Advancement

I have recently made several advancements in my writing career--nothing where I sign any papers, but significant nonetheless.

I am now done with the second draft of my novel (not including rewrites that were done while completing the first draft). Friends and fellow writers are reading it while I wait for feedback.

Also, several writers' groups have welcomed me into their ranks so that I can enjoy the help and fellowship of my illusive peers. One such group held a conference where I met a several successful writers and gained some more precious knowledge about the world of writing, publishing, and losing-my-mind.

Nathan Bransford rocks

If you are a writer, you need to read this.

http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2009/03/ten-commandments-for-happy-writer.html

Come What May

This film addresses an uncommon topic: overturning Roe v. Wade. The micro-budget movie is the first movie this new company has made. I look for great things from them in the future.

Read this now from christianpress.com

"A person's a person, no matter how small."
Dr. Suess

Really?

Some people laugh and I wonder if they're really laughing. I think, Are they doing what they would do if they were watching Bill Cosby? Surely not--it's too slow, like an engine turning over without a hope. Other people come on so strong I think, She's flirting with me. When I hear her laughing the same way with an ugly guy, I'm glad.

Sincerity.

It isn't just being rude--wearing sweatpants every day (even to a wedding), or telling people off just because. Sincerity is making your actions, you words, you life mean something. Don't be polite because you want that one annoying guy to leave you alone but because you want him to stick around. Forget wearing a tie to church because that's how your father taught you. Wear a tie (or refrain, depending on your nature) because you want to make the day special--your day to rest before the knees of God.

Into the war room with pride

In the same way that Stuart comes into the room and stands before Lee, the man in charge of all Confederate forces, we walk into the presence of God, full of pride and reasons for our righteousness. Lee wants to hear none of Stuart's excuses. Only one fact matters--Stuart had a duty, regardless of circumstances, at which he failed. We too fail God, whether we mean to or not.

Lee points out Stuart's guilt, not even allowing Stuart to speak. The guilty general's response is still proud, though it appears humble. To relinquish his sword is to be punished. We would rather be punished and pay for our sin than be forgiven.

At this, Lee's anger flairs up. The situation is dire, going beyond honor and Stuart's pride. Stuart has lost sight of the war and only cares about his own situation. We too ignore the bigger picture of God's holiness. Instead, we focus on our own weakness.

In the end, Lee forgives Stuart, not allowing him to even thank the leader. The forgiveness is so final, it's as if the offense had never happened. True forgiveness is not easy to accept. It demands humility and silence. True forgiveness goes one way.

Many Christians who have grown up in the church have trouble understanding this because they have lived decent lives in the eyes of the world and have never felt the deep need for forgiveness from men. Therefore, they fail to grasp the depth of their own salvation and continue to walk into the war room with pride.

Racism?

I wrote this earlier today on a forum. Because I feel so strongly about the issue, I want to say it again. Here's how I feel about the president.

"Quite frankly, his whole platform of change is based on one thing, and it's not his policies. Many of his cabinet members worked for Clinton (or are Clintons). His campaign used old Democrat strategies and policies: big spending, helping the "poor", peace abroad, etc. What I don't understand is why everyone keeps harping on his color. If it's wrong to keep a man out of a job for his color, how is it right to put him there because of it? I haven't heard very many people, for him or against him, who have commented solely on his policies, or more importantly, his past actions. Everyone says how great it is that he's black but very few people comment on how great it is that Clarence Thomas is black or Condoleezza Rice is black (and a woman).

"When I look at Bush, I don't see a white man. I see a man who did what he thought was right; sometimes he succeeded, sometimes he failed. When I look at Obama, I don't see a black man. I see a man with leftist ideas; I see a man whose very short history in government is tainted with terrorist/racist associations (Bill Ayers, Jeremiah Write) and extreme pro-abortion policies (voting no to the Illinois Born Alive Infant Protection Act multiple times). I see a socialist who will not protect this nation or its interests."