. These were things that little Jason expected to always see.
Jason turned 5-1/2-years-old in the early 1970s. That was when Mommy came and told him that he was going to have a baby brother or sister. He wasn't quite sure what to think about this because all this time he had been the center of attention.
"Was I bad?" Jason asked.
"No." Mommy smiled. "I don't want you to grow up all alone. I want you to have some little brothers and sisters to play with."
"Oh."
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Morning Star Fellowship - part 3
Here's another installment on the history of Morning Star Fellowship. I've been focusing on the founding families of the church - primarily the Hart and Kealy families. In the last installment I mentioned that Shawn Hart had a secret that he told no one. That secret is revealed in the story "The Bond" which I just finished about a week and a half ago. Now on to Fred Kealy and his family. By the way the story, "Grace Song", that I'm working on right now is a Kealy family story.
The 1960s
The summer after Fred Kealy graduated from high school he married his high school sweetheart Alice Allyn. They lived in a small one bedroom apartment. He worked part time in the office at church while she worked at an insurance company. In the fall Fred started college and continued to work at the church. In addition to this Fred started to become involved in various ministries through the church and various Christian outreaches out in the community. Sometimes Alice joined him. He did manage to stay on top of his school studies while he was busy with church and ministry.
Fred became so busy that Alice rarely saw him home. From time to time she saw him in the evenings. She always smiled and tried to keep a positive outlook on things. She also prayed that he would keep his priorities straight, and that he would always be in God's will in everything that he did.
There were times when Alice told Fred, "Honey, you need to be home tonight. You need time to yourself. You don't have to tell every Tom, Dick and Harry 'yes'."
Fred always replied, "But, my father is always telling my brother and I that he expects a lot out of us."
When Fred and Alice had gotten married she had told him that she wanted several children. But he told her that he wanted no more than three. They had decided to start their family after he finished college. The summer after Fred finished his first year of college Alice discovered that she was accidentally pregnant. He told her that he was not happy about them starting a family already while he was still in college.
Jason Kealy was born while his father was in the middle of his second year of college. The baby had his mother's blonde hair and big gray eyes.
Fred told Alice, "I think he's going to look like you, Dear."
Alice replied, "I pray that he will be serious about the things of God like his father is."
The 1960s
The summer after Fred Kealy graduated from high school he married his high school sweetheart Alice Allyn. They lived in a small one bedroom apartment. He worked part time in the office at church while she worked at an insurance company. In the fall Fred started college and continued to work at the church. In addition to this Fred started to become involved in various ministries through the church and various Christian outreaches out in the community. Sometimes Alice joined him. He did manage to stay on top of his school studies while he was busy with church and ministry.
Fred became so busy that Alice rarely saw him home. From time to time she saw him in the evenings. She always smiled and tried to keep a positive outlook on things. She also prayed that he would keep his priorities straight, and that he would always be in God's will in everything that he did.
There were times when Alice told Fred, "Honey, you need to be home tonight. You need time to yourself. You don't have to tell every Tom, Dick and Harry 'yes'."
Fred always replied, "But, my father is always telling my brother and I that he expects a lot out of us."
When Fred and Alice had gotten married she had told him that she wanted several children. But he told her that he wanted no more than three. They had decided to start their family after he finished college. The summer after Fred finished his first year of college Alice discovered that she was accidentally pregnant. He told her that he was not happy about them starting a family already while he was still in college.
Jason Kealy was born while his father was in the middle of his second year of college. The baby had his mother's blonde hair and big gray eyes.
Fred told Alice, "I think he's going to look like you, Dear."
Alice replied, "I pray that he will be serious about the things of God like his father is."
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Writing Update 8-5-12
I finally finished the first draft of my story which was tentatively titled "The Whole Truth". The official title for this story is now "The Bond". The word count is 9,731 words. That's another novelette. :)
The next story that I will be working on is "Grace Song". This is the third of three new stories that I had started and was trying to write at the same time. The first two ("Witness" and "The Bond") are finished. Now "Grace Song" needs to be finished. "Little Sister" is a story that is in about the third draft. I was trying to completely revise it while I was trying to work on those three new stories. "Little Sister" will have to wait for now. So two down, and two to go! :)
I usually have Bible verses/passages at the end of my stories. I will leave you with one of the verses that I have at the end of "The Bond". :)
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
The next story that I will be working on is "Grace Song". This is the third of three new stories that I had started and was trying to write at the same time. The first two ("Witness" and "The Bond") are finished. Now "Grace Song" needs to be finished. "Little Sister" is a story that is in about the third draft. I was trying to completely revise it while I was trying to work on those three new stories. "Little Sister" will have to wait for now. So two down, and two to go! :)
I usually have Bible verses/passages at the end of my stories. I will leave you with one of the verses that I have at the end of "The Bond". :)
“He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,
and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”
Malachi 4:6aScripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Classic TV Shows - part 2
One of my favorite dramas aired in the early 1970s through the beginning of the 1980s. It was on for 9 seasons. I absolutely loved this show which was about a large family that lived out in the country on a large piece of land. There were several children in the family along with Mama, Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa. The time setting was near the early 1900s.
The oldest son in the family happened to be a writer. Of course that caught my interest. At the end of one of the seasons he finally got his first book published.
The show was set at a time when young people still respected their elders. True there were a few episodes where the oldest son had a disagreement with his father. But in the end he always honored, respected, and admired his father. The oldest daughter also had her bad moments when she experienced growing pains and felt like no one understood her. But, her older brother always understood her. In fact there was one episode where she ran away from home. Her older brother found her, they talked, and he brought her back home.
The family always prayed before their meals. It was usually (if not always) the grandfather who prayed. From time to time the family was shown going to church. There were also innocence and good morals in this show. This family was also great on hospitality. One time the family members took in a deaf girl, and another time they took in an orphan boy. In one episode they had a substitute teacher staying with them. Whenever someone came by the house they were often invited to stay for dinner. There was always room for more people at that long dining room table. The family members also helped their neighbors. They fixed roofs, ran errands, etc. In one episode the oldest son took an older lady out to the coast so that she could see it one more time.
The members of this family were close and they loved each other. True they had their moments when they got frustrated or disagreed with each other about something. But in the end they always made up with each other somehow. There was one episode where Grandma and Grandpa even got separated for about a day or two. Grandma had gotten upset with Grandpa and misunderstood something that he was doing. Later she realized what he was really doing, and they made up. They looked into each other's eyes like they adored each other.
I think this show is probably my number one favorite. It's a classic that can still be seen on cable. I have seasons one, two, and five on DVD. I know that sounds a little odd that seasons three and four have been skipped. I do plan to eventually get them though. Several years ago a friend sent me the DVD set of season 5 before I even had DVDs of the show yet. I don't know why she had me starting with season 5. But, she seemed to think that I needed to. Hey, at least I got my DVD collection started of this show. I later got seasons 1 and 2 on DVD.
It's such a nice refreshing and heartwarming show to watch. I just love it, love it, love it. :)
The oldest son in the family happened to be a writer. Of course that caught my interest. At the end of one of the seasons he finally got his first book published.
The show was set at a time when young people still respected their elders. True there were a few episodes where the oldest son had a disagreement with his father. But in the end he always honored, respected, and admired his father. The oldest daughter also had her bad moments when she experienced growing pains and felt like no one understood her. But, her older brother always understood her. In fact there was one episode where she ran away from home. Her older brother found her, they talked, and he brought her back home.
The family always prayed before their meals. It was usually (if not always) the grandfather who prayed. From time to time the family was shown going to church. There were also innocence and good morals in this show. This family was also great on hospitality. One time the family members took in a deaf girl, and another time they took in an orphan boy. In one episode they had a substitute teacher staying with them. Whenever someone came by the house they were often invited to stay for dinner. There was always room for more people at that long dining room table. The family members also helped their neighbors. They fixed roofs, ran errands, etc. In one episode the oldest son took an older lady out to the coast so that she could see it one more time.
The members of this family were close and they loved each other. True they had their moments when they got frustrated or disagreed with each other about something. But in the end they always made up with each other somehow. There was one episode where Grandma and Grandpa even got separated for about a day or two. Grandma had gotten upset with Grandpa and misunderstood something that he was doing. Later she realized what he was really doing, and they made up. They looked into each other's eyes like they adored each other.
I think this show is probably my number one favorite. It's a classic that can still be seen on cable. I have seasons one, two, and five on DVD. I know that sounds a little odd that seasons three and four have been skipped. I do plan to eventually get them though. Several years ago a friend sent me the DVD set of season 5 before I even had DVDs of the show yet. I don't know why she had me starting with season 5. But, she seemed to think that I needed to. Hey, at least I got my DVD collection started of this show. I later got seasons 1 and 2 on DVD.
It's such a nice refreshing and heartwarming show to watch. I just love it, love it, love it. :)
Writing Update 7-22-12
I am still working on "The Whole Truth". I think I'm getting close to the end though. I still have about two big scenes and the end scene to write. Right now I'm going back through what's already been written and making adjustments according to the story's emerging theme. I'm thinking that the official title is going to be "The Bond". Right now this story is almost 7,500 words - the length of a novelette.
It's taken me a while to write "The Whole Truth"/"The Bond". Part of the problem was I was trying to write certain scenes and not getting very far with them. I finally figured out that those scenes were not supposed to be in the story. I've noticed that my writing goes faster when I'm working on what's supposed to be part of the story.
The next story that I plan to work on is "Grace Song". I've made changes in my notes recently. So I've been figuring out in my head how this particular story is going to go. I want to restart it in the right place and get it written!
It is my prayer that these two stories will be an inspiration and encouragement to readers. In fact, I pray that for all of my stories. God is so awesome in His grace.
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
Isaiah 9:2
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
It's taken me a while to write "The Whole Truth"/"The Bond". Part of the problem was I was trying to write certain scenes and not getting very far with them. I finally figured out that those scenes were not supposed to be in the story. I've noticed that my writing goes faster when I'm working on what's supposed to be part of the story.
The next story that I plan to work on is "Grace Song". I've made changes in my notes recently. So I've been figuring out in my head how this particular story is going to go. I want to restart it in the right place and get it written!
It is my prayer that these two stories will be an inspiration and encouragement to readers. In fact, I pray that for all of my stories. God is so awesome in His grace.
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
Isaiah 9:2
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Classic TV Shows - part 1
I thought I'd start another new series here in my writer's blog. I want to discuss some classic TV shows from the 1960s and 1970s. Because of copyright issues I won't name the shows. I don't want anyone to come looking for me whom I don't want to come looking for me. Though I only have good things to say about these particular shows.
I have gotten a little fed up with what's available on TV now. No I don't have cable or satellite. I don't watch enough TV to justify paying for it. So I just have my little antenna that I use. There is a network that airs classic TV shows from decades past. But they have the annoying habit of suddenly going to a commercial break right in the middle of a scene or right in the middle of someone talking. I want to know what that person said. Don't you?
I really do miss the innocence that was still on TV back in the 1960s and 1970s. I don't think bad language was even allowed back then. There was no blood and gore when someone got shot. The shows were clean and generally family-safe.
I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. There were several TV shows that I absolutely loved back then. There are 3 that are my top favorites to this day. Back when VHS was still around I bought some of the episodes of these shows on tape.
Recently I've started to get DVDs of shows that I loved back then. Of course I'm getting DVDs of my 3 favorites. Something that I'm enjoying is getting an entire season on a DVD set. That is so fun.
I have noticed a pattern with the shows that I loved. These are ones that I have DVDs of or am considering getting DVDs of (or in one case I have my first DVDs of it on order right now). Each of these shows was about a family. Well, technically, one of them is an exception to that. Still, the characters are like siblings.
I have just ordered a DVD set of the first season of a show that I did not grow up watching. It was on way past my bed time. But I have come across reruns of it over the years, and have liked the show. So I've decided to add it to my collection. It's another show that's about a family.
It seems to me that the family dramas back then had more substance to them. My 3 favorites are family dramas. They dealt with timeless issues like prejudice, honesty, respect, mercy, etc. The shows are set in a long ago time - long before TV, home computers, cell phones, and computer games. Goodness, what did these characters do with themselves anyway? For one thing, they actually sat down at the table and talked with each other face to face. No one was distracted with texting or the TV.
I have gotten a little fed up with what's available on TV now. No I don't have cable or satellite. I don't watch enough TV to justify paying for it. So I just have my little antenna that I use. There is a network that airs classic TV shows from decades past. But they have the annoying habit of suddenly going to a commercial break right in the middle of a scene or right in the middle of someone talking. I want to know what that person said. Don't you?
I really do miss the innocence that was still on TV back in the 1960s and 1970s. I don't think bad language was even allowed back then. There was no blood and gore when someone got shot. The shows were clean and generally family-safe.
I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. There were several TV shows that I absolutely loved back then. There are 3 that are my top favorites to this day. Back when VHS was still around I bought some of the episodes of these shows on tape.
Recently I've started to get DVDs of shows that I loved back then. Of course I'm getting DVDs of my 3 favorites. Something that I'm enjoying is getting an entire season on a DVD set. That is so fun.
I have noticed a pattern with the shows that I loved. These are ones that I have DVDs of or am considering getting DVDs of (or in one case I have my first DVDs of it on order right now). Each of these shows was about a family. Well, technically, one of them is an exception to that. Still, the characters are like siblings.
I have just ordered a DVD set of the first season of a show that I did not grow up watching. It was on way past my bed time. But I have come across reruns of it over the years, and have liked the show. So I've decided to add it to my collection. It's another show that's about a family.
It seems to me that the family dramas back then had more substance to them. My 3 favorites are family dramas. They dealt with timeless issues like prejudice, honesty, respect, mercy, etc. The shows are set in a long ago time - long before TV, home computers, cell phones, and computer games. Goodness, what did these characters do with themselves anyway? For one thing, they actually sat down at the table and talked with each other face to face. No one was distracted with texting or the TV.
Morning Star Fellowship - part 2
Here's another installment on the history of Morning Star Fellowship. Today I'm continuing to focus on Shawn Hart. In the next installment I think I'll start talking about Fred Kealy and his family.
The 1960s
One summer Shawn Hart and Jacob Stephens went to a Christian camp over on the Oregon coast. There Shawn met a girl named Lydia Robinson. She was from the town of Oak Springs way down in southern Oregon. They were both 16-years-old. Shawn and Lydia started a long-distance romance that stretched over two years. They frequently wrote back and forth to each other. Shawn always sent Lydia a copy of a poem or two that he had recently written. They also sometimes called each other long-distance. They also often visited each other on weekends. It was not unusual for Shawn to drive down to Oak Springs, pick up Lydia, and drive back to Kye Valley. Ed and Marie both liked this nice Christian girl whom their son was dating. In time they gave Shawn his own car so that he wouldn't have to borrow a car to go down to Oak Springs.
Meanwhile Shawn frequently helped at the church in the afternoons after school. In the office he helped with miscellaneous office tasks.
Then came the summer after Shawn and Lydia had graduated from their high schools. Shawn planned to attend Kye Valley Christian College (KVCC) in the fall. In August Shawn and Lydia suddenly broke up. Ed and Marie asked their son what happened. But, he wouldn't tell them.
Shawn's best friend, Jacob, asked him, "What happened between you and Lydia? Did you two have a bad argument or something?"
Shawn just looked at him for a few silent moments and replied, "I'm sorry. I can't talk about it."
In the fall Shawn went on to KVCC. Something else happened that perplexed his family. He suddenly stopped singing and he stopped writing poetry. Whenever anyone asked him about it he just simply said that he was too busy with school work. After graduating from KVCC Shawn went on to be youth pastor at Morning Star Fellowship. Even then someone still asked him about singing and writing poetry. He always smiled and said that he was too busy with ministry. By that time he had married his college sweetheart Marianne Smith.
Over the 20 plus years following Shawn never mentioned Lydia to anyone - not even to Marianne. Yet, there were a few times when he did remember her, in the back of his mind, and wondered about her. He had a secret that he would not tell anyone. The words just wouldn't come out.
The 1960s
One summer Shawn Hart and Jacob Stephens went to a Christian camp over on the Oregon coast. There Shawn met a girl named Lydia Robinson. She was from the town of Oak Springs way down in southern Oregon. They were both 16-years-old. Shawn and Lydia started a long-distance romance that stretched over two years. They frequently wrote back and forth to each other. Shawn always sent Lydia a copy of a poem or two that he had recently written. They also sometimes called each other long-distance. They also often visited each other on weekends. It was not unusual for Shawn to drive down to Oak Springs, pick up Lydia, and drive back to Kye Valley. Ed and Marie both liked this nice Christian girl whom their son was dating. In time they gave Shawn his own car so that he wouldn't have to borrow a car to go down to Oak Springs.
Meanwhile Shawn frequently helped at the church in the afternoons after school. In the office he helped with miscellaneous office tasks.
Then came the summer after Shawn and Lydia had graduated from their high schools. Shawn planned to attend Kye Valley Christian College (KVCC) in the fall. In August Shawn and Lydia suddenly broke up. Ed and Marie asked their son what happened. But, he wouldn't tell them.
Shawn's best friend, Jacob, asked him, "What happened between you and Lydia? Did you two have a bad argument or something?"
Shawn just looked at him for a few silent moments and replied, "I'm sorry. I can't talk about it."
In the fall Shawn went on to KVCC. Something else happened that perplexed his family. He suddenly stopped singing and he stopped writing poetry. Whenever anyone asked him about it he just simply said that he was too busy with school work. After graduating from KVCC Shawn went on to be youth pastor at Morning Star Fellowship. Even then someone still asked him about singing and writing poetry. He always smiled and said that he was too busy with ministry. By that time he had married his college sweetheart Marianne Smith.
Over the 20 plus years following Shawn never mentioned Lydia to anyone - not even to Marianne. Yet, there were a few times when he did remember her, in the back of his mind, and wondered about her. He had a secret that he would not tell anyone. The words just wouldn't come out.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Morning Star Fellowship - part 1
This week I'm starting a new series on Kye Valley background history. Morning Star Fellowship is the church that figures prominently in the "Dawn Comes Softly" stories. By the way, these stories mainly center around the third generation of the Hart and Kealy families - the grandchildren of Ed Hart and Jack Kealy Sr. Although Ed's son Shawn is also a very important character in these stories.
The 1960s
The community Bible study that had been started by Ed Hart, Jack Kealy Sr., and Marty Stephens came to an end in the early 1960s. In the Bible study's place Morning Star Fellowship held its first services on Easter Sunday. The new church started meeting on the second floor of one of the downtown buildings. Marty was the senior pastor, Ed was the children's pastor, and Jack Sr. was the music pastor. Morning Star Fellowship started with about 200 people and grew from there during the 1960s.
Then came the spring that Shawn turned 15-years-old - during the mid 1960s. One Sunday night he went to the altar and recommitted his life to the Lord.
Shawn told God, "Lord, I want to shine Your light in the darkness. I want people to know that there is still hope in You. I want them to know that no matter what they've done or where they've been You still love them. You still forgive them, and You still want them."
That night Shawn had his first spiritual dream. He dreamed that he was standing on a cliff that overlooked a waterfall and a river. He spotted some deer drinking from the river. He felt misty sprays from the waterfall falling over him. Deep-colored wildflowers bloomed everywhere in the bright-green grass. Shawn sensed God's presence and peace so strongly. Then he heard soft footsteps behind him. When he started to turn to look behind him he woke up from his dream. Shawn shared his dream with his father.
Ed told him, "Sounds like God is trying to show you something. He's trying to tell you something. I think you may have seen a glimpse of Heaven. I also think that some day you will have that dream again, and you will see who was behind you."
The 1960s
The community Bible study that had been started by Ed Hart, Jack Kealy Sr., and Marty Stephens came to an end in the early 1960s. In the Bible study's place Morning Star Fellowship held its first services on Easter Sunday. The new church started meeting on the second floor of one of the downtown buildings. Marty was the senior pastor, Ed was the children's pastor, and Jack Sr. was the music pastor. Morning Star Fellowship started with about 200 people and grew from there during the 1960s.
Then came the spring that Shawn turned 15-years-old - during the mid 1960s. One Sunday night he went to the altar and recommitted his life to the Lord.
Shawn told God, "Lord, I want to shine Your light in the darkness. I want people to know that there is still hope in You. I want them to know that no matter what they've done or where they've been You still love them. You still forgive them, and You still want them."
That night Shawn had his first spiritual dream. He dreamed that he was standing on a cliff that overlooked a waterfall and a river. He spotted some deer drinking from the river. He felt misty sprays from the waterfall falling over him. Deep-colored wildflowers bloomed everywhere in the bright-green grass. Shawn sensed God's presence and peace so strongly. Then he heard soft footsteps behind him. When he started to turn to look behind him he woke up from his dream. Shawn shared his dream with his father.
Ed told him, "Sounds like God is trying to show you something. He's trying to tell you something. I think you may have seen a glimpse of Heaven. I also think that some day you will have that dream again, and you will see who was behind you."
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Writing Update 6-2-12
Last Tuesday night I finally finished "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes"! The official title of the story is "Witness". It has 5,738 words. That's the first draft. Sometime I'll come back to it and do some editing/revising. When this story is ready to be read, I hope the ending will be a comfort and an encouragement to readers.
The next story I'm working on is "The Whole Truth". I basically have re-started this story. I deleted what I had already written, and then I dropped in four or five scenes that I wrote several years ago. Those old scenes were written back when I was trying to write a novel. "The Whole Truth" is now approximately 1/3rd written. I would like to finish this story by the end of June.
Me write novels? Uh, no thank you. I'll stick with short/long stories, thank you. Seriously, I've noticed that my stories tend to be around 3,000 - 4,000 words. Sometimes they're longer and sometimes they're shorter.
Previously I have mentioned my story collections "Dawn Comes Softly" and "A Light Shines In The Darkness". I've decided to combine them into the same book. The book will be called "A Light Shines In the Darkness". It will have four sections of stories in it. "Dawn Comes Softly" will be one of the sections. "Witness" and "The Whole Truth" are two of the stories that will be in this book.
The next story I'm working on is "The Whole Truth". I basically have re-started this story. I deleted what I had already written, and then I dropped in four or five scenes that I wrote several years ago. Those old scenes were written back when I was trying to write a novel. "The Whole Truth" is now approximately 1/3rd written. I would like to finish this story by the end of June.
Me write novels? Uh, no thank you. I'll stick with short/long stories, thank you. Seriously, I've noticed that my stories tend to be around 3,000 - 4,000 words. Sometimes they're longer and sometimes they're shorter.
Previously I have mentioned my story collections "Dawn Comes Softly" and "A Light Shines In The Darkness". I've decided to combine them into the same book. The book will be called "A Light Shines In the Darkness". It will have four sections of stories in it. "Dawn Comes Softly" will be one of the sections. "Witness" and "The Whole Truth" are two of the stories that will be in this book.
Monday, May 28, 2012
"A Fictional Place" - part 10
Here's another installment on the history of Kye Valley. Part 9 started in 1949 and went through the 1950s. Part 10 takes place during the 1960s.
3 Friends
It became the early 1960s. The Bible study was still going strong.
During this time tent crusades/meetings were held by various evangelists throughout the Northwest. Ed Hart, Jack Kealy Sr, and Marty Stephens went to a couple of these meetings because of reports of miraculous physical healings. They wanted to know if healing was still for today. They witnessed for themselves people being healed during the altar calls.
The three friends went home and searched for themselves God's Word concerning miraculous healings. Their church taught that miracles had ended back in the first century with the last of Jesus' 12 apostles. But Ed, Jack Sr, and Marty could not find anything in God's Word that said such a thing would happen.
For several weeks Ed taught the Bible study a series of messages based on Hebrews 13:8. It was the verse about Jesus being the same yesterday, today, and forever.
One autumn night the Bible study experienced the miracle of a physical healing. A woman, who had been hobbling around on crutches, was suddenly able to walk after the worship and prayer time. Everyone there that night shouted, clapped their hands, and praised God for what He had done for this woman.
The church pastors heard about the healing and accused the three friends of a fake healing. But Ed, Jack Sr, and Marty all insisted that the healing was real. They personally knew the woman who had been attending the Bible study for about two years. She had been injured in a car accident several months earlier.
Ed simply told the pastors, "I feel like if I were to denounce healings I would be judging God. Who am I to tell God what He can and can't do?"
The church asked Ed, Jack Sr, Marty and their families to leave. They were no longer welcomed in that fellowship. This hurt Marty because he had grown up in that church. But the three friends agreed to forgive and pray for reconciliation.
The Bible study continued to meet. One night Marty lead in a prayer of forgiveness and reconciliation. Marty's son Jacob and Ed's son Shawn were both there. Both boys always remembered Marty's prayer. The idea of reconciliation was a seed that remained in their hearts.
The Bible study lasted into the spring with much prayer and fasting about what to do next. What was God's will in all of this? On Easter Sunday the Bible study became Morning Star Fellowship.
3 Friends
It became the early 1960s. The Bible study was still going strong.
During this time tent crusades/meetings were held by various evangelists throughout the Northwest. Ed Hart, Jack Kealy Sr, and Marty Stephens went to a couple of these meetings because of reports of miraculous physical healings. They wanted to know if healing was still for today. They witnessed for themselves people being healed during the altar calls.
The three friends went home and searched for themselves God's Word concerning miraculous healings. Their church taught that miracles had ended back in the first century with the last of Jesus' 12 apostles. But Ed, Jack Sr, and Marty could not find anything in God's Word that said such a thing would happen.
For several weeks Ed taught the Bible study a series of messages based on Hebrews 13:8. It was the verse about Jesus being the same yesterday, today, and forever.
One autumn night the Bible study experienced the miracle of a physical healing. A woman, who had been hobbling around on crutches, was suddenly able to walk after the worship and prayer time. Everyone there that night shouted, clapped their hands, and praised God for what He had done for this woman.
The church pastors heard about the healing and accused the three friends of a fake healing. But Ed, Jack Sr, and Marty all insisted that the healing was real. They personally knew the woman who had been attending the Bible study for about two years. She had been injured in a car accident several months earlier.
Ed simply told the pastors, "I feel like if I were to denounce healings I would be judging God. Who am I to tell God what He can and can't do?"
The church asked Ed, Jack Sr, Marty and their families to leave. They were no longer welcomed in that fellowship. This hurt Marty because he had grown up in that church. But the three friends agreed to forgive and pray for reconciliation.
The Bible study continued to meet. One night Marty lead in a prayer of forgiveness and reconciliation. Marty's son Jacob and Ed's son Shawn were both there. Both boys always remembered Marty's prayer. The idea of reconciliation was a seed that remained in their hearts.
The Bible study lasted into the spring with much prayer and fasting about what to do next. What was God's will in all of this? On Easter Sunday the Bible study became Morning Star Fellowship.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
"A Fictional Place" - part 9
Here's another installment to the history of Kye Valley. This little series, "A Fictional Place", has now grown to 9 parts. I think I'm going to start a new little series called "Morning Star Fellowship". Maybe I'll start the new one in about a couple of weeks. I think I have a little bit more that I want to do on this one. Enjoy. :)
3 Friends
A son was born to Marty and Jane Stephens. They named him Jacob. The following year a son was born to Ed and Marie Hart. They named him Shawn.
Jacob and Shawn played together even as babies. As they grew older they became best friends. Jacob and Shawn were never close to the sons of Jack Kealy Sr. because Jack Jr. and Fred were both several years older than them. Still all four boys were friends. But Jacob and Shawn palled around together with other friends while Jack Jr. and Fred each hung out with their own friends.
As time went on more children were born to the Hart and Stephens families. Ed Hart and Marty Stephens each had three children while Jack Kealy Sr. just had his two. Of the eight children in the second generation, Shawn Hart was the creative talented one.
Shawn started writing poems while he was still in grade school. At first he wrote about the beauty of God's creation in snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers. As he grew older he wrote more about God's love and grace for people in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations. At the same time Shawn sang in children's choirs both at church and at school. A few times he sang solo. He was about six-years-old when he started taking piano lessons. By the time he was about 12-years-old Shawn was very accomplished on the piano.
In the midst of all of this Shawn wanted to hear his father tell him that he was doing a good job. But Ed Hart never told his son how proud he was of him.
Still, Marie always told Shawn, "That was good, Son. God has given you a gift."
3 Friends
A son was born to Marty and Jane Stephens. They named him Jacob. The following year a son was born to Ed and Marie Hart. They named him Shawn.
Jacob and Shawn played together even as babies. As they grew older they became best friends. Jacob and Shawn were never close to the sons of Jack Kealy Sr. because Jack Jr. and Fred were both several years older than them. Still all four boys were friends. But Jacob and Shawn palled around together with other friends while Jack Jr. and Fred each hung out with their own friends.
As time went on more children were born to the Hart and Stephens families. Ed Hart and Marty Stephens each had three children while Jack Kealy Sr. just had his two. Of the eight children in the second generation, Shawn Hart was the creative talented one.
Shawn started writing poems while he was still in grade school. At first he wrote about the beauty of God's creation in snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers. As he grew older he wrote more about God's love and grace for people in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations. At the same time Shawn sang in children's choirs both at church and at school. A few times he sang solo. He was about six-years-old when he started taking piano lessons. By the time he was about 12-years-old Shawn was very accomplished on the piano.
In the midst of all of this Shawn wanted to hear his father tell him that he was doing a good job. But Ed Hart never told his son how proud he was of him.
Still, Marie always told Shawn, "That was good, Son. God has given you a gift."
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
"A Fictional Place" - Part 8
Here's another installment of the history of Morning Star Fellowship in Kye Valley, Oregon.
3 Friends
Ed Hart, Jack Kealy, and Marty Stephens all graduated from seminary. Ed and Jack decided to go with Marty to his home town of Kye Valley, Oregon. There they ministered in the church that Marty grew up in and his family had attended for over 50 years. In fact, Marty's paternal grandfather had been one of the men who had helped build the church.
It was about a year later when Ed, Jack, and Marty started a Bible study out in the community. The Bible study started in a room at a local restaurant. As it grew it moved to a banquet room at a local hotel. Ed, Jack, and Marty took turns preaching each week. Ed and Jack took turns leading praise and worship. This went on for several years as the Bible study grew to about 200 people.
During this time Marty and Jane had a son born to them. They named him Jacob.
Once again Marty asked Ed, "How come you're not dating?"
Ed simply told him, "I will when the time is right."
It wasn't long after this when Ed met a young Christian woman named Marie. She was about 6 years younger than him. She and her family attended the Bible study.
Ed and Marie dated for about a year. They saw in each other someone who was quick to pray for needs, someone who read their Bible every day, and someone who walked close to God and talked to him throughout the day. Ed had peace that Marie was the woman that God had chosen for him to marry.
One evening Ed and Marie had a candle light dinner at a fancy restaurant in another town. He opened up a small red velvet jewelry box and presented her with a diamond ring.
Ed asked, "Will you marry me?"
"Oh, yes!" Marie exclaimed. "Of course I will! Oh, isn't this just grand!"
3 Friends
Ed Hart, Jack Kealy, and Marty Stephens all graduated from seminary. Ed and Jack decided to go with Marty to his home town of Kye Valley, Oregon. There they ministered in the church that Marty grew up in and his family had attended for over 50 years. In fact, Marty's paternal grandfather had been one of the men who had helped build the church.
It was about a year later when Ed, Jack, and Marty started a Bible study out in the community. The Bible study started in a room at a local restaurant. As it grew it moved to a banquet room at a local hotel. Ed, Jack, and Marty took turns preaching each week. Ed and Jack took turns leading praise and worship. This went on for several years as the Bible study grew to about 200 people.
During this time Marty and Jane had a son born to them. They named him Jacob.
Once again Marty asked Ed, "How come you're not dating?"
Ed simply told him, "I will when the time is right."
It wasn't long after this when Ed met a young Christian woman named Marie. She was about 6 years younger than him. She and her family attended the Bible study.
Ed and Marie dated for about a year. They saw in each other someone who was quick to pray for needs, someone who read their Bible every day, and someone who walked close to God and talked to him throughout the day. Ed had peace that Marie was the woman that God had chosen for him to marry.
One evening Ed and Marie had a candle light dinner at a fancy restaurant in another town. He opened up a small red velvet jewelry box and presented her with a diamond ring.
Ed asked, "Will you marry me?"
"Oh, yes!" Marie exclaimed. "Of course I will! Oh, isn't this just grand!"
Monday, April 30, 2012
Writing Update 4-30-12
I am still working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I'm almost finished with it.
I've been pretty busy lately, and I will probably be pretty busy this week. I haven't gotten a lot of writing done the past few weeks. But I want that to change this week. I want to get a lot more writing done. I have some stories that I want to finish, and some stories that I want to write. I really need to focus here.
When I finish "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes", I will be working on "The Whole Truth". I haven't done another installment on the history of Kye Valley for a while. I would like to work on that this week too. :)
Where am I in "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes"? I'm at the point where a young woman named Tabitha has to make a decision about whether she'll tell a secret that she's been keeping for 3 1/2 years. She has never told anyone about something that she witnessed. She's been afraid that no one will believe her. But the memory of what happened has been haunting her all of these years. Will Tabitha finally get the courage to share it with a bereaved mother named Lauren?
I've been pretty busy lately, and I will probably be pretty busy this week. I haven't gotten a lot of writing done the past few weeks. But I want that to change this week. I want to get a lot more writing done. I have some stories that I want to finish, and some stories that I want to write. I really need to focus here.
When I finish "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes", I will be working on "The Whole Truth". I haven't done another installment on the history of Kye Valley for a while. I would like to work on that this week too. :)
Where am I in "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes"? I'm at the point where a young woman named Tabitha has to make a decision about whether she'll tell a secret that she's been keeping for 3 1/2 years. She has never told anyone about something that she witnessed. She's been afraid that no one will believe her. But the memory of what happened has been haunting her all of these years. Will Tabitha finally get the courage to share it with a bereaved mother named Lauren?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Writing Update 4-9-12
I want to give a quick update here. I'm still working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I'm in one of the last scenes of the story. It's a major scene. My goal is to have this story finished by the end of the week. I may end up titling it "Witness". :)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Writing Update 4-1-12
I should write my passion. I think that's key.
I've been working on four stories at the same time, and getting little writing done. I think that strategy is not working very well. I think I should go back to writing just one story at a time. It's a good thing I haven't started the Cody story yet. I would love to be able to write four or five stories at the same time and get them finished. But that's just not working for me.
"Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes" was the first of the four stories that I started working on. I think I'll go back to just working on that story. Get it finished, and go on to the next story like maybe "The Whole Truth". "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes", "The Whole Truth", and "Grace Song" all need to be finished. "Little Sister" is a finished story that I had started to completely revise.
Speaking of "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I was thinking that this story was going to be a novella. Now I'm thinking maybe not. It's possible that I may have started this story about three years too early. I know I have a tendency to start my stories either a little too early or way too early. Something that I need to remind myself to do is to look at where my passion really is in the story idea. Wherever my passion is that's where the story itself really is. I should write my passion. Where is my passion in "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes"? It's the ending. Oh.
So I'll be working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes" only for now until it's finished. I think I'll print out what I've already written, and then I'll start the story at the "ending". I hope that makes sense.
I've been working on four stories at the same time, and getting little writing done. I think that strategy is not working very well. I think I should go back to writing just one story at a time. It's a good thing I haven't started the Cody story yet. I would love to be able to write four or five stories at the same time and get them finished. But that's just not working for me.
"Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes" was the first of the four stories that I started working on. I think I'll go back to just working on that story. Get it finished, and go on to the next story like maybe "The Whole Truth". "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes", "The Whole Truth", and "Grace Song" all need to be finished. "Little Sister" is a finished story that I had started to completely revise.
Speaking of "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I was thinking that this story was going to be a novella. Now I'm thinking maybe not. It's possible that I may have started this story about three years too early. I know I have a tendency to start my stories either a little too early or way too early. Something that I need to remind myself to do is to look at where my passion really is in the story idea. Wherever my passion is that's where the story itself really is. I should write my passion. Where is my passion in "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes"? It's the ending. Oh.
So I'll be working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes" only for now until it's finished. I think I'll print out what I've already written, and then I'll start the story at the "ending". I hope that makes sense.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The First Story I Ever Wrote
I was about 9 and 10-years-old when I wrote my very first story. I think the title was "The Young Singers". This was around 1970/1971. It was supposed to be a novel, and it never got finished. I no longer have that story. It's long gone. But I still remember a few things about it after all of these years (decades).
This story was about a singing group. I think this group was supposed to be already famous and popular. I don't remember who all of the characters were in the story. It seems like there were about 8 or 10 people in the group. When they performed they stood in two rows. There was a front row and a back row.
There's two characters whom I have always remembered from the story. Maybe they were the central characters, and that's why I have always remembered them. These two were husband and wife. It seems like they were the leaders of the group. The husband may have been the front man/spokesman for the group. They stood in the middle of the front row. I vaguely remember three male characters who were somehow associated with the husband. I don't remember if they were just good friends or if they were related to him. They were also in the group - probably in the back row. I think at least one of them played guitar. That's about all I remember.
I don't recall now what I had going on in "The Young Singers". At 9 and 10-years-old I was watching a lot of cartoons. So I probably had my characters involved in various "exciting" adventures.
This past week I have been mulling in my mind a new story idea. Basically I have pulled the two central characters from that first story and put them in a brand new story. This time it's a love story. Cody is a young man who has been living an unhappy/miserable life in Florida. Melanie is a young woman who is living in Kye Valley, Oregon. Cody removes himself from his situation in Florida and "escapes" to Oregon. He comes to Kye Valley and meets Melanie and her family. I'm still working on the summary of this story idea. When this story is someday written it will be in the book (story collection) "A Light Shines In The Darkness". No, the story won't be about a singing group. Although Cody and Melanie may form a duet later in the story.
No, I'm not going to start writing the Cody story yet. Right now I am working on four stories. I really don't want to have five stories going at the same time.
This story was about a singing group. I think this group was supposed to be already famous and popular. I don't remember who all of the characters were in the story. It seems like there were about 8 or 10 people in the group. When they performed they stood in two rows. There was a front row and a back row.
There's two characters whom I have always remembered from the story. Maybe they were the central characters, and that's why I have always remembered them. These two were husband and wife. It seems like they were the leaders of the group. The husband may have been the front man/spokesman for the group. They stood in the middle of the front row. I vaguely remember three male characters who were somehow associated with the husband. I don't remember if they were just good friends or if they were related to him. They were also in the group - probably in the back row. I think at least one of them played guitar. That's about all I remember.
I don't recall now what I had going on in "The Young Singers". At 9 and 10-years-old I was watching a lot of cartoons. So I probably had my characters involved in various "exciting" adventures.
This past week I have been mulling in my mind a new story idea. Basically I have pulled the two central characters from that first story and put them in a brand new story. This time it's a love story. Cody is a young man who has been living an unhappy/miserable life in Florida. Melanie is a young woman who is living in Kye Valley, Oregon. Cody removes himself from his situation in Florida and "escapes" to Oregon. He comes to Kye Valley and meets Melanie and her family. I'm still working on the summary of this story idea. When this story is someday written it will be in the book (story collection) "A Light Shines In The Darkness". No, the story won't be about a singing group. Although Cody and Melanie may form a duet later in the story.
No, I'm not going to start writing the Cody story yet. Right now I am working on four stories. I really don't want to have five stories going at the same time.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Why Did I Start Writing?
When I was a little girl I was always creating stories in my head. I always had scenes with characters playing on the "movie screen" of my mind. Is it any wonder that it took me a while to go to sleep at night?
When I was growing up I often went over to my maternal grandmother's house. She had a card game called "Authors". We played that game a lot along with some other games that she had.
Then something happened one afternoon around 1970. I was about 9-years-old. Grandma and I had been playing "Authors". I think she had to go outside to move the water sprinklers. I was standing alone in the middle of her living room.
All of a sudden I exclaimed, "I know! Why don't I become an author!?!"
I've been writing every since.
When I was growing up I often went over to my maternal grandmother's house. She had a card game called "Authors". We played that game a lot along with some other games that she had.
Then something happened one afternoon around 1970. I was about 9-years-old. Grandma and I had been playing "Authors". I think she had to go outside to move the water sprinklers. I was standing alone in the middle of her living room.
All of a sudden I exclaimed, "I know! Why don't I become an author!?!"
I've been writing every since.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
"A Fictional Place" - part 7
Here's another installment on the history of Morning Star Fellowship in Kye Valley. I want to finish up the college years of Ed Hart, Jack Kealy, and Marty Stephens.
3 Friends
Ed Hart, Jack Kealy, and Marty Stephens all graduated with their Bachelor degrees in the spring. That summer Marty married his girlfriend Jane whom he had met at the college. They both moved to the same apartment complex where Jack and Sophia lived.
Ed, Jack, and Marty started seminary in the fall. Seminary lasted two years. Jack and Sophia's younger son Frederick was born during that last semester.
Sophia noticed that Jack spent most of his time with his college studies and teaching preparations for the Bible study. About the only time he spent with her and the boys was to take them to church. Sometimes he managed to spend a meal with them.
"How about we and the boys go over to the park?" Sophia asked Jack one Saturday morning. "Little Jack loves the swings."
Jack replied, "I'm sorry I have an exam to study for and two papers to write."
"The boys need time with their father."
"God called me to ministry. I need to be faithful to that."
Sophia said nothing more. She told herself that Jack was right. But she still didn't like it.
Meanwhile, Ed did not date at all during his college years. He became casual friends with some of the female students at school. But he never asked any of them out.
Marty sometimes asked Ed, "How come you're not dating? I've noticed a couple of girls eyeing you."
"Not now," Ed simply replied. "I'm staying focused on my schooling."
Ed secretly felt that it would not be fair to a girlfriend if their relationship was constantly distracted by his studies. He sensed peace that God wanted him to wait on courtship. Ed believed that when the time was right God would bring a Godly Christian woman into his life.
3 Friends
Ed Hart, Jack Kealy, and Marty Stephens all graduated with their Bachelor degrees in the spring. That summer Marty married his girlfriend Jane whom he had met at the college. They both moved to the same apartment complex where Jack and Sophia lived.
Ed, Jack, and Marty started seminary in the fall. Seminary lasted two years. Jack and Sophia's younger son Frederick was born during that last semester.
Sophia noticed that Jack spent most of his time with his college studies and teaching preparations for the Bible study. About the only time he spent with her and the boys was to take them to church. Sometimes he managed to spend a meal with them.
"How about we and the boys go over to the park?" Sophia asked Jack one Saturday morning. "Little Jack loves the swings."
Jack replied, "I'm sorry I have an exam to study for and two papers to write."
"The boys need time with their father."
"God called me to ministry. I need to be faithful to that."
Sophia said nothing more. She told herself that Jack was right. But she still didn't like it.
Meanwhile, Ed did not date at all during his college years. He became casual friends with some of the female students at school. But he never asked any of them out.
Marty sometimes asked Ed, "How come you're not dating? I've noticed a couple of girls eyeing you."
"Not now," Ed simply replied. "I'm staying focused on my schooling."
Ed secretly felt that it would not be fair to a girlfriend if their relationship was constantly distracted by his studies. He sensed peace that God wanted him to wait on courtship. Ed believed that when the time was right God would bring a Godly Christian woman into his life.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
"A Fictional Place" - part 6
Here's another installment on the history of Morning Star Fellowship in Kye Valley. Ed Hart, Jack Kealy, and Marty Stephens are still in their college years.
3 Friends
Back home in New York Jack had a girlfriend named Sophia. They were high school sweethearts. They were married the summer after his first year of college. Jack and Sophia moved to an apartment near the college campus. Sophia worked at an insurance company while Jack continued attending college.
Ed and Marty remained good friends with Jack. As time went on a Bible study was started in Jack and Sophia's apartment. It was open to ministry students at the college. Ed, Jack, and Marty took turns leading it.
Almost two years after Jack and Sophia were married their first son was born. They named him Jack Jr. Father and son were affectionately called Big Jack and Little Jack. Sophia was now a stay at home mom. Every month Jack's parents sent him some money to help pay bills.
At this point in time Ed, Jack, and Marty were going into their fourth year of college. They were still holding the Bible study once a week. But it had grown to about 40-50 people and a little too big for Jack and Sophia's little apartment. Besides that there was a little baby there now.
Sophia suggested moving the Bible study to their apartment complex's clubhouse. But Ed, Jack, and Marty discovered that the clubhouse came with a rental fee. They did not have enough money between them to pay the cost, and they really did not want to ask their fellow students for donations. They knew that college students generally did not have very much extra money to spend. Jack mentioned the situation to his parents in a letter home. His father, who happened to be a businessman, called him and offered to send the money every month to pay for the rent. The three friends took him up on his offer. Then the Bible study moved to the clubhouse. Jack's father faithfully sent him the rent money every month.
3 Friends
Back home in New York Jack had a girlfriend named Sophia. They were high school sweethearts. They were married the summer after his first year of college. Jack and Sophia moved to an apartment near the college campus. Sophia worked at an insurance company while Jack continued attending college.
Ed and Marty remained good friends with Jack. As time went on a Bible study was started in Jack and Sophia's apartment. It was open to ministry students at the college. Ed, Jack, and Marty took turns leading it.
Almost two years after Jack and Sophia were married their first son was born. They named him Jack Jr. Father and son were affectionately called Big Jack and Little Jack. Sophia was now a stay at home mom. Every month Jack's parents sent him some money to help pay bills.
At this point in time Ed, Jack, and Marty were going into their fourth year of college. They were still holding the Bible study once a week. But it had grown to about 40-50 people and a little too big for Jack and Sophia's little apartment. Besides that there was a little baby there now.
Sophia suggested moving the Bible study to their apartment complex's clubhouse. But Ed, Jack, and Marty discovered that the clubhouse came with a rental fee. They did not have enough money between them to pay the cost, and they really did not want to ask their fellow students for donations. They knew that college students generally did not have very much extra money to spend. Jack mentioned the situation to his parents in a letter home. His father, who happened to be a businessman, called him and offered to send the money every month to pay for the rent. The three friends took him up on his offer. Then the Bible study moved to the clubhouse. Jack's father faithfully sent him the rent money every month.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
"Amazing Grace" part 2
I want to share some more about the hymn "Amazing Grace". Earlier I was working on a new story called "Grace Song". Nathan is a character who loved this hymn and was always singing it when he was a child. I wrote a scene where his brother Lindsey has a dream about him singing the first and third verses.
As I shared last night this hymn that John Newton wrote has six verses. The following verse is a well known one that's included as being a part of this hymn in church hymnals.
"When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun."
From what I discovered, in researching the Internet, this verse is not one that John Newton wrote. It was added later, and actually comes from another hymn. But it's a verse with good words.
Here are the modern words to John Newton's hymn. Basically they're still the same words.
"Amazing Grace"
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine."
As I shared last night this hymn that John Newton wrote has six verses. The following verse is a well known one that's included as being a part of this hymn in church hymnals.
"When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun."
From what I discovered, in researching the Internet, this verse is not one that John Newton wrote. It was added later, and actually comes from another hymn. But it's a verse with good words.
Here are the modern words to John Newton's hymn. Basically they're still the same words.
"Amazing Grace"
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine."
Saturday, February 11, 2012
"Amazing Grace"
John Newton wrote a beautiful hymn that first appeared in a hymnal called "Olney Hymns". He wrote six verses for this song that we've come to know as "Amazing Grace". I've been researching this song on the Internet.
I've been thinking about putting the words on one of the first pages of my book "Dawn Comes Softly". There's a character in the stories who loves this hymn. Grace is a major theme in the stories.
I understand that the following words are as they appeared in "Olney Hymns". I hope you all enjoy these beautiful timeless words.
"Amazing Grace"
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
I've been thinking about putting the words on one of the first pages of my book "Dawn Comes Softly". There's a character in the stories who loves this hymn. Grace is a major theme in the stories.
I understand that the following words are as they appeared in "Olney Hymns". I hope you all enjoy these beautiful timeless words.
"Amazing Grace"
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Writing Update 2-5-12
I am still working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I have started doing some more editing/revising on "The Peace Within". I have also started revising "Little Sister". I have started a new story with the working title of "The Whole Truth". I have previously mentioned a couple of story ideas called "The Promise" and "Come Home". I may make them both one story. The working title may be "Grace Song".
I have prayed about using the title "Dawn Comes Softly" for my one book of stories - which is a story collection. I have peace about using the title for now. It's possible that when I get all of the stories written for it that I may come up with a different title. I'll see what happens. For now I really like the title "Dawn Comes Softly".
I have about 5 different story collections that have been started. In other words, I have 5 books started. "Dawn Comes Softly" is the one that I want to get copyrighted first before I start sharing stories from it here in my blog. But I would like to get a couple of more stories written for it before I copyright it. "The Peace Within", "The Whole Truth", "The Night The Heavens Cried", "Little Sister", and "Grace Song" all come from this book. "The Night The Heavens Cried" is the story that I would like to share first in my blog.
"Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes" comes from a book (story collection) that I'm thinking about about calling "A Light Shines In The Darkness". This is a book of stories about various people who live in the town of Kye Valley or who are from there. I have several stories already written for this book.
"Boundaries" is a story that is from a book (story collection) that's about a family from the town of Shaw Falls. A possible working title for this book is "Legacy". Two of the stories have been written so far.
I do have a prayer request. The Internet has been distracting for me. News websites, facebook, and twitter can be very addicting. Please pray that I will make time for writing and getting my stories all finished. I know that God has called me to write fiction stories, and I want to be faithful to do that. Thank you. :)
I have prayed about using the title "Dawn Comes Softly" for my one book of stories - which is a story collection. I have peace about using the title for now. It's possible that when I get all of the stories written for it that I may come up with a different title. I'll see what happens. For now I really like the title "Dawn Comes Softly".
I have about 5 different story collections that have been started. In other words, I have 5 books started. "Dawn Comes Softly" is the one that I want to get copyrighted first before I start sharing stories from it here in my blog. But I would like to get a couple of more stories written for it before I copyright it. "The Peace Within", "The Whole Truth", "The Night The Heavens Cried", "Little Sister", and "Grace Song" all come from this book. "The Night The Heavens Cried" is the story that I would like to share first in my blog.
"Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes" comes from a book (story collection) that I'm thinking about about calling "A Light Shines In The Darkness". This is a book of stories about various people who live in the town of Kye Valley or who are from there. I have several stories already written for this book.
"Boundaries" is a story that is from a book (story collection) that's about a family from the town of Shaw Falls. A possible working title for this book is "Legacy". Two of the stories have been written so far.
I do have a prayer request. The Internet has been distracting for me. News websites, facebook, and twitter can be very addicting. Please pray that I will make time for writing and getting my stories all finished. I know that God has called me to write fiction stories, and I want to be faithful to do that. Thank you. :)
"A Fictional Place" - part 5
I am continuing with the background history of Kye Valley's Morning Star Fellowship. I left off last weekend with Ed, Jack, and Marty having a conversation about God's forgiveness. Here's the rest of their conversation.
3 Friends
Jack became silent while he remembered something from his childhood. It was something that had always puzzled him in light of God's Word - including this very passage.
Ed noticed that Jack's face had grown serious. "You're remembering an incident?"
"Yes." Jack nodded. "It happened a long time ago when I was a little boy. I don't remember very many details about it now. I had an uncle who was raised in the church. But when he was grown he started getting into trouble, getting into sin, and doing things that he shouldn't. Later he decided that he wanted to get right with God again. But our church wouldn't let him come back. He went over to a couple of other churches in town. They wouldn't let him in either. Then he disappeared, and no one ever heard from him again."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Marty answered, "Hopefully he found a church that let him in."
Jack replied, "I have always hoped that."
Marty reminded them of Jesus' ministry on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Jesus reached out to a woman at a well. She had been married five times and lived with a man whom she was not married to. There was a woman who had lived a sinful life. She washed Jesus' feet with her tears and her hair, and Jesus forgave her. Jesus also forgave a woman who had been caught in adultery. There was the parable of the good shepherd looking for his lost sheep. The shepherd found the lost sheep, brought it home and held a celebration for finding it. There was also the parable of the prodigal son. The father waited for his son to come home, hugged him when he saw him, and threw a celebration for his return.
"I'm sure you remember King David in the Old Testament?" Ed asked.
Jack and Marty both replied, "Yes".
"He committed adultery and murder. What was his reaction when he was confronted with his sins?"
Marty answered, "He immediately repented."
"Did God remove him from the throne?"
"No."
"I find it interesting that he still wrote psalms after that. Didn't he write more than half of the psalms? He was known as the sweet psalmist of Israel. And Jesus was born in his family line."
"And Jesus was called the Son of David."
Jack questioned, "Isn't it in the New Testament where it says that David was a man after God's own heart?"
Ed replied, "Yes. I think the Bible says that in a couple of places."
3 Friends
Jack became silent while he remembered something from his childhood. It was something that had always puzzled him in light of God's Word - including this very passage.
Ed noticed that Jack's face had grown serious. "You're remembering an incident?"
"Yes." Jack nodded. "It happened a long time ago when I was a little boy. I don't remember very many details about it now. I had an uncle who was raised in the church. But when he was grown he started getting into trouble, getting into sin, and doing things that he shouldn't. Later he decided that he wanted to get right with God again. But our church wouldn't let him come back. He went over to a couple of other churches in town. They wouldn't let him in either. Then he disappeared, and no one ever heard from him again."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Marty answered, "Hopefully he found a church that let him in."
Jack replied, "I have always hoped that."
Marty reminded them of Jesus' ministry on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Jesus reached out to a woman at a well. She had been married five times and lived with a man whom she was not married to. There was a woman who had lived a sinful life. She washed Jesus' feet with her tears and her hair, and Jesus forgave her. Jesus also forgave a woman who had been caught in adultery. There was the parable of the good shepherd looking for his lost sheep. The shepherd found the lost sheep, brought it home and held a celebration for finding it. There was also the parable of the prodigal son. The father waited for his son to come home, hugged him when he saw him, and threw a celebration for his return.
"I'm sure you remember King David in the Old Testament?" Ed asked.
Jack and Marty both replied, "Yes".
"He committed adultery and murder. What was his reaction when he was confronted with his sins?"
Marty answered, "He immediately repented."
"Did God remove him from the throne?"
"No."
"I find it interesting that he still wrote psalms after that. Didn't he write more than half of the psalms? He was known as the sweet psalmist of Israel. And Jesus was born in his family line."
"And Jesus was called the Son of David."
Jack questioned, "Isn't it in the New Testament where it says that David was a man after God's own heart?"
Ed replied, "Yes. I think the Bible says that in a couple of places."
Monday, January 30, 2012
"A Fictional Place" - part 4
I want to continue with the background history of Kye Valley. For the next few weeks or so I want to go over the history of Morning Star Fellowship. This is the church that is mainly seen in the "Dawn Comes Softly" stories.
3 Friends
In the 1940s three young men shared the same dorm room at a Christian college in the eastern half of the United States. They were studying to be pastors. Ed Hart, the peacemaker, was from Oklahoma. Jack Kealy, the quiet reserved one, was from New York. Marty Stephens, the easy-going one, was from Kye Valley, Oregon.
Ed always noticed whenever someone seemed to be upset with someone else or whenever someone suddenly wasn't talking to anyone. He would say, "Gentlemen, we need to have a talk."
Jack had a tendency to not talk whenever he was deep in thought or troubled about something. Marty would ask, "Hey, Jack, stewing in your thoughts?"
The three roommates tried to find time to do one or two things together each week. They worked around each others' schedules of classes, studying, and homework. It was Ed's idea that they do this.
The one thing that they tried to do about once a week was to have a Bible study together. One of them would read a Bible passage. Then the three of them would discuss their thoughts on the meaning of that passage.
One of those times Marty read Romans 8:38-39. In this passage the Apostle Paul wrote that nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love.
Jack questioned, "What can separate us from God?"
Ed immediately replied, "Sin can. But all we have to do is tell God we're sorry, ask Him to forgive us, and He will."
Marty nodded. "I John 1:9 says that He is faithful to forgive us."
3 Friends
In the 1940s three young men shared the same dorm room at a Christian college in the eastern half of the United States. They were studying to be pastors. Ed Hart, the peacemaker, was from Oklahoma. Jack Kealy, the quiet reserved one, was from New York. Marty Stephens, the easy-going one, was from Kye Valley, Oregon.
Ed always noticed whenever someone seemed to be upset with someone else or whenever someone suddenly wasn't talking to anyone. He would say, "Gentlemen, we need to have a talk."
Jack had a tendency to not talk whenever he was deep in thought or troubled about something. Marty would ask, "Hey, Jack, stewing in your thoughts?"
The three roommates tried to find time to do one or two things together each week. They worked around each others' schedules of classes, studying, and homework. It was Ed's idea that they do this.
The one thing that they tried to do about once a week was to have a Bible study together. One of them would read a Bible passage. Then the three of them would discuss their thoughts on the meaning of that passage.
One of those times Marty read Romans 8:38-39. In this passage the Apostle Paul wrote that nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love.
Jack questioned, "What can separate us from God?"
Ed immediately replied, "Sin can. But all we have to do is tell God we're sorry, ask Him to forgive us, and He will."
Marty nodded. "I John 1:9 says that He is faithful to forgive us."
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Writing Update 1-22-12
I did get some writing done this past week. But, I was also distracted by the flooding here in the Willamette Valley. I'm fine where I'm at. But I sure feel for all of those people whose homes were flooded. I pray for all of their needs to be met and for their homes to be completely restored. I also feel for the members of the family that lost two loved ones in the flooding. I pray for God's peace, comfort, and strength for them. Everyone reading this let's keep all of these folks in our prayers. They are really going to need God's help through all of this.
I'm still working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". This is going to be a very long story, and it's going to take me a while to write it. So I want to be sure and stay focused on it, and spend some quality time on it while I am working on other stories.
Like I've mentioned before, in a previous post, I have three finished stories in the "Dawn Comes Softly" story collection. I edited "The Peace Within". This story is now in its second draft. I made some minor tweaks on the first page of "The Night The Heavens Cried". Basically I just added a date and changed the last name of a family. Last night I glanced through "Little Sister", and discovered something. I wrote this story several years ago. Since then I've made major changes in notes. So this story is basically a little out of date so to speak. It needs some serious updating. I think I'll work on it this coming week.
I am still working on the index cards for the three new stories that I'm wanting to write for "Dawn Comes Softly". I gave a tentative title of "The Secret" to one of the stories. But, I think I'm going to change that to "The Whole Truth". I like that title better because of what the story deals with. Of the three new stories this is the one that I will probably start first.
I'm still working on "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". This is going to be a very long story, and it's going to take me a while to write it. So I want to be sure and stay focused on it, and spend some quality time on it while I am working on other stories.
Like I've mentioned before, in a previous post, I have three finished stories in the "Dawn Comes Softly" story collection. I edited "The Peace Within". This story is now in its second draft. I made some minor tweaks on the first page of "The Night The Heavens Cried". Basically I just added a date and changed the last name of a family. Last night I glanced through "Little Sister", and discovered something. I wrote this story several years ago. Since then I've made major changes in notes. So this story is basically a little out of date so to speak. It needs some serious updating. I think I'll work on it this coming week.
I am still working on the index cards for the three new stories that I'm wanting to write for "Dawn Comes Softly". I gave a tentative title of "The Secret" to one of the stories. But, I think I'm going to change that to "The Whole Truth". I like that title better because of what the story deals with. Of the three new stories this is the one that I will probably start first.
Monday, January 16, 2012
"A Fictional Place" part 3
Okay, here's some more background history for Kye Valley. :)
Kye Valley Christian College - KVCC
Kye Valley Christian College had its beginning as Kye Valley Bible School. It was a small school started in the 1950s by a Bible study group in the town of Kye Valley. Later someone donated land for the school a few miles east of town. Two small dorms and a campus building were built there. Vokarian Hall was for men, and Claxton Hall was for women.
In the 1960s the school became a full-fledged college. The name was changed to Kye Valley Christian College. Families around the Pacific Northwest started sending their sons and daughters to KVCC.
In the 1970s two more dorms were added. Rondelle Hall was for men while Myers Hall was for women. The chapel was also built about this time. More campus buildings have been built over the years. The school library was also built during the 1970s.
In the 1990s the last two dorms were built. McConnel Hall is for men while Stinson Hall is for women. These two newest dorms happen to have air conditioning.
The two oldest dorms, Vokarian and Claxton Halls, are both near the chapel and the chapel garden. There is an oak grove behind the chapel.
The campus mainly sits on a small hill. There is a big paved parking lot. The campus buildings are all west of the parking lot. The chapel and two oldest dorms are west of the campus buildings. The library is partway down the hill from the campus buildings. At the bottom of the hill are the apartments for the grad students. On the east side of the big parking lot are the four newer dorms. Rondelle, Myers, McConnell and Stinson Halls all sit in a row on top of a rise of land. These four dorms are affectionately known as the quad dorms.
Kye Valley Christian College - KVCC
Kye Valley Christian College had its beginning as Kye Valley Bible School. It was a small school started in the 1950s by a Bible study group in the town of Kye Valley. Later someone donated land for the school a few miles east of town. Two small dorms and a campus building were built there. Vokarian Hall was for men, and Claxton Hall was for women.
In the 1960s the school became a full-fledged college. The name was changed to Kye Valley Christian College. Families around the Pacific Northwest started sending their sons and daughters to KVCC.
In the 1970s two more dorms were added. Rondelle Hall was for men while Myers Hall was for women. The chapel was also built about this time. More campus buildings have been built over the years. The school library was also built during the 1970s.
In the 1990s the last two dorms were built. McConnel Hall is for men while Stinson Hall is for women. These two newest dorms happen to have air conditioning.
The two oldest dorms, Vokarian and Claxton Halls, are both near the chapel and the chapel garden. There is an oak grove behind the chapel.
The campus mainly sits on a small hill. There is a big paved parking lot. The campus buildings are all west of the parking lot. The chapel and two oldest dorms are west of the campus buildings. The library is partway down the hill from the campus buildings. At the bottom of the hill are the apartments for the grad students. On the east side of the big parking lot are the four newer dorms. Rondelle, Myers, McConnell and Stinson Halls all sit in a row on top of a rise of land. These four dorms are affectionately known as the quad dorms.
Writing Update 1-16-12
Yay! I have finally finished editing "Boundaries". It is now in its second draft. It is a novelette with 15,515 words. Whew! "Boundaries" is from a story collection that is about a family that lives in the town of Shaw Falls. The three siblings in the family all attend Kye Valley Christian College just east of the town of Kye Valley.
I do want to start sharing my stories on here. But, I want to copyright them first. The story collection that I want to start with is one that I'm calling "Dawn Comes Softly". Right now it has three finished stories in it. I would like to add at least a couple more stories to it before I have the whole thing copyrighted. So it will probably be a while before I start sharing story excerpts on here.
The three finished stories in "Dawn Comes Softly" are "The Peace Within", "The Night The Heavens Cried", and "Little Sister". The two new stories that I'm thinking about starting have the tentative titles of "The Secret" and "The Promise". "The Peace Within" is the story that starts this story collection. "The Secret" is the next story. The other stories come later. There might be another story between "The Secret" and "The Night The Heavens Cried".
"The Peace Within" is still in the first draft. So I want to get started editing it soon here. I like to bring a story to about the third or fourth draft before I let anyone read it. As a general rule I don't let people read the first draft because it's usually pretty rough. When I have let people read the first draft I have always regretted it. So, editing first.
What is the main theme of "Dawn Comes Softly"? If I could only choose one word for the theme I think I would choose redemption. God's redemption is definitely the focus of the entire collection. I'll share things that will give you an idea of what this story collection deals with.
-- A son has grown to be a man. But his real father has no idea that he even has a son. Will the young man's mother finally tell both men the truth?
-- A son goes missing for more than 10 years. If he is found, can he ever really come home?
-- A blossoming romance suddenly died more than 25 years ago. Is there any hope of it ever being rekindled?
That's a little bit of what this collection deals with. "Dawn Comes Softly" is a collection of stories about two families. The patriarchs of these families were two of the three founding members of a church in the town of Kye Valley.
I am still working on the first draft of "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". This story is from another story collection. I am expecting it to be quite lengthy - about novella length. So I will be working on it for a while.
Later this evening I would like to add another installment to "A Fictional Place". In a few minutes here I am going to go work on dinner. :)
I do want to start sharing my stories on here. But, I want to copyright them first. The story collection that I want to start with is one that I'm calling "Dawn Comes Softly". Right now it has three finished stories in it. I would like to add at least a couple more stories to it before I have the whole thing copyrighted. So it will probably be a while before I start sharing story excerpts on here.
The three finished stories in "Dawn Comes Softly" are "The Peace Within", "The Night The Heavens Cried", and "Little Sister". The two new stories that I'm thinking about starting have the tentative titles of "The Secret" and "The Promise". "The Peace Within" is the story that starts this story collection. "The Secret" is the next story. The other stories come later. There might be another story between "The Secret" and "The Night The Heavens Cried".
"The Peace Within" is still in the first draft. So I want to get started editing it soon here. I like to bring a story to about the third or fourth draft before I let anyone read it. As a general rule I don't let people read the first draft because it's usually pretty rough. When I have let people read the first draft I have always regretted it. So, editing first.
What is the main theme of "Dawn Comes Softly"? If I could only choose one word for the theme I think I would choose redemption. God's redemption is definitely the focus of the entire collection. I'll share things that will give you an idea of what this story collection deals with.
-- A son has grown to be a man. But his real father has no idea that he even has a son. Will the young man's mother finally tell both men the truth?
-- A son goes missing for more than 10 years. If he is found, can he ever really come home?
-- A blossoming romance suddenly died more than 25 years ago. Is there any hope of it ever being rekindled?
That's a little bit of what this collection deals with. "Dawn Comes Softly" is a collection of stories about two families. The patriarchs of these families were two of the three founding members of a church in the town of Kye Valley.
I am still working on the first draft of "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". This story is from another story collection. I am expecting it to be quite lengthy - about novella length. So I will be working on it for a while.
Later this evening I would like to add another installment to "A Fictional Place". In a few minutes here I am going to go work on dinner. :)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
3 Day Weekend
Today is the start of a 3 day weekend. Monday is a holiday - Martin Luther King Jr day. I would like to get a lot of writing and notes done this weekend. :)
Last night I came home with music CDs from 4 of my favorite contemporary Christian artists. These 4 singers have recorded songs that I absolutely love. These same songs have inspired and blessed so many people over the years. I would like to write stories that inspire and bless people too. :)
Last night I came home with music CDs from 4 of my favorite contemporary Christian artists. These 4 singers have recorded songs that I absolutely love. These same songs have inspired and blessed so many people over the years. I would like to write stories that inspire and bless people too. :)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Let's Get Some Writing Done!
I didn't get much writing done this past week. I haven't gotten any writing done yet this weekend. Oh dear.
I'm still working on the first draft of "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I'm still editing "Boundaries". I've been doing a little bit here and there on both stories. But I want to do more than just a little bit on them.
For about a week I've had three story ideas, swirling around in my head, that are really wanting to be written. I have all of these full blown scenes going on in my head. The one story idea has been so strong that I'm having a hard time writing. I don't know if that makes any sense to anyone.
I've had thoughts of writing about 5 stories at the same time. But, I'm not sure I really want to do that to myself. I'm thinking maybe I should at least write up some index cards for each of the stories. I have the habit, by the way, of writing index cards for the various scenes in a story. It really helps me to organize the story.
I pray for God's wisdom in all of this. I would like to get right back into the flow of writing. :)
I'm still working on the first draft of "Sweet Nathaniel's Eyes". I'm still editing "Boundaries". I've been doing a little bit here and there on both stories. But I want to do more than just a little bit on them.
For about a week I've had three story ideas, swirling around in my head, that are really wanting to be written. I have all of these full blown scenes going on in my head. The one story idea has been so strong that I'm having a hard time writing. I don't know if that makes any sense to anyone.
I've had thoughts of writing about 5 stories at the same time. But, I'm not sure I really want to do that to myself. I'm thinking maybe I should at least write up some index cards for each of the stories. I have the habit, by the way, of writing index cards for the various scenes in a story. It really helps me to organize the story.
I pray for God's wisdom in all of this. I would like to get right back into the flow of writing. :)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Note on "A Fictional Place"
"A Fictional Place" is just the background history of Kye Valley. I thought it would fun to work out the history of the valley before I finally start posting my stories on here. I plan to work on the history for several weeks. I'm thinking about June I would like to start sharing excerpts from my stories. Right now I'm having some fun working out the background history. I hope everyone is enjoying what I have written so far. :)
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